Feeling a bit lost, fatty liver diagnosis maybe?

[EllieBlue1]

Hi everyone,

Two weeks ago, I woke up with horrendous abdominal pain. After a trip to A&E and around the houses a bit, I was told there are some fat deposits in my liver and my liver blood tests were abnormal.

As I'd ended up in a gallbladder dept, they confirmed it wasn't my gallbladder and they would refer me to the GP for next steps.

More blood tests at the GPs - 6 in total I think. I rang them to chase results and was told I was given advice at the hospital and I confirmed advice was to see GP.

Managed to get a phone app for Sat morning, they confirmed liver blood tests were abnormal and as per hospital advise, I need to lose weight. I wasn't told this at the hospital, but must be in the notes that were passed to the GP. They said they'll check my blood again in 3 months. I don't know what any of my other results are.

I went out for lunch yesterday and had a bad reaction to the food and the excruitiating pain came back, it's only just starting to wear off now.

I've requested the blood test transcripts from the GP, so I can figure out what tests were actaully done and what the results mean.

What should my next steps be? I don't drink often, maybe once or twice a year and I've proactively made some changes to my diet - more lean meat, more fruit/salad/veg etc. Changed pasta/bread to wholegrain versions. Cut out on the chocolat/biscuits/cake, but I'm just feeling a little lost now - do I need to go back to the GP and question them more?

[jbrking]

Hi. Yea that’s fatty liver. Don’t panic. I was diagnosed with fatty liver in my late 30s too. I’m 55 now. I don’t drink at it, it’s nothing to do with alcohol Nafld non alcoholic fatty liver disease. And I had a good diet and was slim. Just unlucky! But by watching what you eat and exercising will keep it in check. I used fitness pal app to track my calories to make sure I didn’t go over.

[EllieBlue1 in reply to jbrking]

I've started using myfitnesspal again, it's a great app. Just given me a bit of a scare I guess, I can still feel the pain in my abdomen, seems to take a while for it to wear off completely once it's flared up.

[Aotea2012]

Given you are still concerned…booking an appointment with your GP may put your mind at rest and give you an opportunity to ask questions. Fatty liver is fully reversible, so don’t worry too much. There’s some good diet advice on the BLT website. Broadly, a Mediterranean diet is very good for liver health. It’s low in fat and high in fibre and vitamins with protein through low fat meat such as chicken and fish. If you keep away from junk foods and alcohol too, I suspect that this combination will bring your bloods into line.

[EllieBlue1 in reply to Aotea2012]

Thank you - I've phoned the GP again today to chase my missing blood tests and the receptionist says they'll be available tomorrow, so I'll chase them up again.

I think junk food and my love of chocolate and cakes are probably to blame in all honesty. I do eat fruit and veg, just probably not as much as I should. Just a bit scary that a spaghetti bolognese set me off on Monday again, even though I've eaten the same meal in the same place numerous times before.

[BritishLiverTrust8 Moderator British Liver Trust]

Dear EllieBlue1

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 9am to 3pm on 0800 652 7330 (excluding bank holidays)

Here is the link to information on our website explaining liver disease tests, diagnosis and screening, which you may find useful

britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

In addition to the suggestions from members of the forum, here is a link to some information on our website about preparing for appointments, including questions to ask your doctor, which you may find helpful.

britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

Best wishes

British Liver Trust