So worried!

[Doodles2013]

Hi everyone, I hope you are all ok. I am looking for some reassurance as I suffer with quite severe health anxiety. Last February I had some routine tests which showed my ALT was 43. All other results were ok. I had an ultrasound which showed fatty liver and a cyst. I had been getting upper right abdominal pain and some back pain along with twitching muscles and thigh pain. I have had numerous LFT blood tests since rhen and all have absolutely fine. In October last year I had a fib 4 test done which was 0.46, AST 17 and ALT 28. I had another 2 ultrasounds done which just showed the fatty liver had improved and nothing else. I also had a ct scan which showed nothing sinister. The pain has come back. Could I have liver issues or is it unlikely given all the tests I have had. I'm beside myself with worry. I am also going through the menopause which isn't helping and I am hoping this is all related to that. TIA x

[Oldbits]

Hi, very aware that no one has responded to you yet. Anxiety is hard work. Your LFTs are all good, so liver is not struggling. And your fatty liver has improved, that's great too. I've never heard of twitching muscles and thigh pain being linked to livers. They seem to be looking after you with all the tests and will probably keep an eye on you, now that you are in the system. I guess the answer would be to live a healthy life , good diet and exercise to keep liver happy. But if you need some reassurance have a chat to your gp. Re menopause.... been going through that the last 12 years from aged 47 !!! Anxiety is definitely part of it aswell as weight gain and all sorts of aches and pains I didn't have before, so lots of sympathy 🤗

[Doodles2013 in reply to Oldbits]

Thank you so much for replying, it has helped for sure. The doctor has tried to reassure me but unfortunately due to circumstances my stupid brain takes it for a few days then goes back down the rabbit hole! I have 2 friends who were told menopause was the cause, both ended up with brain tumours, 1 terminal. Plus my partner had his appendix out and they didn't remove it all so 7 months later had to have it done again. This all happened last year. I am such a logical person but this last year I seem to have lost it!

[Sunnyskies33]

Not sure about your health issues but it looks like your liver is doing well. I get anxiety periodically and what helps me is exercise, sunshine, getting in water in good weather...ocean, lake, etc. Also reading, yoga. I cycle in and out of it depending on what's going on, so have some good reprieves. You could see if your GP recommends any medical help with the anxiety if you want.

[Doodles2013 in reply to Sunnyskies33]

Thanks for your reply. I love being near the sea but unfortunately I'm a couple of hours drive away. I need to do more mindfulness. The doctors prescribed me meds but the ones they gave me sent me.psychotic so I daren't try any others. I may have to bite the bullet though..take care

[EdtheDead]

I've been battling Liver Cihossis for nearly 11 years now. Brought on by a very unhealthy drinking habit. Not touched a drop since May28th 2014.

At first, the battery of tests I had and still have put the wind up me.

Every twinge, every ache, every everything put me on edge.

I learned to live with it I have to.

Anxiety is a dreadful thing as it sends your negative thoughts into overdrive.

All your LFT's look good.

I had a bit of a scare which sent my brain into overdrive when my Bilirubin levels went up. They've been stable for 10 years so it came as a bit of a worry.

After a long chat with my Hepatologist he reassured me that everything was still good, all other markers were consistant with my Cirrhosis still being in a Compensated stage, a camera down the throat showed no Varices.

But you still worry, It's normal.

[Doodles2013 in reply to EdtheDead]

Thanks for replying and I am pleased to hear you are better than you were. Anxiety is just horrible. It's all consuming. I hope you continue along the road to good health!

[Vicars-wife]

Hi, the menopause is a ... I was perimenopausal for 10 years, finally finishing at age 43. My temperature would increase sweats, poor appetite and aches and pains. So it could be the menopause. There are numerous nutrients available to assist. But I was fortunate to have been at the end of menopause when diagnosed with cirrhosis, because I made them do test after test, I was eventually diagnosed with neuropathy and more recently fibromyalgia. Neither are life threatening but I am in pain most of the time. If you are concerned I would suggest you contact your GP so you can have a proper chat. I too have anxiety and take Beta blockers and citalopram, the BB have done wonders but I do still occasionally have panic attacks, we are complex beings us humans. Good luck k and I hope you get the answers you need.