Tight feeling around liver

[Midm]

Hi folks, about 3 months ago I went into the doc with lower abdominal pain, got a liver function test and it came back with an LFT of 75 and p(something) of 190 ( normal levels between 4 and 50)

I cut the boozing immediately but after this I had a pretty constant tight feeling around my right side around the liver.

After another 2 tests it was all normal, I also got an ultrasound which also came back normal other than a ever so slightly enlarged spleen but still within the normal range.

I still can’t shake the tight feeling and am worried it’s just hypochondria as the doctors are convinced I’m fine, could this be fatty liver or chirrosis?

[Midm]

Sorry I should also say I have zero other symptoms am 30 and exercise regularly

[jazzjam]

Hi, we are not to comment on test numbers. I can only say what I feel, your bloods are normal now and also the ultrasound, I personally would take that to be true and keep going with you exercise, healthy eating and no/reduced alcohol (that’s really you and your docs call). Something obvious happened to make you levels raise, have a think back to what was happening at that time.

I have cirrhosis and I don’t believe I have ever had a feeling around my liver. I do have a hurt (that’s the best way to describe it) what feels to be under my right lung, which is sort of the area of the liver also, but I was told this is costochondritis, due to having a biopsy and drains on my lung, I think the medical word means damaged cartilage, which can be caused by lots of things really, falling off a bike, twisting bad whilst lifting etc..

I hope that’s helped a little to ease your mind. I do believe in the strength of the mind and think sometimes you think something is there when it isn’t, due to worry about it as you mentioned. Don’t rule out going back for a checkup at some point though. All the best

[Hidden]

Jazz is right we cant comment on the test results but, just to add a bit here, splenomegaly (enlarged spleen) is very rarely a primary issue. Over 95 percent of the time its a secondary response to something else. Not at all trying to worry you but, if your doctor is saying an enlargment of the spleen is considered normal than Id suggest you see a different doctor. Preferably a heamotologist or a hepatologist. Causes of mild splenomegaly are plentiful and can be as simple as a mono infection. However it should never be overlooked as there are many ailments where an enlarged spleen is the only presenting symptom in an otherwise asymptomatic ailment.

Let us know how you get on.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Come on then Phoenix 😁 what’s a “mono infection”. You and your technical terms 😁 I don’t know - anyone would think you’re a liver consultant. Well you tell us more than most of mine do 👍😁

Miles

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Lol "Mono" like the kissing disease.

[Owlie in reply to Hidden]

Are you referring to Infectious mononucleosis by any chance? Had it twice!

[Hidden in reply to Owlie]

Yes exactly

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Hey up Phoenix lad

Aha I always knew that as Glandular fever. That’s what they called it when our 7 year old got it - so I don’t know what he was up to. 😁. That was 27 years ago now!

Extract from NHS website:-

“Infectious mononucleosis (IM, mono), also known as glandular fever”

Milo

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Yes the very same Milo. Hey I was kissing all the girls when I 7 so he might have been! ☺

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I had mono at 12 and almost died. And Epstein Barr that every damn doctor always ignored and would say that’s nothing!!!! Ughhhh 😡😡😡

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Well I expected nothing less of you Phoenix 😁😁

[Radnor in reply to Hidden]

Epstein Barr Virus usually associated with teenagers. BUT it can affect older people too. I was 49 and it was the start of my health decline big time. I was diagnosed eventually by a neurologist after a brain scan and other tests. I still have M.E. and Fibromyalgia. A blood test would show if you have or had EBV. It remains in the blood . tried working part time but to no avail. My job was kept open for 18 months but I had to accept my fitting 48 hours into 24 was gone. I had a well paid career and no way did I want to finish work. One effect of it was a good one I could no longer tolerate the smell let alone the taste of alcohol. I wasn't a big drinker . I even said at the time if alcohol dependents were injected with EBV it may have the same effect on them. Ironic eh? Now I have cirrhosis from methotrexate.

[Hidden in reply to Radnor]

So interesting about Epstein Barr. I saw it on my chart and saw positive and asked and the doctor said no worries. And never discussed with me. I am so mad 😡

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Radnor and Nidia, I apologize, I should have clarified. I didnt mean to say "simple as a mono infection" as if it isnt possible for it to cause serious complications. As it can. More specifically Mono and Epstien Barr are not the exact same thing per say. The Epstien Barr virus is one of the most common viruses in the world. Most people have been infected with it in their life time. It most usually remains inactive and without any symptoms. It can cause mononucleosis in those where its active. This represents only about about a quarter of people infected and usually presents with symptoms almost predominantly in teenagers and young adults. The symptoms normally clear up in a few weeks for those who present with symptoms. However, in a small amount of people more serious complications can arise including liver enlargement, hepatitis, jaundice and enlarged spleen. Often in these cases the enlarged spleen is the only presenting symptom and thus splenomegaly should always warrant a doctor to screen for EBV.

EBV is very rarely fatal but as you both know its definately possible for that to happen and is again something a doctor should always screen for and take serious. You are totally right about that!🙂

I suppose I meant simple just in comparison to other causes of enlarged spleens like cirrhosis, Leukemias, lymphomas, malaria, gauchers disease etc.

[Radnor in reply to Hidden]

I get pain around both sides of my ribs it doesnt feel internal but it does hurt. May be worth looking at fibro as it causes a number of symptoms that are also shown as liver problems. ME is only diagnosed after all other possibilities are eliminated. The biggest similarity to liver problems is the fatigue. I find wheat bags very helpful they sooth pain. I also hae psoriasis and psor. arthritis so its perm any one from 10 as to which pain is what lol. Not forgetting osteo arthritis so I tend not to try and work out what is caused by what now .Finally accepted I'm a crock!

[Hidden in reply to Radnor]

I have psoriasis as well. Ive read alot of studies finding that psoriasis and liver disease are linked. Wish I could find more out about that link and what it can mean for us. Interestingly a doctor in India published a medical journal stating that an already known psoriasis medication is and should be used for the reversal of fibrosis.. Which peaked my curiousity even more about how the link between the two. He of course didn't get into the depth I wanted him to in the journal as always. I hate when they do that 😡.

PS Hazel I love the new display picture. Its so nice to see a picture of you! 🤗🤗

[Radnor in reply to Hidden]

Love your new pic toox The Liver Prof I saw said the same that fibrosis can be caused by psoriasis. The drugs the Indian Dr may be referring to are the biologics. I was on the drug trial for Etanercept. when I got EBV. I tried it again 3 years later. My immune system was not at all happy. I was floored.I couldnt stand light sound and was bedridden for 6 weeks! It was cytokine release which can be fatal. 3 men in London on drug trial for something else all succumbed to this and died! Strangely was almos clear and no joint pain. Tolerated Methotrexate so well. Downside this is likely what caused my cirrhosis. We are not made right lol They say a creaking gate lasts longest so I take my optimism from that. Hazelx

[Midm]

Thanks guys I was thinking it was just gonna take time but I had a look on here and saw a number of fairly young healthy folk discussing ailments so thought it was good to check, was definitely drinking more before that, I get more bloods tomorrow so hopefully all good, great forum!

[Midm]

And @pheonix it was the ultrasound person that said the spleen was at the higher side of what’s considered normal but your right I’m gonna keep asking about it

[Hidden in reply to Midm]

Always better to bug the doctors I find. They dont like being questioned. But oh well. The paycheck im sure makes up for the bother. ☺