Liver Specialist..

LakerFanAlways · Posted: Sat Sep 23, 2006 11:46 am Post subject: Liver Specialist..

Hi all..does anyone here know a good liver specialist..the reason being that my grandmother is in the hospital, the doctor said that he doesnt have any clue how come her liver produces ammonia after she eats which causes her to become very sleepy..she has gallstones which she was diagnosed with 7 years ago but it was never a problem..now she cannot have surgery to remove it but I have read about other treatments..they have done ultrasound and they still cant figure out what the problem is..when they try to give her more food, her ammonia goes up, when she doesnt get enough food, she becomes very weak..we belong to Kaiser(unfortunately) but we are willing to spend the money to get outside help..any help would be greatly appreciated..Thanks

AllorNothing · Franchise Player Joined: 08 Oct 2001 Posts: 18448

Most of the leading hepatologist are at teaching Universities. Might want to look into UCLA or USC.

LakerFanAlways · Posted: Sat Sep 23, 2006 5:11 pm Post subject:

The only problem is that she cannot leave the hospital..she is very weak and it would be great if someone could come to her..or at least talk to a specialist over the phone..money is no object at this point..unfortunately the way Kaiser feels, if your old, your not worth saving.

AllorNothing · Franchise Player Joined: 08 Oct 2001 Posts: 18448

Well. I believe you can still call the UCLA medical center. They will do all the paper work in terms of releasing of confidential files where it will be reviewed by the attending doctor at a different hospital.
Just call up the medical centers and they office will give you what options you have in terms of a second opinion. I am sure there is no way that Kaiser would deny your request if you are the one making the decisions in terms of her care.
She doesn't have to leave the hospital either. I am sure they will work things out if you are adamant about it. Kaiser hates spending money if they don't have too.

AllorNothing · Franchise Player Joined: 08 Oct 2001 Posts: 18448

Oh and no doctor is going to give you an opinion over the phone without seeing your grandmother's chart and doing seeing her in person.

wolfpaclaker · Retired Number Joined: 29 May 2002 Posts: 58385

Good luck. I hope you find what you are looking for.

Wish I could help, but I haven't been to the doctor since they forced me to as a kid.

LakerFanAlways · Posted: Sat Sep 23, 2006 7:35 pm Post subject:

Right now she needs prayers..tomorrow morning the nurse is gonna come and give her an IV that she will be able to receive nutrients that will not effect the liver..her stupid doctor didnt mention this treatment til yesterday..see, everything she eats affects the liver..so now with all the yelling they are gonna do it tomorrow, I just hope she can last til tomorrow..she is so weak, she tries to speak but she speaks softly because she is so weak and dehydrated..they are giving her fluids but little at a time..it sucks being old..I just hope she keeps fighting so that she can make it through this