Rant: Hey I'm 27. Never drink but I... - Living with Fatty...

Living with Fatty Liver and NASH

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Frogking profile image
56 Replies

Hey I'm 27. Never drink but I have lost 30 pounds and recently I got hit with overwhelming fatigue. My ultrasound shows enlarged spleen and enlarged liver. My gastro says I just have fatty liver and excercise and diet. They sceduled a fibroscan. Nurse says its to see how much fat is on the liver so can refer me to their research department. However I think they lying don't think a fibroscan does that. Think they know its possible I could of cirorsis because of the spleen and just don't want me to panic as it takes 30 to make appointment for scan.

Guess my question is do I have right to be concerned? They all say in too young to have full blown cirorsis from fatty liver and probably just have nash and can be reversed. But fromnwhat I read spleen only enlarges during portal hypertension? I have simple partial seizures so that can explain the increased floaters in eye and itchiness as I always been itchy. I'm hoping and praying this Is just all in my head and that fatigue is just from nafld and not cirrosis and spleen is from high blood pressure.

If I do have cirorsis. With careful diet and weightloss can I live a normal long life or will I always be extremely fatigued?

So for long post. I've been having daily panic attacks and meltdowns and need to vent

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Frogking profile image
Frogking
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56 Replies
nash2 profile image
nash2Partner

Well Frog, lots of questions there. Fibroscan can measure fat as well as fibrosis so the nurse wasn't lying. Apparently you are at a research facility which is good. You could have cirrhosis but the internet will drive you crazy as there is a lot of bad information so try to be less anxious. You will need to work carefully with your doctor. You describe a lot of different issues and one of the hard things about the liver is that the body is so complex and a lot of things are at work but certainly a good diet and exercise are good for almost everything. We have people here who have lived for many years with cirrhosis but it is a very individual thing. You need to work with a hepatologist for sure but most liver problems take time so it is unlikely that you are in crisis. Some problems move quickly but most don't. At your age you should be asking about auto immune and genetic issues. Some young people do have fatty livers but the question is why and you need your docs to figure that out so best thing is try not to panic.

Frogking profile image
Frogking in reply to nash2

The blood work tested for every livee disease under the sun. If I have cirorsis its just from a huge liver. They want me to go to my primary for the pain and burnijgni feel. Said liver doesn't feel pain. I read that it can if enlarged. What scares me is the enlarged spleen if I had a answer for that I'd be alot more calm. Between that and the fatigue I'm terrfied I have cirorsis.

My primary says your able to feel your liver thru physical. Is that true. He says he feels nothing hard but I feel something hard in middle under heart.

So without the presence of alcohol or a disorder. Cirrosis is probably not what is causing my problems? I would be ok with Nash. Anything that I'd reverseable

Frogking profile image
Frogking in reply to nash2

But the fibro 30 will test for hardness and not just fat thou right? I just want answers

nash2 profile image
nash2Partner in reply to Frogking

A Fibroscan will measure liver stiffness An enlarged spleen is usually caused by pressure from damage to the liver. The blood tests help rule out a lot of other causes of liver damage. If you can, you should see a hepatologist. Most primary care docs don't get enough liver education to really be of help. The liver does get hard with cirrhosis and docs can feel that but it is pretty advanced by the time it gets hard and you want to be changing things long before that.

Frogking profile image
Frogking in reply to nash2

I have some serious malaise and fatigue where I can't even get out of bed. And I have a fever. Would emergency room be options?

nash2 profile image
nash2Partner in reply to Frogking

fatigue is a typical problem with liver issues. The ER would likely tell you to see your doctor as there is no emergency treatment for it. Many of the people here struggle with fatigue and a healthy diet is the only thing I know of that is of any help. The extra virgin olive oil is the easiest energy source for most of your body. You might consider this approach to eating

fattyliverfoundation.org/na...

Wayne

Frogking profile image
Frogking in reply to nash2

I need a diagnosis. My liver hurts. I'm coughing up blood and hard to breath.

nash2 profile image
nash2Partner in reply to Frogking

Coughing up blood is an entirely different matter. That is reason to go to the ER right away

Frogking profile image
Frogking in reply to nash2

I went to er 5000$ later. They did ct scan on everything and says everything looks good. They said I have a .8 cm cyst on superior spleen and spleen dimension is 14.5 cm. They say incidental focal fat along the falciform ligament.

Er doctor and nurse say blood work is flawless and see nothing that indicated liver diease. Is liver just not a studied organ? I thought blood work and ct scan and ultrasounds can't diagnosis liver damage. But because I'm 27 and non drinker they say nothing to worry about just a fatty liver.

