crystalsmom is right - there is further testing you can get done to get an exact diagnosis of liver shunt. they say an elevated bile acid test does not mean 100% livershunt. in our case with max, his bile acids were extremely elevated - fasting was 74.2 (normal is <10) and 2 hours after meal was 323 (normal is <20). after discussing this with our surgeon, we opted not to put max thru more testing and decided to go straight to surgery. our surgeon said he wanted to take a biopsy of his liver anyway which would require surgery so he may as well explore for the shunt then. we knew surgery was going to be expensive (ours was $1200).....not sure how much it will be in your area. it really is a decision you will have to make when you meet with your surgeon. each case is different. but i know you will do what is best for emily! please keep us updated!!
brooke & "max" |