yuliya

http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/looking-at-liver-function-bloodwork.html

When you go for a physical, your healthcare practitioner frequently orders blood tests. Many folks first find out they have hep C after undergoing a routine blood test and finding that one or more of the tests is abnormal.

There's no one test that indicates chronic hepatitis C disease. Tests for the effects of hepatitis C on your liver include:

Liver enzyme tests: These tests measure current liver cell injury by the amount of enzymes that are "leaked" out of damaged or dying liver cells.

Liver function tests: These tests look at levels of proteins made by the liver. If your liver damage is such that your liver function is impaired, levels of these proteins will be low. If your bilirubin, clotting factors, or albumin levels are low, you may have cirrhosis or late-stage liver disease.

ALT

Small amounts of ALT (alanine aminotransferase) are normally found in blood. When the liver is damaged, ALT is released into the bloodstream. ALT is found in organs other than the liver (kidneys, heart, muscles, and pancreas), but most increases in ALT are from liver damage.

AST

AST (aspartate aminotransferase) is also called SGOT (serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase). Like ALT, AST is found mainly in the liver but also in other parts of the body. AST and ALT are usually measured together and are good indicators of liver disease or damage. Sometimes, test results give AST/ALT ratios.

ALP

ALP (alkaline phosphatase) is found in all parts of the body, with particularly high concentrations in the liver, bone, and placenta (during pregnancy). Like ALT and AST, ALP might leak into the bloodstream when liver cells are damaged as a result of hepatitis C. Children (who have growing bones), pregnant women (especially in their last trimester), and people with bone disease also have higher levels of ALP.

GGT

GGT refers to gamma-glutamyl transferase, but it's also called gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGTP) or Gamma-GT. High levels of GGT are found in the liver, bile ducts, and the kidney. Bloodstream GGT levels will be higher in people with diseases of the liver and bile ducts.

5'N'Tase

Higher levels of the enzyme 5'N'Tase (5'nucleotidase), also known as 5'NT, in your blood indicate a problem with bile secretion. Hepatitis or cirrhosis can cause a blockage of bile flow.

Albumin

Albumin is the major blood protein made by the liver. One function of albumin is to keep the blood from leaking through the blood vessels, which can cause fluid retention in the ankles (edema), lungs, or abdomen (ascites).Low levels of albumin may be due to liver or kidney disease, malnutrition, or even a low-protein diet.

Bilirubin

This pigmented (yellow) waste chemical comes from the normal process of red blood cells' dying after 90 to 120 days. A healthy liver converts bilirubin and sends it out of the body with the bile that goes to the intestine. Excreted bilirubin gives feces (stools) their characteristic brownish color.

When the liver is diseased, bilirubin isn't converted and excreted. Stools might, therefore, be light-colored. The bilirubin that's not properly excreted builds up in the body and gives a yellowish color to skin and eyes (a condition known as jaundice) and dark brown tea color to urine.

High levels of bilirubin are due to either too much production of bilirubin (from red blood cells dying) or because the liver isn't processing bilirubin, which happens when the liver is damaged. This is one of three tests used to determine wait time for a liver transplant.

In addition to using a blood test, urine can be tested for bilirubin.

PT test

The PT (prothrombin time) test measures how quickly your blood clots, which is dependent on clotting factors (proteins) that are made by the liver. The PT test is used as a marker of advanced liver disease and can indicate blood-clotting problems where it takes you longer to stop bleeding.

Your laboratory may also give PT results that have been converted to an internationally recognized and easily comparable value that's called the International Normalized Ratio (INR). The INR is one of the three factors used to determine wait time for a liver transplant.

Other blood tests

Additional tests that measure other markers in your blood give your doctor a clearer picture of any liver disease and also any effects from the combination peginterferon drug treatment.

Complete blood count (CBC)

A complete blood count (CBC) looks at the number and types of cells in your blood. Your doctor will look for problems such as

Reduced white blood cells or platelets: This may indicate portal hypertension, a complication of cirrhosis in which pressures are increased in the portal vein.

Indicators of anemia: This problem is very common during ribivarin treatment.

The complete blood count includes the following tests:

White blood cell (WBC) count: The total number of white blood cells. Changes can indicate problems of hepatitis C infection or side effects of interferon treatment. Interferon can cause neutropenia, which is a decrease in neutrophils, one type of white blood cell.

Red blood cell (RBC) count: The total number of red blood cells. Low levels can indicate anemia.

Hematocrit (HCT): Percentage of blood cells that are red blood cells. Low levels can indicate anemia.

Hemoglobin: The amount of this oxygen-carrying protein. Low levels can indicate anemia.

Platelet count: Number of platelets in your blood (may be altered in cirrhosis).

AFP

Tests for AFP (alpha-fetoprotein) are used to screen for liver cancer in people with cirrhosis. But not everyone with liver cancer has this marker. Pregnant women usually have higher levels of this protein, which is also used to look for problems in pregnancy. You may have slightly high levels of this protein if you have hepatitis or cirrhosis.

