Thank you for having me in the group and for sharing your own experiences, it helps.
I’m 42 and have 2 young kids.
I overdone it during lockdown and indulged in takeaways and wine.
in November 2020 I went to my doctor with a crackle in my throat, they done a full blood MOT checking liver, thyroid etc.
Everything came back ok, I was however told I was anaemic. (Still non the wiser on crackle)
I went back before Xmas had more tests and again all ok.
I started having a dull pain on my upper right rib cage so I was referred for an ultrasound on the 30/03/21 I was told it looked clear at the time and went away and again indulged over the 2 week Easter break.
I got a call on Tuesday last week from my doctor, apparently my scan wasn’t clear and he diagnosed me with NAFLD.
I’m pretty stunned, I’m overweight at 12.5 stones but have always enjoyed wine to, the doctor said the next stage is to do more bloods and tests to establish where we are at.
I’ve not touched wine since and I don’t eat fried foods but have cut out carbs.
im desperately trying to lose weight, I walk and do yoga for have signed up for more vigorous exercise this week.
I’m hopeful that it can be reversed, I’m focusing on my health and will visit the gym daily.
Week one of diet and exercise done and I wish I could say my tummy looks flatter but it doesn’t! Will just have to keep it going and hope and pray for the best. Xx
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Kwylie-12
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7 Replies
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Good morning and a very warm welcome to this forum. I think you will gain a ot of support from fellow forum members. It is certainly a shock to be told there is a problem with the liver but you recognise the issues ie losing weight and alcohol intake. You have taken the first steps - well done, don't panic ! It is important that you are investigated and managed properly by the appropriate medical team. Generally a diagnosis of NAFLD is made with bloods and scans. A fibroscan can check if there is any stiffness in the liver, there are also special blood tests - Enhanced liver fibrosis (ELF) and Fib-4 - your GP should be familiar with these. In addition there are NICE (National Institute for health and care excellence)guidelines on diagnosis and management. If necessary a referral should be made to a liver specialist doctor.
I am going to give you some links to information on our website, this includes spmething called the patient charter - the care you should expect to receive.
I am also going to suggest that you consider calling our free Helpline - you would be able to speak to one of our liver specialist nurses. Please don't use Dr Google !!
Helpline - open Mon - Fri (not w/ends or bank holidays) 10:00 - 15:00 0800 652 7330
The weight won't come off in a week you have to keep at it. To remain healthy you have to maintain a healthy eating plan not just a short term weight loss diet as such and then go back to old ways which includes getting shot of alcohol too. But life is far better without it anyway. Good luck stick at it and the exercise... you will get there.
In January I was diagnosed with NAFLD and borderline cirrhosis. I've lost 2 stone since then and I have another appointment in July to see what's happening. I work out at least 3 times a week and walk daily as I have a dog. I have cut out all sugar foods completely, and I have much smaller portions than I used to. It's hard but it will take time unfortunately. I have PCOS aswell so it makes losing weight even harder, but we don't have much choice do we now when diagnosed with liver disease!
I’m trying not to think to much on the negative aspect of the diagnosis, I feel as if I label myself it will keep getting me down and that’s not good for recovering from any illness.
I’m not sure what stage my liver is at yet but hoping to know by next week, then will make a point in speaking to family and friends about it.
It’s scary to think I might have done some terrible damage but at the same time this is a chance to change my life and my family’s, In just 1 week I’ve made great changes to diet and exercise, I already look better so imagine 6 months, 6 years etc.
I bet you look and feel great?
The liver has an amazing ability to heal, you might find your next scan shows a great improvement after losing 2 stone.
I know it seems unfair, I’m trying to look at it as a warning and a chance to make a better life style, I just wish I had done it a couple of years ago when I started gaining weight.
Keep in touch, we can hopefully motivate each other xx
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