Wednesday's 'Word'

[DonnaBoll]

NAFLD - Non alcoholic fatty liver disease.

This is very common, characterized by deposits of fat in the liver cells. When these deposits cause inflammation and fat cells build up, it is known as NASH or non alcoholic steatohepatitis.

It is often very common in patients who have Type 2 diabtetes or are obese. Because of it being seen more and more in the general population, it is just likely that it occurs along with PBC as well in many cases.

If NAFLD is present along with PBC, it can sometimes limit the effectiveness of the PBC therapy as well as assessment of some blood tests.

[kingsnorth]

I have fatty liver as well as PBC 😢 I'm not overweight have a normal BMI. Even though a normal weight l have over the last 4 months changed to a Mediterranean diet and use lots of virgin olive oil no butter no sugar no ultraprocesed foods and of course no alcohol fingers crossed my next scan will have improved x

[DonnaBoll Administrator in reply to kingsnorth]

Good for you for making all those healthy changes! Dietary changes can make a big difference in the results as well as making us feel more 'healthy'. Are you able to exercise as well? Let us know what your next scan shows

[kingsnorth in reply to DonnaBoll]

l usually go to the gym 4 times a week but at the moment I’m in Spain until April been here since 23rd January. Lots of walking but no weights until l get home. I’m 73 so not doing too bad 🤞🤞

[DonnaBoll Administrator in reply to kingsnorth]

You should be very proud of yourself! I have to start making walking a priority in my everyday calendar. I'll keep doing my water aerobics twice a week. Good for us!

[kingsnorth in reply to DonnaBoll]

l used to go water aerobics but the water temperature was never very warm so l stopped. Best wishes and thanks for all your support

[DonnaBoll Administrator in reply to kingsnorth]

I can so relate to the 'cool' water temps. We all try to warm ourselves up as quickly as possible. I have known of 'arthritis' classes where the water was heated. Might check it out at some places near you that might offer these.

[Blue-Mom]

I would like to know how it affects the effectiveness of medication and how it affects blood tests. My last fibroscan showed some issues and the doctors asked me to really try to lose some weight. I am trying hard. But I would like to understand more how the NAFLD changes things.

[DonnaBoll Administrator in reply to Blue-Mom]

This would be a great question to ask in The PBC Foundation's Thursday Q&A sessions. Are you familiar with these. If not, look at the PBC Foundation's FB page. Sorry, this is all the information I know on it.

[Wocket]

I have just been diagnosed with NASH and told to lose 10% of my weight. I was 14 st 4 lb but in the last 6 weeks I’ve been on 800 cal a day and I’m now 13 st 1 lb. Still away to go.

[DonnaBoll Administrator in reply to Wocket]

Please be careful of eating only 800 calories a day. That's not very much. Not eating enough calories can alter your metabolism, actually making it more difficult to lose weight.

[Wocket in reply to DonnaBoll]

I have a real problem losing weight. A real nightmare but as soon as I have reached my goal I will slowly increase.

[DonnaBoll Administrator in reply to Wocket]

that makes me feel better....