No pain but tightness?: Hi I’m awaiting... - Living with Fatty...

Living with Fatty Liver and NASH

8,400 members2,196 posts

No pain but tightness?

Bilwonhar61 profile image
4 Replies

Hi I’m awaiting a fibroscan to check how my liver is working after having intermittent raised liver function tests. I get my bloods done every 3 months or so as I am on various meds for long-standing ankylosing spondylitis which I’ve had since I was around 8 years of age. I’m 52 now. I had a raised alt level in March and June’s test was normal but the most recent one is slightly raised again. If it’s not my meds, my GP thinks it’s likely a fatty liver. I hardly ever drink alcohol but I am a bit overweight due to my disability. Ever since I knew there was a problem with my liver I’ve become extremely anxious and are constantly worrying incase there is something sinister going on. I don’t have any other liver-related symptoms ie, no jaundice, weight loss, pale stools or actual pain but I often think I can feel a tightness on my right side where the liver is situated. If the fibroscan does suggest I have NAFL disease I will do everything I can to reverse any damage and I am already changing my diet and trying to lose some weight by watching what I eat. My main reason for this post is to ask anyone else who has been diagnosed with this condition whether they feel any symptoms on the right hand side? Not pain as such, just sometimes a ‘tightness’ or ‘heavyness’ feeling. No swelling that I can feel. I’ve been told there could be quite a wait for the fibroscan due to a Covid backlog. I the meantime I am trying to manage my anxiety and worrying which is not easy!

Written by
Bilwonhar61 profile image
Bilwonhar61
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
4 Replies
nash2 profile image
nash2Partner

Sorry to hear that. Bechterew disease is a challenge. A lot of people here have right upper quadrant pain associated with liver disease but fatty liver has a very wide range and the first thing to do is relax a little. Getting on a liver friendly diet is the first step so good for you there. In case it might be of some value here is a link to a discussion of a NASH diet as something to consider.

fattyliverfoundation.org/na...

Like your arthritis challenge fatty liver is a marathon and things happen slowly so absent overt symptoms you probably have time to respond. It is important to get a good understanding of what is happening but you are already taking the steps you need to so try to ease your mind a little. The liver has a tough covering called a Glisson's capsule and if the organ swells it can feel like pressure under the ribs. A key question will be to understand if any medications you are taking have are hard on the liver. You may need to get a hepatologist involved to work that out.

Good luck

Wayne

Bilwonhar61 profile image
Bilwonhar61

Many thanks for your reply and advice. Hopefully once I’ve have my fibroscan I will know more. I have been on a drug called Sulphasalazine for over 30 years and according to a patient guide I printed off from the British liver trust about non-alcoholic fatty liver disease - it does list it as one of the drugs that can cause this condition. I just hope I can improve the situation by losing some excess weight and embracing a new diet. Thank you for the link. Cheers

grapewizard profile image
grapewizard

Fibroscan results took a week. Don't let the result freak you out. I just was told i am F3 and ultrasound showed enlarged fatty liver, but i have no pain or tightness. Good that you are starting to lose the weight. Look into intermittent fasting. I did a 5 day mimick fast with ProLan and lost 10 of the 20 pounds i was told to lose. The anxiety is hard to manage.

Bilwonhar61 profile image
Bilwonhar61 in reply tograpewizard

Thank you for your reply. Will certainly look into your recommendations. All the best

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

safe pain meds for surgery

I was recently diagnosed with NAFLD and have a F0/1 score on the fibroscan. I have Upper Right...
Deborahkd22 profile image

Has anyone heard of lean NASH?

If anyone has read my posts I do have steatosis grade 1. I was diagnosed In May after some heavy...
Amethyst91 profile image

Right sided rib pain. Fatty liver or gall stone?

Hi guys, I was diagnosed with fatty liver. I had fibroscan done which was 4.5kpa. It was an old...
Kettl profile image

Anyone Else Have a UGAP to Diagnose? Accuracy?

Finally figured out what kind of ultrasound I had and it’s called a UGAP. I have a bad...
Dasil7 profile image

ultrasound scheduled Monday and feeling nervous

I’ve been on this board for some time. My last scan was at the end of 2021 and it was normal but my...
mtk0925 profile image

Moderation team

See all
AfternoonCoffee profile image
AfternoonCoffeeAdministrator
SuryaGP7 profile image
SuryaGP7Moderator
RobynD profile image
RobynDModerator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.