Scared

[emarie96]

I've posted in here a couple of times, but here's my story. I got admitted to the hospital in March of 2021 for gallbladder removal. My liver enzymes were very high. I was sent for an URQ ultrasound before surgery. This showed "The liver is hyperechoic and coarsened and echogenic texture". My surgeon said he was considering a biopsy and after surgery told my husband that my liver looked okay so he decided not to biopsy it. I also had an MRI the day after surgery which showed "Mild hepatomegaly with mild diffuse hepatosteatosis". I had a follow up with my doctor and my liver enzymes were elevated, but I was not eating well at all. Constant fast food, soda, baked goods, etc. I talked to my doctor and she without much compassion and recognition for my health anxiety mentioned liver failure as a possibility in the future. I adopted the Mediterranean diet and in 3 weeks my liver values were almost back to normal. I celebrated that victory, but I am back to a place where I am terrified that I am going to die from this. I'm so scared of liver failure and liver cancer. I'm also extremely scared that I have damaged my liver beyond repair. I'm only 25. Any kind words or words of encouragement would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

[nash2 Partner]

Hi Marie

For what it is worth, we do understand that fear. I remember it well. I had gallbladder surgery in 2010 and the first I ever heard of NASH was when the surgeon said I had cirrhosis. Your job right now is to take a breath. This is scary but definitely not hopeless. From your description it is likely that you do have fatty liver disease. You will want to get a real diagnosis but the fact that your surgeon didn't think it was worth doing a biopsy is a very good sign. Those guys know what a sick liver looks like. It is also important to know that fatty liver is reversible. It is the scaring from NASH that leads to bad things. You want to get your diet under control and get a followup with a doc with a liver specialty. You will want to get a liver stiffness test as part of understanding your situation, but there is every reason to think that you will be able to manage this. Hope that helps a little.

Wayne

[emarie96 in reply to nash2]

Wayne, I have a couple of questions. Is this disease something that progresses extremely quickly or slowly? I'm extremely scared that I am at the point of no return (my liver won't fix itself). I'm so scared that I am going to die from this. Also, regarding diet. Is there ever times on special occasions where you indulge and eat something sugary? I want to be able to live life, but I also do not want to do anymore damage to my liver. Also, thank you for the reassurance and kind words. That helped more than you could ever imagine.

Erica

[Justice1872 in reply to emarie96]

Erica. Just a word of encouragement here. Liver Disease is scary but stay focused. I use to live to eat, but now I eat to live as they say...I accepted that I burned my bridge to enjoy food when I ate too much of the bad stuff, now I must eat alot of the good stuff. Like you I want to grab that donut or have some cereal, but I always remember that my liver needs my help. **man if i could have some honey bunch of oats😂 be strong and remember our whole body needs us as much as we need it. Be Blessed.

[nash2 Partner in reply to emarie96]

Hi Erica

I know you realize that you are asking questions that we can't begin to answer for you but perhaps some perspective. There are liver diseases that progress rapidly but that is uncommon. The probability is that your situation is the multi decade challenge that most of us face. You are young so it is important that you get evaluated by a liver specialist and get a proper diagnosis but you are more likely to be killed in a car crash driving to the doctor than having sudden liver failure unless it is some toxic chemical or autoimmune issue. You need to know what has caused this and that requires a proper examination.

We all struggle with the food question. The answer is that if you get your lifestyle in a good place and let your liver operate normally you probably can indulge in an occasional treat but it will be important to remember to keep the dose small. We have a hard time not overdoing it but as you learn what works and what your limits are life can be pretty normal.

Wayne

[MINTVCX]

I came across some statistics that says with NASH alone is around 7.7 years per one stage (so for example from F2 to F3). But it depends from many other factors so I think it is very individual.

[sadysue2]

You have a good chance of regenerating your liver as liver is one of few organs that can regenerate itself. Go on a liver friendly diet which seems to be either Mediterranean or Vegan, bodies react differently. I am currently experimenting on a 30 % protein, 40% complex carbs, 40% fat. Low complex carbs does not work for me but does for others. If I were you I would get a Dietician who works with Liver problems and let her explain all this diet jabber to you and make a diet just for you. Liver is also very reactive to stress-God knows we all live in it. Try to look at the long haul-you are young and have every reason you can intervene now and change what was not good diet habits for your liver. You might read a few books on liver, Dr. Sandra Cabot has several, there are probably others as well. If you dont know a Dietician ask a Liver specialist who office recommends. I think you will do very well and action is the answer to your diagnosis. Best wishes and the odds are on your side.