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Lichen Planus, Not Painful, Liver Problem, Had High Bilirubin Count, Enzyme Test Normal, Anxiety, Huge Hypochondriac. Liver Disease?
Question: I've been half-way diagnosed with Lichen Planus in my mouth by a dentist on here--I need to get a confirmation, but it's extremely likely I have it. It seems to be the non-erosive kind--not painful. I am extremely worried I have some sort of liver problem. The dentist on here said it's not possible, but I've read studies have a hypothesis and proof of this correlation in studies. I had a high bilirubin count 3 years go, but the enzyme tests came back normal three times since. I have high anxiety and a huge hypochondriac, but I've read so much about the correlation, I cant stop obsessing about it and I don't have insurance till 3/1/12. I've been sexually active (heterosexual), but I've never had tattoos, shared needles, or anything relative to that. I wear dentures.
The Dentist told me there's no chance it can be linked to liver disease. Im really worried now. I just had my enzymes checked in XXXXXXX of 2011 for the 3rd time in 3 years, and it came out normal. I think I'll get tested tomorrow even if I don't have insurance. Can you get an American doctor to follow up? No offense but they see more cases of this here. Thanks.
The Dentist told me there's no chance it can be linked to liver disease. Im really worried now. I just had my enzymes checked in XXXXXXX of 2011 for the 3rd time in 3 years, and it came out normal. I think I'll get tested tomorrow even if I don't have insurance. Can you get an American doctor to follow up? No offense but they see more cases of this here. Thanks.
Hello and thank you for sending your question.
Your question is a very good one and I will work I'm providing you with some good information and recommendations regarding what is going on.
First of all, let me reassure you that I do not think you were dealing with any type of chronic liver disease. Please save your money and wait until you have insurance in order to have any follow-up laboratory testing performed.
Lichen planus is much more commonly associated with allergic types of reactions as well as reactions to a number of different medications. Sometimes this type of thing occurs without any obvious causative factor. In your case unless you have risk factors for hepatitis C such as intravenous or intranasal drug use or extreme promiscuity or exposure to infected blood products, then you really do not have much of anything to worry about.
Right now, I would focus on maintaining a good degree of the general health including a good diet as well as healthy exercise. I agree with your dentist that you do not have any signs of active liver disease. With this in mind again, I would not recommend having your blood tested until you have insurance.
I again thank you for submitting your question. I hope you found my response to be helpful and informative. If you have any additional concerns, I would be happy to discuss those with you.
Sincerely,
Dr. Robert
Your question is a very good one and I will work I'm providing you with some good information and recommendations regarding what is going on.
First of all, let me reassure you that I do not think you were dealing with any type of chronic liver disease. Please save your money and wait until you have insurance in order to have any follow-up laboratory testing performed.
Lichen planus is much more commonly associated with allergic types of reactions as well as reactions to a number of different medications. Sometimes this type of thing occurs without any obvious causative factor. In your case unless you have risk factors for hepatitis C such as intravenous or intranasal drug use or extreme promiscuity or exposure to infected blood products, then you really do not have much of anything to worry about.
Right now, I would focus on maintaining a good degree of the general health including a good diet as well as healthy exercise. I agree with your dentist that you do not have any signs of active liver disease. With this in mind again, I would not recommend having your blood tested until you have insurance.
I again thank you for submitting your question. I hope you found my response to be helpful and informative. If you have any additional concerns, I would be happy to discuss those with you.
Sincerely,
Dr. Robert
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Aparna Kohli
Thank you Dr. XXXXXXX I have severe anxiety and i am a hypochondriac, so I deal with these issues quite often. I did take Aleve several times over the past few months because my TMJ gives me severe headaces; this has happened since Ive been off therapy. I hope to get back on it soon!
Could Aleve contribute?
I had a liver function test in XXXXXXX and it came out normal, but I am sexually active. This is why I am a little worried about the Hep C, even though it sounds like you cant get it from that. From what you are describing, health professionals wouldn't use this as a sign your immune system is out of wack I'd imagine.
Thank you for following up. It's important I have the piece of mind to make it until next Thrusday when I am resume my mental (and physical) treatments.
One follow up question. I have small hard bumps under my ears that I can feel when I tilt my head up. I think it's been there for years (in fact im sure of it). Those are your glands right? Nothing to get exciting about? The problem with my disorder is I cannot tell fiction from reality. It's really hard to cope!
Thanks.
Could Aleve contribute?
I had a liver function test in XXXXXXX and it came out normal, but I am sexually active. This is why I am a little worried about the Hep C, even though it sounds like you cant get it from that. From what you are describing, health professionals wouldn't use this as a sign your immune system is out of wack I'd imagine.
Thank you for following up. It's important I have the piece of mind to make it until next Thrusday when I am resume my mental (and physical) treatments.
One follow up question. I have small hard bumps under my ears that I can feel when I tilt my head up. I think it's been there for years (in fact im sure of it). Those are your glands right? Nothing to get exciting about? The problem with my disorder is I cannot tell fiction from reality. It's really hard to cope!
Thanks.
Hello again!
Thanks for the followup. Regarding the Aleve, this has not been shown to contribute to any changes such as lichen planus.
I would recommend that when you obtain health insurance that you have a comprehensive screen including a viral hepatitis panel which I am almost certain will be negative for any viral hepatitis.
Regarding the tiny bumps around your ears - yes - most likely lymph glands and nothing to worry about.
I can appreciate that you have some anxiety about your health and am here for you to help alleviate some of that concern and anxiety. I would also strongly recommend that you participate in regular exercise, yoga and meditation to again help alleviate some of the stress caused by your heightened concerns regarding your health. You are a very healthy person!
Again thanks for the query. If I may be of additional assistance please let me know. Otherwise please accept my response.
Sincerely,
Dr. Robert
Thanks for the followup. Regarding the Aleve, this has not been shown to contribute to any changes such as lichen planus.
I would recommend that when you obtain health insurance that you have a comprehensive screen including a viral hepatitis panel which I am almost certain will be negative for any viral hepatitis.
Regarding the tiny bumps around your ears - yes - most likely lymph glands and nothing to worry about.
I can appreciate that you have some anxiety about your health and am here for you to help alleviate some of that concern and anxiety. I would also strongly recommend that you participate in regular exercise, yoga and meditation to again help alleviate some of the stress caused by your heightened concerns regarding your health. You are a very healthy person!
Again thanks for the query. If I may be of additional assistance please let me know. Otherwise please accept my response.
Sincerely,
Dr. Robert
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
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