Any Input??? Big Mystery

[Optimist4Ever]

Hi, I was recently told that my right side pain was due to my liver being significantly enlarged found on CT. I have never been a heavy drinker and only drink maybe once or twice a month. I’m a 40 year old female, not overweight and healthy in general. My liver function panel bloodwork came back perfectly normal. I had an ultrasound done today and waiting on results. My concern is why my bloodwork is perfectly normal and my liver is enlarged and causing so much PAIN. How is this possible??? My pancreas, appendix, kidneys and spleen looked normal and I do not have my gallbladder anymore. Can anyone help me out here as to what this might be? My biggest concern is that I know through genetic testing that I am predisposed to liver cancer.

[Hidden]

Hi

How are you feeling tonight?

I have an enlarged liver and spleen and get s lot of pain. My consultant told me because my liver is so

[Hidden]

I hope I can help with this in some small way. Firstly, the liver blood test are only a snap shot of how the liver is coping at that moment in time. A person can have Cirrhosis but there liver bloods test will still come back as being normal.

But, having said that, my wife is presently in a similar situation to yourself., and hopefully this might shed some light onto what might be causing your problem. Obviously, further investigation is required. My wife too is not a big drinker, a Gin and Tonic, maybe once a month. (Which I pour for her). She also had her gallbladder removed some years ago.

About three months ago both her Serum alkaline phosphatase, and Serum ALT levels both spiked. and were high over the Christmas period. Now they are all back to normal.

She too went and had a ultrasound carried out. It has been discovered that she has some left over gallstones which were now blocking her bile duct. ( I believe this is quite common in some people) The stones could be blocking the duct one minute, and then subsiding . We now have to wait until August until she can get to see a Gastroenterologist up at our local hospital.

Once they known the cause as to why your liver is enlarged, then it will be dealt with. I don't think you need worry about cancer as tumours don't cause any pain as the liver doesn't have any pain receptors. (I had five tumours with my old liver). However, there is a thin membrane that surrounds the liver. This does have pain receptors. As the liver expands, so does this membrane and you'll feel pain and discomfort.

Please hang on in there until the results are known. I know it's easy to say, but try not to worry. Good Luck.

[davianne in reply to Hidden]

Hi Richard,

August is a long time for your wife to wait to see a gastroenterologist. Have you tried asking for a cancellation appointment to get seen sooner?

David

[Hidden in reply to davianne]

I know, this is really annoying, is that I happen to know the senior gastroenterologist who will be seeing her. This sadly is a reflection of the state of liver disease within our region. I am going to be speaking to Healthwatch next week. It has sadly become a postcode lottery as to who gets the best treatment.

Many thanks David.

[Gjkas in reply to Hidden]

Richard,i wouldn't wait until August before your Wife can see a Gastrointerologist. 6 months, ( No Way ).

Why don't you pay private for the initial appointment. I would if it was me.

If you know the Senior Gastrointerologist,surely that would help things along a little.

In some circumstances, a little is such a lot..

Hope your Wife feels a little better soon..😊.Gjkas.

[Hidden in reply to Gjkas]

I'll see how l get on on Monday at Heathwatch. Thanks. Going private, isn't an option as it would cost far too much without private medical care insurance.

[Gjkas in reply to Hidden]

I've gone Private several times

for the 1st appointment. Youve said that you know him Personally .

Can't you have a word with him ???!

Surely he can help you if you know him ???.A Private Consultation,is only about £200 .Itd be worth it if you can help your Wife's pain surely

.Good Luck. Gjkas.

[Hidden]

Oops sorry, sent too soon!!

Because my liver is so enlarged it stretches the capsule around it which causes the pain, the liver has no nerves but the capsule does, hence that's where your pain is. I have heard that your bloods can be ok but your liver might not be . . I don't want to scare you and I don't want to worry you but this does happen and it's happened to me.

Sending you lots of healing hugs your way. Love Lynne xxxx

[davianne]

Hi, and welcome to our friendly forum.

I, like Lynne, have an enlarged liver and spleen, and have constant pain from the Glisson's Capsule mentioned. The CT scan would have picked up any liver tumors, and of course, you would have been told. You should get a referral to a Hepatologist, to see why your liver is enlarged, especially as your bloods are normal. I have cirrhosis, which is why my liver/spleen are enlarged.Depending on your diagnosis, you should ask for liver friendly pain relief, as some meds, are bad for the liver.....Ibuprofen for example, is a definite No No.

I hope this helps, and please feel free to ask away, if you have any more concerns.

David

[Gjkas]

Hi, please try not to worry too much about it.

My Daughter in law is only 35 years old.

She was having pains in the right side of her Tummy. After having a scan ,they told her that she had an Enlarged Liver but everything else was normal.

She don't drink.Leads a healthy lifestyle..

The Consultant told her not to worry about it. Sometimes it happens for no apparent reason. .

I too have an Enlarged Liver. But I do have a reason for mine.

While i was in Hospital for another problem .They found out that I had an Enlarged Liver,Blocked Bile Duct,Cyst on the Pancreas ,Cyst on the Kidney,Cysts inside and on the outside of the Liver..

Gallbladder problem with only 1 Gallstone. Im going to have my Gallbladder removed and the Bile Duct unblocked in a few weeks time,but they're not going to touch my Liver..

Also got a 16cm Haitus Hernia and an Umbilical Hernia..

My SON had an Enlarged Liver about 6 years ago. I must admit that he was overweight. But with a change of Lifestyle, his Liver is nearly back to normal. Strange. Gjkas.