Has anyone had a flare up similar to what I’m experiencing?

[andrewax2]

I have a doctors appointment on Monday, but last weekend I couldn’t wait since I thought I was getting severely worse.

I ended up checking in at a local hospital where they ran a few tests. In the blood test, The ALT/AST came back almost normal, bilirubin was only 1.4, and there was nothing else I remember the doctor seeing as notable.

The Ultrasound / CT Scan saw the fatty liver, but the doctor didn’t see any inflammation and said he didn’t see any evidence of cirrhosis.

Granted, this is a high level and not in depth check as I hope to get from my GI.

I hadn’t felt this bad in a year, and as I’ve mentioned in another post the only lifestyle changes I’ve had are eating healthier and working out more.

As of two weeks ago, I’m constantly itchy, my liver hurts often (almost constantly with few exceptions), my bowel movement is not consistent, and I’ve felt nauseous several times. I’ve also had a headache and felt low energy. I haven’t felt this bad in over a year, and last time wasn’t this long.

I’m hoping the GI can find something the hospital didn’t, but does anyone have similar flare ups and any recommendations on what I should be looking out for?

Thanks in advance.

[nash2 Partner]

Hi Andre

Lots of people report a difficult path to diagnosis. The tools and training in the ER are usually of little value to someone who is not dealing with liver failure. A lot of discomfort can come from liver issues but you really need a liver stiffness test to get a sense of whether you are having liver issues or could have some other challenge like and infection for example. We can be and are sympathetic and many have had challenging experiences but it requires your doc to define what is really going on.

Wayne

[ThyroidDeb]

Hi Andre, I can only say it sounds you are stressed and that is normal but it can also give you these symptoms, did me. Headache, weakness, tired, bowel changes..it can affect everything. I too thought I was having liver pains and went to my doctor, she pushed all over and nothing hurt. She thought it was skeletal from excercise, then one day I had the same pain on the other side, whew. Then I knew. Changing my diet affected my bowel movements which can make me nauseated. First to good then not so good but I have IBS-C too. Gotta make sure I get my fiber drink. Itchiness, I really haven't had but when I do I would instantly wonder but I can say this, my skin is so dry right now. If I don't keep it moisturized, I itch from that. I know full well it's hard to stay calm but I have managed with my doctors help, and a lot of fear has dissipated..good luck.

[BS2021 in reply to ThyroidDeb]

Since 2 COVID infections and being NAFLD & HCV, everyday I feel like I'm wearing cement shoes, body does not hurt until I push beyond what I can tolerate and that's not much. I'm a nurse and I work the weekends Hospice. Sunday is a 24 hour shift. That shift I ask a few of my favorite patients to pray for this nurse to be able to keep going! I ask them because I'm tired!!! Carry ginger chews in my pocket because everyday I fight nausea and have bouts of vomiting.

I think I've mentioned there won't be many more diagnostics or specialist visits because healthcare in the USA is a privilege and I can only tolerate working part time that does NOT come with benefits. So the government is taking the Medicaid coverage away because I'm working. My Primary Physician is clueless about NASH and keeps telling me about my labs and then says 'See you should feel much better now!' after he dropped my Synthroid dose due to a slight increase of my TSH and I'm praying it doesn't put me into a nother Hashimoto flare up and no levels are adjustable!

If Trump makes it in office I'm dead!

[ThyroidDeb in reply to BS2021]

Hi, I'm so sorry all this is happening to you and many others like you. You didn't say what State you are from but you are 63. I'm sure this suggestion wouldn't be your first choice if you were feeling healthy physically and mentally. Have you given any thought to retirement. In Michigan if you don't get a lot of social security you may qualify for Medicare and Medicaid. Medicaid will pay your Medicare fee. You might also apply for disability sometimes if that's more than your social security you qualify for that and would have Medicaid. I believe with social security and after 66 you can work as many hours you want without affecting the benefit. Before that age there is a limit. You might check it out in your State. I wish I could help you more but please don't give up and message me privately any time. I, can be your shoulder!

[BS2021 in reply to ThyroidDeb]

Hi Deb,

I'm from Colorado, where they have soooo much $$ coming in from casinos and pot but need to takes benefits away from people because, Colorado just can't afford it! They tax social security and yes I tried to retire but couldn't live on 1390 a month and I couldn't make more than my social security. Oh and I did not qualify for ANY COVID resource from the feds because I made more than 17650/year. I have a bankruptcy I'm in actually the middle of I need to help my son now keep his home so I have a place to live! Just was giving a dismissal on an unemployment claim. Colorado was going to make me pay back 30k for the last COVID-19 infection. I was fired from DHH Nurse line because I called in sick and Mayor Hancock of Denver had wanted everyone out of the downtown area. I was upsetting the timeline for training. So they let me go! Then I was critically sick with UK variant and then liver complications and continuing Leukocytosis. Medicaid said they'd keep me on till after the pandemic and now they have changed their minds!

[BS2021 in reply to BS2021]

I called in sick DHH Nurse line with COVID-19 symptoms