Is that possible to have just a fatty liver and enlarged spleen. Because I got checked for everything else. Rest my body is healthy. But the. Feel like the life is sicked out of me. And I can't get my fibroscan because neither gastro or primary care think anything is wrong. Is cirorsis at 27 really that rare?

nash2 profile image
nash2Partner in reply to Frogking

It isn't common for young people to have fatty liver but does happen and routine blood work is frequently normal as well. It can be difficult to get the testing for it as a lot of places don't have the equipment to test liver stiffness. I can tell you about people who have had a hard time getting to a doctor with liver training to help them but we can't do much else since we aren't doctors. I assume they determined that the blood you were seeing wasn't a problem. That is a good thing. Are there any hepatologists in your area? That is the specialist you need to connect with.

Frogking profile image
Frogking in reply to nash2

Yes but ones I been going to don't take me seriously because my age. All 3 doctors say its just nafld. Maybe even mild nash. And point that my blood work is flawless. Yet I have fatigue to point I can barely get out of bed that's getting worse. I have a fibroscan for april9 but they just want to see how much fat on liver. They told my fiancee that doctor doesn't want to treat me anymore. But deep in my heart I knoi have cirorsis. I have a enlarged spleen how are they nor concerned. The fatigue is so bad. Walking to bathroom takes so much. Our life is turned upside down right now. My liver hurts and my doctor says its all in my head as liver doesn't feel pain

nash2 profile image
nash2Partner in reply to Frogking

Difficult challenge, but is there a hepatologist near you? The typical doctor doesn't get much training on liver disease.

Frogking profile image
Frogking in reply to nash2

There is but by time I get in I'd be getting the fibroscan. Should I still try to get in?

nash2 profile image
nash2Partner in reply to Frogking

I can't guess whether they would schedule you sooner but it probably can't hurt to try. One perspective to think about, most liver problem progress slowly, so it can be hard to get quick action. That doesn't make it easier I know but if your docs actually said it is just NAFLD it suggests a too casual approach. NAFLD is projected to become the number one reason for liver transplant by 2020. Your symptoms can come from other causes but patients do have to fight for a diagnosis some times. I wish I could offer you more that might help but it is a problem the fatty liver community deals with.

Frogking profile image
Frogking in reply to nash2

I just want hope that one day my liver heals just enough that I feel like I have energy to enjoy life.

nash2 profile image
nash2Partner in reply to Frogking

everyone will recommend lifestyle changes, here is a link to the diet we recommend

fattyliverfoundation.org/na...

However, if this came on quickly you do need to be evaluated as soon as you can

Frogking profile image
Frogking in reply to nash2

ya I've always been somewhat fatigued but once I dropped my blood pressure all hell broke loose. People say lifestyle change but more I eat healthy and more veggies I eat worse I feel. . anyways april 9 fibroscan will give me answers. read a study saying Nash people can have just as much fatigue as cirrosis. And fatigue isn't a indicator of how much damage actually in liver. If anything its stage one cirorsis as IRS compensated and liver working fine. No swollen legs or big blue veins so maybe it can be reversed over time. I'm goinf try and trust God

nash2 profile image
nash2Partner in reply to Frogking

here is an article we published recently

fattyliverfoundation.org/ki...

utep99 profile image
utep99 in reply to Frogking

Get to a Doctor now!

Frogking profile image
Frogking

And none my family is taking seriously because I was fine few weeks ago and now I'm bed ridden

nash2 profile image
nash2Partner in reply to Frogking

That can happen, I've known several people who had that kind of experience. The hepatologist is where you need to be to answer that question.

Frogking profile image
Frogking in reply to nash2

My family sent me to er again. So far I've had a contrast ct scan and 3 ultrasound. And had my liver function checked 7 times in last 3 weeks. All the er doctors says if I had cirorsis it would of showed up in contrast ct scan

nash2 profile image
nash2Partner in reply to Frogking

Like a lot of medical things it depends on degree. I'll add a link about diagnosis with CT, but there are a lot of things they can see and advanced cirrhosis can usually be identified by CT. The problem with diagnosis is before it gets to that condition. It can make you feel bad in early stages and doesn't show up well on CT. A lot of things can make you sick, but for liver concern you need a hepatologist or someone who will test your liver stiffness. Sadly that test isn't available everywhere.

radiopaedia.org/articles/ci...

