to add to what Abijann said

March 21, 2008

In cirrhosis, one of the things that happens is problems with vaso constrictors

and vaso dilators. These are blood vessel size regulators. I did a bunch of

reading on this after being diagnosed with hepatopulmonary syndrome. This

diagnosis is terrifying because if it becomes worse, then even a liver

transplant might not help, as it can take months post transplant to resolve. If

the severity becomes even a little worse in my case, I will not be able to get a

donor liver, as the long term prognosis will be extremely poor. Nitric oxcide is

resopnsible for making blood vessels dilate or get bigger around, therefor

letting more blood flow. It can also cause the spleen to swell up. My

hepatologist told me that most if not all people who have cirrhosis have some

degree of shunt due to nitric oxide. The damaged liver produces it, and the

damaged liver cant filter it out. With hepatopulmonary syndrome , the blood

vessels dilate and the blood flows too fast though

them, then the blood pressure drops, and oxygen cannot bind to the blood cells.

One sure sign of cirrhosis is finger clubbing. Finger clubbing is a sign of lack

of oxygen. Everybody check their fingers right now. They should not be fat in

the tips. the nail should not curve down. Your lips should not be blueish. This

is cyanosis. So, one thing I am noticing is that my hair is growing like mad.

Google nitric oxide, minoxidil, or rogaine, if you want to read something really

interesting about nitric oxide. Also Viagra. The way viagra works is to dialate

your blood vessels. I believe that the warning on TV should include liver

disease. If most people with liver disease have some degree of shunting, the

LAST thing you need is more nitric oxide. Viagra causes nitric oxide levels to

go UP. Remember when the paramedic gives you nitro under your tongue in the

ambulance is to dilate your blood vessels. All nitro glycerin does is release

nitric oxide.

________________________________________________________________________________\

____

Looking for last minute shopping deals?

Find them fast with Yahoo! Search.

Recommended Posts