I'm new, any help would be great for on my Sodium issue. :)

[Before_the_dawn]

Hi, I am 29, I am being referred for an Ultrasound on my Liver in 5 weeks time, after an Caridic MRI showed something on my Liver.

I take 'Lansoprazole' (have needed after I had a few cardiac Ablation) I also take 'Gaviscon' when needed, but I noticed both have a warning for 'Liver' I tried googling about the sodium content but don't to understand as it's not in grams! I'm not sure while I wait for the scan should I cut down one of them, and try looking for a lower sodium option in case that are the cause for my sudden liver issues? I would really like some advice if maybe I'm best to not change anything, I really can't get my head around mmol into grams to know just how much Sodium I am putting into my my body by these medication, I just feel so confused about everything and worried about another issue with my body along with my congenital heart issues.

Thank you if you can help

[Isabelle2]

Hi

Welcome. We're a pretty good bunch here. I hope we can help you. Why are you particularly worried about the sodium level?

[Before_the_dawn in reply to Isabelle2]

Hi Isabelle, thank you for the reply

I am worried it could be my salt behind a possible issues as that's the only change (those medication) since my last MRI and nothing was noticed to do with my liver. I wondered if it was worth dropping or looking into those medication as I have what feels like a while until the Ultrasound and wouldn't like to make whatever 'it is with my Liver' be any worse in the meantime taking them.

[Isabelle2 in reply to Before_the_dawn]

I am not sure that sodium is the cause for your liver problem. Too much can mean a greater risk of high blood pressure in the portal vein and it makes ascites worse, for example, but there are so many other factors which might come in to play. A change of diet or simply the slow development of another complication.

The good thing is that the change has been noticed and they are following it up. I’d really try not to worry as a lot of times these things turn out to be something benign, or the MRI suggesting there is something which is later not found to be there. I had that with a gynae examination last year. It put the fear of God into me, thinking I had a cancer in my womb when, a couple of follow ups, and a few weeks later, I was told the first test had been wrong and there was nothing suspicious!

As for the meds if your lasso is needed it is needed. As for gaviscon, I’d perhaps try not to take it but I wouldn’t stop drugs I had been told I needed to take.

Please don’t worry it is probably a false alert. Anyway with the liver things generally happen very slowly and people aren’t even aware if things are wrong for a long time. You have been told there may be something and it is being checked out far quicker than if you hadn’t had your MRI for your heart!

Please let us know how you get on and message me if you wish

Isabelle xx

[Hidden]

Are you by chance taking Lansoprazole and Gaviscon for acid reflux, or hiatus hernia? The image on your liver could be a totally separate issue, and not be connected to your other medical conditions. Because the liver doesnt have any pain receptors, we never get to know of any underlining conditions. These normally only come to light when something completely different is being investigated. It would be totally unfair to try and guess what this image could be, l know this is going to mean an anxious waiting game, but it would be wrong to make possible assumptions and guesses until you've had the ultrasound.

The liver is the biggest internal organ in the body. It can take an awful lot of abuse from alcohol and other medication. The liver also has the unique ability to repair itself. So, this shouldn't be an issue. Nearly all of us who have had a liver transplant are having to take Lansoprazole in order to protect the stomach. The range of medication we have to take post transplant, could do serious damage to the stomach and gut.

Try not to worry, and go jumping to the wrong conclusions. The fact that this image has been seen is a blessing, you are now in good hands. Good luck to you.

[Radnor]

On my latest visit to the consultant I asked if I needed to stop any of my meds incl Lansaprosol. You need to discuss this with the specialist, as we are not medically qualified. He explained to me that some meds may not be ideal for the liver however it is also about quality of life and pain control.I have stopped ibuprofen but he okayed all my other meds. We are all different and you have to be advised as an individual. 6 days later I got a call from my GPs . Time for my drugs to be checked out! I pulled no punches and said your nurses are lovely but I have just had all my meds checked out by a consultant! It good you have found this site, lots of lovely people and many are so well informed. Try not to google because there is some total rubbish out there or companies looking to sell their'miracle alternative meds! Many can do more harm than good. You will feel better when you have had all your tests etc. Livers are complex so a lot of information has to be collated first then a specialist can advise . Hazel xx

[Before_the_dawn]

Sorry for the late reply, I feel now I can update, my GP ran a few blood tests and some of them came back elevated as well as finding out I am anemic (I was on Warfarin so they believe is what has caused it)

My liver Ultrasound was preformed this week and they said it was ' a little bright' but are sending full result to the GP & Cardiologist. One of my heart meds called 'amiodarone' I was on last year can have a toxic effect on the liver so we are looking into the results of the blood test; along with looking at some of my current heart medications, diet and exercise habits which are limited thank to my lifelong heart issues.

Thank you all for all the support and response.