Iron

The liver stores iron, and an overabundance of iron (iron overload) can add to the damage caused by hepatitis C. Too much iron can be a problem during interferon treatment. See your physician to determine whether you should avoid supplements that include iron.

Creatinine

Creatinine is actually a breakdown product of creatine, which is made by the liver and transported to your muscles. The kidneys excrete the waste product creatinine, and when your kidneys are damaged, creatinine levels rise. When the liver stops functioning in end-stage liver disease, this can cause serious kidney problems as well. This test is one of the three used to determine your wait time for a liver transplant.

Read more: http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/looking-at-liver-function-bloodwork.html#ixzz1DCiNFsYw

By the way it free for nuvigil and provigil, plus to more drugs that they make

Go to there web site for provigil.com and you will see you can apply to get it free if you qualify. They send it right to your home. http://www.provigil.com/index.php?t=pat&p=assistance

an article article different types of magnesium and there uses. Not all magnesium is the same.

http://www.brighthub.com/health/alternative-medicine/articles/57614.aspx

Importance of Magnesium

Magnesium is the fourth most plentiful mineral in the body and is necessary for the health of every organ in the body. Magnesium is particularly important for the healthy function of the heart, muscles, and kidneys. This essential mineral assists in energy production and aids in regulating many mineral and vitamin levels in the body, such as potassium, vitamin D, zinc, calcium, and copper.

Magnesium Citrate

Magnesium citrate is a type of magnesium used most often in the treatment of diarrhea. It can also be used prior to certain stomach procedures to help clear the bowel. This type of magnesium is taken as an oral supplement and should only be taken short-term.

Magnesium Gluconate

Magnesium gluconate is a type of magnesium used most often to correct a magnesium deficiency. It can also be used to help maintain healthy levels of magnesium in the body. However, it can be used in the treatment of certain other medical conditions as determined by a doctor. This type of magnesium is taken as an oral supplement and can be taken long-term.

Magnesium Lactate

Magnesium lactate is a type of magnesium that is also used to correct a magnesium deficiency. It can also be used to treat certain medical conditions, such as heartburn, indigestion, and upset stomach. This type of magnesium can be taken as an oral supplement or it can be injected under the supervision of a nurse or doctor. The injectable form is used when correcting a magnesium deficiency. Both forms can be taken for as long as they are needed.

Magnesium Oxide

Magnesium oxide is a type of magnesium most often used to help maintain healthy levels of magnesium in the body. However, it can be used in the treatment of certain other medical conditions as determined by a doctor. This type of magnesium can be taken for long periods of time by most people and is taken as an oral supplement.

Magnesium Hydroxide

Magnesium hydroxide is a type of magnesium that is most often used as an antacid or as a laxative. When it is used as a laxative, it should only be used to alleviate constipation occasionally. It should only be used occasionally as an antacid as well to alleviate indigestion, sour stomach, and heartburn. This type of magnesium is taken as an oral supplement and should only be used short-term.

Magnesium Sulfate

Magnesium sulfate is a type of magnesium supplement most commonly used in multivitamins. When magnesium sulfate is administered in high doses, it can be used to help treat convulsions, a magnesium deficiency, childhood acute kidney inflammation, and pre-eclampsia in pregnant women. This type of magnesium can be taken as an oral supplement or it can be injected. It is taken short-term for certain conditions and it is taken on a long-term basis for other conditions.

Read more: http://www.brighthub.com/health/alternative-medicine/articles/57614.aspx#ixzz1D13gIkhW

yeah, thats what I understand to, a lot of people with POTS do have CFS and the other way around, but that doesn't explain why so many like me have POTS all my life and the fatigue has only recently became a problem. I'm sorry you have not been able to find proper treatment

I really don't know the difference. My cardiologist diagnosed me with POTS this January, I have had symptoms all my life, but they became worse this year. Today he said that he thinks that I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, so I really don't know what it means, he just wants me to see a specialist for it. Thanks for the info

Who has been diagnosed with chronic fatigue and what have you tried to make it better (medication and vitamins)? Do you work? What are your symptoms?

I have also had POTS all my life, Im a woman, and I would say it is harder for me then most to get in the mood, but I really don't know if its POTS or just me. Plus its hard to tell if I am having an orgasm or not, because they are hardly ever intense.

I can't stand heat. It bothers me so much that I have been known to set my AC at 65 degrees. I love the beach, but I'm never able to stay out in the sun for more then 15min. without feeling like I will pass out. I don't enjoy heat at all. I do drink tons when I'm hot even before I knew I had POTS, and it seems to help a little.

