Fatty liver

[shadowknight]

Ok so I have a fatty liver problem. I am trying to find some information on this. I abused cough syrup (codeine) for around one year. Recently I was experiencing a pain while urinating and the doctor suspected a stone so he asked me to get an Ultrasound scan done of my lower abdomen. The report was clear except that at the bottom it said "Impression: Fatty Liver". This doctor I consulted didnt know about my abuse so I was wondering. Could it be because of the abuse? The doctor took this easy but I am not sure if I too should take it easy. My dad who is 53 right now also has a fatty liver. So could it be possible my problem has nothing to do with the abuse?

And yes, I believe the liver can regenerate. Correct me if I am wrong but I really hope I am right.

[shadowknight]

I am on antidepressants right now. Olanzapine 5 mg, Fluoxetine 20 mg (Prozac) and Gabapentin 100 mg. How do you know its Effexor that caused the problem and how long have you been on it?

[ings81]

i don't know whether you take antidepressants. i do and i am on effexor and i have fatty liver caused by effexor xr. I don't drink alcohol and iam only 26.

[122 Tactical Fighter Group]

Alcohol is frequently in cough meds - you have a long way to go from fatty liver past elevated enzymes, fibrosis, and cirhossis possibly (but not necessarily) progresssing to hepatic carcinomas.......the liver is good at taking care of itself - first indication for therapy is to withdraw the offending agents.....check out med helps liver forums and hepatitis (they will give you hints about supplements, etc.)  and good luck to you - from a fellow liver patient!!!

[shadowknight]

Well, I dont drink. So Alcohol is not an issue. But I believe cough syrup abuse is a lot like Alcohol abuse. Atleast thats what someone said to me here on the forum.

[worried878]

Alcohol would be contraindicated at this point to be safe...i would think

[10356]

Remember it say's sometimes not all fatty liver leads to damage. You should talk with your Dr. as he may be able to put your mind to rest.

[10356]

Yes the liver can regenerate.. Here is some information I googled...What is fatty liver?

Fatty liver is just what its name suggests: the build-up of excess fat in the liver cells. It is normal for your liver to contain some fat. But if fat accounts for more than 10% of your liver’s weight, then you have fatty liver and you may develop more serious complications.

Fatty liver may cause no damage, but sometimes the excess fat leads to inflammation of the liver. This condition, called steatohepatitis, does cause liver damage. Sometimes, inflammation from a fatty liver is linked to alcohol abuse; this is known as alcoholic steatohepatitis. Otherwise the condition is called nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, or NASH.  I hope this helps