Magpiezoe
05-07-2002, 09:33 AM
Hello, Has anyone out there heard of or combatted a fatty liver? My friend was just diagnosed with a fatty liver and I was wondering what causes it and how to live with it? Her doctor suggested a vegan diet, which sounds really drastic to me. Thank you.
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Magpie
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Magpie
Sponsor
bird123
06-03-2002, 02:12 AM
Well, if hi fatty liver is related to alcohol abuse, your friend needs to stop drinking. If it is not alcohol-related fatty liver, then weight loss is the cornerstone of treatment in those who are obese.
Other treatments for nonalcoholic fatty liver that are being studied include vitamin E and ursodiol.
Other treatments for nonalcoholic fatty liver that are being studied include vitamin E and ursodiol.
Magpiezoe
06-04-2002, 12:28 PM
Hello, It's non-alcoholic. From my understanding by what she's saying her doctor said is that she has to cut the fat intake in her diet, and that it will never reverse. Her doctor continued to say that it can advance and damage the liver if she doesn't loose weight. The funny thing is that she is not concidered obese; eventhough, she is slightly overwieght. I read that you only need to be 10% overwieght for this to happen. I'm interested in the vitamin E thing, because I remember she was told to take vitamin E when her hair was falling out from stress. The hair stopped falling out, so she stopped taking vitamin E. Thanks.
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Magpie
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Magpie
bird123
06-04-2002, 09:32 PM
There was an unteresting article on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease published in the New England Jornal of Medicine a few weeks ago. If you want, I can e-mail it to you. It too large to post it here and on-line access is restricted.
Magpiezoe
06-06-2002, 02:44 PM
Hello, Thanks! All I need is the date/volume and issue so I can look it up.
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Magpie
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Magpie
bird123
06-06-2002, 11:59 PM
N Engl J Med 2002; 346:1221-1231, Apr 18, 2002.
Alexhouse
08-27-2003, 09:51 PM
I would LOVE to have a copy of this article. Could you please e-mail it to me at [removed]?
Thank you very much.
Originally posted by bird123:
There was an unteresting article on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease published in the New England Jornal of Medicine a few weeks ago. If you want, I can e-mail it to you. It too large to post it here and on-line access is restricted.
Thank you very much.
Originally posted by bird123:
There was an unteresting article on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease published in the New England Jornal of Medicine a few weeks ago. If you want, I can e-mail it to you. It too large to post it here and on-line access is restricted.
Moxie75
08-29-2003, 12:55 PM
I went and had a CT scan and it came back extensive fatty liver..i went to a GI man and he told me that CT scans aren't as they seem and the only way to tell for sure is to do a liver biopsy and he felt that this was not necessary. I do not drink excessively but he told me to stop until my liver enzymes are back to normal..he also said that being a little overweight he felt was the real cause..I'm desparately trying to lose but I am perimenopausal as well. You can starve yourself all day and still gain with that cross to bear...Anyway my point is that he told me that fatty liver is definitely reversible in a matter of 3 months..Lisa
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ON THE WAY TO CAPE MAY!!!!!
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ON THE WAY TO CAPE MAY!!!!!
Magpiezoe
08-29-2003, 05:14 PM
Hi Moxie, Yep, all you have to be is 10% overweight for the non-alcoholic fatty liver. I never hear of it repairing itself though. My sister had a biopsy and her's really is a fatty liver. She's having trouble loosing weight too and is also post-menapausal. The biggest problem is getting her to stop snacking on fatty food at night! She does great with her breakfast and lunch. (Bkf.- coffie and cherrios, lunch- water, salad with fat-free dressing, and fruit) It took me a long time to convince her to eat some fruit.
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Magpie
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Magpie
LauraE25
08-29-2003, 07:20 PM
I don't want to scare you or anything, but my doctor DID do a biopsy when he suspected I had fatty liver, not only was it confirmed, but it was found out that it had caused so much damage to my liver that I am "teetering" on cirrhosis. When damage occurs due to fatty liver, it's called nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Some people can have fatty liver, others get liver damage by it, even sometimes cirrhosis. The only way to determine this is by liver biopsy. The goal is to lose weight slowly. 1-2 lbs a week. If you crash diet and lose weight rapidly, more fat can accumulate in the liver and cause more damage. I don't think it was wise for the doc to tell you it definitely would be ok in 3 months if you loss weight. I know from researching fatty liver that even if enzymes return to normal, that is not always indicative of how much scarring is going on in the liver. Research also shows that losing weight doesn't always work in preventing further damage, but it is definitely recommended. I figure at least I'll keep diabetes away by losing weight. I don't need any further complications.
