Aa
New Fatty Liver Disease Research
The importance of lifestyle changes, etc, for Non-Alcoholic Fatty liver Disease....be well everyone...
http://tinyurl.com/y3osx8
http://tinyurl.com/y3osx8
Thanks for the link. I never thought that there would be a higher prevelance of Celiac in HCV infected patients.
First let me say, I am as new to all this stuff as you. Never had allergies of any kind, so never was interested in the subject.
You asked about bowel studies...you fast for 12 hours, than they take an X-ray of the gut...then you drink this thick white stuff, forgot the name, and than they start taking X-rays every 15 min for quite a few hours, watching this contrast moving all the way down to the cecum. At the end of the session, somebody comes in with a paddle and starts moving this thing around your belly, all under ultrasound. This way they get a good view of all the intestinal folds. Oh, and you have to drink the contrast continually throughout the whole procedure. It's disgusting to swallow it, and I needed the whole crew to cheer me on. They walked me, gave me wet rags for my lips, and so on.
On those X-rays they saw nodules and decreased intestinal folds the entire length of the jejunum, and suggested Celiac disease.
That got the ball rolling for the many tests that followed, and made me try a gluten free diet...you know the rest.
Ten days ago I knew precious little about gluten, so you can't get much help from me in this arena.
The definitive diagnosis will be the genetic test, and that should be coming in next week, but I don't think I have it.
No B12 deficiency, normal Vit D, normal bone density...in other words I don't fit the bill. But then again this all just started in the past 6 month, which is not enough time to cause deficiencies of that kind.
Now gluten sensitivity includes of course all wheat products, but one can be allergic to wheat, but not necessarly all gluten.
I could have eliminated wheat alone, and see the outcome, but it was easier to just cut out all gluten period.
You go to a health food supermarket, and there are tons of gluten free products, at least in my town.
I don't think you will like them, but I think it's worth giving it a shot for one week. Also cut out all smoked meats, your sushi, and processed meats.
All the nitrites and preservatives can cause a number of intestinal upsets, so can sushi.
Of course you have eliminated all the major gas producing foods, like beans, onions, garlic, raw vegetables
Eating out is a challenge, that's putting it mildly.
Rice pudding...rice is ok, but they thicken it with something, and that something is what could contain gluten.
As you said, gluten is in everything.
If my tests rule out celiac, I plan on seeing an allergist, as well as reintroducing some gluten, while remaining on a wheat free diet.
I think your patience may wear thin with this, why not visit with a good allery clinic, and let them run some tests.
As long as we don't develop a full blown auto-immune disease during tx, or within 1 year post tx, I think we can count our blessings.
I have hope, and that's all it is, hope...that every year will get a little better for us.
Standard upper endoscopy is just looking around, taking biopsies, sucking Hydrochloric acid out of the stomach, and taking pictures.
Btw, I am now 5 month on a 60 gram a day carbohydrate diet.
My triglycerides came in at 44 (remember they didn't want to come down from 220), cholesterol 169, and HDL and LDL ok, but used to be better before tx. My fasting glucose is not budging though, steadfast at 96.
That tells me I need to remain on the ultra low carb diet.
I will do anything to avoid becoming diabetic.
Hope you don't use refined sugar (rice pudding LOL). Good idea to use Stevia as your sweetener.
Bagels LOL, do you know the carb load of a bagel? Of course you do. Are you born in April? those bull horns make you resistance to diet changes :).
You give me your diet, lets say 3 days of a week, and I may have to read you the riot act. I call Forseegood and Califia in on this, and between the 3 of us you won't be left standing :)
But maybe I am wrong, just going by some of your previous posts.
Anyway, my biopsy is an excisional one, with MRI guidance. There was no lump seen, but an area. That's why needle biopsy is of no use. Chances are good it's nothing, because this was picked up on an MRI, and not a mammogram.
I stopped going to the club a month ago. Can't exercise with all this going on. Another set back.
Do you thing you will ever go X-country again? I am beginning to question if any of my former sports are still there for me.
Since tx I am always cold, even though my temp is normal again.
Thermostat way up, down comforters, heavy jackets, the works.
Ina
First let me say, I am as new to all this stuff as you. Never had allergies of any kind, so never was interested in the subject.
