Diagnosed With Biopsy That Suggests Steatohepatitis

[tam8226]

I went into the hospital two months ago to have my gallbladder removed due to severe pain in area. Before the surgery could be done however, the ultrasound of the gallbladder showed multiple lesions on the liver. A biopsy was taken of one of the masses. The news I got was that it was "benign", so they went ahead and removed the gallbladder. I haven't felt great since then and it's two months later. I have no appetite and feel like I am having trouble swallowing. I was on Reglan and Protonix for two months but have stopped those. The gastroenterologist I saw in the hospital also did an upper endoscopy which turned out to be fine. When I saw the gastro dr. for a follow up three weeks ago, he told me "I'm very unhappy with your biopsy report...your liver looks like an alcoholic's (I don't and never did drink)...you need to lose 100 pounds in a year...25 pounds in three months." I have changed GI dr's since then. I've been terrified that my liver is just scarring away and I've only got one more day or ten years left to live (that's what I've heard). I've seen several dr's that say I'll live, but I don't totally believe them. I just had an MRI done this past week and blood work. I'm seeing a Hepatologist from U of Miami in one month. I can't get past the anxiety and fear from what this GI dr said to me three weeks ago. How do I deal with this and get through it?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I agree with the upper endoscopy.  

I don't have the benefit of viewing your biopsy report and thus cannot comment on it.  A fatty liver can present in patients with alcohol disease or those who are overweight - hence the advice the lose weight.  

I agree with the MRI to further evaluate the cause.  Discussion of these options should be made with your personal physician.  Answers to some of these questions can help with your anxiety.

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_

[tam8226]

...continuing...When I received the diagnosis, the biopsy report stated "suggests steatohepatitis". Does this mean that this is for sure what I have? Can this reverse at all? The doctors that have seen the biopsy report (which are the original GI dr - bad news, his PA - good news, my general dr - good news, my friend a plastic surgeon - good news, my friend a cardiologist - good news, and my new GI dr - good news) are sure that although it may or may not be at all reversible even to some extent, diet and exercise (weight loss) are the key to keeping this under control. Is there any peace of mind to be found out there? Or, is it true that the most I have is 10 years, tops, maybe MUCH less? Does everyone with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis have a horrible, sad ending?

[amy319]

A related discussion, worried about my mom was started.