My side effect with Neurontin was an increased appetite - and weight gain. Plus just overall feeling kinda strange. I've had huge doses and I've had low doses - for nerve pain in the feet from a small fiber neuropathy. All of the side effects were acceptable to me (accept wt. gain) - but my symptoms weren't much improved from taking the med so in the end I stopped... Dunno if it helps at all... But good luck to you :-)

any experience at all is helpful, thanks for replying. I was reading side effect last night and in 1% of the people reported pain as a side effect so I guess I'm on of the weird ones, but at least I'm not the only one.

My doctor prescribed me Neurontin for itching and frequent urination at night, I have noticed that after taking it about 3 hours after I get muscle aches and tension that wasn't there before. Any one else have similar experience? It works great for what it was prescribed for but the side effects are very bothersome.

Thanks Julie for the explination

Does study mention anything about people with POTS that didn't start out as a viral infections, such as people born with it? I'm not very good at reading scientific studies and understanding them.

Sorry I posted this a billion times I'm stuck on the internet immune phone lol.

I just need a new route other than taking a nap because its happening so often now. I have tried tons of salt and gateraide to no avail.

as far as when mine happened there is really nothing I can do but chill out and relax, drink a lot and eat some salt. I was just diagnosed after trying to search all my life. Any way I'm just now searching for medication to help control all this, and I'm sure thats going to take a long time, but at least I know now what is wrong with me.

Those watches are highly inaccurate it is normal for your heart rate to fluctuate, especially if you anxious and checking it all the time.

Sometimes I'm so lightheaded and dizzy that I can't focus eyes to the point I feel drunk.

The only thing that helps is for me to take a nap. No matter how much salt or liquids I take in, they don't help. Anyone else?

Yes, I know exactly what you mean. Also the adrenaline surges make me feel like I'm on speed or something.

Just wondering what symptoms were you having that led the doctor to test for that?

Thanks for the support everyone, sometimes I think they forget that most of us don't make the money they make, and if we did we would have the best care possible.

unfortunately those type of watches aren't as accurate as they lead us to believe they are. If you didn't pay at least $1000 for a medical grade monitor, most likely its not going to be that accurate. This is the main reason that keeps me from spending $200 for one of those types of heart rate watches.

Hi all,

I just had the weirdest episode and need your input.

Hubby woke me up in the middle of the night(for me)as he had to ask a question before he left for work. I got up and suddenly was very nauseated, my vision was going black, heart rate increased and my hands and the back of my head got icy cold. The icy feeling is brand new. The other symptoms I haven't had in a cluster like that and that bad for a long time. Any ideas? I felt really good for me when I went to bed so am surprised by this.

Thanks,

Babette

I have that feeling all the time. I just call them my rush feelings and I get them all the time. In fact I had the same thing happen this morning. It like your whole system freaks out all at once.

Yuliya,

I wish some doctors could walk in our shoes for just a day. I bet most of them would cry like babies.

I also have insomnia and I take doxepin. It is not a sleeping pill but it does help. It costs four bucks copay. There must be something she could prescribe that won't cost an arm and a leg. I quit crying and screaming once I got a little sleep I also take OTC 5HTP 200 mg, both of these from my rheumy.

Now at least you have a dx and that's progress. Seems like we have to scrap for everything we get so just keep at it, you'll get there. Many hugs.

I have tried so many things for sleep, from melatonin, to benadryl, to amitriptyline, nothing works. Its just not fair. I guess I am just tired of being sick and tired

I went to my primary doctor today for my migraines and told her that my cardiologist finally diagnosed me with POTS. I asked her if she knew what it was, she said "yeah, of course". I told her how bad I been feeling horribley fatigued, and not being able to fall asleep. She asked me if I was exercising. I said no I'm not able to, I can barely get myself to do a little house work everyday. She wrote me a script for Lunesta so I could fall asleep and gave me a card that takes of the co payment up to $50. I went to the pharmacy to fill the script and my insurance does not cover it. The medication is $272.00 for 30 days. so even with the co payment card its over $200. The pharmacy called them to change to something my insurance covers all the doctor said was tell her to use the co payment card. I told her in the office my husband was out of work. I'm so frustrated first no one could tell me what was wrong and it was all in my head, and now no one cares about helping me even now that I have a diagnosis. I feel like screaming and crying.

I know that a few people on here suffer from migraines and POTS. Does anyone have migraines that start with blindness that comes on over about 15 min time, starting with blurriness that get progressively worse until you can hardly make out anything but shades of color. After the "blindness" goes away I get sever pain, and sensitivity to light along with dizziness. Just wanted to see if anyone gets similar migraines and how you treat them?

I have a primary, but was diagnosed by a cardiologist who is also an internist. I had to ask him for all the test and he blew me off at first and said it was anxiety, but now he believes me and glad he did the tests.

I just wanted to mention that your weight loss might raise your triglyceride levels. As far as the palpitations I don't notice a change with my vitamin D. I don't take any of the others. Maybe you are just going through a worsening period.