You asked about bowel studies...you fast for 12 hours, than they take an X-ray of the gut...then you drink this thick white stuff, forgot the name, and than they start taking X-rays every 15 min for quite a few hours, watching this contrast moving all the way down to the cecum. At the end of the session, somebody comes in with a paddle and starts moving this thing around your belly, all under ultrasound. This way they get a good view of all the intestinal folds. Oh, and you have to drink the contrast continually throughout the whole procedure. It's disgusting to swallow it, and I needed the whole crew to cheer me on. They walked me, gave me wet rags for my lips, and so on.
On those X-rays they saw nodules and decreased intestinal folds the entire length of the jejunum, and suggested Celiac disease.
That got the ball rolling for the many tests that followed, and made me try a gluten free diet...you know the rest.
Ten days ago I knew precious little about gluten, so you can't get much help from me in this arena.
The definitive diagnosis will be the genetic test, and that should be coming in next week, but I don't think I have it.
No B12 deficiency, normal Vit D, normal bone density...in other words I don't fit the bill. But then again this all just started in the past 6 month, which is not enough time to cause deficiencies of that kind.
Now gluten sensitivity includes of course all wheat products, but one can be allergic to wheat, but not necessarly all gluten.
I could have eliminated wheat alone, and see the outcome, but it was easier to just cut out all gluten period.
You go to a health food supermarket, and there are tons of gluten free products, at least in my town.
I don't think you will like them, but I think it's worth giving it a shot for one week. Also cut out all smoked meats, your sushi, and processed meats.
All the nitrites and preservatives can cause a number of intestinal upsets, so can sushi.
Of course you have eliminated all the major gas producing foods, like beans, onions, garlic, raw vegetables
Eating out is a challenge, that's putting it mildly.
Rice pudding...rice is ok, but they thicken it with something, and that something is what could contain gluten.
As you said, gluten is in everything.
If my tests rule out celiac, I plan on seeing an allergist, as well as reintroducing some gluten, while remaining on a wheat free diet.
I think your patience may wear thin with this, why not visit with a good allery clinic, and let them run some tests.
As long as we don't develop a full blown auto-immune disease during tx, or within 1 year post tx, I think we can count our blessings.
I have hope, and that's all it is, hope...that every year will get a little better for us.
Standard upper endoscopy is just looking around, taking biopsies, sucking Hydrochloric acid out of the stomach, and taking pictures.
Btw, I am now 5 month on a 60 gram a day carbohydrate diet.
My triglycerides came in at 44 (remember they didn't want to come down from 220), cholesterol 169, and HDL and LDL ok, but used to be better before tx. My fasting glucose is not budging though, steadfast at 96.
That tells me I need to remain on the ultra low carb diet.
I will do anything to avoid becoming diabetic.
Hope you don't use refined sugar (rice pudding LOL). Good idea to use Stevia as your sweetener.
Bagels LOL, do you know the carb load of a bagel? Of course you do. Are you born in April? those bull horns make you resistance to diet changes :).
You give me your diet, lets say 3 days of a week, and I may have to read you the riot act. I call Forseegood and Califia in on this, and between the 3 of us you won't be left standing :)
But maybe I am wrong, just going by some of your previous posts.
Anyway, my biopsy is an excisional one, with MRI guidance. There was no lump seen, but an area. That's why needle biopsy is of no use. Chances are good it's nothing, because this was picked up on an MRI, and not a mammogram.
I stopped going to the club a month ago. Can't exercise with all this going on. Another set back.
Do you thing you will ever go X-country again? I am beginning to question if any of my former sports are still there for me.
Since tx I am always cold, even though my temp is normal again.
Thermostat way up, down comforters, heavy jackets, the works.
Ina
You're right, I don't have the patience for all this diet stuff right now. Don't even have the patience to see a doctor and get all those tests. I eat out a lot which limits my choices. Eliminating Gluten for a week shouldn't be much of a problem , but I didn't see anything dramatic after a day as you suggested but maybe it was that rice pudding last night. I'm suppoed to have a follow-up endoscophy (about six months ago :) ) for my short Barrett's so maybe the gastro will poke around and look for stuff. My understanding is that one somewhat definitive test is to snip a piece of the small intestine during the endoscophy and examine it under a microscope to see if damaged. Then, repeat procedure after a gluten elimination diet to see if any changes. All these tests are supposed to be done BEFORE you go on the elimination diet to rule out false negatives.
Be well.
-- Jim
Be well.
