I didn't know what hospital so no use trying to call a nurses station. There are lots of hospitals in northern Virginia.

I got through on her phone this evening. She is hopped up on pain meds and IV to replenish fluids.

Turned out on Friday last week, she had results of liver enzyme test. Lower than they have been in a long time. That's great news. She has been on Weight Watchers diet for last 3 weeks, per PCP advice. Don't know if WW diet exacerbated an already brewing problem or is unrelated.

Yesterday she had severe pain in her left side and couldn't keep food or liquid down. Went to ER and given her history they admitted her. CT scan revealed enlarged spleen but pancreas looks ok (sigh of relief). They discovered she has portal hypertension which is abnormally high pressure in the hepatic portal vein. Cirrhosis is a common cause. (WORRY) But it could be fibropolycystic disease. She already has polycystic ovarian syndrome. (Don't know if this makes me feel any better.)

She is waiting to be seen by a new gastroenterologist. She requested a new one because the one she had would not talk to her except through his assistant who couldn't or wouldn't answer Hil's questions. Apparently her care has not been properly coordinated as her PCP has had her on viibryd for depression and buspar for anxiety both of which she says carry warnings about liver problems. They have not given her these meds while she has been in hospital and I am worried about the warning that you are not supposed to just stop taking them. Hopefully the pain meds will keep her calm.

Re health insurance she has just had promotion at work and there are other indicators she is well liked at work especially by her manager so I feel better about that. She says that she is now covered under the Family and Medical Leave Act which will protect her job and health insurance for 12 months. Though it is unpaid leave so I don't know how she would pay rent and bills, etc.

Bit more worrying because the fiance lost his job shortly after they moved in together. Luckily her dad bought her some income cover insurance for when she is hospital. She gets $400.00 a day for everyday in hospital. That will help. And they each have a car so one could be sold if needed.

Anyway I have had news and hopefully will sleep tonight.

Thank you all for listening to me and mostly for the love.