liver

[Liver test]

had cat scan showed normal liver and no ascities. I complained
to dr. that i think i have cirrhossis. I bloat up all the
time and my weight goes up an down because of this. On the
day i got the cat scan i did not drink or eat 12 hours before
the exam and i did not feel bloated. Is this why ascites
did not show up. Or  if i had ascites would it show up
no matter how long i went without eating or drinking.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

A normal CT scan would make cirrhosis and ascites less likely (although only a liver biopsy would give a definitive diagnosis).  

Your diet before the CT scan is unlikely to have an effect of whether you have ascites or not.  

I would look for another cause of the bloating - specifically any upper GI disease such as GERD, an ulcer, inflammation of the upper digestive tract.  Irritable bowel syndrome should also be considered.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_b

[marijimenez]

I have been having RUQ pain now for nearly 3 months now; the pain is intermittent.  The pain is accompanied with lots and lots of gas, bloating and diarrhea.  I have had a laproscopic cholesystectomy 7 yrs. ago and know it cannot be my gallbladder; everythough, the pain is in the direct spot it used to be in.  I have lost 8 lbs in the past 10 days.  I hardly have any appetite now for 2 wks and just eat something because it is time to.  I work for a family physician and decided to be worked up today.  She examined me and pressed all in the area of liver area; which brought on a significant amount of pain.  She seems to think it is that the liver is handling too much fat and believes beyond a shadow of a doubt that it is a change in my diet.  I have not changed anything; I don't even go out to eat that much...maybe 1 every 10-12 days.  Of note, though, is that the pain with shoot directly into my pain in the same area...upper back on the right.  Could it actually be my liver or might there something else going on?

[georgie439]

Hi guys mari I hope I got the name right. I have been experiencing same pain and "bloating" Nothing showed up and
I was also worried about ascites. I have also had my GB out 3 yrs ago, and do believe while it helped at the time, it tis there for a reason, and I feel that it protects us some how!
Mari, I do believe there is something to this whole "fatty liver" situation and again I think more in woman.
I know this might sound far fetched but WHY do woman have more GB problems and I got pregnant at 41, 6 weeks after GB out, 9 years after trying, Coincedence??  
Now after baby, liver pain again,although yes I did gain weight with my preg, more then I should have, and I'am sure now at 43 my metabolism is different even though my diet might not be.
I would love to know the "kind" of dr. you went to Mari. and I think we should continue to post to let each other what we find out. Please email at  ***@**** or post here.
People will post there problem, but then dont post afterwards, which would help many!!