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Original poster

Liver problems

12 replies

SouperNoodle · 25/02/2023 13:59

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone has been through similar or has any advice (until I can call the GP on Monday).

In 2020 I had my gallbladder removed due to suffering badly with gallstones.
All has been fine until the past couple of months where I've been getting some pain from time to time. I've had blood tests in January and more last week and both show that my liver bloods are high.
Today I've had chalky coloured poop which apparently is due to lack of bile/problems with the liver.

I have a liver scan booked but it'll be about 6 weeks wait.

What should I do? I'm really panicking that I'll be really unwell by the time the scan comes around.

OP posts:
Original poster
SouperNoodle · 25/02/2023 14:48

Hopeful bump

OP posts:
Cranarc · 25/02/2023 17:36

Have you been given any medical advice to follow pending the scan? In your position I'd certainly be hoping the GP can speed up the liver scan. Otherwise the only thing I can think of is the obvious: be as gentle on your liver as you can. No alcohol, cut down any medications/supplements that are processed by the liver if you can do that.

Original poster
SouperNoodle · 25/02/2023 23:33

No, My GP hasn't given any advice at all.
My first appointment with her about this issue was in January and she said she'd refer me for the scan. I saw her again last week and she admitted she'd forgotten to send the referral but promised she'd send it that day.
I was less than impressed admittedly.

Thank you for your advice. I'll check my medications and see what they say about effects on the liver.

OP posts:
Cranarc · 27/02/2023 17:55

@SouperNoodle did you manage to get hold of the GP today? Hoping you got some help x

PillBoxes · 27/02/2023 20:15

When you say your liver bloods are high, what do you mean? Is it enzymes like ALT and AST etc. that are high in your liver function test?

The chalky stools as you say indicate a bile issue but bear in mind I am no doctor but I had similar in a past life. Touch wood fine now, my issue was infection at the time.

Drink plenty of coffee, yes it is recommended for liver problems. Look it up below, and the British Liver Trust website is a great resource. Hope you will be OK.

britishlivertrust.org.uk/information-and-support/living-with-a-liver-condition/diet-and-liver-disease/coffee-and-the-liver/#:~:text=Coffee%20also%20lowers%20the%20risk,liver%20disease%20in%20some%20patients

Eightiesgirl · 27/02/2023 20:26

I had high liver enzyme results in 2021. I drank weekends only but drank about 1 to 2 bottles of wine at a time and a few gin and tonics. I also had quite a high fat diet and was overweight. I recently had to have blood tests and had about 8 weeks to wait before having them. During that time I gave up alcohol completely, cut out carbs and high fat foods from my diet and included more vegetables and lost a stone. I've just had my results and my liver function tests are now normal. I also had chalky stools, the first time in 2021 when I was diagnosed with malabsortion due to a stomach infection. It actually took months to clear up. Then, at the end of last year I had stomach ache and chalky stools again. I've been on Lansoprazole and completely changed my diet and my stools have returned to normal. I convinced myself I had liver failure but there are lots of much less serious things that can cause chalky coloured stools.

Eightiesgirl · 27/02/2023 20:29

I also had a scan and my liver looked fine. I was told it was slightly fatty but that losing weight would help.

Original poster
SouperNoodle · 27/02/2023 21:04

Thanks for your replies everyone!
I'm a big coffee lover so I can definitely incorporate more, no problem! 😁

I'm not sure completely which liver bloods were high but definitely AST. She said there were 3 and all were elevated.

The Dr suspects I have gallstones again despite having my gallbladder removed 2.5 years ago. I have weeks to wait on the scan but they've asked me to come in again on thursday to discuss the bloods and have my blood pressure and weight done.

I am overweight and I know I need to eat less fatty foods and have a lifestyle change. I struggle with my relationship with food so I'm honestly not surprised that I have gallstones again.

OP posts:
Crikeyalmighty · 28/02/2023 10:52

My liver enzymes are slighty raised - apparently in chronic conditions they tend to be very raised. I also had my gall bladder out 30 years ago and am on statins and beta blockers- apparently slightly raised results are common with this especially if overweight (I am) even if not a huge drinker. It's usually a non alcoholic fatty liver. I am dieting at moment !!

KoochieRyder · 06/08/2023 23:43

how did you get on with your scan? I’m booked in for one on Thursday and nervous. My liver function tests were fine in March but have been raised since so scan is the next step. This sounds stupid - I am a worrier - I want to know it’s nothing bad but not if it is!

IHateLegDay · 07/08/2023 00:24

KoochieRyder · 06/08/2023 23:43

how did you get on with your scan? I’m booked in for one on Thursday and nervous. My liver function tests were fine in March but have been raised since so scan is the next step. This sounds stupid - I am a worrier - I want to know it’s nothing bad but not if it is!

Hi!
I have slight fatty liver which is apparently quite common after having a gallbladder removed.
I just have to be careful to reduce the amount of fat in my diet 🙂

Good luck with your scan! I hope all goes well.
Please update us 😊 xx

Crikeyalmighty · 07/08/2023 09:49

@IHateLegDay mine have always been slightly raised too post gall bladder removal - GP realises that, logical really as gall bladder helps in burning fat. They are just over the top end of usual range but apparently if you have big liver issues they are usually considerably over

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