Normal liver function tests but pains and other symptoms persist

[Rachelgall90]

Hi there. I'm hoping someone can give me some peace of mind. For a year now I've been having abdominal pains in my upper right quadrant. It's now started radiating to the back and I'm scared to death it's my liver. I'm 24 years old and drink around once a month but when I do on a night out I usually over do it. I drank heavily for around 3/4 years when i lived abroad partying every day and drinking every day for months on end and sometimes drugs too. I fell pregnant and stopped drinking during pregnancy of course and since then (my baby is 15 months now) I only go out and drink on a night out once a month or so. I've had an ultrasound 9 months ago which showed my liver as normal. I had an endoscopy which showed I have acid reflux and oesophagitis and I had liver function tests last week which came back as normal. But the pain and constant uncomfortable feeling in my upper right quadrant is always there. I get an all over itch at times which comes and goes but its not an itch that I need to scratch it's more of an irritaton that once I brush across it it stops. The past two months I've been urinating alot more so my doctor over all thinks there is nothing wrong with my liver because of my normal liver function tests, and instead thinks there might be a stone somewhere and is sending me for a complete bladder scan. I've been having these symptoms for a year now and I'm so afraid it's my liver from the damage I've done in the past. Does anyone have any advice for me..

Thank you

[nash2 Partner]

Hi Rachel

Welcome. Right upper quadrant pain is a common symptom of liver disease so your concern isn't a foolish one but it is good to remember that there can be a lot of causes of that discomfort. Your situation is sadly common in that primary care docs rely on liver function tests which can be normal even though the liver is troubled. That is because if damage isn't happening fast liver enzymes can stay normal. Given your history finding out your liver status is appropriate and if possible I'd suggest getting a second opinion from a liver specialist. If you can't do that you might take a look at the FIB-4 test. It is something you can do yourself. Here is a link to a page that can guide you.

fattyliverfoundation.org/no...

Given your young age it will be hard for you to be considered for liver disease and FIB-4 may not be effective for you but I'd encourage you to be persistent. The test that you may be able to find in your area is called a Fibroscan. It measures your liver stiffness but most primary docs don't use it so you might ask around your area to see if it is available.

We certainly can't really help you with a diagnosis as we aren't doctors but many of us have had a problem getting a diagnosis so be persistent. In the meantime most liver disease is managed with diet so here is a link to our view of diet that you might consider.

fattyliverfoundation.org/na...

Best wishes

Wayne

[Rachelgall90 in reply to nash2]

Hi Wayne.

Thank you for your reply. I went to the gp today again as it's really worrying me and he examined my abdomen and said he cant feel any enlargement and my blood tests are all reassuring but I've decided I'm going to go private and get an abdominal ultrasound. I had one last year but I know things can change and I'd rather get it checked. Is an ultrasound accurate in your opinion?

[nash2 Partner in reply to Rachelgall90]

ultrasound is very operator dependent and doesn't show fibrosis. It is one of the hard things about diagnosing liver disease. If you have determined that you can't see a liver specialist or there is no FibroScan available to you it is better than a blood test. One thing the operator can do is look at the shadow your liver makes on the abdominal wall. If it is not nice and smooth you will want to get specialist help.