I don't know where you live, but here is a link to locations where the Fibroscan is available otherwise it is a transplant center issue.

echosens.us/find-a-facility

Frogking profile image
Frogking in reply to nash2

I have a fibroscan scedudle for april 9. Problem is I'm crippled in fatigue. Every doctor says nothing wrong with my liver and my family and doctors think its in my head. I want To fix my livee before its not reversible but since ct scans and ultrasounds and blood work is fine. They think nothing wrong

nash2 profile image
nash2Partner in reply to Frogking

It won't make you feel any better but liver patients often feel sick all the time and there are no quick fixes. It can really suck but it is important to know that there are rare liver problems that can develop quickly but normally it is a chronic condition and things happen slowly. I can't guess if you have a rare problem but it would be unusual. Until you get the Fibroscan there may not be anything else to learn.

Frogking profile image
Frogking in reply to nash2

Wierd thing is I felt fine two weeks ago. Once I lost weight it changed. I'm stuck because I'm at point where boss about to fire me and I need insurance come april 9 to get fibroscan

Activity2004 profile image
Activity2004 in reply to Frogking

Does your boss have you on the company medical insurance plan?

Frogking profile image
Frogking in reply to Activity2004

Yes

Activity2004 profile image
Activity2004 in reply to Frogking

What do they use?

Frogking profile image
Frogking in reply to Activity2004

They offer Cigna and blue cross. I choose cigna

Activity2004 profile image
Activity2004 in reply to Frogking

Would Blue Cross be better?

Frogking profile image
Frogking in reply to Activity2004

Yes but couldn't afford it

Frogking profile image
Frogking in reply to nash2

Doctor said if I cirorsis there would be lumps all over liver. Sounds like if my liver is suffering. I'm a stage where I have time to somewhat reverse some damage and live a normal life

nash2 profile image
nash2Partner in reply to Frogking

Yes that is the sign of advanced cirrhosis and there is not a suggestion that you are near end stage as they could probably see that but the liver can make you feel bad before it gets far advanced. We have people here who have had cirrhosis for years, it can be managed by a lot of people for years though there are no guarantees. My cirrhosis was first identified in 2010 and I expect to die from some other problem for whatever that is worth.

Frogking profile image
Frogking in reply to nash2

I got reuslrs of biopsy. Fat infiltration but assistant says no sign of any fibrosis or cirrhosis

3331 profile image
3331

Change your diet now get information from nutritionist. BCAA predigested protein will help. Be careful get the good stuff. Get out and exercise.

utep99 profile image
utep99

I cannot say how it may come out sadly I am no Doctor. I went through a period of anger I have friends drink everyday no problem. You get into a why me ? not them? thing. The thing to do is play defense. exercise and lose weight. Diet no red or processed meats and find a very good Gastrologist he can give you a final score (Do you have cirrhosis) or is it just a fatty liver this is possible to beat from what I am told.

Frogking profile image
Frogking in reply to utep99

My doctor says just fatty liver but I think its cirorsis the fatigue is crippling. I'm 27 and I'm about to lose my job because I can hardly move

mauschen profile image
mauschen in reply to Frogking

Considering the vast amount of investigation you’ve had recently, nothing seems to convince you that you do not have serious liver disease. I am not a doctor so cannot tell you whether you have or have not. However, having read your posts, I note that you have mentioned many symptoms and have informed us of risk factors that you do not have. Perhaps your persistence with liver disease has steered you and medical staff to investigate your spleen and liver and miss the correct reason for your extreme lethargy, recent weight loss, pain, sensation of burning feet, hypotension, coughing up blood and generally feeling unwell.

Of course the cyst on your spleen might be the reason for some but not all of your symptoms as coughing up blood could mean a problem with your lungs and a drop in your blood pressure could be related to circulating volume, however, if your blood tests are normal anaemia is unlikely, do you drink enough fluid?

Could you tell us the blood pressure measurement and by whom it was measured, also whether or not this was a one off measurement?

You mention losing 30 pounds, were you trying to lose weight, what is your current weight?

By now you will have had your fibroscan, would you mind sharing the results?

I hope the doctors get to the bottom of your illness or illnesses soon. It is obvious that you are extremely concerned but it would be helpful for you and your partner if you could try to calm down and not jump to conclusions.

I suggest that you write down all signs and symptoms with approximate dates related to when you or your family and friends first noticed them. This will help medical staff to build up a picture of what is going on and where to look next.