I hope you're taking the diagnosis seriously. It's not just a doctor telling you to "lose weight".
Laura
I hope you're taking the diagnosis seriously. It's not just a doctor telling you to "lose weight".
Laura
Southernlady007
08-31-2003, 04:35 PM
Please * Bird123 or * Magpie,
I also need to read this article but don't have access to N Engl J Med . Please send.
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
N Engl J Med 2002; 346:1221-1231, Apr 18, 2002.
Southernlady
[removed] [please remove X from email address]
I also need to read this article but don't have access to N Engl J Med . Please send.
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
N Engl J Med 2002; 346:1221-1231, Apr 18, 2002.
Southernlady
[removed] [please remove X from email address]
Moxie75
09-01-2003, 07:52 AM
Maggie and Laura and all who are interested..please read about fatty liver being reversed..everything my doc told me and what i have researched on the net say that it is reversible..please read all articles below..Lisa
http://www.healthatoz.com/healthatoz/Atoz/ency/fatty_liver.html
http://www.hmc.psu.edu/healthinfo/f/fattyliver.htm
http://www.merck.com/pubs/mmanual/section4/chapter39/39a.htm
[This message has been edited by Moxie75 (edited 09-01-2003).]
http://www.healthatoz.com/healthatoz/Atoz/ency/fatty_liver.html
http://www.hmc.psu.edu/healthinfo/f/fattyliver.htm
http://www.merck.com/pubs/mmanual/section4/chapter39/39a.htm
[This message has been edited by Moxie75 (edited 09-01-2003).]
LauraE25
09-01-2003, 12:52 PM
Hi there,
Yes, I agree, it can be reversed... but the only way you can tell if your liver is damaged is if you had a liver biopsy done. B/c I did, I know my liver is in serious condition and was able to see a specialist who put me on meds to help with inflammation of the liver. My doc told me that even if the fat in my liver decreased, and some liver recooperation took place, I will never have a normal healthy liver again. I don't even technically have cirrhosis yet and he told me that. So perhaps the condition is reversible, but damage isn't completely reversible. I have high hopes though, that I won't live the rest of my life "teetering" on cirrhosis. Also, my doc told me liver enzymes are not always indicative of the damamge that's being done in the liver, and I've read a lot about that online. Only a biopsy can determine the amount of damage/recooperation that takes place over time. Fatty liver is benign, but NASH is considered a chronic medical problem. I just prefer to know exactly what's going on. I have read where some docs prefer to tell their pts. to lose weight and then recheck enzymes, and if they're not any better, than do a biopsy. I guess it's just done different b/w docs. Thanks for posting the articles- very interesting!
Laura
Yes, I agree, it can be reversed... but the only way you can tell if your liver is damaged is if you had a liver biopsy done. B/c I did, I know my liver is in serious condition and was able to see a specialist who put me on meds to help with inflammation of the liver. My doc told me that even if the fat in my liver decreased, and some liver recooperation took place, I will never have a normal healthy liver again. I don't even technically have cirrhosis yet and he told me that. So perhaps the condition is reversible, but damage isn't completely reversible. I have high hopes though, that I won't live the rest of my life "teetering" on cirrhosis. Also, my doc told me liver enzymes are not always indicative of the damamge that's being done in the liver, and I've read a lot about that online. Only a biopsy can determine the amount of damage/recooperation that takes place over time. Fatty liver is benign, but NASH is considered a chronic medical problem. I just prefer to know exactly what's going on. I have read where some docs prefer to tell their pts. to lose weight and then recheck enzymes, and if they're not any better, than do a biopsy. I guess it's just done different b/w docs. Thanks for posting the articles- very interesting!
Laura
Moxie75
09-01-2003, 01:24 PM
Laura,
did you have other liver function tests done prior to getting a biopsy? I'm curious cause my doc did those and said there was no need for a biopsy because they all came back normal. I do agree with what you said about if your liver is already damaged there is no point of return on that damage but I have read that fatty liver does not always mean damage either..i'm holding out hope for you and the rest of us that there is life after fatty livers..thanks for the post, Lisa
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ON THE WAY TO CAPE MAY!!!!!
did you have other liver function tests done prior to getting a biopsy? I'm curious cause my doc did those and said there was no need for a biopsy because they all came back normal. I do agree with what you said about if your liver is already damaged there is no point of return on that damage but I have read that fatty liver does not always mean damage either..i'm holding out hope for you and the rest of us that there is life after fatty livers..thanks for the post, Lisa
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ON THE WAY TO CAPE MAY!!!!!
