New Here!

[Bluegirl52]

Even though I joined in May, it appears as though I didn’t introduce myself. I just turned 67 and found out I had something going on with my liver via a CT scan. I am a heart patient, in heart failure (with an artificial mitral valve, pacemaker and defibrillator). Diagnosed with heart problem when I was 22. Survived two open heart surgeries. On a ton of heart meds for years. Long story short a CT for another reason picked up a subtly nodular liver last November. After another CT in Feb. for a heart problem, it was noticed again. An ultrasound picked up some fat in the liver but quantity wasn’t mentioned. Had a NASH Fibrosure test run and it showed NASH and cirrhosis. My gastroenterologist said he didn’t totally trust the blood test because of all the meds I take and how they affect the results of individual tests in the Fibrosure test. So at that point, I went to Duke Medical and saw a hepatologist. I can’t have a Fibroscan or an MRI because of the hardware in my body (per dr at Duke). So she ran another CT scan specifically looking for fatty liver, cirrhosis and HCC. The two earlier CTs never mentioned seeing fat. The CT Duke ran said there was no evidence of steatosis but did see a nodular liver and evidence of congestive hepatopathy (cardiac cirrhosis). This is caused by my right sided heart failure, pulmonary hypertension from heart failure and severe tricuspid regurgitation from my tricuspid valve in my heart. She said if I can control the heart failure, I can possibly stop the cirrhosis. I wonder if I do also have at least some fatty liver so have decided to do the NASH diet along with the low sodium for the heart failure. It’s so hard when you have another major problem and take meds that may skew tests for other things. I know this is long, and I apologize but will take any advice for diet and other things that may help. Also, the CT showed no varices, portal hypertension or problem with the spleen which is consistent with cardiac cirrhosis so I’m thankful that I’m well compensated. Also, all my LFT are normal and nodular liver is a sign of congestive hepatopathy. Duke will run bloodwork every three months and they will scan every six months for HCC. Also, thanks for allowing me to learn all I can since I am not a candidate for a liver transplant because of my heart. By the way, started dieting in March and have lost 35 pounds and can now walk a good distance every morning. I actually feel better than I ever have.

[nash2 Partner]

Sounds like you are doing a good job with the cards you have been dealt. Not being a doctor I can't tell you much but I think the care you are getting at Duke is first class.

Wayne

[Bluegirl52 in reply to nash2]

Thanks for the good assurance about Duke. I was seen there by one of their cardiologists two years ago for a second opinion. I’ve been blessed to have lived in larger cities and had docs at Johns Hopkins and Emory. I live closer now to Duke (couple of hours away) but am glad to be able to go to a teaching hospital.

[Jkf1]

Welcome! I have various things going on too and when I treat one it can affect the liver so I know exactly how you feel. Glad your here!

[Bluegirl52 in reply to Jkf1]

Thank you for the welcome!

[nettl1]

Sounds like you’re doing the right things. Low sodium, no alcohol, fresh vegetables and fruits, low protein and exercise. I started with stage 5 Cirrhosis in 2016 due to Hepatitis C and now have fatty liver. I’m not giving up on diet and exercise. I’ve been told by four doctors this can be reversed. Keep up the good work!!

[Bluegirl52 in reply to nettl1]

Thank you!