Fatty Liver - So worried

[2022orNever]

I gave up drinking about 3 years ago with some 'blips' along the way where I tried moderation which I absolutely know now does not work. However, the dragging sensation I used to get in my liver area when I used to take a drink has persisted into sobriety. I approached the doctor to look into this in May and have only just got to the point of scans and blood results. Even though my initial bloods were 'okay' I had to push for a scan of my whole abdominal area.

Today I had a doctor call me back to say that my bloods were fine and that I just had a bit of a 'fatty liver' - nothing to worry about. I felt sick with fear as soon as he said that. I explained that I used to drink heavily, over a long period of time and (thanks to this forum) knew to ask if there was any way that my liver blood results might not be a cause for concern but I could still have liver damage. The doctor is going to refer me for a specific liver scan which I really want but am really dreading.

[Frananncru]

Hello , I was told 20+ yrs ago I had “a bit “ of a fatty liver and that most of the western world have a degree of fatty liver ,and like you were told not to worry.Fast forward 20+ years the occasional G+T and wine with meals when socialising,I have cirrhosis, no alcohol since diagnosis 3 years ago and I am generally well .

I was told cirrhosis does not occur overnight but over many years so I’m trying to maintain my current level of health and fitness ,loose weight and try really hard to avoid stressing out worrying about “what is going to go wrong next “ it’s hard but the guys on this site have been a great support. I may not post every day but checkin daily .

Good luck

[MalcolmCClark in reply to Frananncru]

Much the same with me. I was told about 20 years ago that I had a fatty liver and even though I had blood tests indicating issues with my liver the doctors decided that as they were only just out of range to not to worry. However move onto 2017 when I went for bariatric surgery they had to stop because they found my liver was heavily scared and reverted to a biopsies of my liver which confirmed liver cirrhosis. I stopped drinking straight away and my liver has stabilised. I'm annoyed at my GPS for ignoring blood tests but grateful it was found. Bottom line is that the liver can recover but you need to look after it. I've had the bariatric surgery now and 8 stone lighter which also helps.

So if worried get checked but there is no point in worrying as long as you try and do something about your lifestyle.

It's down to you

Good luck

[Frananncru in reply to MalcolmCClark]

Thanks Malcolm , you are absolutely right , your fabulous weight loss will definitely help you .I’m trying to loose a bit of weight and get a bit fitter .. good luck

[2022orNever]

Hi everyone. Sorry I missed these replies! It's such a long, slow process getting anywhere. I asked if I could have a full liver scan and the doctor took weeks to get back to me...and then it was only to repeat my bloods. They phoned me at 5pm last night to say ferratin levels still high (I was too shocked to ask what the levels were) and I need to do bloods AGAIN but not until 30th November. I still have this constant dragging in my liver and I've now started to spiral which is completely out of character for me. I don't drink anymore, I'm not overweight, I drink coffee and I eat loads of green, leafy vegetables and salads. Surely I shouldn't still be getting pains unless I've done irreversible damage. I'm on the verge of enquiring for a private scan, I feel so desperate.

[Ruggerhead in reply to 2022orNever]

My advice is this, I had similar problems, and they showed up about 2 years ago with slightly raised liver bloods, had an MRI, ultrasound etc all good to go. Fairly fit, not obese, etc. Then had a fibroscan that showed a fatty liver. So push for the scan, biosphy carries to much risk. The scan will show if and how much scarring as well as fat content. For some like me I dont know what causes it or caused it, unfortunately some of us just have a genetic predisposition.