LauraE25
09-01-2003, 04:18 PM
Hi there,
I had a full liver panel done, including tests for different liver diseases- the only numbers that were off were the ALT and AST. Everything else was totally normal. Even my ultrasound was normal. It wasn't until I had the biopsy that we found out that the extent of the problem was revealed.
Laura
I had a full liver panel done, including tests for different liver diseases- the only numbers that were off were the ALT and AST. Everything else was totally normal. Even my ultrasound was normal. It wasn't until I had the biopsy that we found out that the extent of the problem was revealed.
Laura
Moxie75
09-01-2003, 08:19 PM
Are you okay or what? this is alarming to hear this and what steps are you taking and how do you feel? Did you have side pain? Please tell me any symptoms you had that made you get a liver biopsy. I spoke to 2 different specailists and they both said it was extreme to have a biopsy with only liver enzymes elevated...thanks for the info, Lisa
PS by the way I do not have NASH as you say you have..that is what you said that you have right?
[This message has been edited by Moxie75 (edited 09-02-2003).]
PS by the way I do not have NASH as you say you have..that is what you said that you have right?
[This message has been edited by Moxie75 (edited 09-02-2003).]
LauraE25
09-02-2003, 01:07 PM
Moxie-
First, to be honest, you can't say you don't have NASH if you haven't had a biopsy. That is how they diagnose it. Fatty liver is benign, causes no damage. NASH is when the fat causes damage. You haven't had a biopsy done, so there is NO way to determine what is happening in terms of damage. They look at enzymes as an indication of what MAY be happening, but as I said before, they are not always indicative of damage. People can have slightly elevated enzymes and lots of damage, others can have super high enzymes, and only a little damage. Only a biopys can determine damage and confirm NASH.
Some docs prefer to hold off on a biopsy. I am SO glad mine didn't. It looks like my NASH progressed to the point of almost cirrhosis in a matter of a few years. Who knows how long/short it would have taken to get cirrhosis if I hadn't changed my lifestyle. People with NASH, about 30-40 % get fibrosis or severe fibrosis (scarring) and 10-15 % get cirrhosis. Well, it looks like I may fall into that small category b/c I am well on my way to that point.
I was diagnosed with elevated enzymes when I went to donate blood. At the time I didn't think I felt any different than normal. No pain, only a little fatigue. I was shocked to learn that something may be wrong. After I saw my GI doc, I realized I had been feeling a little discomfort in my liver area. I had always contributed it to being a normal ache, perhaps just wanting to ignore it. Then when I thought about fatigue, yeah, I wasn't fatigued often, but I realized after I volunteered at a hospital, I was ALWAYS VERY fatigued. Then I realized that was the only active thing I did. I was a student and spent lots of time on my butt typing, reading, or being in class. Now that I've gotten more active, I see the fatigue more clearly. If I do anything that requires extra energy, I'm wiped out afterwards. Luckily I'm good to go again after about an hour of rest.
It was very wise of you to check with 2 specialists to see if you needed a biopsy. People with NASH typically don't present with any symptoms. I've read of people getting to the point of cirrhosis before they are even diagnosed b/c they didn't know anything was wrong. Only a small percentage complain of pain/discomfort in their side as well as fatigue. I think fatigue is really hard to measure though, b/c aren't we all fatigued? LOL
My GI doctor sent me to a hepatologist and he told me to lose weight slowly, 1-2 lbs a week. I'm eating healthier, low fat, and work out. He told me to take Vitamin E and Ursodiol which is a bile acid that's supposed to help with liver inflammation. Hopefully less inflammation will lead to less scarring. I go back in December to get my enzymes checked again, but he told me to get a biopsy done in 1-2 years to check on the damage again. Many people with NASH progress slowly with damage, but mine hasn't. I guess everyone's bodies are different. I think my doc got the biopsy done b/c of my age. I'm only 25. He told me if I was older, he may have waited. Heck, even if I was 50 I'd still want to know and change my lifestyle in hopes that I could slow down the damage.
