Coming up for my first year review

[eileenet49]

Hi, I was diagnosed with ARLD In May last year. My review with consultant is on the 9th May. I've had blood tests since diagnosis which actually showed an improvement on the first lot. Last ultrasound was in January, should have been October, but anyway, there apparently wasn't anything new to cause concern.

I have managed to stay off the alcohol, mostly. At first I put on more weight, was 17st 9lbs when first assessed and went up to 17st 12lbs. Bit disappointed as I thought not drinking would shift some weight.

I've been struggling for most of last year to lose some weight, been going up and down by a few lbs most of the time. Now, though, I seem to be on the right track, I think due to excercise, and have lost 18lbs since the beginning of February.

My concern now is that although I've lost all that weight (still a long way to go I know) my stomach seems unaffected, in fact if anything it seems larger. It's all at the top of my stomach right the way across (not sure what you call the top of your stomach, maybe abdomen) and feels quite solid which seems odd.

I have COPD as well and have been taking diuretics for years due to swollen legs and ankles. My legs seem better at the moment but my feet have become very puffy and my ankles get swollen very quickly, so much so that even my fat feet shoes don't fit now so I'm constantly wearing slip on sandals.

I'm seeing the GP on Thursday so she may have something to say about the stomach thing. I was really wondering if it is normal to keep the fat tummy, has my liver swollen. Don't think there is any ascites as I think it would have shown up on the ultrasound in January.

Does anyone have a magic formula for reducing the stomach. I'm going to my daughters wedding at the end of May and have been trying to find a dress that looks nice. I've found lovely dresses but they all emphasis my ginormous belly.

Here's hoping

Eileen

[Readlots]

Hi Eileen, no magic answer for the belly from me - if I had one I’d be using it though! I’ve resigned myself to my post menopause body shape, which is remarkably similar to my 6 months pregnant shape! I figure that I loved my body then so I can accept it now. I find wrap-over dresses and empire line dresses work best for me. Also Snag tights are fantastic - they don’t role down and create uncomfortable ridges. I’m sure you’ll find something that looks amazing for your daughters wedding. And anyway, isn’t it all about the hat???

[eileenet49 in reply to Readlots]

Thank you, that made me laugh.My stomach is more like 10months pregnant 😉.

Seriously though I'm quite concerned about the size of it. Will let you know what the GP says on Thursday.

Stay safe

ps? There will be no hat.🙃

[Bantam2]

Hi

I was similar. Stopped alcohol completely, did lose weight, although top of abdomen remained big and ankles kept swelling despite medication to help. Turns out for me my liver still struggling and eventually I had a transplant.

Definitely mention to consultant as unless related to another medical condition can be a sign that liver not performing as well as it should. You mentioned that you stopped drinking mostly. That little bit of alcohol could be the reason so I would stop completely and see if any difference. (Rubbish I know but you soon get used to it)

Hope Thursday goes well x

[eileenet49 in reply to Bantam2]

Thank you so much for your reply. Firstly I'm really pleased to hear that you seem to be doing well. It's inspiring..I know you're right about giving up the alcohol completely. When I say mostly, it really has been. Four occasions during the year when I shared a bottle of wine with my sister. But my mind's now set, no more at all. I have to give my body a fighting chance.

It's not an excuse I know, but I've been working hard trying to fet hubby to accept his dementia but we are now on the path to a formal diagnosis. Tests done and expecting an appointment with the memory clinic soon. Fingers crossed they can help him as he seems to be deteriorating fast.

Will let you know how it goes on Thursday, although I'm expe ting her to say it's just fat.

Best wishes

Eileen

[Evelyn22]

Hi Eileen, When my mother-in-law was very sick and swollen I was trying to find her clothes that fit but still looked stylish. I found that Maternity clothes were very stylish and actually downplayed her swollen stomach.

I'm sure you'll find a beautiful outfit for the wedding.

All my best, Eve

[eileenet49 in reply to Evelyn22]

Thank you Evelyn, that's worth trying. Hope your mother in law is doing okay, she certainly seems to have a very caring daughter in law.