With your doctor's help, you can take steps to control your nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. You can:
Lose weight. If you're overweight or obese, reduce the number of calories you eat each day and increase your physical activity in order to lose weight. Calorie reduction is the key to losing weight and managing this disease. If you have tried to lose weight in the past and have been unsuccessful, ask your doctor for help.
Choose a healthy diet. Eat a healthy diet that's rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and keep track of all calories you take in.
Exercise and be more active. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week. If you're trying to lose weight, you might find that more exercise is helpful. But if you don't already exercise regularly, get your doctor's OK first and start slowly.
Control your diabetes. Follow your doctor's instructions to stay in control of your diabetes. Take your medications as directed and closely monitor your blood sugar.
Lower your cholesterol. A healthy plant-based diet, exercise and medications can help keep your cholesterol and your triglycerides at healthy levels.
Protect your liver. Avoid things that will put extra stress on your liver. For instance, don't drink alcohol. Follow the instructions on all medications and over-the-counter drugs. Check with your doctor before using any herbal remedies, as not all herbal products are safe.
Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) affects people who drink little to no alcohol.
@riflemanz64, @troyhenn22, @marjou, @deloresthanasse, @rashida, and anyone that I unintentionally omitted - I am a liver transplant recipient that was caused by a different liver disease, and I want to support you and encourage you in any way I am able.
- Here is information from Mayo Clinic Patient Care and Health Information. It is my intention that this resource will be beneficial as you continue your journey with NAFLD as you continue to share your experiences as a way to support each other in this discussion.
"As the name implies, the main characteristic of NAFLD is too much fat stored in liver cells.
Some individuals with NAFLD can develop nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), an aggressive form of fatty liver disease, which is marked by liver inflammation and may progress to advanced scarring (cirrhosis) and liver failure. This damage is similar to the damage caused by heavy alcohol use."
@rashida, How long have you known that you had fatty liver disease? What kind of treatment are your doctors suggesting?
@troyhenn22, What questions do you have about NAFLD? How can we help you?
@riflemanz64, I can see that you care deeply about your brother. Is he under the care of any doctor? Has the doctor talked with him about the alcohol/liver connection? I hope that your brother will seek the support of his medical team if he is interested to stop with alcohol.
@trellg132, Ity has been a while since you posted. How are you doing?
@deloresthanasse, How long have you been living with fatty liver disease? Are you being followed by a doctor? What kind of information does he/she use to check your liver health?
Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) affects people who drink little to no alcohol.
@riflemanz64, @troyhenn22, @marjou, @deloresthanasse, @rashida, and anyone that I unintentionally omitted - I am a liver transplant recipient that was caused by a different liver disease, and I want to support you and encourage you in any way I am able.
- Here is information from Mayo Clinic Patient Care and Health Information. It is my intention that this resource will be beneficial as you continue your journey with NAFLD as you continue to share your experiences as a way to support each other in this discussion.
"As the name implies, the main characteristic of NAFLD is too much fat stored in liver cells.
Some individuals with NAFLD can develop nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), an aggressive form of fatty liver disease, which is marked by liver inflammation and may progress to advanced scarring (cirrhosis) and liver failure. This damage is similar to the damage caused by heavy alcohol use."
@rashida, How long have you known that you had fatty liver disease? What kind of treatment are your doctors suggesting?
@troyhenn22, What questions do you have about NAFLD? How can we help you?
@riflemanz64, I can see that you care deeply about your brother. Is he under the care of any doctor? Has the doctor talked with him about the alcohol/liver connection? I hope that your brother will seek the support of his medical team if he is interested to stop with alcohol.
@trellg132, Ity has been a while since you posted. How are you doing?
@deloresthanasse, How long have you been living with fatty liver disease? Are you being followed by a doctor? What kind of information does he/she use to check your liver health?
@rosemarya thank you for the Mayo Clinic link. I was diagnosed in 2005, discovered through an ultrasound done because of some other complaint. I was put on a statin drug, told to change my eating habits, lose some weight, etc. When I was heavier I also was borderline diabetic but after losing weight and reducing sugar intake I am no longer borderline. The fat in my liver is reduced but I doubt if my liver will ever be completely fat free because I think medications cause fatty liver too. I have been on medications over the years for various other conditions like fibromyalgia, anxiety, psoriasis, hypothyroid, etc. and I have read that drugs can also cause/trigger fatty liver. My doctors keep an eye on my liver to make sure it stays within accepted levels.
I have experienced various degrees of pain in my upper right quadrant but a CT scan and ultrasounds don’t show anything. I also have an uncomfortable bulge for at least ten years on the right side just below my waist, to the right of my abdomen, which gets bigger by the end of the day. Been to various doctors and they all shrug their shoulders and say they don’t know what is causing it because the CT scan and ultrasound sounds show nothing. I have asked repeatedly for an MRI but no doctor thinks that is necessary, although I feel an MRI may show something a CT scan may not. I have just resigned myself to living in pain and discomfort. In Canada all referrals to specialists have to follow government health guidelines; i.e., our health insurance is run by the government and it approves the drugs and procedures a medical practitioner can order. I do not have, and cannot afford, private health insurance.