Obviously, I recommend a biopsy. I think it's like that with everyone who's been diagnosed with something though. People who have colon cancer recommend colonoscopies. Thing is, our cases sound similar, just like the other cases of NASH on a NASH support group I belong to. Again, it could be simple fatty liver. But you won't know that for sure until you get a biopsy. When's your next doc appt? I'd ask him WHY he's against a biopsy. It's really not that extreme of a procedure. With a little Ativan, it's no big deal! They just put a needled in you and extract some samples. Of course there are risks, but they are slim. I truly believe the biopsy saved my life. I'm stupid and wouldn't have taken it seriously if I had not known that I had NASH. Plus, even though the treatment of NASH is not concrete (they've just started looking at it seriously), I'm glad I'm on an anti-inflammation med and have the support of a good doctor.
I hope this helps some!
Laura
First, to be honest, you can't say you don't have NASH if you haven't had a biopsy. That is how they diagnose it. Fatty liver is benign, causes no damage. NASH is when the fat causes damage. You haven't had a biopsy done, so there is NO way to determine what is happening in terms of damage. They look at enzymes as an indication of what MAY be happening, but as I said before, they are not always indicative of damage. People can have slightly elevated enzymes and lots of damage, others can have super high enzymes, and only a little damage. Only a biopys can determine damage and confirm NASH.
Some docs prefer to hold off on a biopsy. I am SO glad mine didn't. It looks like my NASH progressed to the point of almost cirrhosis in a matter of a few years. Who knows how long/short it would have taken to get cirrhosis if I hadn't changed my lifestyle. People with NASH, about 30-40 % get fibrosis or severe fibrosis (scarring) and 10-15 % get cirrhosis. Well, it looks like I may fall into that small category b/c I am well on my way to that point.
I was diagnosed with elevated enzymes when I went to donate blood. At the time I didn't think I felt any different than normal. No pain, only a little fatigue. I was shocked to learn that something may be wrong. After I saw my GI doc, I realized I had been feeling a little discomfort in my liver area. I had always contributed it to being a normal ache, perhaps just wanting to ignore it. Then when I thought about fatigue, yeah, I wasn't fatigued often, but I realized after I volunteered at a hospital, I was ALWAYS VERY fatigued. Then I realized that was the only active thing I did. I was a student and spent lots of time on my butt typing, reading, or being in class. Now that I've gotten more active, I see the fatigue more clearly. If I do anything that requires extra energy, I'm wiped out afterwards. Luckily I'm good to go again after about an hour of rest.
It was very wise of you to check with 2 specialists to see if you needed a biopsy. People with NASH typically don't present with any symptoms. I've read of people getting to the point of cirrhosis before they are even diagnosed b/c they didn't know anything was wrong. Only a small percentage complain of pain/discomfort in their side as well as fatigue. I think fatigue is really hard to measure though, b/c aren't we all fatigued? LOL
My GI doctor sent me to a hepatologist and he told me to lose weight slowly, 1-2 lbs a week. I'm eating healthier, low fat, and work out. He told me to take Vitamin E and Ursodiol which is a bile acid that's supposed to help with liver inflammation. Hopefully less inflammation will lead to less scarring. I go back in December to get my enzymes checked again, but he told me to get a biopsy done in 1-2 years to check on the damage again. Many people with NASH progress slowly with damage, but mine hasn't. I guess everyone's bodies are different. I think my doc got the biopsy done b/c of my age. I'm only 25. He told me if I was older, he may have waited. Heck, even if I was 50 I'd still want to know and change my lifestyle in hopes that I could slow down the damage.
Obviously, I recommend a biopsy. I think it's like that with everyone who's been diagnosed with something though. People who have colon cancer recommend colonoscopies. Thing is, our cases sound similar, just like the other cases of NASH on a NASH support group I belong to. Again, it could be simple fatty liver. But you won't know that for sure until you get a biopsy. When's your next doc appt? I'd ask him WHY he's against a biopsy. It's really not that extreme of a procedure. With a little Ativan, it's no big deal! They just put a needled in you and extract some samples. Of course there are risks, but they are slim. I truly believe the biopsy saved my life. I'm stupid and wouldn't have taken it seriously if I had not known that I had NASH. Plus, even though the treatment of NASH is not concrete (they've just started looking at it seriously), I'm glad I'm on an anti-inflammation med and have the support of a good doctor.
