How quickly does it progress

[Holeymoley1]

Hi. I just get diagnosed with confirmed severe hepatic steatosis via ultrasound. I’m not overweight. Well maybe I could do with losing 10kg. I eat quite healthy- lots of fish, fresh vegetables, very few carbs, no added sugar or packaged foods. My dr said it’s not diet related and probably genetic. My problem is I found out 2 days before heading to Vietnam for an 18 day holiday. I could have got in to see the specialist straight away but chose not to and so now I see him 1 week after I get back from Vietnam. I’ve been trying to eat healthy. Vietnamese is usually healthy anyway. I haven’t had any alcohol and my new drink of choice is coconut and coffee. I’m stressing a little incase I made the wrong decision and should have cancelled my trip and took the earlier specialist appointment. How quick does it progress. What does ‘severe’ mean? Has anyone been diagnosed with this when it hasn’t been weight related.

[nash2 Partner]

Well, this should be fairly easy to comment on. Almost always the disease is a slow motion problem progressing slowly over years. It can develop quickly if caused by toxins or some infections for example. Steatosis is fat not the more serious steatohepatitis so if your doctor has it right you should be fine if you are not currently ill. Like all health concerns risk is a probability. Your odds are good but seeing a specialist when you can is likely wise.

Wayne

[Holeymoley1 in reply to nash2]

Thanks for the prompt reply Wayne. My dr gave me a referral to a specialist and said I’d need to get tested for fibrosis. I’m trying not to stress but it did freak me out a bit when the dr said - I know it’s easy for me to say but try not to worry. I can feel my liver is enlarged.

[Rick6776 in reply to nash2]

Well I have NASH but stage 2 steatosis and only stage 1 fibrosis. How fast does that or can that progress? I know it can be quicker if you have NASH and if caused by environmental toxins which we believe mine was.thanks

[nash2 Partner in reply to Rick6776]

It is quite slow if the toxins are no longer there and can resolve if you have a liver friendly lifestyle. Can be more complicated of course but the odds are good from your description

[mauschen in reply to nash2]

In my experience, some doctors are not good at delivering a diagnosis and some do not know the difference between fatty liver disease and inflammatory fatty liver disease. Holeymoley1 , I would suggest making an appointment to discuss your diagnosis and probable cause.

[Holeymoley1 in reply to mauschen]

Thanks. I’m seeing a specialist a week after I get home from Vietnam. Any tips on what to ask and how to get the most out of my appointment with the specialist.

[mauschen in reply to Holeymoley1]

Hi,

I would ask whether or not the liver has inflammation . Also ask for a copy of your blood results and the Fibroscan.

A liver biopsy would give you much more information but is not without complications. Your doctor should tell you if this investigation is necessary.

Have a good trip

[cccd in reply to Holeymoley1]

Hey holeymoley,

If you are in the UK then GPS tends to do the Liver Function Tests (LFTs). With everyone that has a possible problem with the liver it is vital to check for everything via blood work.

Some of the ‘extra’ blood checks to do that are not included in the standard LFT blood check are for Hepatitis (both for antibody to check if ever been exposed and antigen). You need to push for autoimmune checks as well done via antibody testing to rule out PBC etc.

You say you eat healthy but may be good to get you cholesterol broken down also by HDL and LDL. Check you iron (ferritin) levels also.

Hope this helps buddy.

C.

[Holeymoley1 in reply to cccd]

Thanks for the tips.