Good day all,
It's been a while since i posted and a few peeps had reached out so thought I'd provide an update. Here's a link to my original post detailing my chronic liver issues. Since then, a liver biopsy confirmed cirrhosis, most likely due to autoimmune condition.
healthunlocked.com/britishl...
Unfortunately, my condition has slowly been getting worse. I'm dealing with chronic pain, specifically headaches, metallic taste, lack of appetite, light to moderate pain by the liver area, general malaise (whole body feeling off and the occasional internal chills), fungal infection, chronic constipation and chronic fatigue. My stools have become very dark, almost black.
Ironically, my liver enzymes are fine. The only constant is my bilirubin has always been high and is getting higher as with high triglycerides no matter how well i eat. Hence why i have always suspected some type of bile duct disease. Last scan detected a microcyst on the right side of the liver, pretty much the exact spot where the biopsy was performed and another microcyst on the right kidney, but nothing else out of the ordinary. And actually, my steatosis got reduced as i have lost around 20kg. Has my gastroenterologist confused as to why I'm slowly getting worse since my scan and labs (except bilirubin) seem to indicate better results. For one, she doesn't believe the chronic headaches are caused by my liver issues, that there has to be something else going on not liver related.
My naturopath tested me for some autoimmune markers for bile duct disease, specifically for primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) since it seems to fit my liver disease profile: Slowly progressive liver disease with normal liver enzymes except high bilirubin. I tested positive for one of the autoimmune markers that is showing in 95% of people with PSC which is called ANCA. You would think if i do have PSC, that the scan would of picked up some anomality's within the bile duct? Some type of narrowing of the ducts or inflammation would of showed up? Or maybe it's not late enough in the disease yet to show up on a scan? Who knows. To be investigated further. I do have another scan with contrast which i'm not a fan of as i've seen deterioration in my kidney health. I'll post the results after that test.
I'm doing what i can on my side. I haven't touched alcohol for 4 months now. I don't eat much but when i do eat i eat very healthy. I try to get some type of exercise in, mostly bike ride as I'm still dealing with the effects of a left ankle surgery due to triple fracture back in November. It's tough dealing with chronic pain, specifically the headaches as it's a constant reminder of your sickness. If the headaches could just go away or diminish in intensity, i would be doing so much better mentally. It is what it is. On a bright side, my wife and family have been wonderful and very supportive. Thank God i have them around!
To be continued....Peace out!
Rocko
Is a Fibroscan more accurate than ultrasound?
PSC and Cirrhosis, Diet
Had more blood tests and consultation with GP (family doctor), mostly better news I think
Need help understanding
