Had a liver ultrasound yesterday and really wasn't expecting to get a call about it today.... so my rhuemy s PA called and said i need to talk to you about you weird ultrasound, shes a funny and sweet lady.... she says that a large portion of my liver is inflamed and looks like a "fatty liver"on film but couldn't be because I've never been a drinkers...The Dr believes it's due to my diseases and hopefully the cytoxin will eventually help but unfortunately there's nothing else that can be done to help...I'm not totally surprised with the results but it still really sucks to know the truth....on the positive its one more piece of evidence to bring to Hopkins.... id love to know if any of you have had a similar situation and what you did to deal with liver pain and inflammation, thanks:)xoxoxo
Ann is right about the non alcoholic fatty liver. My sister had one. Notice I said HAD, Hugs1
i have had liver pain for about 5 years now. Nodules show up, but not a whole lot more. been diagnosed with sphincter of oddi.
good luck to you
Before I was diagnosed with lupus, I was diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis 14 years ago. Had an MRI and my liver was severely damaged--cirrhosis. Only symptom was sometimes severe aches and pains due to mild jaundice and liver panel results all over the place. All was brought under control and my liver is still working and blood tests normal with Immuran and prednisone.
You need to see a gastroenterologist who specializes in liver disease. Rheumy not qualified to diagnose, but can manage the meds. Also, lupus can cause liver problems--which it did in my case. I was initially diagnosed by a doc in the ER (his specialty). The GE should deal with your liver disease even if it's caused by the lupus. Love my gastroenterologist. He's so thorough and explains everything. Even gets carried away. Good heart.
You have to hold on.
yep! Third stage of NASH. I searched in the American Liver Foundation website for a diet to help my liver and it said "vegetarian or veggie". All of my drs. applauded my decision to go vegetarian and keep pressing for veggie diet instead. They are trying for me to never miss my dose of fish oil, so I will continue being vegetarian to include fish in my diet as well.
This is just in case.... my husband has autoimmune disease that is genetic and can run in families. It affects your liver where you produce too much iron in your blood. Yes his liver sounded a lot like you described yours but between that and blood tests it is pretty easy to diagnose and RHEUM can do it and help you treat it. Treatment is easy...just give blood to lower iron levels.
Name of it is Hemochromatosis and it also can affect any organ in your body not only your liver. He had his ankle joints completely destroyed by this disease. He did have biopsy of his liver as well, plus MRI done. Like i said...just an in case and you can at least ask if they checked for this.
I wish you the best luck and only good news!
Thanks for sharing your stories and advice s friends:) fortunately I’ve been a healthy, conscious eater for years …I’ve never been into dairy expect for the very occasional sprinkle of cheese and have been trying really hard to get rid of gluten. I was a strict vegetarian/pescatarian for years but lately I’ve be integrated some chicken in, just been craving it. .I take turmeric everyday in hopes to help with some inflammation but I’m always flaring… my Dr’s are always keeping a close eye on me, I see my rhumy ever 6 week and speak with her and her PA in between appointments. .I really hope I won’t need a biopsy I’ve already had 2 surgeries in the past 5 months. .hopefully the a stronger dose of cytoxin will help but if my liver keeps getting worse I can’t have chemo soooooo we’ll see!!xoxo