-- Jim
Scroll down to study abstract #257
http://tinyurl.com/yxkz45
Meanwhile, trying to stay away from Gluten for a few days. Not easy, especially when dining out. Does rice puddin' have Gluten in it. Hope not. LOL.
http://tinyurl.com/yxkz45
Meanwhile, trying to stay away from Gluten for a few days. Not easy, especially when dining out. Does rice puddin' have Gluten in it. Hope not. LOL.
Caught your response on gluten above. I guess this is the thread you referred to. Damn...what's with this combo threapy anyway? I've been eating bread my whole life without problems but I guess I should at least try to eliminate wheat/gluten for a while? How long should it take to see results if that is the problem? Do you have any idea why combo therapy would cause this? What's with the breast biopsy? Is this new? Most of the time these things are benign, so don't worry -- whoops, you hate it when I say that -- anyway, I'd probably be worried as well, but statistically you'll probably be just fine.
All the best,
-- Jim
All the best,
-- Jim
Jim, are you here?
Got only a few days. My breast biopsy is coming up next Wed.
It's done under full anesthesia and I am busy re-writing an extensive living will and power of attorney for health.
Ina
Got only a few days. My breast biopsy is coming up next Wed.
It's done under full anesthesia and I am busy re-writing an extensive living will and power of attorney for health.
Ina
I was wrong, the previous ct-scan 6 month ago was with IV contrast too, so I will have to speak to the radiologist about that.
Now I am wondering....can fatty liver come about in 6 month.
Ha ha statins, I eat cow chips before I go on that stuff.
Ina
Now I am wondering....can fatty liver come about in 6 month.
Ha ha statins, I eat cow chips before I go on that stuff.
Ina
You said:
Curious if you've ever had a dx of "mild fatty liver" before. My understanding is that while scans can suggest fatty liver, only liver biopsy can confirm it.
The answer is no. With all the ultrasounds and cat scans, the word fatty liver was never mentioned.
The previous cat scans were without IV contrast, while this one was with I/V and oral contrast. The oral contrast was ordered because they were looking mainly at the bowel. But I request the same radiologist to read my cat scans, and he knows about my hepc, so he used the opportunity to kook closely at my liver. Another radiologist would probably not have done that. They have a tendency only to look at the questionable areas. They are supposed to mention anything out of range, but as you know only too well, that's not how it works in the real world.
Do you think it is correct for me to assume, that since they didn't ever see it on an ultrasound or regular Cat scan, that I really only have very minor fatty liver?
A biopsy would be best to determine that, and it would also differenciate between simple fatty liver, and the other type, the one that can lead to cirrhosis over time.
Really had no time to read about the subject yet. All in ggod time I tackle one prblem after the other.
My AM cortisol came back very low, remember I said to you, it would either be very high, or very low. Normal 8AM cortisol is 6.3-29, and mine came in at 7. After the stimulation, serum was drawn 30 min and 1 hour later, and that appears normal. SOOO, what does that mean...it means arenal fatigue, which is mot uncommon after years and years of unrelenting stress.
I started over the counter DHEA, and will start shortly the sublingual prescription dosage. And yes, it took only a week to feel better. Hopefully the DHEA will convert into testosterone more than estrogen, so I can avoid supplementing with testosterone. I'll draw another hormone test in 3 month.
My skin is unchanged, or a little worth. We are using heat already, and the dryness makes things worth. Humidity reads 36 in my house, which is fine with me, except my skin doesn't like it.
As soon as time allows, I will buy a humidifier.
Like I told Mike, if you repond here, I won't be able to write for a number of days, because tuesday is the big nasty, digusting, awful colonoscopy/endoscopy coming up, and I am getting ready for the prep.
Don't tell me it's nothing, no words can calm me down.
I'll be reading thow, so do come back.
Ina
Curious if you've ever had a dx of "mild fatty liver" before. My understanding is that while scans can suggest fatty liver, only liver biopsy can confirm it.
The answer is no. With all the ultrasounds and cat scans, the word fatty liver was never mentioned.
The previous cat scans were without IV contrast, while this one was with I/V and oral contrast. The oral contrast was ordered because they were looking mainly at the bowel. But I request the same radiologist to read my cat scans, and he knows about my hepc, so he used the opportunity to kook closely at my liver. Another radiologist would probably not have done that. They have a tendency only to look at the questionable areas. They are supposed to mention anything out of range, but as you know only too well, that's not how it works in the real world.
Do you think it is correct for me to assume, that since they didn't ever see it on an ultrasound or regular Cat scan, that I really only have very minor fatty liver?
