Fatty liver : As anyone else on here... - British Liver Trust

British Liver Trust

36,529 members17,973 posts

Fatty liver

Luca17 profile image
46 Replies

As anyone else on here have fatty liver with pain right side just under ribs what can spread to your back I’ve had it since feb if so does the pain ever go away also not touch beer since March and don’t intend to drink again also I’ve changed my diet completely 6 weeks of pure fruit veg exercise with no end results which is really frustrating I’ve got another ultrasound this Sunday and more bloods week after thanks

Written by
Luca17 profile image
Luca17
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
46 Replies
Luca17 profile image
Luca17

Can you even have just fatty liver with the pain or is my condition even worst

Hi Luca,

If you have a fatty liver, you may want to disuses fibrosis testing with your doctors.

These are specific tests that estimate levels of fibrosis ( stiffening) in the liver. Some of the tests are a Fib-4 Score blood test, and Enhanced Liver Fibrosis blood test, or a FibroScan, a specific scan that estimates stiffness.

We would also suggest that you report the right sided pain to your doctors so they can examine you.

Best wishes

Luca17 profile image
Luca17 in reply to

I’ve been examine by many doctors even spend a full night in the hozzy last month there just blaming it on the booze my ultrasound 6 weeks ago seen by two doctors said was just fatty liver I asked both of them twice I’ve i got liver disease they said no fob me off with omeprazole what does completely nothing for me

My next bloods next week is another LFT

TSI

CTDS the pain only hurts when I move does not hurt to touch or when I’m laid down the more I rest the less pain I feel corner of my eyes are yellow god knows how long they have been like that doc said not to worried as my last bloods bilirubin was 10 in which he said it’s a normal reading just at my wits end running out of ideas basically giving up had an appointment for a gastro now that’s been cancelled cause they want more bloods and another ultrasound this Sunday

Debbiedoos profile image
Debbiedoos in reply to

I have pain and reported it they said your liver dosnt have pain , so why do I have pain and heaviness then They have cancelled my last 3 appts over the last 6 months my GP gave me a blood test now I have sugar in my blood . I'm to have a nother blood test and still waiting for liver nurse to contact me for another appt.

I'm f4 cerroses due to hep c not alcohol

AyrshireK profile image
AyrshireK in reply to Debbiedoos

Hi Debbie, the other posters on this thread have enlarged, fatty livers and in those circumstances it's the glisson's capsule around the liver that gets stretched and it can indeed be painful.

With cirrhosis though this generally wouldn't be an issue as your cirrhotic liver tends to be shrunken and shrivelled rather than enlarged.

When did you have your last monitoring scan ? (should be every 6 months). Maybe you have something else going on - my hubby with cirrhosis is awaiting a procedure to remove gall stones that have become lodged in his bile duct. This was only picked up on an MRI scan though he had been having some painful twinges.

Do you have any fluid building up that might cause your heavy feeling?

Get your next bloods as have been ordered and if you have a means to contact your liver nurse I would try to do that and try to get an appointment made for a consultation.

Katie

If your docs have said you just have fatty liver then that is all you have. By having given up drinking and eating healthily and there is no underlying problem, it will heal. You need to be eating more than just fruit and veg though... your body needs protein, calcium and healthy carbohydrates ( no added salt or sugar) ... it's called a BALANCED DIET. I would think all that fruit and veg could be contributing to your pain, along with your constant worrying. You can't knock the doctors though, they are going to do more blood tests and an ultrasound to see if there is an underlying problem so they are looking after you and certainly not fobbing you off.

Good luck.

Seoe profile image
Seoe

Hi Yes in very similar position.

The pain never goes away but not hurtful to touch or you can’t feel it when you move. Sometimes don’t like to move just to get relief. Exactly the same. I too have changed my lifestyle to include more fruits and veg but do tend to have a very balanced diet, but it still hurts.

Was a social drinker always known for the one who drinks the least in all of my friendship circles. Haven’t touched a drop since Feb but pain still with me daily.

My bloods were elevated but coming down and had as gamma test that was twice what it should be so, don’t know.

Can only hope that’s gone down too when I get bloods redone. On my way to a 2 stone weight loss. Would ideally like to loose another stone but don’t know if it’s possible. My family say I mustn’t eat any less.

I have a very active job and don’t tend to sit from sun rise to sunset. So I keep going. Although like you I kinda think there must be more wrong for it to hurt so much.