Take care

Frogking profile image
Frogking in reply to mauschen

I havnt had my fibroscan yet. That is april 9. I'm in damage control as the extreme fatigue is putting me at risk of losing my job. And if lose job lose insurance then I lose option of fibroscan. If my fibroscan comes back normal I will drop all thoughts of liver disease because I hear its almost 100% accurate at finding cirorsis. As far as blood pressure my blood pressure was around 170 over 95 for about 3 years. I lost weight on purpose anf once my blood pressure dropped to 130 over 80 all hell broke loose. As far as spleen it is very much tied to liver so when I read that enlarged spleen is tied to cirrosis and I have many other symtpoms like fatigue, bags under eyes, floaters, pain in liver area, muscle loss, generally feeling unwell anf extreme itching then ya I start to worry. And I havnt got a test yet. Ct scan can miss early cirorsis. Am I wrong?

We are only concerned because her 27 year old fiancee needs herb changing, and going to restroom. And has to walk around with a walker. This isnt just being tired this is destroying my quality of life. And somehow I have to make it thru work tuesday or I'm fired

3phyraX profile image
3phyraX in reply to Frogking

Hey frog, cheer up you are not the only one. Just read your post and it’s like myself, I have all symptoms you have and doctors still don’t know what’s wrong with me. I almost gave up but still fighting with them to find out what’s going on. I have enlarged spleen I recently lost 30 pounds in about 5 or 6 months without trying I was losing about 1 pound or 2 each week until now seems it stopped now but I’m 34 I was 240 and dropped 10 pounds all of the sudden that’s when I got scared and continued losing until reached 210. I was recently diagnosed with fatty liver too and they told me to diet and exercise and i told the doctor well I’m losing weight dropping weight without trying and he said goood because you need to lose weight I guess he didn’t want to find out why I was losing weight. And also I realized that eye floaters started to show up I even went to the eye doctors telling her that I have eyes floaters she said it’s normal but I’m sure it is not normal because it’s not concidense being so sick I was in bed literally for 5 months, dizziness, muscle pain, joint pain, weakness just very very ill and the eyes floaters bothering my vision and still looks like you are the only one who can understand me because seems you are having same symptoms but the only thing is that ultra sound didn’t show inflammation in the liver just enlarged spleen, also wanted to ask you do you have a lot of digestive issues? I had diarreaha for 2 months yelloish diarrea with severe pain when I was in bed for 5 months I feel a lot better now but I was feeling misirable for the last 5 months, until now my digestive issue seems to be over 2 days ago since last August it’s been a long time but my intestines I think it’s the small intestine making noises all the time with or without food and just feeling not well in your gut also felt cramping feelings sometimes but a lot of noises 24/7 for months I told my gastro that and he said it’s air?????? How come I didn’t have any air before I got sick? Ovbiosly has to be linked with whatever illness I have but still can’t find out what it is. Went to the hepatologist he looked at my numbers and he said he doubts I have pbc primary biliary cirrosis because it’s a women disease???? And my alt only at 80’s but normal is up to 40 over that is abnormal I guess number has to be over 500’s oh other thing I realized that some of us has pbc positive at numbers very high above 300’s my pbc blood test came out 30 and above 25 is positive so I’m not sure about that. I forgot the itching seems to be getting worse now. But it’s hard to see a doctor here I have my next appointment until may they are like 1 or 2 or month as after. But you are definitely not alone I’m with you same boat feeling the same way but let me tell you what helped me a lot I feel way better than last 5 months is the diet man you gotta change your diet no matter what our liver is not normal or regular as the others ours are weaker and work showers then average liver so the more junk we eat the liver can’t process that fast so is building up or toxins every time we eat and we are used to eat bad food so what you need to do is eat at home 100% every day don’t eat outside we can’t handle outside food that’s a no no, no alcohol at all, eat lots of vegetables and fruits if you crave cakes or junk sugary food eat fruit have your fruit at night that’s when I crave junk food and need of sweets so I eat fruit instead pretty much that’s what only sugar i consume from the fruit only no sodas at all just water or green tea unsweetened good for the liver and your bladder, no fats avoid pastas too tortillas or bread it’s hard I know but body gets used to it and will like it at the end and will ask you for the good stuff lots of green brócoli if you don’t eat vegetalbles don’t have time or whatever reason get crucíferos vegetable tablets so you will take them like if you were eating green vegetables I do it and it’s been helping me a lot also important very important take liver cleanse somebody here recommend me Gaia herbs liver cleanse hepatologist said don’t take it it’s garbage but it does help it lowered my liver levels to normal in 1 month taking them every day and feeling lot better not tired and heavy like before and drained also very important vitamin E 400m is good for liver also I take that too also important because we have fatty liver and we want to get rid of the fat in the liver I take apply cider vinegar tablets 500m at least the liquid is better but I just can’t drink that I can’t swallow that that’s why I take tablets also I take artichoke supplement as well and it’s helping me a lot for sure I need to do another ultrasound to measure the fat on the liver again and see if the diet and supplements been helping me I’ll keep you posted. I forgot to mention about the losing muscle I lost muscle too not just fat but muscle more than fat but wish you good luck and cheer up we gotta fight together we are on the same boat take care.

