Does this happen to anyone else?

[Jojochr]

I was diagnosed in March, although still waiting on a scan my elf score shows first stage fibrosis. I changed my diet in line with guidelines on here and am steadily loosing weight, I noticed the full dull ache subsiding after about 3-4 months and my blood results have improved. However I seem to be getting really horrific flare ups of intense pain that lasts a week or so, extreme tiredness, red itchy palms, headache and feeling awful. Dr says not to worry because bloods look so much better. Does anyone else have experience of this type of symptom flare up?

[Hidden]

Hi,

It may be a good idea to report these symptoms to your GP who may be able to expedite the ultrasound scan.

Have you got a history of any gallstones or gallbladder problems?

[Jojochr in reply to Hidden]

Thanks, he is not fussed about making it urgent because my blood results are much improved. He said if I get jaundice to get back in touch 🤦🏻‍♀️🤔

[Hidden in reply to Jojochr]

If you are getting episodes of 'intense pain' the doctor has a duty of care to assess you. If it happens again you may wish to consider calling NHS111 for some help and advice;

nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/nhs-se...

[Ellewoods1]

You need a ultrasound. How often is your dr. checking bloodwork? Are your liver enzymes still elevated?

[Jojochr in reply to Ellewoods1]

I have been referred for a scan but he forgot to do it initally so that plus covid will delay it. They have checked my bloods 6 months apart and said they are improving but never said what they were.

[Richard-Allen]

Hi Jojochr

Some doctors tend to be a little too relaxed when it comes to liver blood test results. (This is my own opinion, as I have the same problem where I live). A person can have cirrhosis of the liver and still show perfectly normal blood results.

Telling a patient to come back if you become jaundiced is a bit scary as this would imply that serious damage is allowed to be done to the liver before anyone takes any notice. It’s a bit like saying, Oh, that splinter in your foot is fine, we’ll look at it again if your foot turns green. (Me being sarcastic, sorry).

Because the liver doesn’t have any pain receptors, it can’t always tell you when it’s being damaged. The liver is surrounded by a thin membrane called the “Glisson's capsule”. This membrane does have pain receptors. So, if the liver becomes enlarged, this membrane stretches and can cause pain and discomfort.

Early identification of what is causing the liver to become enlarged is important. This is to prevent further damage by identifying the cause. It will also allow the liver to repair itself. There are several different causes, but ruling out alcohol and certain drugs could be a start. Most medical diagnose is made by ruling out what it’s not. So, the sooner this is started the better.

I agree with Trust 1. I would go back to that GP and ask for this to be investigated further. Remain polite but be firm about your concerns.

If need be, think about moving doctors.

Good Luck.

[confused71]

My liver disease was due to being overweight and eating the wrong food --- I found that because there isnt any treatment until you get in UKuntil you get cirrhosis I was told change diet lose weight and exercise thats all they can say --- I get checked once a year to see if there is any progression ---my liver bloods are all back in the normal range however I think that once you progress to a certain level liver function tests can be inthe normal range

[Jojochr]

Thanks, I'm still waiting for the scan. Do you mean progress to a certain level as in you are living a healthy lifestyle which has helped your liver function levels to remain normal?

[Laurenluv]

Hey Jojochr! Any updates?

[Jojochr in reply to Laurenluv]

My symptoms are much the same but the pain is not so intense but constant. Really tired too but I'm working and hopeful I will see a specialist soon x

[Jojochr]

Hi Lauren. Nothing to report. Still waiting. Thanks for asking x