"Liver Function is not well."

Those were the words used by my doctor is describe the blood test he ran on me some weeks ago.

I have felt pain in my abdominal(right side) for the past 3 years.  Problem is, I have only went to the ER for them.  And we all know Emergency Medicine is different than seeing your primary doctor.  

He says all else came back fine, and that includes diabetes test.  He gave me a Hep C test, and it was also good.  Not that I was worried because I had both Hep C and B done earlier last year.  Doctor repeated Hep B for me today, and scheduled a sonogram for me on Thursday.

Now, tomorrow I'll ask for my records to give you guys some numbers.  I know this information may be vague in the vast world of Liver disorders, but I want to know what I'm in for.  

Are all liver disorders permanent?

Are there cures?

How will this change my life?

What kinds of diagnosis should I expect?

What kinds of prognosis?

Thank you!

[mikesimon]

There is no way to really answer your questions without more information.
Hepatitis C is curable but you said you don't have it.
Some liver diseases are auto-immune and those are generally not curable but can sometimes be managed.
Drug and alcohol liver injury can be halted with the cessation of the offending agent.
Fatty liver disease can usually be managed with diet and some people think Vitamin E is helpful. Fatty liver disease is quite common.

Wait for a diagnosis and try to relax in the meantime.

Good luck,
Mike

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hello and hope you are doing well.

If you have jaundice and abdominal pain it could be due to hepatitis B. Diagnosis of hepatitis B infection is based on the raised levels of HBsAg of IgM type. For convalescence it takes anywhere between 6-9months, depending on your antibody titers.

The liver function tests can show raised enzymes. As you wait for the results, you could follow certain precautions. Avoid smoking and alcohol. Avoid drugs like paracetomol and sedatives. Get vaccinated for hepatitis A. Take a good protein diet.

Hope this helped and do keep us posted.

[mikesimon]

He never mentioned being jaundiced. That would change things considerably.

Mike