44 yo woman, presented to ER with jaundice, no fever, increased bilirubin. CT scan showed normal stomach organs. Liver normal size. No CBC or chem tests run. Admitted to hosp. After three days in hospital, sent home with no instructions, diet etc. Doc was assuming was Hep A. Hep A, B returned as negative. Now Hep C ordered. While at home, clotting time and bili ordered. Clotting time normal. Bili elevated. Patient starting to lose weight due to nausea and lack of appetite. Jaundice now covers 100% of body. Followup with primary MD resulted in "I don't know what's wrong, I'm stumped." Patient has appt with gastro MD.
Question -- ? gallstones in common bile duct ? Wouldn't stones have shown up on original CT scan? If Hep C returns as negative, where to then? My understanding is that you cannot contact Hep C without having contacting Hep B.
Any chair-side advice would be welcome. Thanks!!