I hope this helps some!
Laura
Moxie75
09-02-2003, 01:55 PM
thank you so much for your post..Where can I get this ursodiol? I see the doc in a month and a half..Lisa
LauraE25
09-02-2003, 03:20 PM
It has to be prescribed by a doc. It's used for NASH.
Please let me know what the doc says, I'm interested in what he'll have to say!
laura
Please let me know what the doc says, I'm interested in what he'll have to say!
laura
LadyWin
09-05-2003, 07:11 PM
What were some of your ALT counts to those of you with fatty liver? Thanks
Moxie75
09-05-2003, 07:14 PM
my AST is 64 and my ALT is 102.. Lisa
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ON THE WAY TO CAPE MAY!!!!!
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ON THE WAY TO CAPE MAY!!!!!
paborn
09-06-2003, 11:21 AM
I don't know what I have yet, but my ALT is 136 and AST is 100. Will have blood worked again in two weeks.
Shelleyuk
09-07-2003, 05:18 PM
Hello there,
I was diagnosed with fatty liver about 3 years ago. It was caused by the antibiotics I was taking for 2 months. I aslo had gallbladder disease which also could have been a factor. My liver results are back to normal now (at the time my Dr said they were over 500, whatever that means!). Since then though I have had 3 attacks of pancreatitis and suffer with SOD! Is your friend getting any pain or anything? I hope she feels better soon.
Regards
Shelley
I was diagnosed with fatty liver about 3 years ago. It was caused by the antibiotics I was taking for 2 months. I aslo had gallbladder disease which also could have been a factor. My liver results are back to normal now (at the time my Dr said they were over 500, whatever that means!). Since then though I have had 3 attacks of pancreatitis and suffer with SOD! Is your friend getting any pain or anything? I hope she feels better soon.
Regards
Shelley
Snotty
09-11-2003, 03:38 AM
Hello
My Liver specialist says I have Fatty Liver but refuses to do a Biopsy. How important is a Biopsy?
Snotty
My Liver specialist says I have Fatty Liver but refuses to do a Biopsy. How important is a Biopsy?
Snotty
Moxie75
09-11-2003, 10:03 AM
a biopsy is the only real way to prove you have a fatty liver..according to my GI man scans and ultrasounds are not always accurate..but there are risks with biopsys..like they may hurt your liver like lacerate it..i refuse to get one but that is just me..Lisa
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ON THE WAY TO CAPE MAY!!!!!
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ON THE WAY TO CAPE MAY!!!!!
Shelleyuk
09-11-2003, 05:39 PM
Hello there,
I don't think it is very important to have a Liver biopsy when you have Fatty Liver, as long as your Dr keeps an eye on your LFT's. I had quite a bad case of it about 3 years ago and as long as you stick to a low fat, low booze diet your Liver should mend itself. However, I am not a Dr and if you have any worries you should talk to them about it. Do you have any pain or nausea?
I don't think it is very important to have a Liver biopsy when you have Fatty Liver, as long as your Dr keeps an eye on your LFT's. I had quite a bad case of it about 3 years ago and as long as you stick to a low fat, low booze diet your Liver should mend itself. However, I am not a Dr and if you have any worries you should talk to them about it. Do you have any pain or nausea?
LauraE25
09-11-2003, 07:10 PM
I believe you should def. get a biopsy if you've been diagnosed with a fatty liver. There is benign fatty liver, and there is NASH (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis) in which the fat in the liver causes damage. I was diagnosed with NASH 3 months ago. The ONLY way to tell if you have damage to your liver by the fat is by biopsy. I was told I am "teetering" on cirrhosis. I felt fine before my diagnosis, only a little fatigue. Liver enzymes are NOT indicative of damage that may/may not be taking place. People with NASH- even if the enzymes go back to normal, damage may be taking place. The liver may repair some, but I was told I will never have a normal liver again by a Hepatologist at UVA Medical Hospital. Just b/c you feel fine doesn't mean damage isn't taking place. A biopsy is the only way to find that out.
Moxie is right about the ultrasounds not being good tools- my ultrasound was "normal", CT scan didn't show anything either. My biopsy showed I almost have cirrhosis from the fat. There are risks with liver biopsies, but they are rare, but you should be educated about it before doing it.
