Am I One Foot in the Grave?

 The past couple days I have two doctor appointments. Let's see if I can capture the basics I learned....

Yesterday I met the GI doctor. I should specify, this a 'general GI' doctor office (almost a waste of my time). She did increase the dosage amount for a couple of the newer prescriptions. Since it seems to cirrhosis of the liver, she did a referral to a Liver Specialist, and warned me that they are probably backed up and it will be an appointment set a ways out. I gave called and left a message this morning, and am waiting to see if they call back. Otherwise I will call again tomorrow. I have an "open order" at the hospital for a paracentesis, for basically when I feel I need one (which will be soon here it seems). The pressure on my abdomen has not been terrible of late, and the past 2-3 days the pressure has actually lessened (due to water pill, and drinking less, the meds are pushing more of the water out finally). I have an endoscopy scheduled for 12/3. So didn't learn anything really as to how bad or what exactly is wrong.

Today I saw the kidney doctor. He asked if I knew why I was there, I said because the hospital referred me to him. He said it was because of the labs showing my sodium level low. My sodium level was at 124. Regular range starts at 125 - so he was surprised to see me, since one of the meds is s sodium supplement. In fact, he said my kidneys seem to be fine, and working better than his own probably. Buuuuuuut, just to make sure, they want to do a few tests to make they don't miss anything (in my words, so they can get money out of me as well since all these other doctors and places are). So had more blood drawn, and a urine sample. Repeat again in November. Again on December 22nd, followed with an actual Doctor visit on December 29th. Sure feels like he wants to make some money....sigh. Nothing else is being done by this doctor (at this time).

So, it looks like it down to this Liver Specialist to determine the stage of cirrhosis in my liver, and to make final decisions as to my treatment plan. And I don't know yet when I can see this doctor. Life is so grand, but at least it isn't my dying days....

How do I feel? Fine I would say. A little discomfort from the abdomen due to being a bit distended right now. I am peeing fine and often. No other pains (related to these issues). I am allowed to drink tea and coffee as well, which is great because i was getting so tired of just plain water. No electrolytes (skews with sodium, etc. in tests). Still need to limit my liquid intake to 50oz/day as much as possible. The extra water I drink is diluting the sodium the more I drink.

I lead such an exciting life, eh?

PeacE