Cirrhosis Support Group
Cirrhosis is a consequence of chronic liver disease, most commonly caused by alcoholism and hepatitis C. Ascites is the most common complication of cirrhosis and is associated with a poor quality of life, increased risk of infections, and a poor long term outcome. Liver damage from cirrhosis cannot be reversed, but treatment can stop or delay further progression and...
DailyStrength is pleased to welcome Craig Cameron as our new Ask the Experts blogger on all things Cirrhosis! Visit his profile page at http://www.dailystrength.org/experts/craig-cameron
Here is some information about Craig:
Craig Cameron was diagnosed with End Stage Cirrhosis in the Autumn of 2008. Not having had any prior knowledge of the disease he undertook extensive research into liver disease and cirrhosis and through his work he has been able to help both himself and many others to cope, manage and live with the effects of the disease.
Craig has been a member of Daily Strength since April 2009 and has contributed his knowledge and experience of the disease both in the Daily Strength Cirrhosis Group and also via his own web site http://livingwithliverdisease.spruz.com/ where he publishes a wide variety of information on all aspects of liver disease.
Craig's first articles include:
What my doctors didn't tell me about cirrhosis. http://dailystrength.org/experts/craig-cameron/article/what-my-doctors-didnt-tell-me-about-cirrhosis
I have cirrhosis - now, where did all my friends go? http://dailystrength.org/experts/craig-cameron/article/i-have-cirrhosis-now-where-did-all-my-friends-go
Cirrhosis and insomnia - does one ever get tired of it? http://dailystrength.org/experts/craig-cameron/article/cirrhosis-and-insomnia-does-one-ever-get-tired-of-it
What are ascites symptoms and what can I do? http://dailystrength.org/experts/craig-cameron/article/what-are-ascites-symptoms-and-what-can-i-do
Welcome, Craig, from the DailyStrength team!
Best, TeamDS
Here is some information about Craig:
Craig Cameron was diagnosed with End Stage Cirrhosis in the Autumn of 2008. Not having had any prior knowledge of the disease he undertook extensive research into liver disease and cirrhosis and through his work he has been able to help both himself and many others to cope, manage and live with the effects of the disease.
Craig has been a member of Daily Strength since April 2009 and has contributed his knowledge and experience of the disease both in the Daily Strength Cirrhosis Group and also via his own web site http://livingwithliverdisease.spruz.com/ where he publishes a wide variety of information on all aspects of liver disease.
Craig's first articles include:
What my doctors didn't tell me about cirrhosis. http://dailystrength.org/experts/craig-cameron/article/what-my-doctors-didnt-tell-me-about-cirrhosis
I have cirrhosis - now, where did all my friends go? http://dailystrength.org/experts/craig-cameron/article/i-have-cirrhosis-now-where-did-all-my-friends-go
Cirrhosis and insomnia - does one ever get tired of it? http://dailystrength.org/experts/craig-cameron/article/cirrhosis-and-insomnia-does-one-ever-get-tired-of-it
What are ascites symptoms and what can I do? http://dailystrength.org/experts/craig-cameron/article/what-are-ascites-symptoms-and-what-can-i-do
Welcome, Craig, from the DailyStrength team!
Best, TeamDS
~Karen
If other people (not necessarily doctors) hadn't done a whole bunch of research which I was lucky enough to find, I would be dead by now.
All I can do is to try to help others by passing on this information.
DailyStrength and my web site give me the opportunity to raise awareness about this awful disease and I am grateful for the opportunity to do so! :-)
Everyone who contributes to this group gives me food for thought and extends my knowledge and if I can help pass that on to others then we all benefit :-)
Ultimately, this is not about me, it is about all of us bringing help to others who so desperately need it.
That is what this group excels at doing.
Craig
Recently I discovered the sad truth that a liver transplant at this particular facility in Ann Arbor, Michigan costs about $500,000. Of course, I have insurance that will cover 80% so that leaves me with a $100,000 copay. Plus the postop antirejections meds will cost between $1200 and $1700 a month! When I told these 'good' folks that I don't have nor could I sustain that kind of expense, their reply to me was, "Have a fund raiser for yourself."
Now, I might have thought this was a joke or error or I misheard, however, when I received the 'package' and read through the very slick and thick 'Transplant Experience" booklet, there it was ...."and to assist with the cost of medication, many transplant recepients put on fund raising events for themselves." What?! I'm so sick I need a half million dollar transplant, yet I will be expected to organize a continual supply of fund raising events to help me.
Hmmmmmmmmm. What's wrong with this picture?
I hope you figure a way out.