I am worried. In 2017, I went to my family dr because I was having RUQ pain which was a very dull ache. I was also experiencing hair loss but in patches. Those were my only symptoms. I Had bloodwork done and it was normal with a low GGT. Ultrasound normal. I then had a HIDA scan done and I was told I had enlarged fatty liver and a sluggish gallbladder no stones. I guess he called it “functional” I have changed my diet since then and stopped drinking alcohol (yes, I was a heavy wine drinker) however, the RUQ pain is still there. To touch the RUQ, feels like a bruise. I don’t have any other symptoms other than long brown lines on my thumbs (longitudinal melanonchyia), I get tired after I eat lunch, like really tired, brain fog and frequent right sided neck pain and stabbing chest pain behinf the right breast bone. I was just diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the c5/c6. I just had another normal ultrasound last week and normal labs with a low GGT again. I am worried I still have fatty liver or it has progressed to cirrhosis. Anyone having similar issues or have any advice.
Fatty Liver Pain: I am worried. In 201... - British Liver Trust
Fatty Liver Pain
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I also want to add that I have noticed that my skin has gotten darker (not jaundice) more like I tan super easy. I also cannot go to the dentist due to pain. Freezing doesn’t help. So I just think that because I keep getting new symptoms, it’s all related to my fatty liver. I have heard of so many people with normal Bloodwork and ultrasounds that still have liver disease.
I’ve had a few ultrasounds and a ct scan if you’re really worried maybe go for a biopsy or MRI to ease your mind. In the mean time limit alcohol diet exercise and all that stuff
you mentioned you had a few ultrasounds and a CT, were they normal? Did you have normal labs as well?
normal scans abnormal blood work for the last 8 years since having my first daughter,
Alt 44 AST 41 high cholesterol but normal tricycerides, I want on Prozac during that time so the dr thinks it might be meds that agitate my liver but doesn’t feel the enzymes are too high to be too concerned with
hi, if you’re ultrasound and bloods are normal, I would think it’s your liver, but you should go back to your doctor and tell them your concerns. Good luck
Hello Heydays,
The reference to "fatty liver" is merely an indication that there is a build-up of stored fat in the liver. The liver is still able to function and deal with any damaged liver cells.
The Liver is the body's sugar factory, here it processes sugar by converting it into glucose so our muscles and tendons in our bodies have food to burn. Any unused glucose is then converted to glycogen which is then mixed with insulin and stored as fatty acids.
A diet excessively high in bread, pasta, rice, soda and other carbohydrates is a major risk factor for fatty liver, which is marked by the abnormal accumulation of fat within a liver cell.
It is estimated that 1 in 3 people have a fatty liver. Indeed, it is said that approximately 100 million people in America have a “fatty liver”. Mainly due to poor diet (hot dogs, burgers, fries, etc).
Now, the liver itself doesn’t have any pain receptors. So we can’t feel any pain from the liver itself. It can’t tell you when it’s being damaged or is struggling. This is why sometimes liver disease is also known as “the silent killer”. This isn’t to say you can’t feel pain around the liver area. The liver is surrounded by a thin membrane called the “Glisson Capsule” now this does have pain receptors. If the liver becomes enlarged, then this membrane is stretched and this can cause pain and discomfort. So if your liver has become enlarged then you may feel some discomfort.
The other thing your GP will want to do is to rule out the gallbladder and any possible gallstones.
Because your liver is still working well and able to carry out all the 500+ jobs it constantly does, It will be able to still process the ammonia and make it safe. So it’s unlikely to be a cause of brain fog as in hepatic encephalopathy (HE).
Ask your doctor to refer you to a nutritionist to plan a change in your diet needs. No fries or burgers. No junk food. Over time, your liver will start to break down the excess buildup of fat, which in turn will help your liver.
Finally, it’s good that you want to learn more about the workings of your body, but there needs to be some caution here. There are some rather scary websites out there, and these need to be avoided. The liver is a tough organ, it can take a lot of damage, and still repair itself. Respect it, and it will look after you and do its job.
I hope some of this is of help.
Richard
This is very interestinnv . I think i need to eat more healthy to look after my liver .
I have chronic pancreatitis that has lead to portol hypertendion , i dont have liver disease ,however, because of my portol vein sheinking i also have ostophagus varacies . Last year i had a near fatal bleed ! There is a lot of pressure build up .
Therefore it wouldnt hurt for me to protect my liver more
Hi. Have you had liver biopsy? Unfortunately this was the only test that showed my liver disease its very frustrating. I had symptoms ( and much worse) similar to you.
I have Nodular Regenerative Hyperplasia
no I have not. My dr told me that he does not need to refer me as my bloods we’re fine and all scans were fine so therefore there is no need to go any further. I’m so frustrated.
I also have sludge in my gallbladder but not stones. How long have you had the pain? I also have the pain in my liver area
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Dear Heydays
If you are in the UK and would find it useful to talk things over, our nurse-led helpline is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 3pm on 0800 652 7330 (excluding bank holidays)
Best wishes
British Liver Trust
GGT exclude
hello I have fatty liver but had a lot of pain on right side of chest in lower ribcage and abdomen also pain in right shoulder blade and neck ache on right side for a long time was sent for a scan which showed liver was ok but had a large gall stone . Now waiting for operation waiting list is 1 and a half year long maybe more now. Have you had a scan you may have gall stones?