Just guessing about the liver - it could be something else in that region.
Anyway, I was wondering if anyone had experienced discomfort in that area? Not pain, or anything close - even if I give the area a good prod. It feels more like pressure, a bit like when you're lying on your side on the sofa and there's a cushion under you pressing on the area; like something's in the way.
This has happened a number of times - I think always when my adrenals or thyroid has been playing up. It comes and goes and I went over a year or more without feeling it at all. Now it's back again.
I've made up a template to monitor it, especially in relation to what I've eaten and the times of day, but I was wondering if anyone else had experience this and knows what it is.
In 2015 it was bothering me so much I asked for an ultrasound but nothing showed up. Then it went away.
Cheers.
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Nico101
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The liver is a large organ - probably bigger than you realise, so it may be your liver you're feeling. Other alternatives that come to mind are the gallbladder, spleen, stomach or the pancreas. Your gallbladder may contain gallstones. To test out the theory it could be gallbladder-related, you should eat a meal with a lot of fat and see if it causes an increase in pain. I have no idea how a doctor would react to being asked for testing of this area.
I am on the LCHF diet at the moment, but it has done this before when I wasn't. I'll monitor the discomfort coming on in relation to eating and what I've eaten. Thanks.
I get pain on right side probably where the liver is. Seems to come and go and doesn’t relate to what I’ve eaten. I went to doctors as it was getting worse after 6 weeks of constant pain. They did blood tests and ultrasound. Blood tests came back I was very hypothyroid and anaemic. So started on Levo and ferritin. After about 3-4 weeks pain started getting less and less. Now I only get it on what I see as my bad days. They are still finding my right dose so I’m hoping once they do it will be gone forever. I would describe it similar to a stitch pain but sometimes a lot worse at times.
Mmmm... seems it's probably related to the thyroid, then. Mine is particularly bad at the moment, since I came off thyroid meds for some tests. Been 5 weeks without meds now and the last week I've had a lot of discomfort.
I am also hypo - Hashi's - and was found to have low ferritin.
I get no pain, just this restrictive pressure feeling - but then, my thyroid and ferritin levels are possibly better than yours, which is why I have no pain.
I have a horrible feeling somewhere between nausea and pain- hard to describe, a bit as if I’d been punched- just under my ribs where they meet in the middle at the front. It doesn’t seem to be related to eating.
Actually, I have low adrenal reserve and I know the adrenal glands are in the same area - but since it's always on the right side I discounted this as the primary source of discomfort, since it would be on both sides with adrenals. In fact, I do get kidney/adrenal ache and pain sometimes, but this is very different and covers a much larger area. That's not to say it isn't related to adrenal issues.
It's been fine all night and morning but is starting up as I write.
Try to keep an eye when you get adrenal discomfort is when you are eating things that are very sweet eg. fruits, cake/cookies , ice cream , coffee , sugar , spices etc.
Monitor the foods that you might be allergic too as well . I found that I journal the foods that I eat and any negative reactions that I get about 20-30 minutes later is what I omit next and continue to journal what else gives my liver and adrenal discomforts . It is very time consuming and a bit frustrating but persistence will get you to the point where you will find your comfort and Optimal .
I would advise getting liver function tests done, either through your GP or privately. My Medichecks test showed a high level of GGT. I took the result to the GP who arranged for another blood test to be done about a month later. That still showed high GGT. First thought was gallstones. I persuaded (she wasn't going to to it at first) the GP to refer me for an ultrasound. That then showed up fat in my liver, which as I don't drink will be Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Thankfully, the blood test caught it early, as if allowed to get worse it can progress into something nasty. As it is, a change of diet and a bit more exercise (not just the 10-20000 steps I do per day with the dog) should sort it for me.
Given that both gallstones and fatty liver are things that need addressing, I would suggest seeing your GP to get a blood test, in case you have a liver, gallbladder, or pancreas issue. If the GP won't provide the test, arrange one through Medichecks or one of the other similar companies.
I get regular liver blood tests as my GP thinks I take immune-suppressants for Crohn's (a long story). Of course they all come back normal and within range - but I now know that's meaningless after what I've learned on here.
I don't know what GGT is.
This is the result of my most recent liver function test (perhaps you can spot something not quite right?):
Serum total protein 71 g/L 60-80
" albumin 36 g/L 35-50
" total bilirubin level 7 umol/L 2-21
" alkaline phosphatase 57 u?L 30-130
" globulin 35 g/L 20-35
" ALT level 6 u/L 5-40
I get these tests roughly every 3 months and looking at previous tests the results don't fluctuate by much. The only major fluctuation is on a test done 9 months prior to the above one where my ALT serum level was 30.