Frogking profile image
Frogking in reply to 3phyraX

Yes your symptom's are exact like mine. Have you gone fibroscan?

3phyraX profile image
3phyraX in reply to Frogking

No, unfortunately they don’t have that where I live. I’m scared to do liver biopsy since they told me is very risky and that my numbers are not that high to risk it. But they do have fibroscan next city and it’s like 1 hour and 30m away from here I’m considering going there and do it. How long you been feeling like this? Did you change your diet to a healthier diet? Does your muscle on your palms hand are sore? Mine were every muscle on my body was sore even the palm muscle.

Frogking profile image
Frogking in reply to 3phyraX

I've been having symptoms for awhile but never tied it to my liver. I lost 50 pounds recently and that's when all hell broke loose.

Activity2004 profile image
Activity2004 in reply to Frogking

Did the doctor ask if you were trying to loose the weight, Frogking ? Some doctors ask their patients before they do any tests for certain health issues (ie.: Diabetes).

Frogking profile image
Frogking in reply to Activity2004

Yes they did

3phyraX profile image
3phyraX

Hey frog sorry I forgot to mention that also when I eat heavy food or fatty food I feel something inflamed on my left side not right something swollens on my left side next to the stomach I don’t know if the stomach pushes my enlarged spleen or the pancreas read the pancreas handles the fat on the body so I don’t know at this point but the discomfort goes away the next day I guess when the body process the heavy meal it’s very weird I have to actually lay down on my right side so I don’t put pressure on my left but when I eat healthy vegetables fruits or light meals soups and all that it does do that to me only with solid heavy greasy foods or fried food guess can’t handle nothing like that anymore do you get same discomfort? Oh the hepatologist thinks I don’t have pbc as o mentioned before but the only way to make sure about that is to do biopsy but he said I will bled to death so of course I said I won’t do it since he said is very risky and I’m a person who easily bleeds so I don’t want to risk but at the same I do want since I was very ill and i thought I was going to die and i don’t want to have a other flare up from this autoimmune disease it feels horrible I think I had an episode like those when I was younger but lasted lot less and now at 34 lasted for months and the older o get the worse is getting unfortunately here they don’t have the fobroscan but other other doctor advised me if I would consider liver biopsy he said make sure it’s worth the risk saying wait for the numbers gets higher like really high above 300’s but I don’t really want this disease to progress and later to be too late and regret it.

nettl1 profile image
nettl1

Hi Frogking, I have liver cirrhosis and enlarged spleen by contracting Hep C. I haven't been a sickly person growing up and don't know how I contracted the disease. I don't drink and never done drug using needles. I had a Fibroscan which show nodules on my liver. I have very low energy levels, but the doctor just blows it off. Saying I need to exercise and move more. Easy for someone to say that hasn't been so sick. Hope they find you some relief soon. Trust in yourself to know what you feeling and not read everything on the web. If you do research yourself a good site is WebMD.com.

Frogking profile image
Frogking in reply to nettl1

My family and doctors say I'm fine and to stop reading web md

Activity2004 profile image
Activity2004 in reply to Frogking

Frogking ,

Do what makes you feel better. Sometimes, people have to do what makes them feel better and block out the 'noise'. Does this make sense?

nettl1 profile image
nettl1 in reply to Activity2004

Makes lots of sense. But it’s hard to shut off family know-it-all’s information. Good luck with your life!

If you don’t trust your doctor then it’s time to find a new one. Otherwise, ask to have printouts of all test results and have the doc explain what they mean. Google does not know you so don’t put your faith in it.

Frogking profile image
Frogking in reply to

If ct scan and ultrasounds were 100% then I'd be ok. When you have 95% the symptoms of cirorsis and your liver hurts like crazy you tend to not trust doctors who say nothing wrong

nettl1 profile image
nettl1 in reply to Frogking

I understand that. My Fibroscan showed liver at F5 state with severe Cirrhosis. Doctor is saying my liver is hanging on by a thread, whatever that means.

Frogking profile image
Frogking

Got my biopsy results back

nettl1 profile image
nettl1

Hope your results are good!

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