Sorry, I am not very good at getting across what I want to say, or should say. Others can put my thoughts into words better than I can, which is why I am on these threads - to learn and understand and deal with my various health problems by reading similar problems by other fellow sufferers.
@rosemarya thank you for the Mayo Clinic link. I was diagnosed in 2005, discovered through an ultrasound done because of some other complaint. I was put on a statin drug, told to change my eating habits, lose some weight, etc. When I was heavier I also was borderline diabetic but after losing weight and reducing sugar intake I am no longer borderline. The fat in my liver is reduced but I doubt if my liver will ever be completely fat free because I think medications cause fatty liver too. I have been on medications over the years for various other conditions like fibromyalgia, anxiety, psoriasis, hypothyroid, etc. and I have read that drugs can also cause/trigger fatty liver. My doctors keep an eye on my liver to make sure it stays within accepted levels.
I have experienced various degrees of pain in my upper right quadrant but a CT scan and ultrasounds don’t show anything. I also have an uncomfortable bulge for at least ten years on the right side just below my waist, to the right of my abdomen, which gets bigger by the end of the day. Been to various doctors and they all shrug their shoulders and say they don’t know what is causing it because the CT scan and ultrasound sounds show nothing. I have asked repeatedly for an MRI but no doctor thinks that is necessary, although I feel an MRI may show something a CT scan may not. I have just resigned myself to living in pain and discomfort. In Canada all referrals to specialists have to follow government health guidelines; i.e., our health insurance is run by the government and it approves the drugs and procedures a medical practitioner can order. I do not have, and cannot afford, private health insurance.
Sorry, I am not very good at getting across what I want to say, or should say. Others can put my thoughts into words better than I can, which is why I am on these threads - to learn and understand and deal with my various health problems by reading similar problems by other fellow sufferers.
Hi @rashida congratulations on no longer being a borderline diabetic. Kudos to you! Sorry to hear of your abdominal pain. Looks likes several tests were done. I am assuming by a GI doctor. Has a hernia been ruled out?
Hi @rashida congratulations on no longer being a borderline diabetic. Kudos to you! Sorry to hear of your abdominal pain. Looks likes several tests were done. I am assuming by a GI doctor. Has a hernia been ruled out?
Yes. The only hernia I have is a hiatal hernia - but that is a whole other GERD issue. lol. I have had several surgeries - appendix and gall bladder removed, three caesareans, and a kidney corrective surgery so my body looks like a road map! I am just hoping that all my pain and discomfort is due to adhesions. That bulge on my right side does concern me though because it changes is size as the day progresses. I have had colonoscopies too and I would imagine if it was a growth it would have been noticed during the colonoscopy. 🤷🏻♀️
All I really would like is for some doctor to say “this is ___ and nothing to worry about”. With history of cancer rampant on both sides of my family, it is always foremost on my mind!
Yes. The only hernia I have is a hiatal hernia - but that is a whole other GERD issue. lol. I have had several surgeries - appendix and gall bladder removed, three caesareans, and a kidney corrective surgery so my body looks like a road map! I am just hoping that all my pain and discomfort is due to adhesions. That bulge on my right side does concern me though because it changes is size as the day progresses. I have had colonoscopies too and I would imagine if it was a growth it would have been noticed during the colonoscopy. 🤷🏻♀️
All I really would like is for some doctor to say “this is ___ and nothing to worry about”. With history of cancer rampant on both sides of my family, it is always foremost on my mind!
Hi @rashda. It is nice to hear from you. I am assuming you had the surgery for your hiatal hernia. I would recommend seeing a GI surgeon to verify there is no hernia. Perhaps a revision needs to be done. A hernia would explain the size changes of the bulge. See physicians and do tests to rule out possibilities that will eventually lead to an answer. Since you have had many surgeries it would be worth looking into the possibilities in case the bulge resulted from one of the surgeries. Wish you well to find answers soon. Toni
I have also been diagnosed with Fatty liver, I do not drink or eat fast food or snacks. I have recently gained weight for an unknown reason. My life and diet has not changed. I feel the symptoms , fatigue bloating ect. My Dr. has no answers other than he says I am swollen and my white blood cell count is high. He says my liver enzymes are good. I'm so depressed by this weight gain. I eat very little and home cooked meals.
