I am new to the group and NAFLD!

Hi, I just joined today and like so many of you guys..I am shocked, horrified, scared, finalizing wills and trust, gazing at my grandsons more indeep etc😅 I'm a hot mess right now but still have a sense of humor. ...I only found out 5 days ago that I have a non-alcoholic fatty liver. I went for a routine check up, felt pain in the lower abdominal area, got an ultrasound the next day. The abdominal pain was deemed a pulled muscle from exercise but that's how they caught the liver issue. I am thankful that it's not so far gone to the point that nothing can be done. If that is the case for anyone here, I am sorry that you are going through that phase.I went to the supermarket and purchased $180.00 worth of fruits, veggies and fish. I exercise everyday now( prior was twice a week for 1 hour each time) I came here because if I need to cry I know everyone will understand.I don't want my sons to know that I am very concerned . I tell them that I am doing everything right and I am going to be fine. My Doctor says if i stay on track i should be fine.Thanks for letting me get this out. I pray that everyone is seeing progress. Give me a minute then I will become your shoulder to lean on. Blessings everybody.

[Golendoodle]

it’s a shock when your told you have this disease. One very important thing for you is to make sure this isn’t a genetic issue. Then change your diet and exercise which you are doing and you will reverse this if it isn’t cirrhosis. If the liver has progressed you can hopefully stop the damage. The FDA is coming out with medications that shows promise. Follow the Mediterranean diet avoid all sugar , white bread educate yourself and you’ll be just fine. We’re here to help if you need anything don’t hesitate to ask.

[Familystone470 in reply to Golendoodle]

It is a shock when you are told but if you follow the Mediterranean diet and get exercise your numbers can come down. My MELD number was nine and it has dropped to a 7 in six months. It can be a pain to always have to make the healthier choices especially when going out to eat, but surprisingly after being on the diet, you that you don’t feel well after eating beef, fried etc. and so you avoid it.

[Golendoodle in reply to Familystone470]

Meld number is that the same as the fibroScan fibrosis number?

[geneticnash]

Hang in there - it was a shock for all of us. Mine is genetic, so I found out more about it after my brother passed three years ago. I've been told all my life (well, since early 20's) that I had a fatty liver, but not one doctor ever told me what to do about it. You are already doing the right things - watch what you eat, exercise, no alcohol (although I do allow myself wine on weekends, small amounts) - and I have already seen improved reslts, so I do have faith if we are dedicated, we can keep it in check. Good luck- enjoy your grandkids!

[nash2 Partner]

Hi Hidden

Glad you are here, a couple of things.

With liver disease people throw the words around carelessly. Some of them deserve to scare you, others are an issue but not so scary. Can't tell from your note where you are sitting.

There are two main phases, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, NAFLD, and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, NASH. It is important to understand just what you are dealing with. Can you clarify that? It isn't an easy diagnosis so it often takes more than an ultrasound to be clear about it. Unfortunately the treatment for both at this time is lifestyle and exercise but it is valuable to understand the risk.

Wayne

[Addieann in reply to nash2]

Im having some scans next week, but my blood work didn’t look good. I think I have scarring now. Five years ago, I wasn’t told how serious this could be. Now I know, and I’m terrified!! All my levels are up. Birubin, alkaline Phosphotase, all enzymes. I am starting to watch everything I eat. Never had alcohol… but I am so worried. The hepatology’s I saw said I was Stage 3-4. I’m 74, and do I have a chance to keep living with my diagnosis?? Of course I will know more after scans this week and a Fibroscan soon. Thanks everyone for listening!!

[Mojo-Risin]

I read that roughly 1/3 of the U.S.A. population has fatty liver. I suggest you go and get a fibrosis liver scan so you can have a baseline reading of your condition. If its mild, your doctor will likely ask you to come back annually for a test. Based on what little you told me, the doom & gloom and estate planning is probably not necessary because of your diagnosis. (Estate planning is always smart, but a mild form of fatty liver would not be the reason.). I still strongly encourage you to make the dietary changes, exercise, and keep alcohol to a minimum. Everything I read tells me that mild forms of fatty liver (which I also have) is very much maneagable long term. The trick is to take it seriously so it does not progress.