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Hep C Discussion Forum -> General Discussion -> Liver palpation
Post Info TOPIC: Liver palpation
Bloomster


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Liver palpation
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Hi Malcolm,

It's funny that you mentioned that you 'palpate' your liver.  I came across a little book written 100 years ago by Sanford Bennett recently.  It's entitled 'The Man Who Grew Young'.  Not sure if you've heard of it, but I did print it out and read it (free on Google Books).  It was an interesting read about a 50yo man who got sick of pill popping (some things never change...) and so he started his own routine of basically massaging, stretching, buffing, exercising every single inch of his body with amazing results in which he did appear to indeed 'grow young'.  He did have a little section on massaging the liver which peaked my interest and I did wonder whether this would be beneficial, so I am glad to hear that you also do it.

It was a quirky little book.  Perhaps there may be some good points, although I do feel blessed that we have the wonders of modern medicine available to us these days.

In any case, great result for you.  Caroline



-- Edited by Bloomster on Friday 2nd of August 2013 08:27:13 AM

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My husband had genotype 1a, 46yo, started triple therapy (peg/rib/vic) 23rd July 2012, VL prior to treatment 14 million, UNDET 12, 24 weeks, EOT 24th June 2013, EOT +1.5 weeks UNDET, EOT +12 weeks & EOT +27 weeks UNDET; SVR January 2014
Cinnamon Girl


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That is such a good sign of things to come, Malcolm, and is an amazing indication of the liver`s ability to regenerate when the conditions are conducive.  Great news and very encouraging for many people here.  Very good information too, as always.

Very pleased for you, you deserve the best possible result! 



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Jill 

(71 yo, lives in UK)

Was Gen 3a, 

24wks Peg Ifn/Riba, Sep 2010 - Mch 2011

UND @ Wk.4, UND @ EOT, 

SVR Nov 2011 --> Still UND @ EOT + 4 yrs.

 

 
ucbgal


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mallani,

     wow that's incredulous!!!! you are such a survivor and to actually begin regression of a cirrhotic liver is awesome. your loved ones must be so proud of your accomplishments in life.

     have you ever considered writing a memoir  or giving motivational speeches?

     congratulations!

sandy,ucbgal



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JoAnneh


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Great news Dr M! Cirrhosis regression!
Loving the sound of that diagnosis.
My liver area would hurt when I would bend
Down to the floor. Not feeling that pain lately:)
When is your 6 month EOT VL test?

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JoAnne

Genotype 1a, Triple therapy w/Invicek started May 19, 2012

DET 4 wk. UND 2,6,12,24 48 treatment. Achieved SVR 2013!
mallani


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Hi all,

I regularly palpate and percuss my liver, and after 20 years or more, I know my liver pretty well. I am very happy that since EOT, my liver has decreased in size, and is now just palpable. Before Rx, it extended 2 finger-breadths below my costal (rib) margin.  I am taking this as a sign of cirrhosis recession.

It's easy to palpate your liver, if you're so inclined. These are You-tube videos etc.and plenty of examples of how to do it with an internet search.  I just lie on my back, relax the stomach muscles, put the edge of the R. hand just below the rib cage, and take a big breath in.  I feel the liver edge slip under my fingers, and it has never been hard or painful.  If you have chronic HepC, you often have acute episodes of inflammation and may feel a bit unwell. If you palpate your liver at this time, it may have enlarged slightly and be tender.  In cirrhosis, the liver is often palpable and the edge may feel firm. As cirrhosis progresses, the liver will eventually shrink but this means the liver is failing.

The liver size is variable, and imaging with Ultrasound will give a variety of measurements. Liver palpation gives you a good idea of liver size and I find it easy and useful. Many patients with mild HCV will not have a palpable liver at all. This is always reassuring. Cheers.



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Geno 1b, IL28B CT,  x3 prior relapser,  ex-cirrhotic, 75 yo, did 48 weeks with Victrelis/Peg./Riba.  VL 1.28m at start, UNDET. at 8 ,12 ,16 ,24 ,30  and 48 weeks.  EOT 15 Feb 2013 , UNDET. at EOT + 28 weeks. SVR!  Still Undet. at EOT +5 years

Malcolm
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