If you get any pointers on how to relive the pain or any indication on how long it might hurt before you feel a difference please please share.

Good luck

Luca17 profile image
Luca17 in reply to Seoe

I find it worst if I have fatty food and if I’ve done to much through out the day last two days have been bad today I call it a good day not hardly felt it today that’s means I’ll be bad tomorrow what’s the gamma test is that your ggt in the liver function test

in reply to Luca17

So telling yourself you will be having a bad day tomorrow will inevitably mean you WILL have a bad day tomorrow. If you told yourself you will have a GOOD day tomorrow, you WILL have a good day tomorrow.... it's all in your head !

Luca17 profile image
Luca17 in reply to

Started off bad time for power walk now see that shifts it there’s more bad then good all my family say it’s in your head if I can feel it it’s there

in reply to Luca17

Listen to your family.Eat properly, keep exercising, stay off the anxiety inducing booze and all will be fine. See if the scan picks anything else up . Worrying and anxiety causes pain.

Luca17 profile image
Luca17 in reply to

I know your right I try not too google tells you all sorts can’t wait for me scan Sunday and thanks for the reply’s

in reply to Luca17

Well done. Google will tell you you are about to die with a cut finger. Calm down honestly you will feel much better. You're welcome 👍

Seoe profile image
Seoe

Really that’s strange today has been my best day for weeks. The only difference to yesterday was I did not do my evening walk. Been on my feet for 2 days solid (work in a school) and weather so awful not walked tonight either but secretly hoping it doesn’t hurt tomorrow. Clutching at straws!Yes,I think the Gamma is the Ggr. It should be 30 and mine was 60 but never had one before so couldn’t compare.

So I’m hopeful it has gone down. My liver was slightly enlarged they said at 16.1cm. Frightening really but I’m working hard to fix it, just not sure hiw long it takes or if it’s working.

Luca17 profile image
Luca17 in reply to Seoe

My ggt was 181 in feb me last bloods it’s down too 84 still way over my alts where 85 got them down to 37 which is normal looks like where the same boat how are your eyes only noticed mine when I come out of hozzy if I power walk for 3 miles that also seems to erase it too only bending and lifting sets mine off I’ve no other symptoms apart for the dull sharp pains I feel fit as a flea otherwise what about you

Seoe profile image
Seoe

Yep same here, never felt better except for pain. My eyes are still white and ok, absolutely no other symptoms.I’m at dr on Monday for first face to face appointment.

So I’ll let you know, I’ll post what she says.

Luca17 profile image
Luca17 in reply to Seoe

Yeh thanks that be much appreciated I’ve got another ultrasound Sunday I’ll do the same take it easy

Seoe profile image
Seoe

That’s strange as on Monday I done my first actual exercise class since Feb/March when I went back to work. I’ve just been walking.Maybe doing the vigorous exercises makes it go away. Interesting thought.

Might try that and keep a diary of how it feels.

Luca17 profile image
Luca17 in reply to Seoe

Power walking that might be the answer I’ve been busy last 2 weeks was back on it today done a world of good

Trees139 profile image
Trees139

I was diagnosed with a fatty liver 6 years ago, my GP told me to completely change my diet which meant no processed food, wholemeal pasta and brown rice and wholemeal bread as well as plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, plus she advised me to cut down on alcohol ( I actually went teetotal at that point) and my pain slowly decreased and a year later a further scan showed my liver had repaired itself and I've had no problems since. Advocados are extremely good for the live so I ate plenty of them.

Good luck hope you get sorted.

Luca17 profile image
Luca17 in reply to Trees139

Thanks so much for the reply

Seoe profile image
Seoe in reply to Trees139

Did you have the side pain too?

Eternity6 profile image
Eternity6

Yes I too have fatty liver had it for several years, I do not drink at all! I changed my lifestyle 6 weeks ago to include fruit veg fish chicken , no bad stuff at all cut out choc sweets cakes crisps etc, go walking daily list 15 pounds in weight, on steroids have been for 14 years all the time, hoping to lose another two stone , I was never a drinker or smoker, still get pain but have reflux too, just trying to do what I can to heal my body, I was due to see my liver specialist three months ago still waiting for appointment, due to have another scan this year, so fed up with feeling ill all the time, decided only me can help myself .