Laura
Moxie is right about the ultrasounds not being good tools- my ultrasound was "normal", CT scan didn't show anything either. My biopsy showed I almost have cirrhosis from the fat. There are risks with liver biopsies, but they are rare, but you should be educated about it before doing it.
Laura
Shelleyuk
09-12-2003, 09:32 AM
I wonder why my Dr said it was not necessary. Yes, I too had very severe fatty liver and did not have to have a biopsy as they found what they needed to find through my blood tests and a CT scan! Maybe it was because I had gallbladder desease and pancreatitis. I think the best thing to do is stick to a low fat, no alcohol diet and see if the LFT's go down.
Moxie75
09-13-2003, 08:45 AM
I have 2 doctors that told me that they thought it was drastic to have a liver biopsy. I went to the health food store yesterday and the girl that works there who is a scientist and she suffered for years with hepatitis told me that a liver biopsy is very risky and would not recommend it for a fatty liver or other ailments of the liver. She said her feelings were (and these are just her feelings) think of it logically they take a piece of your liver and test it. There is a risk of them lacerating it or puncturing something else and it is not 100% accurate once you get the biopsy. The most serious risk is internal bleeding. There is a possibility of a collapsed lung and injury to the gallbladder or the kidney or intestine. I have a history of a collpased lung and the pain that comes from that i would not wish on anyone. The way things happen in this world today I do not trust anyone to something like this for me but that is just me..Lisa
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ON THE WAY TO CAPE MAY!!!!!
[This message has been edited by Moxie75 (edited 09-13-2003).]
[This message has been edited by Moxie75 (edited 09-13-2003).]
[This message has been edited by Moxie75 (edited 09-13-2003).]
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ON THE WAY TO CAPE MAY!!!!!
[This message has been edited by Moxie75 (edited 09-13-2003).]
[This message has been edited by Moxie75 (edited 09-13-2003).]
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LauraE25
09-13-2003, 12:15 PM
I feel like I've already made my feelings known about liver biopsy, but I thought I'd add some links that discuss how risks of the biopsy are rare:
http://www.medicinenet.com/Liver_Biopsy/article.htm
http://health.yahoo.com/health/centers/digestive/250.html
http://www.gicare.com/pated/epdlv27.htm
http://www.liver.ca/english/liverdisease/biopsy.html
http://www.health.harvard.edu/fhg/diagnostics/liver/liver.shtml
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/articles/6006-1.asp
Most of the sites I've come across list the risk factors at 1/100 or even 1/200. Liver biopsy IS done for fatty liver, as I belong to a support group with many members who have been diagnosed with NASH after having the biopsy. Otherwise all of us on that site would have believed we had simple benign fatty liver. Hope this helps.
Laura
http://www.medicinenet.com/Liver_Biopsy/article.htm
http://health.yahoo.com/health/centers/digestive/250.html
http://www.gicare.com/pated/epdlv27.htm
http://www.liver.ca/english/liverdisease/biopsy.html
http://www.health.harvard.edu/fhg/diagnostics/liver/liver.shtml
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/articles/6006-1.asp
Most of the sites I've come across list the risk factors at 1/100 or even 1/200. Liver biopsy IS done for fatty liver, as I belong to a support group with many members who have been diagnosed with NASH after having the biopsy. Otherwise all of us on that site would have believed we had simple benign fatty liver. Hope this helps.
Laura
Moxie75
09-13-2003, 04:14 PM
Laura,
Did you ever drink? I know that my GI man told me that he felt strongly that I did not have NASH because I had wine at night with dinner. He also said that he felt strongly that alot of fatty liver cases stem from being slightly overweight and high cholesterol issues. I'm not an expert on this and want as much info as possible so your posts to me are very noteworthy..thanks for the links..Lisa
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ON THE WAY TO CAPE MAY!!!!!
Did you ever drink? I know that my GI man told me that he felt strongly that I did not have NASH because I had wine at night with dinner. He also said that he felt strongly that alot of fatty liver cases stem from being slightly overweight and high cholesterol issues. I'm not an expert on this and want as much info as possible so your posts to me are very noteworthy..thanks for the links..Lisa
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ON THE WAY TO CAPE MAY!!!!!
LauraE25
09-13-2003, 04:57 PM
Hi there,
Nope, not a drinker. I did about 5 years ago, was a college binge drinker, but not recently. My chol. is fine, but I am about 50 lbs overweight. I do not have diabetes.
