How quickly does it progress - Living with Fatty...

Living with Fatty Liver and NASH

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How quickly does it progress

Holeymoley1 profile image
9 Replies

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.

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Holeymoley1
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9 Replies
nash2 profile image
nash2Partner

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 profile image
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 profile image
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 profile image
nash2Partner 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 profile image
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 profile image
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 profile image
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 profile image
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 profile image
Holeymoley1 in reply to cccd

Thanks for the tips.

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