Newbie here

[jaykay1960]

After being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes about 3 years ago I was told that I had a fatty liver. This went on and was then told I had NAFLD which I accepted and changed my diet to be more healthy. A week ago onFriday I was told rather abruptly that I had cirrohsis of the liver. It came as a bit of a shock because no one had mentioned that this could happen. I have been told that I have to go back every 6 months for a check up and that they would arrange for me to have a camera to see how far them damage has gone. I feel constantly tired does the tiredness ever go away???

[Abby14]

Snap your story kind of sounds like mine. They just don"t give you any info or proper checks! you have to make sure you get them & how do you know what checks you need when drs don"t give you any info! I was told I had fatty liver & oh nothing to worry about! then after years of being ill & begging for another usound scan, I was told we are sending you to London! They thought I had Liver cancer! But it is Adomas Rare tumors. I don"t really get much help now!

[AyrshireK]

Unfortunately your diabetes is one of the risk factors for developing Non-Alcohol Related Fatty Liver Disease. Sadly once you have fatty change it can continue to lead to fibrosis and then cirrhosis - too many doctors down play fatty liver, we hear of people all the time being told they have 'just fatty liver'. Fatty liver can be tackled and even reversed in some cases, however, untreated it can advance.

6 monthly checks now you have a diagnosis of cirrhosis is normal - this should include blood tests plus and ultrasound scan. The endoscopy (camera test) is to check you for signs of portal hypertension which can lead to changes in the oesophagus and stomach lining and possible varices (varicous veins in your oesophagus).

Sadly fatigue for many folks goes hand in hand with cirrhosis - it remains my hubbies major symptom (after 5 years of diagnosis). You need to listen to your body, rest when you need to but also exercise if you can (even when tired out a bit of a walk or a swim or other exercise can work wonders believe it or not). You also need to eat little and often to keep fuelled as you will find your liver robs you of energy - it might start using your muscles for fuel. It would be advisable for you to request to see a dietician who can help you with your fuelling needs whilst eating appropriately for your fatty liver plus your diabetes.

Do educate yourself about your condition so you can spot if anything is going awry and don't hesitate to push for further tests or consultations if you feel something is happening. You have to take ownership of your condition, don't just sit back and waste away, push for appropriate treatment.

The British Liver Trust pages on cirrhosis and NAFLD might give you some more guidance - I certainly found the cirrhosis page a godsend when my hubby was diagnosed completely out of the blue.

britishlivertrust.org.uk/li...

britishlivertrust.org.uk/li...

As a newbie, you will no doubt get loads of questions popping into your head, no question is a silly one so if you want support and guidance fire away on here anytime. There are always folks about and folks who have been through or supported loved ones through exactly what you are going through just now.

All the best, Katie x

[jaykay1960 in reply to AyrshireK]

Ethank you Katie its nice to know I have a support line here

Jayne

[Silvermagenta]

Hi Sorry to hear of your condition I have fatty liver too. My GP discovered this on a scan for something else. The GP explained that it can lead to chirrosis and I knew a bit about this from a friends medical condition. My fatty liver is not due to alcoholism or Hepatitis as I have had medical tests. The Doctor made it clear the importance for me to take an hour exercise per day and no saturated animal fats or alcohol. I am tee total and being vegetarian before the diagnosis, so adapting to changes was a bit easier. I do take the very low fat red top milk and fat free yoghurt. I can't do my normal hours high impact cardio exercise daily which I built up to as I had an operation two weeks ago, Instead since the op have been practicing consciously an hour of abdominal breathing, short slow walks and last couple of days indoor exercise bike no resistance, slow to medium pace. Off lifting weight and intense cardio for six weeks until I heal. Going without chocolate and cheese was so hard initially but on a wellbeing level chanting helped me with the stress and cravings I don't know how this works but it helped me stay on track and the diet advice from The Liver Trust was extremely helpful too. Wishing all the best with your camera investigation, chirrosis is treatable and your GP will know the best way forward.

[jaykay1960 in reply to Silvermagenta]

Thank you i guess its yime to exervise more country side here i come 😁

[Silvermagenta in reply to jaykay1960]

Best to check with the gp before starting on the exercise though, they will know what suits you best for your particular needs, there might be an exercise referral scheme in place.

[Hidden]

May I ask please who it was that told you that you now have cirrhosis? normally this would be confirmed by having a fibroscan or a liver biopsy. If I was in your shoes, I'd want to ask as to how bad the cirrhosis was, and what other possible complication could follow.

The diabetes will certainly make you feel tired, and I suspect that the medication your now on could also contribute. When I was diagnosed with cirrhosis, I asked the then consultant if I should take any medication like iron tablets etc. He told me that there was more iron in a damaged liver than there was in a healthy one. But I did go on high dosages of vitamin d for a while.

Good Luck anyway.

[jaykay1960 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Richard jt was my consultant at the hospital. I have had 3 fibroscans and has said he wont do a biopsy as this could caouse more problems.