Friday, August 12, 2011

It's Not The "C" Word...

I'm not sure what it is but it's not cancer. The name of the diagnosis of the liver biopsy is as follows:

LIVER BIOPSIES: Changes suspicious for autoimmune cholangitis

Big words for a little lady... I've asked for the medico types in my family to share with me what the hell this is in layman's terms and when I get it I will share with you. Best I could understand from my doctor was that it is somewhat rare and is inflammation of the bile ducts. The doctor doesn't know what causes the change in the liver or if it can ever be cured or just managed but for the next 30 days I will be on 20mgs. of Prednisone and then he will put me on a prescription that he indicated I would probably have to take until Jesus comes home... And you all know just how much I love to take drugs with no ending. However if it makes me feel more like my old self I will gladly take it.

My hip is still doing good after the last injection and now I know my liver hasn't rotted away and is something I can live with maybe the medicine I'll be taking will help get me back somewhere in the vicinity of feeling human again.

Pardon me while I wipe my brow and say"Phew! Thank you, Lord!" Now maybe I can shed the stress that has had me tied in knots, making me hurt and only want to sleep.

I've got to get out and take photos for the final farm report so I'll be back in a day or two. If I get my layman's interpretation of autoimmune cholangitis I'll share it with you.

11 comments:

Sara said...

So glad to hear this news. We can all wipe our brows and say "whew".

joanne said...

Not 'c' ..thank God. It sounds like something manageable if you take your meds so I will keep the good thoughts coming. I can imagine how relieved you are...deep breath lady!!! Now relax a little and enjoy alot. love you dear friend.

Lonicera said...

Way hay! So glad for you. Back to the gardening then?
Caroline

Debbie said...

Big WHEW! Thank God for the pretty darn good news Ms. Helen!! I knew you were going for results but couldn't remember what day. I'll still keep you in my prayers anyways LOL

Prednisone...sounds fun. Will get you up and at it for sure. Please keep us posted on what the family tells you. Love ya hon :)

hetty said...

Autoimmune disorders are the pits! Doctors often treat these with steroids. Hope they work for you. I was treated with steroids IV when I had my autoimmune disorder diagnosed. It seems to have stopped the disorder and for awhile my psoriasis was cleared up. But it's back with a vengence now and the steroids made me gain a lot of weight. It is amazing how many disorders are caused by our own immune system. Good luck, Helen.

Tatersmama said...

Oh Sass, all I can say is "Thank you, Jesus"! I've been praying without ceasing, but you already knew that, didn't you?
I can't say I like ther thought of prednisone, but I'm here to tell you that it 'does' work, so hopefully you'll be fit as a fiddle in no time at all.
And if that heat is still bugging you, just remember that I have a cee-ment pond and a porch - so come on down next week...I'll have the iced tea ready. ;)

Tipper said...

PRAYERS WORK : ) I'm so glad it wasn't the big C-even if you still aren't exactly sure what it is : )

Twisted Fencepost said...

Great news!
Now I hope you can get it under some kind of control.

Sherie Rowe said...

My mother has autoimmune hepatitis. She sees a specialist once a year and I believe she might take a medication...hasn't changed a thing about her lifestyle, though!

Roslyn said...

Getting old is not for whussies, Helen. I recently found out I have a bit of heart trouble, me the exercise/ healthy eating nut! Threw me for a loop at first but the good news is that if I take this little capsule forever I should be fine[ it keeps my atrial fib. in check] & keep the BP down & the heart should renew itself! Hmmmm.
SO good to know your liver is intact!
It is still over 100 here,belch we need a cool change! My garden is fried.

IISAFETY said...

Thanks God, it's not the "C" word. We have to pray always for our health and continue check on our foods we eat everyday. Thanks and happy living!