Good Liver Dr. in NJ.

[mario07963]

Can anyone recommend a good Dr. that strictly works and understand Fatty Liver in NJ?

I had several Doctors, Gastro, Hepatologist, etc. None of them seems to really guide me in the right direction.

I was diagnosed with Fatty Liver 7 years ago. I thought back then was due to too much alcohol since I did not think I was overweight and thought I was eating healthy. 5'8 - 185 lbs.

I had a biopsy back then to confirm if I had Fibrosis and there was none, I had about 8 Ultrasounds since then and they all confirm fatty liver, some says severe fatty liver and my most recent one done in 12/20 says mild echogenic increased. I was supposed to get a comparison from the last one but that's one thing I struggle to get diagnostic facilities to do a good comparison, so it is hard to know if it is getting better. I lost 20 lbs, I weight now 166 lbs. Eat pretty healthy, no milk, no sugars, no pasta or rice, only multigrain bread and legumes. Vegetables and fish, chicken occasionally.

Drink alcohol very ocasionally.

All my blood work numbers are good.

Had a Fibroscan 2019 and no Fibrosis.

So basically at this point I need a Dr. that can figure out why I can't get rid of the fatty liver, and if is getting better as the ultrasound comparisons are never done correctly.

[TNWONDER]

Hey Mario - im basically in the same boat as you. I also live in NJ. Quite frankly, i think my Gastro is a moron and has no idea what he's talking about when it comes to fatty liver. I know that may be a bit harsh, but i think its true. He neglected to mention to me that i had a slightly fatty liver 7 years ago. Got another ultrasound back in Sept and finally decided to tell me about it. He also said "no further action to be taken". So im also in the process of vetting out highly regarded hepatologist options. On my own i went ahead and got a fibroscan done. On my own I've researched and learned about the disease. Oh yeah, i also took the initiative to demand a full liver panel and lo and behold i have a blood disorder called hemochromatosis which can affect the liver. Goes to show you that you must be you own best advocate. You need to educate yourself as much or even more as these "doctors". I will post back when i decide who im going with. Good luck

[mario07963 in reply to TNWONDER]

Thanks for responding TNWONDER.

After 7 years of diagnosed with fatty liver, several blood works, tenth's of Ultrasounds, CT and Fibroscan; I'm slowly understanding the situation.

1. We are all here for a reason we are concerned about our health.

2. A tremendous amount of people are walking right now with Fatty Liver, eating unhealthy, drinking and they might never find out they have fatty liver and make it just okay for the rest of their lives.

3. Regular Physicians, Gastros, Hepatologist do not take Fatty Liver serious unless you have Fibrosis or a more serious Liver Disease.

4. Ultrasounds help to see the amount of fat in liver but not a good way to follow up for comparison, it all depends who reads the films, how they interpret it, etc. I guess it helps to do it every so often to make sure Fatty Live has not progressed.

5. Fibro Scans are more accurate to follow up on Fibrosis.

With this said, I had all of this in 7 years, between eating healthy, drinking occasionally, sometimes eating bad and had a few extra drinks but every system is different and might not ever completely recover from Fatty Liver but I think as long as we keep checking every year or so for Fibrosis through a Fibroscan and Blood work for general marks, continue eating healthy, limiting sugars, bad carbs, and alcohol we could avoid progressing.

If you were diagnosed 7 years ago with a simple fatty liver and 7 years later you still have fatty liver, you are keeping it consistent.

I am still trying my best to completely getting rid of it, but my goal is to eat healthy, keep a good body weight, limiting alcohol and just continue checking it every year or two.

[mario07963 in reply to mario07963]

I also have to add that I know sooo many people with Fatty Liver and they just do not care, that's why I say that we are here for a reason, we take our health serious. We have a pandemic of Fatty Liver in the USA due to our diets and environment.