my abdominal ultrasound

Posted by happyat76 @happyat76, Apr 27, 2018

The results of my recent ultrasound are scaring me a lot. I was told I have a fatty liver and that something is wrong where the bile duct is. I am in constant pain on my right side and in my stomach. The pain goes right through to my back. I am not on any meds for pain. I have been taking Lanzaprazole? for my stomach, but it isn't doing anything for me, so I stopped it. I read on Web MD that it is a PPI and that these types of meds are not good for the liver. Is this true? Can anyone tell me what I should be doing for myself to help improve my fatty liver. I am overweight which I know is really bad and I take 3-6 Tyleonol #1 every day and have been for years. I believe that the Tylenol has damaged my liver. I am going to see a surgeon on May 10 to find out what she thinks about the ultrasound. I don't have much faith in my new Dr. in town and she wants me to go see this surgeon. I would very much appreciate any discussion anyone will have with me so has this same problem. Thanks so much. Loretta

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Hi Loretta. I have had chronic pancreatitis for more than a dozen years and been through more imaging studies than I can remember. I believe you are on the right track for the fatty liver as I know extra weight is not helpful. I take PPI's everyday and I know there is the potential for kidney damage, but not sure about the liver. I think there is a reasonable amount of evidence that Tylenol can do harm to both liver and kidneys, but not fully informed. The bile duct sounds like you have a problem with your gall bladder and possibly pancreas and not getting proper drainage there. Not a very difficult surgical fix, but I don't know that is what is needed; I think seeing a surgeon is a great next step. I know you are experiencing some terrible pain and hopefully they will give you something for the pain and a longer term solution.
Blessings, Gary

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I have same symptoms and was diagnosed with Barrett’s esophagus. I’m on protonix a PPI. nothing is helping me. I have all symptoms of gall bladder disease but tests never show it. Feel like they are definitely missing something. Hope you feel better.

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@happyat76 Hello Loretta:

I know how easy it is to worry about a test and have to see a surgeon. Your concerns are very understandable!

As we are not medical professionals at Mayo Connect (just patients like you) it is hard to say what might be causing the fatty liver. Lots of us have that diagnosis. Like Gary, @gman007, said it might be a very easy surgical procedure that will help with your discomfort.

My best advice is to try not to worry. Worry generally does not make things any better (I'm speaking as one who has lots of experience in this area)! Once you have your appointment on the 10th you will have some better information about what needs to be done.

I look forward to hearing from you again!

Teresa

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@happyat76, I can understand your fear when dealing with pain and confusion about a recent test and results. My health experience has proven that it is not at all unusual for a referral to a specialist. Have you been seen by a Gastroenterologist (GI)?

I want to share this information about fatty liver (Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease) from Mayo Clinic's Patient Care & Health Information resources of Diseases & Conditions because I believe it will provide information before your May appointment.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nonalcoholic-fatty-liver-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20354567
I have experience with liver disease and I will be here if you have any questions or more information.
Rosemary

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@gman007

Hi Loretta. I have had chronic pancreatitis for more than a dozen years and been through more imaging studies than I can remember. I believe you are on the right track for the fatty liver as I know extra weight is not helpful. I take PPI's everyday and I know there is the potential for kidney damage, but not sure about the liver. I think there is a reasonable amount of evidence that Tylenol can do harm to both liver and kidneys, but not fully informed. The bile duct sounds like you have a problem with your gall bladder and possibly pancreas and not getting proper drainage there. Not a very difficult surgical fix, but I don't know that is what is needed; I think seeing a surgeon is a great next step. I know you are experiencing some terrible pain and hopefully they will give you something for the pain and a longer term solution.
Blessings, Gary

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Thank you so much for your reply. I am sorry to hear of your health problems. I love everything you mention to me here. You have reinforced my feelings about the meds, treatment and going to the specialist. I wish I had something to take for this pain, but I don’t and am not seeing the new Dr. until May 10. My own Dr. said she isn’t sure what is going on so didn’t want to give me any meds. I will keep you posted.

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@nanny23

I have same symptoms and was diagnosed with Barrett’s esophagus. I’m on protonix a PPI. nothing is helping me. I have all symptoms of gall bladder disease but tests never show it. Feel like they are definitely missing something. Hope you feel better.

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So sorry to hear about whatis going on with you. You must be suffering and scared like me. I had my gall bladder removed in 1970 so this rules out gall bladder pain. My Dr. thinks it may be the bile duct that is full of stones or not functioning properly. The pain is mainly on my right side, but goes across my whole upper abdominal area and through my back. It really hurts to breathe. I wish you well and we will talk again.

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@hopeful33250

@happyat76 Hello Loretta:

I know how easy it is to worry about a test and have to see a surgeon. Your concerns are very understandable!

As we are not medical professionals at Mayo Connect (just patients like you) it is hard to say what might be causing the fatty liver. Lots of us have that diagnosis. Like Gary, @gman007, said it might be a very easy surgical procedure that will help with your discomfort.

My best advice is to try not to worry. Worry generally does not make things any better (I'm speaking as one who has lots of experience in this area)! Once you have your appointment on the 10th you will have some better information about what needs to be done.

I look forward to hearing from you again!

Teresa

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Teresa,what a sweetheart you are. Thanks for your thoughts and concerns for me. I am a very anxious person, suffering with depression and anxietyeveryday. I also am a terrible worrier. A lifelong habit. I am sure all this has contributed to my health problems. Plus I need to lose 50 or more pounds. I will keep in touch.

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@rosemarya

@happyat76, I can understand your fear when dealing with pain and confusion about a recent test and results. My health experience has proven that it is not at all unusual for a referral to a specialist. Have you been seen by a Gastroenterologist (GI)?

I want to share this information about fatty liver (Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease) from Mayo Clinic's Patient Care & Health Information resources of Diseases & Conditions because I believe it will provide information before your May appointment.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nonalcoholic-fatty-liver-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20354567
I have experience with liver disease and I will be here if you have any questions or more information.
Rosemary

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Rosemary, I saw a Gastro Dr. last year about my stomach and bowels. He didn’t do anything for me and now I am such pain and distress. I am going to see what the surgeon has to say first and maybe go see a different Gastrenterologist. Thanks for your concerns about me.

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@hopeful33250

@happyat76 Hello Loretta:

I know how easy it is to worry about a test and have to see a surgeon. Your concerns are very understandable!

As we are not medical professionals at Mayo Connect (just patients like you) it is hard to say what might be causing the fatty liver. Lots of us have that diagnosis. Like Gary, @gman007, said it might be a very easy surgical procedure that will help with your discomfort.

My best advice is to try not to worry. Worry generally does not make things any better (I'm speaking as one who has lots of experience in this area)! Once you have your appointment on the 10th you will have some better information about what needs to be done.

I look forward to hearing from you again!

Teresa

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@happyat76 It will help if you take your problems one at a time. This helps with the anxiety. You are right when you say worry is a habit. I understand that from experience.

Take care and post again!
Teresa

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@rosemarya

@happyat76, I can understand your fear when dealing with pain and confusion about a recent test and results. My health experience has proven that it is not at all unusual for a referral to a specialist. Have you been seen by a Gastroenterologist (GI)?

I want to share this information about fatty liver (Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease) from Mayo Clinic's Patient Care & Health Information resources of Diseases & Conditions because I believe it will provide information before your May appointment.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nonalcoholic-fatty-liver-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20354567
I have experience with liver disease and I will be here if you have any questions or more information.
Rosemary

Jump to this post

@happyat76, I send you my thoughts and hopes as you await your May appointment. I hope you will learn something that will lead to a reduction in your pain and discomfort.
Rosemary

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