Luca17 profile image
Luca17 in reply to Eternity6

So true I’ve just noticed with me more exercise I do in the morning helps loads with the pain through out the day in my case I’ve been drinking and eating takeaways for 10years first two weeks were very hard pains everywhere now I’ve never felt better apart from the pain at the side in which I now know erases with exercise in my case everyone is different weight is flying off with me with no beer takeaways etc

Eternity6 profile image
Eternity6

I think sometimes, well for me anyway, I gave my head a good wobble and thought what I was doing eating to excess mainly stupid things like cakes chocolate takeaways once week were not doing me any good at all, I have autoimmune hepatitis, have reflux and fatty liver, so my fatty liver was caused by eating rubbish, I realise that, I’m trying to turn my life round as in looking after myself. Luckily I don’t suffer from anxiety or depression, and I’m not a diabetic, but I do think if I had of carried on with this lifestyle I would have been diabetic sooner rather than later, I’m actually enjoying food now good nutritious food, and loving the fact I’m actually doing what I should have done years ago, you only have one life and you really must think about what you are doing to your body, what you take into your body really has a dramatic effect on our wellbeing! Good luck to you Luca,

Luca17 profile image
Luca17 in reply to Eternity6

Thanks so much and all the best to you also

Hooped profile image
Hooped

I was diagnosed with fatty liver 18 months ago. Didn’t have a drink for 14 months. Also exercised and went on keto and lost 30 lbs.Blood work including cholesterol has never been better. Had a fibroscan 2 months ago. Liver Doctor told me I have no fat in my liver.

Eternity6 profile image
Eternity6 in reply to Hooped

That’s fantastic

Seoe profile image
Seoe in reply to Hooped

Hi did you have pain in your side with yours?

Luca17 profile image
Luca17 in reply to Seoe

Yeh sometimes which spread to my back also

Luca17 profile image
Luca17 in reply to Seoe

But I’ve only just started get pain there in the past 4 weeks

Seoe profile image
Seoe in reply to Luca17

Ok I’ve had mo e since January 😢

Luca17 profile image
Luca17 in reply to Seoe

Does it not come and go for you

in reply to Luca17

Hi,Dont know of this helps! I was diagnosed with cirrhosis last October, always thought I was a moderate drinker until a bad separation in 2015,hit me bad and hit the bottle a bit,not drank in ages always been active, work,running etc,prior to that I was diagnosed with colon diverticulitis, on my hepatic flexure,I was having cramp style pains under right ribs,and a dull ache,sometimes if I sat down I would seize up, I just changed my diet,don't get much bother anymore,only if I over do it with the odd pizza when I see my children,but helped to avoid eating after eight and drink water before bed,good tip for breakfast blueberries,have you had your iron checked.,!!,may be low,all the best .

Preesty profile image
Preesty

It could be worth investigating for gallstones. I get a similar pain, gets worse when eating certain foods and have been diagnosed with gallstones.

Seoe profile image
Seoe in reply to Preesty

I’ve had that checked, have you Luca17

Luca17 profile image
Luca17 in reply to Seoe

Had it checked on me last scan said it was clear as day got another tomoz

Markd1972 profile image
Markd1972

Hello sir , yes I had it for quite a while from 2017 until 2019 ,, I had several ultrasounds and even paid for a private Mri , all said slightly fatty liver , I had high triglycerides and high blood pressure.Let me tell you what I found ,,

Any red meat , cheese , pizza , anything with high saturated fat made it worse , later that day or next day .

Green leaf salad and vegetables are great and slowly relive the discomfort,,

Also lots of salmon and oatybix for breakfast.

Exercise at gym , treadmill , cross trainer , bike rides , stair stepper and weight resistance also I feel made I big difference.

It really isn’t a quick fix and I thought a would never get better ..

After 18 months / 2 years and 2.5 stone weight lose the pain slowly subsided.

The key is persistence and not giving up and understanding it’s only you that can do it ,

No tablets or doctor can help .

Tough but true and worth it in the end .

Just don’t start putting it back on like I have after the last 12 months …

Good luck and stick to above pal ,

Believe me it’s the only way …

Thanks , mark

Luca17 profile image
Luca17 in reply to Markd1972

Thanks for that was giving up today really bad pain in my back after 3 good days especially when I have only ate super healthy for the last few days the pain is back I’ve noticed any fried food pizza burgers make it worst but don’t understand the pain today had no fatty foods for days hopefully a better day tomorrow fingers crossed

Markd1972 profile image
Markd1972 in reply to Luca17

Takes a long time mate ,, you get used to the back pain , right under your scapula , I had mine examined so many times ..It’s probably your liver swollen like mine was ,, takes a while to get it back down ..

