Should I chase this?

[Neednanswers]

I wrote in another post but didn't get a response so trying again.

I'm female late 50s, non smoker, v little alcohol, not overweight but have had a lot of stressful situations to deal with for the last 30 years. I got an ultrasound due to right rib pain which showed -liver slightly enlarged, echo bright showing fatty infiltration - wedge shaped area with decreased echogenity (2.7cm by 1.9cm), in keeping with focal fatty sparing. Portal vein patent with heapatopetal flow. No free fluid.

Kidneys, pancreas, spleen, etc all normal.

Bloods more or less normal - B12, FBC, thyroid, liver. Kidney function reduced so getting redone in 2-3 weeks. Sugars highish also but not diabetic. One GP said cholesterol normal but another said it's high.

They had originally said I'd get referred to gastro but as my liver blood tests were normal, the referral was rejected by the hospital. Their advice was to reduce my sugars and exercise. A repeat ultrasound will be done in 3 years!!

Is this what should happen, or should someone be seeing me?

[Neednanswers]

Kidney repeat tests normal

To clarify, I requested a fibroscan - the hospital rejected both the fibroscan and gastro appt as bloods normal.

[AyrshireK]

It sounds like your issue would fall under the bracket of NAFLD - Non Alcohol Related Fatty Liver Disease for which there is a set criteria for diagnosis, monitoring and when/if to refer to specialists. These guidelines are detailed on the NICE website at:- nice.org.uk/guidance/ng49

As there would appear to be no derangement of your liver bloods it sounds like you could potentially reverse this fatty change by diet etc.

The BLT has lots if good resources on their website re. NAFLD.

Best wishes, Katie

[RugbyMama]

Came on to say exactly what Katie has said above. Livers are amazing things, if you treat yours well it can effectively heal itself.

Eat well, get regular gentle exercise, avoid alcohol, see what the tests say nect time they are run. No deranged liver blood tests is a really positive sign - it basically says your liver can perform all or most of its normal functions.

[PutneyGirl]

What previous posters have said. If you want more tests for your peace of mind, such as a fibroscan, you can have one, but you will have to pay for it. It's about £550 with consultation.

[Aotea2012]

Katie is spot on (as usual). Your ultrasound and bloods all show NAFLD. Gastro would say hello, repeat the bloods (for certain) and ultrasound (maybe) and tell you to manage your diet - a balanced Mediterranean style diet avoiding processed foods and watching your salt and sugar intake. Exercise moderately and keep your alcohol consumption low (or avoid if possible). So I doubt they’d add much to the equation which is why they haven’t accepted the referral. Your GP is your best resource on this. They may be able to offer some dietician input - which would be helpful for you. They’ll also keep an eye on your bloods and refer you if necessary if they feel there is a reason. Go back to your GP and see if they’ll refer to a dietician to support you.

[Neednanswers]

Thank you for all the replies. I've cut out alcohol, limited sugars and started exercising. Yes liver bloods being normal is a relief.

[Roy1955]

Probably about the same results that half of the late age 50s population would get.

[Liveitup713]

I would push for Gastro, they are the ones that can. Tell you what’s really going on.