It also mentions below that the sample was haemolysed and may affect the result.
Any advice at all this would be very much appreciated.
I'm not an expert, but I think your Bilirubin, Alkaline Phosphatase and ALT all look fine. You albumin is very close to bottom of range, see below. Your globulin is at top of range, see below.
Here is what Medichecks say about GGT:
"Gamma GT, also known as Gamma Glutamyltransferase, is a liver enzyme which is raised in liver and bile duct diseases. It is used in conjunction with ALP to distinguish between bone or liver disease. Gamma GT is also used to diagnose alcohol abuse as it is raised in 75% of long term drinkers."
Here is what Medichecks say about Albumin:
"Low albumin levels can indicate liver disease and can also be a marker for chronic ill-health, malnutrition and inflammation. Low levels can also occur in kidney conditions such as nephrotic syndrome as well as diabetes."
Here is what Medichecks say about Globulin:
"Elevated levels of globulin may be found in individuals suffering from chronic infections (parasites, viral and bacterial), liver disease, rheumatoid arthritis and certain autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus and collagen diseases."
Despite being just in range on those last two, it's worth being aware of the interpretations.
Of those three that I have listed, GGT is the only one where Medichecks list ways to improve the result, although now that I know that I have fatty liver disease, I've bought myself a decent book and read it end to end
Cheers. My liver issues may be indicators of the fact I have Crohn's (AI) and Hashi's (also AI) - not sure if my adrenal probs are also AI. I've always got some inflammatory markers knocking about when I get my bloods done. Chronic ill health sounds about right.
I did start on milk thistle a few weeks back while I was off my adrenal and thyroid meds but I stopped as I began reintroducing my meds and supplements last week.
Once I get my head around thyroid and adrenal issues and treatment I will tackle learning about liver problems next.
I am increasingly feeling uncomfotable in that area to. It feels like a weight is pressing me down. I am also increasingly breathless my T4 levels are always 19 or above. So as to keep TSH levels below zero as I have had cancer and full thyroidectamy.
mine went about 4 days ago. i broke my wrist on fri, so my diet has been bit different. slightly lower in fat and protein. if i concentrate i can still feel something there - a very faint pressure - but it's nothing to how it was.
i've also been doing a bone broth cleanse am. not taking painkillers for the broken arm, so can't be that numbing the discomfort.
i think it's my liver and/or gallbladder. from the size of the area affected, my money's on my liver. i have milk thistle so will also use that - if i can fit it in with all the other meds and supplements!
I’d get the Di02 gene test done first and take the result with you when you go private. You can find the laboratory that does it on line. Regenerous labs. When you fill in which practitioner in the field put Thyroid UK.
I had something similar a few years ago, for months, the best I can describe it as is like a balloon was inflated in my right side just under the ribs. I had an ultrasound after the GP said she could feel something "a bit cystic" but it showed nothing abnormal. I haven't had it since.
I have had discomfort to that general area as well for years that comes & goes. Imaging showed liver cysts. I wonder if they can “wax & wane” like breast cysts & cause discomfort?
A physical therapist did locate a trigger point in the area too. The configurations he put me through in the evaluation dislodged some stone the following day. I do think any over lifting can increase discomfort to the general area as well.
Once I was told I had “gallstone sludge.” I avoid concentrated sweets preventively. I also reduce oxalates in my meals, this seems to help me. I have felt for years I am by & large on my own trying to sort this out.
I just recently participated in stool, urine, blood, questionnaire liver study. I entered 24 hours of drink/meals into a computer program & when no sooner finished it generated a nutrition profile telling to the letter what I had lacked or had too much off i.e. I didn’t eat 8 mg enough vitamin E, etc. It listing virtually everything in a amazing way. I wish I had daily access to it. I think it would help immensely.
well, my discomfort vanished for 2 weeks. and now it's back.
during the 2 weeks my diet was perfect, but the last few days i was too tired to cook and bought take-away chinese... and back crept the feeling in my liver area.
Here is my lay diagnosis: If I were to guess the salt content was higher than your body is accustomed to. If you drank a lot of tea that can flush B vitamins from your system I have read in the past. Soy (soy sauce?) I read on this forum interferes with thyroid medications. If the vegetables are only blanched they retain a higher oxalate content. If you drove any distance to get there a trigger point could be acting up too. If you had alcohol God is trying to send you a message.
If you locate frozen stir fry in the market, you should be able to see on the label exactly what is in it. It isn’t too painful to make, I throw out the seasoning packet however. I hope you got a good fortune🥠.
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