Too anxious?

[Benidormermick]

Hello i got diagnosed with minimal enlarged liver caused by a fatty liver, had perfect blood test and lft but I can't relax since I got diagnosed, thinking it could get worse. When I'm busy I'm just fine no symptoms but when I am home and start reading some post on here I have pain in the liver area how is it possible? Am I crazy? 😱 I stopped drinking alcohol seven days ago too I used to drink when I felt anxious but don't want to touch alcohol in my life.

[Hidden]

Heya, If it is in fact only fatty liver and it is caused by alcohol it will not get any worse. In fact it will resolve back to a completely normal liver if and only if you stay off any alcohol. No your not crazy. Our minds can do strange things to our bodies. Last year they tested me for leukemia and the whole month while I waited for the results my bones started to hurt. As soon as I found out the result was negative the pain went away. I knew even at the time the pain was in my head but I couldnt make it go away. LFT tests can be misleading I should add. If you really want to set your mind at ease fully ask the doctor for an ELF test. ELF can actually tell you of its more than just fatty liver. Health anxiety is a real bugger but none the less it is a very real thing. Congrats on taking the fatty liver serious by cutting off the alcohol. Not everyone makes such a wise decision 🙂

[Benidormermick in reply to Hidden]

I like reading your msg on here phoenix u are a smart guy and its a delight to read your opinions tbh. I did ultrasound too and they didn't notice anything except minimal echogenic liver, I might ask for an elf test now., not sure it's available in Spain though. If its not do u think I should push for a ct scan/mri ? I started to drink black coffee (never had any before!) and I think it's increasing my anxiety. My gp think I'm crazy I think coz I had 21 ast 34 alt and a ggt superlow. And I'm still worried.

[Hidden in reply to Benidormermick]

Thank you Benidormermick, I do really appreciate that. The problem with ultrasound can be that it doesnt detect fibrosis. Often it doesnt detect much at all until later stages. Which is definately a good thing in your case. However because it cant see fibrosis, early stages of it can be overlooked. ELF tests can detect this. Im not suggesting at all that you have any fibrosis and I definatwly dont want to give you worry. I just like to make sure that everyone knows whats out there to best screen for it if in case they do. I do believe it is available in Spain and ill send you a quick link to some info here. The beauty of ELF is that it is a simple blood draw. Nothing overly invasive and its incredibly accurate. Regardless as far as liver ailments due to alcohol the only treatment available is cutting out alcohol and eating a good diet. So your already doing the right things my friend.

Here is the link to the ELF info

siemens-healthineers.com/es...

[Benidormermick in reply to Hidden]

Thanks gonna check it out! but even if I have fibrosis or not I'm stopping booze and gonna have a great diet, got too scared. I'm forcing myself to drink coffee since it seems so good for the liver and I'm getting used to it. My gp prescribed me benzo coz he seems sure than I'm being paranoid and creating symptoms he might be right though I think I'm turning hypocondriac it's not normal than I'm fine til I start thinking about my liver...😔 I went to er coz I was sure I had ascites and ofc I didn't.. I might start taking benzo. What are your thoughts on non alcoholic beer? I mean the 0.0 ones ofc. I'm so fucking anxious than my ears are buzzing and stuff like that! I hate being that way. Might be the alcohol withdrawal too though.

[Hidden in reply to Benidormermick]

I hear you on the anxiety. Ive suffered with panic and anxiety for years. Its a bitch. But it can be beat or at the very least managed. I sent you a bit of info in private messege if you wanna check it out.

[Benidormermick in reply to Hidden]

Saw your pv msg phoenix I will answer on my laptop since it seems I can't verify myself on my phone grr

[Hidden in reply to Benidormermick]

No problems I feel your pain on the technical stuff lol

[Hidden in reply to Benidormermick]

Spain is actually the country that performs the most transplants per year in Europe, so I see no problem with you getting the right care. You are obviously registered for healthcare there. Good luck with everything. Stress, though unavoidable, is an issue.

[Ibrokemyliver]

I completely get where you're coming from. I have an anxiety disorder and drank to make myself feel less anxious. But drinking can make you more anxious and that's how we fall into it's trap! By quitting you have taken a massive step for your physical and mental health, which is so awesome, well done.

As for the health anxiety- I also get that. I've been having symptoms on and off for a year, with no real answers. As well as googling too much I also search a lot of academic journals as I have access to them as I am studying a master's degree. I can't seem to stop myself so.i have decided to use all that googling time to do something useful and research things I can control like my diet. I am also trying to keep busy to stop myself. I've started to walk more, which is good for my health, my anxiety and keeps me away from the internet! Just know that you are doing all you can to deal with your condition. I hope you feel better soon!

[Isabelle2 in reply to Ibrokemyliver]

Sport and meditation are both great for anxiety. There are meditation apps you can get. Some for free, others like headspace you pay monthly for. It’s not a lot relatively. Once you have learnt what to do you can stop the subscription if you like. I promise you, finding 20 mins in the day, for you, is great. Clearing your head of all the chatter is so relaxing. I used to be a sceptic but now my kids at uni do it too, exam stress etc.

As for sport I’m not quite the same expert 🤣😂🤣, but I know after 45 mins or 1hr at the gym I come out feeling really positive.

[Ibrokemyliver in reply to Isabelle2]

That's great! I hope to build up to that long at the gym. I also have buddify (a free app, I recommend it), but I have to admit I don't use it as much as I should!

[Owlie]

Hi, try not to google, easier said than done I know! Try and eat as healthily as you can and exercise and you should see an improvement...when I freaked out over my initial diagnosis my Dr told me not to worry as if I did this, the damage shouldn’t get worse. I know it’s hard, try and use that negativity to fuel a healthy lifestyle and you will start to see the benefits. Good luck and keep us posted!

[Benidormermick]

I will!

[Hidden in reply to Benidormermick]

😉🙂🙂