Thanks for saying you are interested in my posts. I am never trying to discredit anyone's doctor for I know everybody is different. But I guess it's just that my case is so weird- I was symptom free basically (besides a little fatigue, but I always thought who's NOT tired??), and it turns out I almost have cirrhosis. My doc really had no reason to suspect i had much liver damage, he said to do a biopsy just to be safe since i am only 25, he was actually pretty surprised when it came back that way. So just like anyone who is diagnosed with anything, I am an avid fan of covering all bases. I will be interested to see what your doc says next time you go to him. I wish you the best of luck!
Laura
Nope, not a drinker. I did about 5 years ago, was a college binge drinker, but not recently. My chol. is fine, but I am about 50 lbs overweight. I do not have diabetes.
Thanks for saying you are interested in my posts. I am never trying to discredit anyone's doctor for I know everybody is different. But I guess it's just that my case is so weird- I was symptom free basically (besides a little fatigue, but I always thought who's NOT tired??), and it turns out I almost have cirrhosis. My doc really had no reason to suspect i had much liver damage, he said to do a biopsy just to be safe since i am only 25, he was actually pretty surprised when it came back that way. So just like anyone who is diagnosed with anything, I am an avid fan of covering all bases. I will be interested to see what your doc says next time you go to him. I wish you the best of luck!
Laura
Moxie75
09-13-2003, 05:32 PM
Thanks Laura..I am about 15 lbs overweight according to the SCALE but I have been bodybuilding for years. How can I not I live with a bodybuilder (my hubby of 23 years)? Well muscle is heavier than fat and my body fat percentage is 17. For me a scale is not the real deal.
I am never tired except for the monthly monster visit or when I overtrain but that is normal. My friends and family say that I am shot out of a cannon with my energy. I still want to know what is going on with my body and why this scan said fatty liver.
I will do what I can to make whatever changes necessary to reverse it. I want to live a very long life and have been striving to do so with my eating and exercise habits for many years. This was very distressing to find this out. Once again thank you for your posts..I will keep you posted as well to what happens in my sitaution..Lisa
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ON THE WAY TO CAPE MAY!!!!!
I am never tired except for the monthly monster visit or when I overtrain but that is normal. My friends and family say that I am shot out of a cannon with my energy. I still want to know what is going on with my body and why this scan said fatty liver.
I will do what I can to make whatever changes necessary to reverse it. I want to live a very long life and have been striving to do so with my eating and exercise habits for many years. This was very distressing to find this out. Once again thank you for your posts..I will keep you posted as well to what happens in my sitaution..Lisa
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ON THE WAY TO CAPE MAY!!!!!
builder
09-14-2003, 07:38 PM
If anyone has the article from the new England medical Journal about Fatty Liver...please email it me.
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ralve
09-17-2003, 05:35 AM
Hi everyone, sorry if I post twice here, I tried to post before, and got my password wrong, so I'm writing my letter all over again!! Yikes, anyway, I was diagnosed with fatty liver from elevated liver enzymes, and then I had a sonogram that showed fatty infiltration of the liver. I had several repeat tests that still showed the elevated enzymes. The doctor said to wait six months, and take them again. I waited a bit longer than that, since we've been moving around, and anyway, the last time I took a blood test, the ALT and AST were both in the normal range. I have been taking vitamin E each day, I don't know if that is what helped. My doctor didn't seem to think that a biopsy was warranted because that is invasive, and not without risks, so it's best to try other things first. I did a lot of research on fatty liver, since this was scaring me so much, and what I found out was that it's very common in overweight people, and those who consume too much alcohol. It's also more common in children than previously thought. So, it wouldn't be prudent for doctors to biopsy everyone who has elevated enzymes due to fatty liver, I think the doctors try to take a less aggresive approach, and try lifestyle changes first. Luckily, the things that happen in the liver tend to happen very slowly, so people have time to try that first. From what I've learned, it seems like fatty liver is reversible, and usually only a problem when the liver is insulted with other things also such as alcohol or tobacco, etc. And, some people with fatty liver do drink too much, and probably have a hard time stopping that. I think doctors would like to see people with this problem loose weight, stop drinking alcohol, increase your water intake (dramatically!) and maybe take vitamin E each day. Fatty liver is usually directly associated with your lifestyle, and a direct result of unhealthy living habits. Not a surprise in our world today of fast food, and families not eating dinner together at the table anymore. I remember when I was