how dangerous is jaundice in a 65 yr old diabetic woman with no gall bladder?!
Question:
her ultrasound revealed no damage to the liver but is in a state of weakness and barely has movement in her legs. wat diet and treatment would be best for her given her condition?
Answers:
She needs blood tests! Right away! This is very dangerous! Any condition in a diabetic (AND) / or "elderly" patient is very dangerous.
Is there swelling (edema) in her legs? If yes, she needs to be fitted for diabetic stockings / compression hose. Most Walgreens Healthcare Initiatives (specialty store that caters to people with chronic illness -- not a regular pharmacy, sometimes found under "durable medical equipment") -- they can fit her for the stockings especially for her. If she can, she should get up and walk around as much as possible (it aids in circulation -- very important to a diabetic), elevate her legs when resting, get in to a pool, tub or spa up to her neck. The fluid around her will push the swelling in her legs back in to the tissues. (I assume this is one of the reasons for the lack of movement in her legs). Also - WATER, WATER, WATER! At least 8 glasses a day up to a gallon! This sounds silly if she has swelling, but it will trick her cells into pulling water back in to her tissues, increase ciruclation and flush out toxins.
As for diet, of course, it's very important that her "sugars" are under control. She should eat low in sugar, including NOT A LOT of fruit or juices (thye have a lot of natural sugars), and high in protein -- SMALL, FREQUENT MEALS (basically snacking SIX times a day).
Treatment definitely depends on her blood tests: she needs basic liver function studies and Hepatitis checks. (liver panel= ast, alt, bilirubin; hepatitis antibodies A, B & C.) Depending on her overall health, different medications can be administered. It sounds like she may need some serious help though due to the weakness and lack of movement.
Does she have an endocrinologist? Or a nephrologist?
The ultrasound will only show masses (tumors or cysts) on her liver and kidneys. Blood testing is very important! If she doesn't have health insurance, take her to a COUNTY hospital. They will treat her. Again, medication is usually the treatment with all of the above. However, depending on her overall health, these medicines may work for her or she may not be able to take them. If swelling is an issue, her electrolytes and heart may need to be check as well.
Other Answers:
It depends on what is causing her jaundice. There can be many causes. Jaundice is a symptom of another illness and it is not an illness in itself. There is an underlying cause that you have not disclosed.
Cause of Jaundice must be diagnosed and treated.Diabetics with jaundice compulsorily need insulin.
It can be dangerous and the cause of jaundice must be found. How about hepatitis and pancreatitis?
Very. It relates to the liver and kidneys. You need to see a doctor and have tests run.
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