Looking for some reassurance.

[patrickh1969]

Hi All,

I am new to this website. The information people are sharing is amazing. Thanks to you all.

I am 48 and have been drinking more than I should for about 7 years.

About 5 years ago I had an ultrasound because of some pain and one of the things I was told was that I had a fatty liver. I took it easy for a month and then started my old habits. Over the last two years I have had a couple CT scans and an ultrasound and again was told fatty liver. My blood work has been within normal limits.

A week ago I had my gallbladder removed. The surgeon told my wife he was concerned with the fibroris of my liver. I have my follow up with him on the surgery in a week at which point, he told my wife, he would discuss it with me and refer me to a specialist.

The idea of not drinking doesn't sound bad, but I am freaking out that it is too late. I have 5 kids and want to be around for a long time. I know I should get more answers over the next couple weeks, but how concerned should I be now?

[Worriednut]

A Fibroscan could give you a clearer picture as to the amount of fibrosis your liver has. The continuance of drinking with fatty liver leads to fibrosis and from there it can possibly lead to chirosis. A small amount can be dealt with if it isn’t too far along. How much were you drinking? It’s not always alcohol that can cause fibrosis. Have you been checked for Hepatitus?

[patrickh1969 in reply to Worriednut]

I haven't been checked for hep, though I presume I will be soon. Given me history, I would think hep b or c would be very unlikely.

I would say on average over the last 5 years I would 2 or 3 beers / wine 3 nights a week and maybe 2 nights a month I would have 2 beer with 3 whiskey.

[Worriednut in reply to patrickh1969]

That’s how I used to be. weekends I’d go a little harder maybe a 6 pack on a Saturday. I’m having problems myself that I’m trying to sort out. I’ll try to remember to let you know what they the docs say. I think the big thing is I’d pass out without dinner at times and I fear that’s what’s going to do me in I’ll keep you posted.

[patrickh1969 in reply to Worriednut]

Well good luck to you. I never passed out. I would say I have really tied one on about 10 times the last 7 years. I knew I was drinking too much, but it was my habit. I am certain I can quit, now that I am afraid. Just hoping it isn't too late.

[Worriednut in reply to patrickh1969]

Also I’d try to get a fibroscan done as well and see what the results of that are.

[patrickh1969 in reply to Worriednut]

Ok. Will discuss that with doc

[briccolone]

Hi and welcome - if the surgeon is saying there’s fibrosis then the fibroscan will only tell you how much? Useful to know the levels -I would have thought you would be referred for a fibroscan . If you stop drinking now -good chance of fibrosis stabilising or reducing especially with diet /exercise- main thing is to stay off the sauce! You’re relatively young and the drinking history doesn’t sound wildly excessive. Get some more tests done and take it from there - best wishes

[kurtymac]

A fibroscan can give you a clearer picture of where you stand with a KPA reading. However, with the surgeon having "eyes on" for sure liver fibrosis. A liver biopsy may be in order, it will come down to the hepatologist when you see him or her. It's important that you stay away from drinking, which, I know you are already aware of. I've been on liver support websites for years now and worked in the medical field for 10 years to include college. Drinking on top of already knowingly having a fatty liver is one of the most pronounced ways patients end up with cirrhosis. The good thing is, the General Surgeon who performed the cholecystectomy, said fibrosis and not cirrhosis. Let's look at the positive, if you haven't made it to bridging fibrosis yet. Succession of drinking will allow your liver to heal up, as it is the best organ when it comes regenerating its tissue. Remember, if you get the green light, your liver has already been damaged before and its more susceptible to damage in the future. Treat it with respect, and it will keep you alive! An INR blood test may not be bad to pursue as-well to see how well your blood is clotting. Also, GGT can tell if you have liver inflammation and alcohol damage normally results in an elevated GGT. I'm not sure about the UK, but in American, GGT isn't normally done, unless asked or at a hepatologist's office.

[Paulio]

No point in beating about the bush mate: Listen to your body - it is showing signs of distress. You have to Stop Drinking.No ifs or buts and trying to think of reasons why you shouldn't stop.

Do yourself and your family a huge favour and simply stop. Do not put any more alcohol into your mouth.

[patrickh1969 in reply to Paulio]

Not sure I was beating around the bush, but perhaps I was not clear. What I tried to say was that the idea of not drinking again isn't a big deal to me, I can do that. I am just hoping that, having stopped, it is early enough for me to live for many years to come.

[Kristian]

I remember seeing a diagram somewhere that showed the various stages. It basically went fatty liver - fibrosis - bridging fibrosis - cirrhosis. I cant find it now, but it'll be out there in tinterweb land somewhere.

Ok, thats likely to be very general and a bit unspecific. However, it can give you a bit of an idea where you currently could stand. The good thing about the fibrosis stages is they are still reversible. You just have to remove the insult that is causing the damage.

I suspect when you see the surgeon again or speak to the specialist, they'll give you the best advice as to what you should do to prevent or restrict further damage from occurring. When fibrosis was confirmed with me my consultant told me to stop drinking. I didn't have alcohol related or fatty liver related disease, but the advice is likely to be the same. They may though just tell you to restrict it. If you follow the advice your liver will have the best chance possible to recover and you should have few other problems with it.

[Kristian in reply to Kristian]

The link below is almost what i was referring to. Its just starts at the fibrosis bit, but is quite a simple and easy to understand summary.

myliverexam.com/en/fibrosis...

[Warrior1 in reply to Kristian]

I think you're referring to the ishak scale Kristian from memory.

[19581979]

Hi Patrick

I think by now you know alcohol is a no no for you. Not sure if you smoke but that is another no no.

Watching what you eat and portion sizes is also important. The liver trust and NHS websites have some useful information.

Exercise is also important. So is managing stress. Trying to keep a roof over your head, keeping the family fed and clothed, trying to make sure the kids get a good education are all stressful. That's ignoring if you have a difficult job, family caring and anything else life throws up.

If your kids are still young enough to enjoy being out playing with you, having play time with them kicking a ball is great as it meets some of the targets of exercise and fun. If you do it as a family with the wife it's fun and if it gives your wife a break for herself for a couple of hours while you have the kids again you are likely to be in her good books.

In all fairness if you do need to improve your diet like I did, eating fruit, veg, lean meat like chicken and some fish and cereals like oats is good for you and a good habit to get the kids into.

I will be honest lifestyle got me reliant on convenience foods, take a ways or eating out. It meant that it not only cost me financially it harmed my health.

I have needed prescription pain relief drugs for some years they haven't helped either.

I think you have recognised the liver deals with getting rid of a lot of the bad stuff we take in. The more we cut the rubbish out the easier the job is for the liver. I wish I had been sensible years ago. Still I'm trying now and I can't change the past.

Hope things go well for you.

Gx

[patrickh1969]

Well, met with the surgeon today for my post op from my gallbladder surgery. I feel much better after talking to him. He said things like my liver looked "strange". He showed me a photo of it, and pointed out some things. I asked him his opinion of on a scale to 1 to 10 how serious is it right now. He said a 2 or a 3, but he referred me to an expert who I will see on 12/21.

Anyway, I have been eating better and have cut some of my less healthy eating habits and have also not had any alcohol.