MRI showed fatty areas on liver. Gallbladder is contracted. Consultants says no issues. If that's the case, why mention the gallbladder being contracted. I have researched and found that being contracted would be classed as okay in the morning, but I had my scan at 5.20 in the evening. I have experienced stabbing pains in the liver area and pain in the bottom of my neck, top of back, both of which are symptoms of "contracted gallbladder".
I know it's good news that no tumours found, but can't seem to get answers in relation to the pain I experience and thought that maybe the gallbladder being contracted would be the answer, but still none the wiser and still in pain.
Also no information provided in relation to why I have fatty areas of the liver.
Feeling let down by my consultant.
I was diagnosed with PBC in 2011, had regular appointments until 2014 and then got forgotten, even though I chased up the appointments. In 2017 I developed jaundice and was diagnosed with AIH/PBC overlap and had cirrhosis confirmed at biopsy. I was undergoing 6 monthly ultrasound scans but after a fibroscan in December 2018, my consultant cancelled these, stating that because my fibroscan score was below 10 I didn't need them anymore. 12 months later I had another fibroscan and this was above 10 but just below 12 (I believe this fibroscan result was not accurate, as the one 6 months earlier was 15.7 so a big drop). I, therefore, missed out on 2 ultrasounds but had one a month ago because of the increased reading. I have now been told that there was something showing on the liver, possibly nodules or far sparing, and have just had an MRI. I am scared because I have cirrhosis, I am at risk of liver cancer (HCC).
I also get random stabbing pains in the liver area and when I have mentioned this to my consultant he says "that's nothing to do with your liver". Surely, these pains are a sign/symptom of something to do with my liver.
When initially diagnosed I had the support of a partner, but due to my condition (amongst other things) this relationship deteriorated and we separated. I don't want to burden my children with my concerns until I have a definitive answer and just want to get some outside support.
Written by
caroldeb1967
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I would change doctors at once. I had one who conducted a biopsy in 2013. It was inconclusive for possible PBC and AIH. Because it was inclusive and early, he did nothing though I chased him for nearly 5 or six years. I finally got so fed up that I did not see a doctor for a year or two. Fast forward to feeling blah and ill and finding a new team. They could not believe I was not on medication and now I am stage four with cirrhosis. Not to scare you, but this is out of concern that you find a good provider who has your best interest at heart.
Take good care of yourself and I wish you all the best.
I have PBC since 2009, I would suggest you join the PBC Foundation as well. I would read their guidelines, it has some useful information on what treatments to expect and questions to ask your doctors, and helps you to be your own advocate for your health.
I follow a lot of there suggestions and I must say that since I have, I don’t seem to have those little battles with the medical profession anymore. Other advice would be to learn all you can about your conditions that way you can begin to question what the doctors are saying if you think your treatments or test frequencies are not correct.
I found when I did this my consultant was pleased and I got a lot more from each consultation and she was more open and in-depth with her explanations.
I know, how the wait for test results have you feeling , I’am waiting for MRI result at the moment it’s a nightmare time. I always try and think if there was anything to worry about I’d have heard in a couple of days. ( my partner had a call the next day when it was not good news)
On the PBC foundation Facebook page meeting this week the doctor was talking about fibroscan, it may help understand, they can have different readings and why it can happen it’s worth a listen.
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Just waiting for results
Fibroscan results - can someone help please?
Muscle wasting and other symptoms but normal test results
Waiting for LFT results
Feeling a little anxious 
