Advice for young person suspecting liver problems.

[atvjoel]

I am going on 28 years old, 145 lbs 6' tall. Since quit earlier this year but was a heavy beer drinker for several years daily when i turned 21. Drank before this age in my teens but was only once a week. At 25 got married and slowed down to once a week. Last year (2016) developed sleep problem and got on sleeping pills (ambien). Started noticing a fullness around my right upper quadrant last year around May-June. Had an ultrasound, blood tests, normal, went in my marry way until this year. More recently the past 6 months feeling really "swollen" in my abdomen, moreso lately. I had 2 ultrasounds done and they checked liver, kidneys, galbladder, etc bunch of blood tests including check for hepatitis, all clear. I am off ambien 100% but still dont sleep that good but have constant nausea, weakness, no energy, tired all the time, lot of gas, more recently last few days been getting top of head headaches. When im sitting at the right angle i can physically feel liquid to the right and left of my belly button, maybe 300-400 ml of liquid. My GI wants to do a CT scan next and more blood tests after my Family Practice sent me to GI. My skin is not jaundice and stool is usually brown. Feeling extremely weak and nauseous all the time. I did have small inguinal hernia mesh early 2016 but am highly doubting its responsible for the liquid in my abdomen. doctors tend to shrug it off like its IBS and really dont think anythings going on, but i do not feel good and evidence of liquid in my abdomen. Last few weeks more abdominal discomfort. Also feels like my tongue always dry. I think my wife is a match to donate a portion of her liver if i truly did have liver problems but cant get a doctor to take me seriously, feel sick constantly and its ruining my life. Anything not as serious that can cause ascites if its truly what i have? I was thinking maybe its seroma from the hernia but there is no way it could be seroma 1 year 9 months later and was only a small incision. maybe the sickness is from lack of exercise but its not explaining the fluid in my abdomen. its more than normal, doctors wont take me serious. Please help with any info. I thank you greatly for your time.

[AyrshireK]

Hello there, no one here is a medical professional so we can't offer possible diagnosis's.

However, from the list of symptoms you are experiencing there would seem to be something going on. Whether it's liver related or not none of us can say. It sounds like your GP has done the correct thing in referring you on to gastroenterology and hopefully after the CT scan your consultant may be able to shed light on your issues. When you see GI doctor make sure you take a written list of all the symptoms you are experiencing as it is easy to forget when faced with a doctor - a list might just provide the pieces of the jigsaw from which the doctor can draw conclusions.

I take it you are staying clear of alcohol for now? If that is the issue and you stay off the booze you might give your body a time to recover. I wonder if you've been tested for auto-immune conditions at all? Just because you do drink/have drunk it doesn't mean that will necessarily be the issue as there are numerous other ways people can sustain liver injury.

Hope you get answers soon,

Katie

[LAJ123 in reply to AyrshireK]

Completely agree with Katie.

Only thing to add is, make sure your wife attends all appointments with you. Two ears are better than one and she can give an objective opinion / description of your symptoms and how all of this is affecting your lives. You are in this together.

I know this is close to Katie's heart as she gives amazing support to her partner.

Jim

[scoobydoo10]

It really does sound like Chorrohiss to me as I have it and my main symptom is ascittis which I have drained from my stomach every 2 weeks at my worst they were removing 17 Litres at a time. I went through all the those tests and they revealed nothing all the while I continued to drink damaging my liver more everyday it went undiagnosed. Finally after being rushed to the hospital with severely stomach pain they did a Cat Scan that showed that I was at Stage 4 and needed a transplant. Please beg them for a Cat Scan because that is what it takes to show the true condition of your liver and it might not be too late for your liver to rejuvenate itself. This is life and death don't let them sit on this until it's too late and having your wife as a potential donor does not garentee you that she is a match so move quickly on this and Good Luck!!!

[atvjoel]

Were you jaundice at all leading up to that? I have never been overweight, if i counted all the days i drank would be probably be 3-4 years full time about 5-8 beers daily. Probably closer to 4 years. Thought it was swelling due to intestinal disorder until i realised there is fluid in my abdomen. If i were to guess probably 1-2 liters so its not a ton but still unfomfortable. I was taking 10mg melatonin to help me sleep and quit last night and my headache went away. Still doesnt explain fluid in my abdomen. I actually had a CT scan as well earlier this year and just said its just my constipation, but since then feels like more fluid in my abdomen. i know with a fact there is liquid in my abdomen and not at a normal level. its possible the liquid is not "a ton" compared to other cases which maybe why its not being caught and overlooked. I have heard the machines are not good at detecting under 500ml of fluid. I can still jog and excercise but overall my health isnt great. I have not even thought about liver until recently when i realised it is fluid in my abdomen because thought it would take a lot longer to permanently damage liver closer to 10 years. The doctor said my liver tests are better than his, but doesnt answer why there is fluid in my abdomen. What other symptoms did you have leading up to that?

[scoobydoo10 in reply to atvjoel]

When I was getting my fluids removed every two weeks there was a lady who I also saw often as we had the same doctor. Anyways she was always gone after a half hour or so while I was there for at least three hours. I finally asked her about her condition and she told me that she had no liver problems but for some reason she was retaining some fluids she told me that the Doctors had no idea what was causing the fluid retention. So maybe not saying for sure but maybe they just don't know what it is when your liver is normal. I know this is of no help to you but just saying there are people that have the same thing as you and doctors just don't know.

[atvjoel in reply to scoobydoo10]

Thanks for reply. I am starting to suspect thyroid as I am always feeling cold. Thyroid can cause fluid retention. Going to have my thyroid checked next. I have every thyroid symptom except hairloss. I had another CT scan normal. blood tests all normal. I do have fluid and the doctor had no explanation. Im switching doctors and getting my thyroid checked.

[19581979]

Hi

You are doing the right thing seeing your doctor and getting the referral to the gastro specialists.

I know you are not overweight but you may need to check what you eat. Try having more fresh veg and fruit and less ready made meals. Sometimes processed foods can upset the stomach. I know I used to lead a busy life and over relied on ready meals and take outs.

Exercise is also important. The other is cut out if possible the booze. The main reason I say this is the same as everyone else, if you reduce the toxins in your system it gives it a chance to deal with its own problems better. You might also want to keep a diet diary to see if there are any triggers.

Another thing to cut out if you have them are supplements unless prescribed by your doctor or specialist.

Exercise is important as it keeps the internal workings fitter and more able to deal with problems. Walking or cycling to work can help if this is possible.

Sleep. Some ideas to help. Take a notebook and pen to bed if you have jobs to do keeping you awake write them down and say I will deal with them in the morning. Making yourself comfortable in bed is important, check pillows etcetera for comfort. Are you sleeping on the right side of the bed for you? Sounds a daft question but my hubby and I both struggle if we sleep on the wrong side of the bed. Watch what you drink before going to bed. Caffeine is likely to disturb your sleep. Also don't go bed on an overloaded stomach, but equally make sure you are not hungry. Also don't go bed wound up, find ways to help you relax before going to sleep, so you have pleasant thoughts to drift off on.

Hope these ideas help.

All the best and may you and your wife have a wonderful Christmas.

Gillx

[Nick_123]

Was the operation done lap or open? If open there could be a retained swab from surgery. Its not impossible. Or could be body rejecting the mesh id they used it. Its all i can think mate hope helps. Good luck

[Graceisgold]

I experience the exact same thing - Maybe ask your GP for a food intolerance test; it turns out I'm super intolerant to gluten and dairy (nooooo!!) Best of luck.