indigestion and diahhrea and menopause

[Fleur]

I began to have indigestion in December of 2001.  Went on Prevacid which seemed to help alot, especially with heartburn at night.  I've always had loose stools, but about a month on the Prevacid I started to have real diarhhea.  I have always believed I have IBS but this is different than anything I've ever had.  I'm 45 and know I'm going thru menopause.  Periods have gotten very irregular, plus my mother went thru it at 46.  I'm wondering if this could be related to menopause.  I've had an abdominal ultrasound and a vaginal ultrasound.  Normal findings.  I also must mention that I've been drinking alcohol a lot in the past couple of years, which has affected my digestion.

[roxnsox]

I just thought you sounded just like me.  About 12 years ago I started going through menopause and having lots of stomach problems.  I got the run-around from all the doctors.  They just think it's another woman going through menopause, so what.  I would have abdominal scans and lots of blood tests.  My liver enzymes were only slightly elevated and they would tell me it was nothing to worry about.  Also 10 - 12 years ago my mother did not have diabetes.  Now she does.  I can see what having diabtes has done to her and I want to prevent it for myself.  I have had glucose tolerence tests done and found out that I have insulin resistance, which is a precurser for diabetes.  It is also a factor for the fatty infiltration of the liver.  So over the 10 - 12 years I have gained weight even though I thought I was eating properly.  I found the Clinicaltrials.gov website and saw the information there about fatty liver and Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.  I called the number and a doctor interviewed me on the telephone.  I am now participating in a clinical trial for a treatment for NASH (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis). I have lost 20 pounds and I feel much better.

[Fleur]

Can you tell me more about fatty liver infiltration?  I've never heard of it before.  What causes it?  Could it account for my diarhhea and other GI symptoms.  And also is it serious?  Would it show up on liver function blood tests?
Thanks.

[Fleur]

Thanks for your response.  No I'm not overweight and diabetes does not run in my family.  I got your other message and will follow up on it as soon as I have time.

[roxnsox]

I have read your message and want to tell you more about Fatty infiltration of the liver, menopause and so on.  I am at work right now.  I will organize my thoughts and write more later.  Two questions for you:  Does the doctor consider you to be overweight?  Does diabetes run in your family?  

[roxnsox]

When they did the abdominal ultrasound did they find "fatty infiltration of the liver".  Some doctors are not up to speed on the newest research about "fatty liver", and will tell you that it is nothing to worry about.  I wanted to comment about his because I went through menopause at an early age like you.  I also have fatty infiltration of the liver.