Karen Hoyt

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cured hep c ihelpc.com
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Karen Hoyt

You Can be Cured of Hepatitis C

It takes a leap of faith to go through Hepatitis C treatment. With the new fast acting medications, you can be cured of Hepatitis C.  It still takes a lot of courage to start and take the drugs. You can

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Karen Liver Transplant ihelpc.com
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Karen Hoyt

I Don’t Want a Liver Transplant

Sleep is kind of like a thought eraser that swipes the day clean. But I frequently wake up in the middle of the night and remember the tumor. One night last August I awoke with the image of big clamps all around my chest cavity. Eyes wide open now, I saw myself lying on a table surrounded by doctors and nurses, my face as white as the fish I had seen floating belly up on the pond last year. I could see my head arching back with a tube tunneling down my throat that clicked and whished while forcing air into my lungs.

Blinking hard, I stared at my chest as my breasts moved up and down. I wondered what it would be like to wake up in ICU with that machine on and my hands tied down. Shaking my head with an audible moan, I flung back the covers

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Do I have hepatic encephalopathy he? Ihelpc.com
Ascites Hepatic Encephalopathy
Karen Hoyt

Do I Have Hepatic Encephalopathy from Liver?

This is a topic that is the absolute hardest to understand. I asked my doctor, “Do I have hepatic encephalopathy from liver? He looked at me like I was crazy. He had just told me to take my lactulose as

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Karen Hoyt

The Surprising Relationship Between Cannabis and Cardiovascular Health: Separating Fact from Fiction

The Surprising Relationship Between Cannabis and Cardiovascular Health: Separating Fact from Fiction : Katie Pierce is a new guest blog by my friend Katie. I had read about the relationship and was happy to see her compilation of evidence. I think it’s wise to look at the results and then talk to your doctor about your personal use. I’m not here to judge. So post transplant, I’m working on heart heath and am choosing not to use cannabis.

From a federal standpoint, cannabis remains an illegal substance in the USA. However, many US states have recognized its recreational and medicinal applications. Out of 50 states, 38 have legalized medical marijuana, while 24 have legalized its recreational use.

However, more research is needed to further understand the effects of cannabidiol (CBD) on human health. For example, a study suggests that CBD might aid with fatty liver, but some evidence indicates it could increase liver enzymes. More research is needed to conclude whether CBD is helpful or harmful to liver health.

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Karen Hoyt

Who is on Liver Transplant Team?

This is a total list of everyone that will be your support before, during and after the liver transplant process. A liver transplant team consists of a diverse group of healthcare providers and professionals who work together to ensure the success of your transplant process. Together, they provide wrap around services and comprehensive care to every patient. You will come to know who is on liver transplant team. After all, you are placing your life in their hands, and will become close to some of  them and at least be acquainted with others. I always wanted to be sure that they were impressed with my desire to live. For some reason, there was a threat of not “making the cut”, if that makes sense to you. Read on and see if you can match the titles with the people you know at your hospital.
I live in a rural area and had to travel to see my team. That meant a longer drive and also meant that not all of these people were easily accessible to me. 

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Creative Activities to Deepen Your Friendships

Building strong friendships goes beyond casual hangouts. It’s about creating shared experiences that foster connection, understanding, and lasting memories.  This guide explores a range of creative activities specifically designed to deepen your bonds with friends. Maybe you can tie dye a shirt, or build a campfire together. A cooking or gardening project is always fun. When you are feeling isolated by liver disease, strengthening your friendships can play a huge role in helping you heal. No one should ever feel alone with liver disease. Somehow, being sick creates a desire to make memories even stronger.

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Liver #1 fan karen hoyt
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Karen Hoyt

Can Resmetirom Cure Nash MASH or Fatty Liver?