a kid, we had balanced meals each night, with vegies, etc. Now, our kids eat out of pizza boxes, and fast food bags probably more than a couple of times a week, and I am also very guilty of this. That is probably my biggest problem, fast food. It's fast, easy, and cheap, and the kids love it. It's really the hardest addiction to break. Any ideas?? I'm trying to fill the fridge up with healthier things, I know that being a Mom, I'm the one who has the control over what the kids eat at least when they are here. I'm shocked when I go to their schools, and see the total junk that the schools offer for lunch. I think that was probably true when we were kids, but the difference is that a high percentage of us went home and had a healty dinner that night. I don't think I had pizza as a kid for dinner more than a handful of times, and the only time we ate McDonald's was maybe for lunch on the weekends, and not very often. So, be harsh on yourself, and really look at your habits, and think about how you should really be eating. What is it they say, that we should be having six servings of fruits and vegetables per day? How many of you have done that this week? Not me. I guess what I'm suggesting is maybe stop worrying about the next invasive medical procedure you can put your body through, and look at yourself, and how you can totally change your life. There are so many good books out there on this, even Dr. Phil just put out a weight loss and health book, that I've been hearing is pretty good, not radical, but just healthy tips, and ways to change your thinking. My Dad was so healthy, and always tried to encourage me to stop going to doctors so much, and worry more about my day to day habits. I think doctors are in this position also, that they want to help people, but not biopsy everyone that comes through the door with elevated enzymes, and a fatty liver. Their job is also to help us get on the road to a healthier life, and it dosen't help just to jump from procedure to procedure, not making any changes in your lifestyle. Haven't you ever seen the person walking around with oxygen hooked up, and a cigarette in their hand? Anyway, good luck, and thanks again for all the helpful info that I get on here, this board has been great. Thanks, Val
chriscwharris
10-23-2003, 06:31 AM
Interesting thread this. I went to the hospital to have a routine scan of my kidneys and abdominal areas due to having a bit of pain in my left side and back.
Anyway, my doc had already decided I probably have IBS type problems.
I had the scan on tuesday and at the end the sonographer doing the scan said my kidneys look fine but my liver looks enlarged and fatty. Of course this blew my socks off... my liver, but I hardly ever touch a drink and I don't smoke!
Of course I've been in panic mode. I'm now waiting to see the specialist to discuss the situation. Is fatty liver something that can appear very quickly? I had bloods taken in June which all showed normal results from what I can tell, and I've never had any symptoms I would have put down to liver problems.
I'm male, 33, probably a little over my ideal weight but not a lot.
Anyway, my doc had already decided I probably have IBS type problems.
I had the scan on tuesday and at the end the sonographer doing the scan said my kidneys look fine but my liver looks enlarged and fatty. Of course this blew my socks off... my liver, but I hardly ever touch a drink and I don't smoke!
Of course I've been in panic mode. I'm now waiting to see the specialist to discuss the situation. Is fatty liver something that can appear very quickly? I had bloods taken in June which all showed normal results from what I can tell, and I've never had any symptoms I would have put down to liver problems.
I'm male, 33, probably a little over my ideal weight but not a lot.
Magpiezoe
10-23-2003, 09:31 AM
Hello, From my understanding and reseaching, you only need to be 10% or more overweight to get it. The funny thing is that not everyone who is overweight gets it. When you are an abstainer and have it, it is called non-alcoholic fatty liver. That is what my sister has. I'm still a little confused over the issue, because both her doctor and some websites say that there is no way to getting to completely go away...You can only try to keep it from progressing by losing excess weight, but there have been people on this board that say you can reverse it. The doctor put my sister on a low-fat/low-protein diet and exercise. Getting her to exercise is like pulling teeth, so I get her to go for walks with me during the day. I don't live close by, so I'm not there to motivate her once she goes home for the day.
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Magpie
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Magpie
chriscwharris
10-23-2003, 10:43 AM
I think the problem for me at the moment is nothing has been confirmed by the doctor, only what the sonographer has seen.
Keeping fingers crossed...
Keeping fingers crossed...
fwa1981
11-11-2003, 02:56 PM
There was an unteresting article on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease published in the New England Jornal of Medicine a few weeks ago. If you want, I can e-mail it to you. It too large to post it here and on-line access is restricted.
Bird can u please email that article at [removed]
I would be very grateful. Thankz :)
Bird can u please email that article at [removed]
I would be very grateful. Thankz :)