NASH and cirrhosis of the liver.

@mollyb1968, I welcome you to this discussion. I want you to know that you are not alone. I've had a complicated history due to liver disease, and I can say that I know what you are experiencing. I'm here and will provide any support or encouragement that that my own experience might allow.
At this point, I say that it is highest priority for you to talk with the doctor who made this diagnosis; I am surprised that he/she did not give you a full explanation of what is happening inside of you. Are you being treated by your primary care physician or a GI? My primary care physician referred me to GI specialist, who often consulted with a liver specialist. If you are not being treated by GI, I urge you to do so. I'm wishing for the best plan of action for you. Rosemary

I would like to share the following link to information about NASH.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nonalcoholic-fatty-liver-disease/home/ovc-20211638

Hi @mollyb1968, welcome to Connect! It sounds like you’re going through a lot right now so I’d like to introduce you to some other Connect members who may be able to share some of their own experiences so you can better understand your situation. Please meet @rosemarya, @mnangelmom, @peakbagger, @lorettanebraska, @sandraf, @havithealthy1, @hurtle12 and @dianne1.

You may also be interested in taking a look at this past discussion where members are talking about NASH and cirrhosis of the liver http://mayocl.in/2bVRAY4

Molly, there's a lot of information is the details of your diagnosis. Have you been able to sit down with your doctor and go through all the terms to develop a treatment plan?

@mollyb1968, I welcome you to this discussion. I want you to know that you are not alone. I've had a complicated history due to liver disease, and I can say that I know what you are experiencing. I'm here and will provide any support or encouragement that that my own experience might allow.
At this point, I say that it is highest priority for you to talk with the doctor who made this diagnosis; I am surprised that he/she did not give you a full explanation of what is happening inside of you. Are you being treated by your primary care physician or a GI? My primary care physician referred me to GI specialist, who often consulted with a liver specialist. If you are not being treated by GI, I urge you to do so. I'm wishing for the best plan of action for you. Rosemary

I would like to share the following link to information about NASH.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nonalcoholic-fatty-liver-disease/home/ovc-20211638

Thank you for tagging me in this discussion, @colleenyoung! And hello to you, @mollyb1968.

Getting a diagnosis of any type can certainly be scary, especially when it comes as a surprise. A range of emotions, including shock, sadness, and even angry are common. I can tell you that when liver disease came up in my family recently there was alot of denial and resistance to making changes/seeking care, which of course is not very productive.

It sounds like you are being proactive and very motivated, which is so wonderful. Ultimately you are your own best advocate. Yet navigating all the information being thrown at you can be a lot to digest.

As Colleen mentioned, there are a lot of great resources out there that may assist in learning more about NASH and feeling prepared for upcoming appointments. Mayo Clinic has a guide of high level questions to ask the doctor here. These are a great starting point!: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nonalcoholic-fatty-liver-disease/diagnosis-treatment/preparing-for-appointment/ptc-20211651

The American Liver Foundation has a wealth of information and resources. For example, here is a guide they have for those newly diagnosed with NASH. This may have useful information. http://www.liverfoundation.org/downloads/alf_download_921.pdf

-Melody

I have a question: My sister-in-law had recent lung surgery and has to be careful regarding who and what she is around. Is NASH, in any way, contagious or something she should stay away from. Is this a form of hepatitis A, B, or C. Thank you for your help in this matter.

I have a question: My sister-in-law had recent lung surgery and has to be careful regarding who and what she is around. Is NASH, in any way, contagious or something she should stay away from. Is this a form of hepatitis A, B, or C. Thank you for your help in this matter.

Molly, I get that. It can be so overwhelming getting all that information, to not understand the terms, etc. How are you suppose to know what questions to ask? We, the members of Connect, can help you with that. Right Rosemary?
I'm going to bring @caretothepeople into this conversation. She is so amazing at finding resources to help prepare for appointments and questions to ask.

Here are my favorite tips to start the discussion.
1. Always bring pen and paper to your appointment. When a term you don't recognize is mentioned, get the doctor to spell it. In your case you can bring your report with you. Your doctor should take the time to explain each term and what they collection of issues means in your case in particular.
2. Say it back. When you doctor explains something. Ask to repeat it back in your words. This helps you remember better, and it helps the doctor understand how you've interpreted her/his explanation. Misinterpretations can be cleared up then and there.
3. Bring a second pair of ears. If you have a friend or family member who can go with you, they can help take notes and be a second pair of ears.

Anyone got more tips to add?

Molly, I get that. It can be so overwhelming getting all that information, to not understand the terms, etc. How are you suppose to know what questions to ask? We, the members of Connect, can help you with that. Right Rosemary?
I'm going to bring @caretothepeople into this conversation. She is so amazing at finding resources to help prepare for appointments and questions to ask.

Here are my favorite tips to start the discussion.
1. Always bring pen and paper to your appointment. When a term you don't recognize is mentioned, get the doctor to spell it. In your case you can bring your report with you. Your doctor should take the time to explain each term and what they collection of issues means in your case in particular.
2. Say it back. When you doctor explains something. Ask to repeat it back in your words. This helps you remember better, and it helps the doctor understand how you've interpreted her/his explanation. Misinterpretations can be cleared up then and there.
3. Bring a second pair of ears. If you have a friend or family member who can go with you, they can help take notes and be a second pair of ears.

Anyone got more tips to add?