Mindful Monday #50: This Fibro Liver

Happy Monday ya’ll!  
         
A couple of years ago, I learned from my family doctor that my liver enzymes were extremely elevated. After many medical options, I was referred to a Gastroenterologist who confirmed that I have a fatty liver. Some of you may recognize this blog from last year. I have since updated it. "Fatty liver is a reversible condition wherein large vacuoles of triglyceride fat accumulate in liver cells via the process of steatosis (i.e., abnormal retention of lipids within a cell). Despite having multiple causes, fatty liver can be considered a single disease that occurs worldwide in those with excessive alcohol intake and the obese. The condition is also associated with other diseases that influence fat metabolism. When this process of fat metabolism is disrupted, the fat can accumulate in the liver in excessive amounts, thus resulting in a fatty liver (WHAT IS FATTY LIVER?)."

You can imagine that I was not thrilled with this diagnosis. To be honest with you, I was not exactly shocked. I already knew I needed to lose weight for health reasons. One of the first things I did was cut sugar out of my diet all together. This included any dessert for the most part. When I craved a sweet, I looked towards recipes that included fruit. I’ve been behaving myself by watching how often I eat fried foods. We have an air-fryer, so I have been collecting different recipes to try. Growing up, my favorite drink was Coca-Cola. I ended that love affair overnight and haven’t looked back since. My downfall was that I was not actively exercising due to increasing pain. Since my recent back surgery, I feel that I can even more active than before! Dale noticed that I am beginning to walk the way when we first met over seventeen years ago. Once again, he’s asking me to slow down! 
 
During my doctor visit, I was so relieved to hear that the anticonvulsant medication would not be harmful to my liver. I’m still on a medication to assist me with losing weight. I knew that I couldn’t count on the medication alone; I had to get up and move around. With chronic pain, it’s very hard to plan out the week, let alone the next day. In the past I’ve used my treadmill, and I went grocery shopping when I could. I kept all my doctor appointments, and little by little I began losing weight. During the summertime, I take advantage of my dad’s pool. It won’t be long before it’ll be time to get my blood work checked. 
            
A year ago, my GP sent me to see a Hepatologist. She noted that I have
Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH), in addition to the fatty liver. This is where the term “fatty liver” gets dismissed. I have learned over the past few months, there is no such thing just a “fatty liver.” When you are diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, as I am, it is important to note that: "An association between fibromyalgia and hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been previously described. However, the relationship between nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and fibromyalgia symptoms has not been assessed, though they share several risk factors. We aimed to assess the factors associated with fibromyalgia symptoms across etiologies of liver disease." In addition to all this new information, I found this could be very beneficial: The Connection Between Fibromyalgia, the Liver and Digestion. Thank goodness I am not to the point of cirrhosis. This is why I am actively reversing whatever damage I may have done to my liver now. All of what I’m talking about is not meant to scare anyone or look for sympathy. My doctor told me that I am young enough and that I should be fine. As long as I get serious, and concentrate about what is happening to my body. Frankly, I don’t know how much more serious you can get than taking care of your liver. 
 
Have you ever been to a Gastroenterologist, or Hepatologist? I’d love to know about your experiences. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog today! If you’re enjoying my blogs, why not subscribe to my website? My blogs will go straight to your email. It’s free to sign up! Tell your friends! Tell your friends to tell their friends!

Till next time! 
Be well!

~ Rachel

#fibroliver #fibroandgastroenterologist #fibroandhepatologist #healthyliverwithfibro