Posted by medlib on May 11, 2000, at 17:00:58
In reply to Terrible bind., posted by kazoo on May 11, 2000, at 0:05:37
> I'm in a terrible bind.
Kazoo--
I'm so very sorry that you have such a rough situation to deal with; I'm outraged for you that medical fools have rendered a bad situation impossible! It's real obvious that the only protocol which they follow is CYA.If you are inclined to deal with medical doctors any further, I believe that a team approach is your only viable option. In your shoes, I would contact the Mayo Clinic, represent myself as an individual whose "medical condition represents a signicant clinical challenge which *requires* a team approach" and seek their earliest appointment. I'm not familiar with what other excellent clinical teams are available, but you can't afford to settle for less than the best. Your team should be headed by a liver specialist, since hepatitis is your most seriously acute disease.
Hepatitis really sucks! Very many years ago I contracted severe hepatitis from multiple blood transfusions and spent over 6 wks confined to bed in isolation (reading liver textbooks as long as I was able, while my liver function levels soared to usually fatal levels). I will not blather on here about liver disease or AOD2, because I don't know what you already know or want to know; I'll just reiterate that most of what helps diabetes hurts the liver and vice versa. You *must* have experts who will talk to each other and to you!
In the meantime, I'd follow JohnL.'s excellent suggestions and also make sure that I was taking choline, inositol, B + C vitamins and folate for the liver, and chromium (picolinate) for the diabetes. I'd be sure to avoid alcohol, Tylenol, aspartame, and exercise. I'd eat a low-salt, low-fat diet rich in complex carbs.
I'd also seek out a friend or family member whom I could trust to understand my situation and honor my wishes. S/he would be my backup when I could not trust my judgement or emotional reactions and would have my (carefully drawn) Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care.
Finally, I'd actively seek out whatever spiritual resources I felt most comfortable with and build a relationship which helps with stress and strengthens the inner spirit. Humor and hope help.
You'll be in my thoughts, kazoo. Let us know how we can help.--medlib
poster:medlib
thread:33138
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000508/msgs/33205.html