Is this doctor a hepatologist?
Yellow eyes? That's all he mentions?...is he serious?
There are many other symptoms of a struggling liver, and constipation and lethargy are but two of them.
Who's telling you that swollen legs are a "separate issue?" Not this doctor, I hope, unless he's specifically identified that issue by name...and has somehow ruled out the liver. Swelling in the legs can result from other problems, however it CAN very much be a liver issue!
Seriously, is this doctor a liver specialist? Many here have learned the hard way that the average primary care doctor knows stunningly little about liver disorders.

I agree with P'daddy.
I'm not sure what "going bad" means to you. To me it means "whatever I haven't seen yet". Your prof indicates you have hcv, Have you had a biopsy? Your labs are taken with some frequency?
Here are some signs hope it helps:
Jaundice, abdominal bloating, your blood work results. Easy bruising. Internal bleeding. Red palms, tenderness in upper abdomen, mental confusion
(Fatigue, indigestion, vomiting, constipation, intolerance of fatty foods can be signs, but these may easily be attributed to other causes.)

Hope it warms up for in ND soon!

I have had a biopsy about year and 1/2 ago. End stage 3 starting stage 4. Get my labs taken every 6 months and ultra sound for liver cancer every 6 months too. I have both a liver Dr and a regular Dr. I see regular guy every 6 months and haven't seen liver guy in about a year, after failing treatment the second time. He said until I start having problems or a new treatment becomes available there isn't much he can do. I do see him next week that's why I'm trying to get a handle on what to bring up and focus on. Even checking the web it's hard to get info, yellow eyes red palms that's about it. On my last test my liver enzymes had actually went down, but why??? I know my liver is going to hell eventually I just hope to cope with the problems before they get too big. I really thank you guys for all the info and support you givr everybody.

Thanks

Oh, i'm so sorry you were null responder x 2. The new drugs are going to be out end of this year or early 2014. No interferon!!! Let your dr know you want the new treatment interferon free. If you get rid of the virus, everything else can get better. Right now its hard to find a trial if you've ever been in decompensation, or if cirrhotic. Good discussion to plan with your dr. Meanwhile praying your liver stays status quo, & with your enzymes quiet, sounds like you'llbe ok while waiting.
I'm waiting, too. Looking for a trial - we're expecting gs 7977 in our area this summer.

As others mentioned, there are many more symptoms indicating liver failure.

My PCP, who specializes in internal medicine, recognized immediately it was beyond his skill level and referred me to a liver specialist that I was able to get an emergency appointment with the next day.

The body is very complicated, one doctor can't cover it all. You need a specialist skilled in liver issues.

I'm sure I'll get the new treatment as soon as it becomes available. I get treated at the Fargo ND VA and I was the first to get the 3 drug treatment, so I think I'll be one of the first for the new one. I live in town so I can come in alot for monitoring, and I kept good records of side effects which they liked so they could pass on to other people just starting. On my appt Wed I will be bringing all the new stuff I have learned here and have a discussion to see what is going on. I e-mailed him last week about a study I was trying to get on. He called and talked and told me if I really wanted to try there wasn't anything wrong with it. But, the new treatments will be out in a year or 2 and it's waiting is not a big deal to me yet. Plenty of time. After failing twice patience isn't really one of my virtues. But sometimes it has to be.
Good Luck to you all, reading the posts I'm pretty lucky to be where I am. So, I'll quit bitching.

Don't stop "bitching". As long as you don't become a total nag or pest to the doctors, nurses, etc. push for the treatment you need.

If you're not treated well, may be time to find another doctor or clinic to help you with your issues.

As far as this forum goes, keep "bitching" as much as you want. We all are here to support each other, sometimes just ranting and raving about what's happening. Don't worry about it, nobody's feelings will be hurt.

Here! Here! to all responses. When I read this I couldn't believe that a doctor would be so oblivious to obvious signs. Yes, the symptoms, all or in part, can be indicitive of other medical issues but, with all of them together it would certainly be a wise decision to "rule out" the liver because those symptoms associated with liver disease (Cirrhosis) can be treated and can tell much about what is going on with the patient.

What the cause is for each symptom will determine whether your condition is "compensated or decompensated".......That makes a difference when being considered for transplant or other methods of dealing with the liver.

Unfortunately, there are way too many doctors out there who don't know.....(and they don't know that they don't know) and they have a history of ignoring that which they don't know about. Ask for a referral to a liver specialist from this doctor. If he gives you any flack about giving a referral then, call the local hospital and ask who they would recommend for you to see about possible liver disease.

Any doctor worth their weight in salt will welcome any patient's getting a "second opinion". They are supposed to be there to bring the patient to the healthiest condition that is possible. Any doctor who idoes not see that as their first priority should be walked away from and don't look back. Remember, in each class graduating medical school, 1/2 are in the upper 50% of their class but 1/2 is also in the lower 50% of their class. Only thing is, they "all" can practice medicine.

Thank God for this forum for folks who are "new in the game of dealing with liver diseases" to come to and just complain or squawl and sometimes cry to. It surely helps and I, for one, have done my fair share. We are all in this boat together and each can identify with what you are saying.

When you find a doctor (preferably a hepatologist or at the very least a GI specialist,) do take what they say seriously. Be honest with them about your lifestyle (even if it was years ago) or history of liver ailments in your heritage. It is very important that you trust the doctor so you are not tempted to "shop around" (which can be dangerous as one doctor doesn't necessarily know what another has told you); and listen to what they tell you. Follow their directions and suggestions to the letter. There is plenty of time to seek out yet another doctor "after" you are convinced it is warranted.

The medicines that deal with each aspect of liver disease can help a great deal in making you feel better. No matter how much better you feel, continue with your meds until the doctor says otherwise.
If you find that you are suffering depression associated with your situation, by all means tell the doctor as there are meds they can prescribe for that as well (not to mention other modes of treatment such as couselling or rehab. If you are having difficulty staying away for known culprits (i.e. too much sodium or fatty foods in the diet or alcohol, etc..) do tell the doctor about that as soon as you can. You want him/her to be honest and upfront with you and they want you to be honest and upfront with them.

I wish you all the best and will pray for you.............I must also say that "prayer and faith" are equally as important as the best meds......maybe more so. Hugs and prayers.........CarolLentz

From Carol's last post, this is so very true. Prayer and faith have gotten me through a lot the past six years. My doctors still consider me a walking miracle, never expected me to live through this, but I have and continue the battle, but I always win. Having a positive attitude and fighting back truly to make a difference.

"I wish you all the best and will pray for you.............I must also say that "prayer and faith" are equally as important as the best meds......maybe more so. Hugs and prayers.........CarolLentz "

I have been diagnosed with cirosis of the liver and that it's failing, cause I have been getting ACITIES Fluid buildup in my abdomen and ive had to go to the hospital several times, going again on the 1st, to get a needle put in my belly to drain the fluid.