Sweating and working hard at gym seemed to be the key to getting it gone ..

It was so hard , but worked in the end ..

Take it Easy pal

Luca17 profile image
Luca17 in reply to Markd1972

I will do thanks pal was your ggt ever high in your blood tests

Markd1972 profile image
Markd1972

High can’t remember,get, but everything was high with bloods ,, especially triglycerides…Diet was my big problem ..combined with sedatory lifestyle ..

Took me 2 years to get a fibroscan on nhs through consultant ,,

That’s the best way to determine any liver damage ,,

Liver can normally be repaired , just no alcohol and stick to the above diet and exercise regime …

Luca17 profile image
Luca17 in reply to Markd1972

I will stick too it and thanks for help much appreciated pal I’ll keep you updated

Lorelle09 profile image
Lorelle09

I was diagnosed with fatty liver in 2013. I was 135 lbs 5’2”. I ate a horrible diet at the time. I changed my diet and lost 20lbs and reversed the fatty liver in 2016. I had no symptoms at the time. Then in February 2021 I was diagnosed with fatty liver once again through ultrasound and mrcp. Since January I have been having pain under my right ribs and upper right back between spine and right scapula. Drives me crazy. I use a heating pad for the past three months on my back while I am at home. I completely changed my diet once again to just veggies mostly cooked and fruits. No added salt or sugar. I also have some brown rice occasionally with my meal. I drink coffee which is good for the liver. I take milk thistle twice a day. I drink mamaki tea which is known to have many health benefits. I have lost 21 pounds since April. I was up to 149 due to COVID. Now I’m at 128. I hope to get down to 115 again like I did when I originally reversed my fatty liver. I am due for a fibroscan however due to the rising cases of covid here in hawaii all non emergency procedures have been halted. Also I take blood tests every three months for my Lupus and my liver enzymes have always been normal going back to 2012. I took a test in Feb and they were normal, then on april 2 my Ast was slightly elevated and my Alt was elevated at twice the high end which is considered mildly elevated. At the end of April they went down to normal. In May they were normal at first then two weeks later started rising. In June no bloods taken. In July I took two tests both were high similar numbers to my test in April. Mid August Ast normal. Alt only 7 points over normal and ggt 6 points over normal. Last time I tested ggt was in April and it was normal then. They say my pancreas is fine. My kidneys are fine. Gallbladder had slight sludge. Only problem fatty liver per my MRCP done in June. I took a blood test yesterday and hope they have gone down. Doctors are trying to rule out autoimmune hepatitis due to my Lupus etc. and some other things before saying it is due to my fatty liver which is causing the pain and elevated liver enzymes which fluctuate. Why they started fluctuating I have no idea.

Also in May I due to bad upper middle abdominal pains I did a colonoscopy and endoscopy. Colonoscopy was good. Endoscopy showed small hiatal hernia and mild gastritis. Doctors said the gastritis was probably causing my back pain. The gastritis is gone and back pain still exists with raised enzymes which is why we are still trying to figure out what’s going on.

Sorry so long but I think we have the same pain for the same reason.

in reply to Lorelle09

Hi Lorelle. Just a warning .... milk thistle is of no benefit at all to the liver. In fact the liver has to work harder to process it and when it is trying to heal, that's the last thing it needs and continuing to take any suppliments which have a hefty price tag or not been prescribed by a doctor, can even cause more damage to a struggling liver. Just a healthy diet and lifestyle, drinking plenty of water is what it needs. Allow you liver rest and time to heal.

Hope the rest of your problems return to normal soon.

Take care. Laura

Lorelle09 profile image
Lorelle09 in reply to

Thank you for the information Laura. We’ll see my next labs and go from there. I hope it’s better this time.

You may also like...

Pain in liver - fatty liver

stopped and I have had pain on the right side under ribs for 2 days now. I'm also nauscious and get...

Alcoholic Fatty liver likely

stopped drinking for 3 weeks. I stupidly took it back up and been drinking ever since till a week...

Alcoholic Fatty Liver

sitting. The ultrasound on 09 Nov 2015 showed a Fatty liver. I have been sober since that day. My

Fatty liver scan results

‘ diffuse fatty infiltration/parenchymal disease.’ It also mentioned slightly bulky liver. The...

Advice on fatty liver pain

feel my liver bulging out when I touch my stomach. I can't even bend down because I can feel my...