Aa
Cirrhosis with persistently normal liver enzymes?
Hi, 6-7 years ago I had right upper abdominal pain, fatigue and nausea for several months, I went to the doctor and all the liver enzyme tests/Viral hepatitis tests/CT scan was normal and the doctors didn't want to pursue any further workup. Since then I've had right upper abd pain on and off but never enough to make me see a doctor.
Now over the last 4 months I've been having right upper abdominal pain (much worse than the first time) that radiates into my back sometimes and also into my right shoulder. I also sometimes have severe nausea and feel tired. On my abdomen, it also looks like some of the veins are dilated, and I've been itching some. I went to a doctor to tell him about my concerns and he did liver enzyme tests/bilirubin/blood counts which were all normal. He also did a CT scan which said "homogeneous liver" which he said was normal and and Ultrasound which was unremarkable.
I really want him to do a liver biopsy, but he refuses because all the other tests have been normal. However, my symptoms continue to get worse to where I don't want to eat, I've lost 10 pounds already. Could this still be cirrhosis? Where do I go from here.
Thanks so much for any help, I'm feel very lost/anxious about the whole thing.
Now over the last 4 months I've been having right upper abdominal pain (much worse than the first time) that radiates into my back sometimes and also into my right shoulder. I also sometimes have severe nausea and feel tired. On my abdomen, it also looks like some of the veins are dilated, and I've been itching some. I went to a doctor to tell him about my concerns and he did liver enzyme tests/bilirubin/blood counts which were all normal. He also did a CT scan which said "homogeneous liver" which he said was normal and and Ultrasound which was unremarkable.
I really want him to do a liver biopsy, but he refuses because all the other tests have been normal. However, my symptoms continue to get worse to where I don't want to eat, I've lost 10 pounds already. Could this still be cirrhosis? Where do I go from here.
Thanks so much for any help, I'm feel very lost/anxious about the whole thing.
Thanks guys for your advice, I have an appointment with a gastroenterologist tomorrow to discuss everything, fingers crossed he takes my concerns seriously and I get answers soon!
Hector gave you great advice. Your doctor has done good tests to rule out cirrhosis, and I think its time for you to lay out a list of your symptoms and ask for a diagnosis rather than just getting them to check out what you are afraid it might be. It does sound like a gastrointestinal problem, so a gastroenterologist would be a good place to start. Take along copies of all the tests you've already had so they don't waste time and money repeating stuff. Good luck!
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Cirrhosis of the Liver Community
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
What makes you think you have cirrhosis?
Cirrhosis can be seen on both an ultrasound image and a CT scan. A person with cirrhosis can not have "homogeneous liver", normal size liver and spleen. Any enlarged veins should have been seen on imaging.
You say you have been having these symptoms for over 4 months and your primary doctor can't find anything wrong. Since all your tests are normal there is no way to tell what the problem is. It is time to get a second opinion. You should see a specialist, a gastroenterologist (GI) doctor. They specialize in diseases of the digestive system. Since you are nauseous and are losing weight it could be related to your GI track.
There are many conditions and illnesses that can cause right upper abdominal pain, some are very serious. Only a doctor can diagnose the cause of your symptoms.
Best of luck.
Hector