We’ve all been wondering: Can Resmetirom cure Nash Mash or Fatty Liver? I know the language changed and have written about that here. But what patients want to know is if it really works to reduce fat? The answer is YES and it’s a miracle for many who have been diagnosed. I’ve loaded this blog with information about the dosage, how to get it, cost, video, and the website. Let’s peek closer at how it works in our body.
Resmetirom pronounced Res met er rawm is labeled as Rezdiffra pronounced Rez Diff Ruh. It was approved by the FDA last week and it is totally changing the way we look at the future with a diagnosis of Mash. By starting with the root of the accumulation of fat in the liver,

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Karen Hoyt

Surviving Survivors Guilt After Transplant Pt 1

Stepping into the doctor’s waiting room, I locked eyes with my childhood friend Dugan, and quickly squeezed into a spot next to her. As my story poured out in a flood, she wrapped her arms around me and let her

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Karen Hoyt

What is Medical Doom Scrolling and How to Quit

We’ve all done it. That may be how you found my website. A thought or question pops in our mind, and within seconds our fingers type keywords into a search engine. One story leads to another until we have wasted

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Sustainable Stocking Stuffers: Thoughtful Gifts for a Greener Christmas karen hoyt
Your Personal Life
Karen Hoyt

Sustainable Stocking Stuffers: Thoughtful Gifts for a Greener Christmas

The holiday season is a splendid period filled with joy and festivities, yet it has also been overshadowed by excessive consumerism and materialism. While the tradition of exchanging gifts remains beloved during this time, it’s worth noting that it can contribute to heightened waste and environmental harm, particularly in the form of discarded plastic and wrapping materials post-holiday.

Nonetheless, by infusing a touch of creativity and mindfulness into the festivities, it is entirely possible to honor the true essence of Christmas while also prioritizing environmental consciousness! Check out this article that explores the concept of sustainable stocking stuffers, offering you a range of thoughtful and eco-friendly gift ideas to make your holiday season greener and more meaningful.

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Alcoholism liver disease cirrhosis
Karen Hoyt

Cirrhosis Injury to the Liver by Terri Monclova Milton

Cirrhosis injury to the liver is by Terri Monclova Milton. She wrote this and I thought it was a great representation of liver disease. My husband and I live in an oak forest and consider ourselves oak tree advocates in

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My Liver Biopsy Story

My liver biopsy story may be different than most. For one,  it hurt like heck. Perhaps my experience was a little rough because of my late stage cirrhosis, and low platelets. You may be wondering which one is best. At

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How to Lower Liver Enzymes ALT and AST karen hoyt
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Karen Hoyt

How to Lower Liver Enzymes ALT and AST

How to Lower Liver Enzymes ALT and AST – After looking at my most recent labs this morning, I feel a little stressed. They can be elevated for many reasons. It could be a medication you are taking.  Some of

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Sober Living Survival Jenn Leigh Jones

I’m touched by kindness, aren’t you? People who have suffered are often the most vulnerable, and therefore the ones who express kindness. You can feel the gentleness as they caress you with a warm smile, or gaze at you with

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help doctor understand liver karen hoyt
Blog
Karen Hoyt

Can We Help Our Doctor Understand?

I want to have plain speak with my doctor. I want to be totally honest and make real change for my future. The subject comes up frequently when I’m speaking with and mostly listening to doctors associated with the AASLD. They wish their were a special language that would help them understand all of the spaces between the words we patients and caregivers say. Our medical providers are betting their careers on the fact that we really deserve to have a better life.

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Alcoholism liver disease cirrhosis
Karen Hoyt

Patients Are Going to The Liver Meeting

The patients who go to The Liver Meeting AASLD will meet many friends, patient advocates, and medical providers. Some of them are in the patient lounge, webinars, chats, and workshops. But we will also be gathering together. I love to join the chats where it’s patients like us leading the talk and we all get a chance to ask questions and learn more about how we can Live Longer Stronger with liver disease. I’ll be hosting a live chat in November from Boston and I’ll tell you more about it soon!

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nash karen hoyt
Blog
Karen Hoyt

What Does MASH Liver Disease Stand For?

What does NASH liver disease stand for? It is a type of liver disease where fat cells infiltrate the liver. It causes inflammation. Picture a red, angry, liver that cannot function well. The liver performs so many things for your body. When it gets inflammation 24/7 with no break, it eventually leads to severe liver disease. Learn about diagnosis, tests, treatment, diet foods

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