I have also been diagnosed with Fatty liver, I do not drink or eat fast food or snacks. I have recently gained weight for an unknown reason. My life and diet has not changed. I feel the symptoms , fatigue bloating ect. My Dr. has no answers other than he says I am swollen and my white blood cell count is high. He says my liver enzymes are good. I'm so depressed by this weight gain. I eat very little and home cooked meals.
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Yes that is true
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1 ReactionSo how can you cut down the likelyhood of it getting worse
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1 ReactionWith your doctor's help, you can take steps to control your nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. You can:
Lose weight. If you're overweight or obese, reduce the number of calories you eat each day and increase your physical activity in order to lose weight. Calorie reduction is the key to losing weight and managing this disease. If you have tried to lose weight in the past and have been unsuccessful, ask your doctor for help.
Choose a healthy diet. Eat a healthy diet that's rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and keep track of all calories you take in.
Exercise and be more active. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week. If you're trying to lose weight, you might find that more exercise is helpful. But if you don't already exercise regularly, get your doctor's OK first and start slowly.
Control your diabetes. Follow your doctor's instructions to stay in control of your diabetes. Take your medications as directed and closely monitor your blood sugar.
Lower your cholesterol. A healthy plant-based diet, exercise and medications can help keep your cholesterol and your triglycerides at healthy levels.
Protect your liver. Avoid things that will put extra stress on your liver. For instance, don't drink alcohol. Follow the instructions on all medications and over-the-counter drugs. Check with your doctor before using any herbal remedies, as not all herbal products are safe.
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4 ReactionsI tell my brother again after his blood tests for his physical. He was turned down for long term care insurance due to his fatty liver.
@rosemarya thank you for the Mayo Clinic link. I was diagnosed in 2005, discovered through an ultrasound done because of some other complaint. I was put on a statin drug, told to change my eating habits, lose some weight, etc. When I was heavier I also was borderline diabetic but after losing weight and reducing sugar intake I am no longer borderline. The fat in my liver is reduced but I doubt if my liver will ever be completely fat free because I think medications cause fatty liver too. I have been on medications over the years for various other conditions like fibromyalgia, anxiety, psoriasis, hypothyroid, etc. and I have read that drugs can also cause/trigger fatty liver. My doctors keep an eye on my liver to make sure it stays within accepted levels.
I have experienced various degrees of pain in my upper right quadrant but a CT scan and ultrasounds don’t show anything. I also have an uncomfortable bulge for at least ten years on the right side just below my waist, to the right of my abdomen, which gets bigger by the end of the day. Been to various doctors and they all shrug their shoulders and say they don’t know what is causing it because the CT scan and ultrasound sounds show nothing. I have asked repeatedly for an MRI but no doctor thinks that is necessary, although I feel an MRI may show something a CT scan may not. I have just resigned myself to living in pain and discomfort. In Canada all referrals to specialists have to follow government health guidelines; i.e., our health insurance is run by the government and it approves the drugs and procedures a medical practitioner can order. I do not have, and cannot afford, private health insurance.
Sorry, I am not very good at getting across what I want to say, or should say. Others can put my thoughts into words better than I can, which is why I am on these threads - to learn and understand and deal with my various health problems by reading similar problems by other fellow sufferers.
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Helpful -
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2 ReactionsHi @rashida congratulations on no longer being a borderline diabetic. Kudos to you! Sorry to hear of your abdominal pain. Looks likes several tests were done. I am assuming by a GI doctor. Has a hernia been ruled out?
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1 ReactionYes. The only hernia I have is a hiatal hernia - but that is a whole other GERD issue. lol. I have had several surgeries - appendix and gall bladder removed, three caesareans, and a kidney corrective surgery so my body looks like a road map! I am just hoping that all my pain and discomfort is due to adhesions. That bulge on my right side does concern me though because it changes is size as the day progresses. I have had colonoscopies too and I would imagine if it was a growth it would have been noticed during the colonoscopy. 🤷🏻♀️
All I really would like is for some doctor to say “this is ___ and nothing to worry about”. With history of cancer rampant on both sides of my family, it is always foremost on my mind!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
4 ReactionsHi @rashda. It is nice to hear from you. I am assuming you had the surgery for your hiatal hernia. I would recommend seeing a GI surgeon to verify there is no hernia. Perhaps a revision needs to be done. A hernia would explain the size changes of the bulge. See physicians and do tests to rule out possibilities that will eventually lead to an answer. Since you have had many surgeries it would be worth looking into the possibilities in case the bulge resulted from one of the surgeries. Wish you well to find answers soon. Toni
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Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI have also been diagnosed with Fatty liver, I do not drink or eat fast food or snacks. I have recently gained weight for an unknown reason. My life and diet has not changed. I feel the symptoms , fatigue bloating ect. My Dr. has no answers other than he says I am swollen and my white blood cell count is high. He says my liver enzymes are good. I'm so depressed by this weight gain. I eat very little and home cooked meals.
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1 ReactionAny advice?