Fatty Liver

[DaftFlerken]

Hi, has anyone else been diagnosed with a fatty liver? I have had a recent blood test showing high liver enzymes & the Dr has mentioned fatty liver & cirrhosis. I'm absolutely terrified, have been referred for a scan but goodness knows how long that's going to take.
Anyone else suffer with this & able to offer any advice, especially how to keep the awful anxiety under control that i've just been given a death sentence

When i had ebv / glandular fever last yr - my liver numbers were shot

Yeah I have/had it too and no medics seem that bothered by it. Blood test, scan and diagnosed- referred to the NAFLD website, and that was it.

@worldwidetravel2017 - they haven't done that, I did mention it to my Dr & she said we aren't going down the cancer route as she's pretty sure it isn't that

I've had this for about 30 years NAFLD it is asymptomatic and doesn't bother me at all. They test my blood every year and tell me my levels are too high but I refuse anymore biopsies or scans as they always come back clear. I stopped drinking for a year, lost 4 stone and the levels are still too high. So I don't let it worry me.

@Chilicabbage - no I haven't been ill

My partner and i had an early miscarriage in sept

I unfortunately read that it puts u @ higher risk 4 miscarriage & preg complications

I was 2 stone lighter b4 ebv / glandular fever

... i also have CFS
So its hard

So much of it is diet
Cut crisps , choc etc

Have low fat soups
Salads
Flat bread
Less meat and def less fatty meats

so sorry to hear that @worldwidetravel2017

Btw, there are many stages before cirrhosis and even then cirrhosis is graded by stage so you don't go from a few higher blood levels to cirrhosis. MRI or Fibroscan are usually the scans - a Fibroscan is ultrasound so maybe easier to schedule if you have the option for private.

I don't think your levels are such that it would be viewed as concerning, they appear (to my non medical view) more indicative that lifestyle changes are recommended.

I've had NAFLD diagnosed in the last few weeks. Confirmed by an ultrasound scan. I have a hepatology appointment at the hospital next week, but I don't know what they will do there yet.

I also have type 2 diabetes.

I'm sure it is weight related for me and I have struggled there all of my adult life. I struggled to get it under control and a serious thyroid condition complicated things for quite some time. Now I seem stuck at too high a weight no matter what I do but I will keep pegging away. At least my weight is not going up any more and had even very slightly reduced at last measurement. I am quite careful what I eat these days, rarely drink, and I do finally have a greatly reduced appetite so I hope that will help too.

Good luck to you. I get that it is worrying, but I do know a couple of people with this (not even overweight in one case) who have lived normal lives for years.

I hope you get any appointments and advice you need soon.

I had cholestasis in my recent pregnancy and my ALT was 477. It's still 80 5 months on, no one seems to be that concerned with it.

@Topseyt123 - if you don't mind me asking, how long did you wait for the ultrasound please? That is what I have been referred to have

thank you for all your replies, it has helped a huge amount with my anxiety about all of this, i've been so scared

You will be fine. Your results are not THAT bad so don't overstress. Concentrate on making positive liver choices.
Mine still sometimes go up randomly when I have cold or something or VERY stressful timw. So I know to note it with the doctor.

also of note - some medications/herbal medicines are metabolised by the liver. if you regularly take paracetamol that could cause damage.
the herb 'chelidonium majus' (greater celandine) is often in herbal stomach remedies but is assiciated with liver damage.

thank you - I was wondering if I should be taking a supplement such as milk thistle but I will wait until I next speak to a Dr & ask them

@DaftFlerken I didn't wait long. Maybe two or three weeks.

@DaftFlerken I don't think it's a great idea until you have a view from Dr and I'm not sure milk thistle helps. Good diet, reduce/cut out processed food, limit alcohol and do more exercise is generally the approach recommended.

You maybe asked for fasting blood test before scan as that gives the better indication.

thank you, I will wait until I see the Dr for the supplements but every thing else is underway. Feeling a lot more positive

How are you doing ?

@worldwidetravel2017 - appreciate you asking, thank you. So far no news unfortunately. I have had an ultrasound which thankfully showed that my liver & kidneys all liked fine so my Dr has requested that I have another set of liver function blood tests done (appointment in a couple of weeks). We then need to take it from there depending if the results are still high or if they have gone back to normal. I was referred to a hepatologist however they told me they are currently booking appointments for referrals made in August so I expect that will take a while.

In the mean time, I have lost 13 ibs so far & no alcohol so I can get a head start if necessary.

How are things with you?

My mil is slim ans doesn't drink booze, but she has been diagnosed with fld.

So I'm curious as to what the cause was in her case?

Well done on the weight loss

Alt is the only liver blood linked 2 liver func , my consultant says.

Your alt can be up when u have a bug / virus/ infection

I had my fibro scan - too much fat in liver but no scaring

Gp has put in 4 more bloods

Mri in summer to check on liver

Has she had an mri ?

Hows her diet - does she eat crisps ? Cake ? Sweets ?

Does she exercise regularly?