Newbie to this forum - hello everyone

[IanM1957]

I saw my GP in March for a routine health check and I told him my ankles and abdomen had become swollen - he ordered blood tests and an abdominal ultrasound.

Test results showed Serum alkaline phosphatase level at 150 and Serum alanine aminotransferase level at 54 (both above the high reference limit) and Platelet count at 129 (below low reference limit)

The ultrasound showed -" The liver is enlarged and contains multiple tiny, echo-poor lesions / nodular echotexture.

The spleen is enlarged (measuring 17.7cm in length) and contains several small, echogenic lesions measuring up to 17mm, ? haemangiomas.

Appearances are most likely due to cirrhosis with portal hypertension on a background of previous viral hepatitis".

I've subsequently been referred to a specialist; had more bloods taken and am awaiting another ultrasound scan, doppler scan of the portal vein and an endoscopy to look for oesophageal varices.

The thing is - I don't feel unwell and I'm not jaundiced but I am concerned about what this all means for my on-going health.

[Radnor]

Hi Ian

Understandably you must be feeling bombarded at present with all these tests your facing. Many of us have been in this position , feeling well but being tested for so much. Liver disease is often silent, no symptoms whatsoever. We are not medically qualified to comment on test results but you are fortunate in that you are in this position. Diagnosis is complex because the liver is complex. There isnt one simple test, . Now if you were extremely poorly and in need of emergency services it would be obvious to medics that you were at an advanced of the disease. Only when all the tests are completed and assessed can you be diagnosed . Everyone of us is different, It is difficult having too wait, but you will get lots of help and information off Members, The best advise I can give you is to stay away from Dr Google. There is a lot of mis information out there. My story is that I wasn't curios at all. After being told I had severe fibrosis, the first I knew of it being serious was when I tried to get travel insurance! I felt fine , so was shocked when I did start to check this out. i asked my GP could I go for a 2nd opinion, he agreed totally as all my blood tests came back as normal apart from cholesterol. From December 2018 to mid June 2019 My head was all over the place.I had 3 years of seeing my results getting worse before this. You can read anyone's posts if you just click on their name. I dont want to bore everyone repeating mine but I will say it was totally unexpected and I am still on cloud 9! This group is brilliant for support and information,No one is judgemental either.The BLT has a helpline and you can call them to speak to someone . Hazelxx

[IanM1957 in reply to Radnor]

Thanks for your comments and advice Hazel - I'll post updates as and when I get results. Take care, Ian.

[AyrshireK]

Hi Ian, welcome to our merry band. The good news is it sounds like you've landed a good doctor there who is pulling out all the stops to get a full and accurate picture of your condition. Once a diagnosis is established you can then go on living. Look after your liver as best as possible and in the absence of current symptoms you might even be able to reverse some of the damage and hopefully remain compensated and well.

Many people don't find out they have an issue until it is very late in the day with advanced symptoms so hopefully yours is in early stages and can be nursed into an improvement.

Have a read at the British Liver Trust page about cirrhosis for more information. britishlivertrust.org.uk/li... The whole BLT website is a goldmine of information on living with liver disease, diet and support networks etc. I notice you've said they refer to previous viral hepatitis on your results, was this something you were aware of and has it/is it being treated?

All the best, Katie

[IanM1957 in reply to AyrshireK]

Thanks for your comments and advice Katie. Take care, Ian.

[Bootandall]

Hi Ian,

Welcome to the forum. Hope you get some answers soon, your doctor sounds great, very thorough! We're all in this together, when the shock wears off, we'll be here for advice and support. 👍😁