Hepatologist visit - think the doc was mad at me

[Guest guest]

Hi all,I was recently on a trip to Sweden to go to my favorite uncle's funeral. Two of my brothers were going, so I figured if I increased my prednisone (for autoimmune hepatitis), and gave myself a stress dose (I also have adrenal gland insufficiency), then I would be able to make the trip. I used to travel a lot, including many trips to Sweden. Now I suffer from a lot of fatigue and can't work full time. The doctor wants me to reduce the prednisone as much as possible, but the prednisone, as bad as it is, does give me energy.Anyway, I saw the hepatologist on Thursday, and told him about the trip and the increased prednisone. He didn't seem pleased. He just seemed very negative about everything, including when I mentioned that I use coconut oil to increase my energy. He viewed the coconut oil as an unregulated herb, and felt it was unsafe.I guess I should have called the hepatologist first to get his approval on going to Sweden and increasing the prednisone. Any thoughts?Here's a picture from Sweden (from my cousin's backyard):Marie Get Windows Live and get whatever you need, wherever you are. Start here.

[Guest guest]

Hi all,I was recently on a trip to Sweden to go to my favorite uncle's funeral. Two of my brothers were going, so I figured if I increased my prednisone (for autoimmune hepatitis), and gave myself a stress dose (I also have adrenal gland insufficiency), then I would be able to make the trip. I used to travel a lot, including many trips to Sweden. Now I suffer from a lot of fatigue and can't work full time. The doctor wants me to reduce the prednisone as much as possible, but the prednisone, as bad as it is, does give me energy.Anyway, I saw the hepatologist on Thursday, and told him about the trip and the increased prednisone. He didn't seem pleased. He just seemed very negative about everything, including when I mentioned that I use coconut oil to increase my energy. He viewed the coconut oil as an unregulated herb, and felt it was unsafe.I guess I should have called the hepatologist first to get his approval on going to Sweden and increasing the prednisone. Any thoughts?Here's a picture from Sweden (from my cousin's backyard):

Marie

Get Windows Live and get whatever you need, wherever you are. Start here. Looking for a car that's sporty, fun and fits in your budget? Read reviews on AOL Autos.

[Guest guest]

Marie,

I can see where the hep might be upset that you are playing pharmacist for

yourself, but I

tend to do the same thing. I think if you've lived with a chronic condition long

enough,

you tend to know what works and what doesn't for you.

Perhaps running your plans by him next time and getting a tacit OK will pacify

him, bt that

seems very silly. If it were me, I would check in with my hep before traveling

outside the

US, though.

As for the coconut oil, I really think he is being silly. There are whole

nations of people

who use coconut oil on a daily basis (Southeast Asia) and if it were dangerous,

we would

know about it! Honestly, I was shocked that my hep knew it was a medium chain

fatty

acid, since most MDs get nothing more than a smattering of nutrition in med

school. And

speaking of which, does anyone else find it preposterous that these

doctors/practices

don't have registered dieticians on staff to help take care of people with

DIGESTIVE

DISEASES? I find that lack of a holistic approach appalling. I'm pushing mine to

hire one!

Colleen

P.S. Your pic didn't show up -- which is a shame!

> Anyway, I saw the hepatologist on Thursday, and told him about the trip and

the

increased prednisone. He didn't seem pleased. He just seemed very negative

about

everything, including when I mentioned that I use coconut oil to increase my

energy. He

viewed the coconut oil as an unregulated herb, and felt it was unsafe.

>

> I guess I should have called the hepatologist first to get his approval on

going to

Sweden and increasing the prednisone. Any thoughts?

[Guest guest]

P.S. Your pic didn't show up -- which is a shame!

I got it fine. Beautiful! I've re attached itand am sending it to you Colleen personally.

Ian

[Guest guest]

Colleen,Thanks for the feedback. I think you're right. I'll try sending the picture again as an attachment.Marie Got Game? Win Prizes in the Windows Live Hotmail Mobile Summer Games Trivia Contest Find out how.

[Guest guest]

Ian emailed it to me! Just beautiful! My husband said it looks like Maine, which

is true.

Colleen

>

>

> Colleen,

>

> Thanks for the feedback. I think you're right. I'll try sending the picture

again as an

attachment.

>

> Marie

>

>

>

> _________________________________________________________________

> Got Game? Win Prizes in the Windows Live Hotmail Mobile Summer Games Trivia

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>

[Guest guest]

Ian emailed it to me! Just beautiful! My husband said it looks like Maine, which

is true.

Colleen

>

>

> Colleen,

>

> Thanks for the feedback. I think you're right. I'll try sending the picture

again as an

attachment.

>

> Marie

>

>

>

> _________________________________________________________________

> Got Game? Win Prizes in the Windows Live Hotmail Mobile Summer Games Trivia

Contest

> http://www.gowindowslive.com/summergames?ocid=TXT_TAGHM

>