A biopsy would be best to determine that, and it would also differenciate between simple fatty liver, and the other type, the one that can lead to cirrhosis over time.
Really had no time to read about the subject yet. All in ggod time I tackle one prblem after the other.
My AM cortisol came back very low, remember I said to you, it would either be very high, or very low. Normal 8AM cortisol is 6.3-29, and mine came in at 7. After the stimulation, serum was drawn 30 min and 1 hour later, and that appears normal. SOOO, what does that mean...it means arenal fatigue, which is mot uncommon after years and years of unrelenting stress.
I started over the counter DHEA, and will start shortly the sublingual prescription dosage. And yes, it took only a week to feel better. Hopefully the DHEA will convert into testosterone more than estrogen, so I can avoid supplementing with testosterone. I'll draw another hormone test in 3 month.
My skin is unchanged, or a little worth. We are using heat already, and the dryness makes things worth. Humidity reads 36 in my house, which is fine with me, except my skin doesn't like it.
As soon as time allows, I will buy a humidifier.
Like I told Mike, if you repond here, I won't be able to write for a number of days, because tuesday is the big nasty, digusting, awful colonoscopy/endoscopy coming up, and I am getting ready for the prep.
Don't tell me it's nothing, no words can calm me down.
I'll be reading thow, so do come back.
Ina
I don't know that much about fatty liver other than it's a negative predictor for SVR and it can also hasten fibrosis progression. Wasn't aware there was a "simple" or "other type" but I do imagine there are degrees of fatty liver. But again, my understanding is that only biopsy can confirm fatty liver and the other tests like CAT scan can only suggest it. As to whether or not you should get a biopsy, I really don't know the protocol with SVRs. I imagine they would take numerous factors into account including your scans, bloodwork, etc. Really something to go over with a knowledgable hepatologist and preferably more than one.
I believe my biopsy report of four years ago stated I did not have fatty liver but as you may have remembered my NP suggested I might when my GGTs came back elevated during treatment. My tx doc disagreed and he was right -- at least in terms of the GGTs -- as they returned back to pre-tx baseline within a relatively short period of time.
The reason I mentioned Statins is because I believe they treat fatty liver the same way they treat clogged arteries, i.e. agressively lower LDL cholesterol and Triglicerides. But again, you may not even have it but I won't tell you "not to worry" since I was so instructed :) But maybe put the worry on the burner until you have more info?
Really don't know much about the adrenal system so can't comment there.
Regarding the skin, seasonal changes can be triggers. The last few months have been relatively mild where I live so no real test of heat or cold, or even dryness. Yes, the heat is starting to go on and a humidifyer is one solution although you have to be fastidious about keeping them clean otherwise they become bacterial breeding grounds. My ENT cautioned me against them for this reason.
For me, the bigger test will be the outside cold, also with dry air. Last winter my face litterally stung when I went outside and had to cover up like an authordox moslem wife. And then there will be next summer with the heat and sun. Right now, my skin looks fine and is in a holding pattern. So we shall see what happens with the weather and also with my workouts which I am stepping up. Today, two 40 minute aerobic sessions and probably will test the chlorinated pool soon.
Good luck with your colon/endo, you sure are getting a lot of tests these days :) Actually I'm supposed to have an endo about six months ago as a follow-up for my short-something Barrets but have put it off. After all, don't want to catch some bug like Hep C with g*d knows how well they sterilize things :) As to the colonoscophy, I am supposed to be good for another four years but something tells me if I have the endo I'll have them take a look at both ends.
Maybe you can relate to this. Some gastro discomfort since the end of treatment. Nothing major except make more trips to the bathroom than my usual one in the morning but the strange thing is that my stomach appears bloated -- at least a couple in the middle -- and it's not fat. Likely suspects are gas and IBS so maybe the colonoscophy will come up. Last week I did have a routine abdominal ultrasound which was long due and he did mention that he couldn't get a good look at the spleen because of bowel gas. I probably should have questioned him some more. So if it's just gas, how do you get rid of it? I've already eliminated coffee thinking it may be agravating things and probably will eliminate my daily Zone bars when they run out.
I suppose Edamane (soy beans)is out as well as milk products. I even stopped the Clindamycin because I read that bloating is one of its side effects. I wish there was some way of knowing what is causing it so I don't have to eliminate so many things. "Stress" is also listed as a cause of IBS but I've been under stress before and never had this problem. I also read it can be some sort of intestinal inflammation or bacterial thing but my stool kit came out OK. Again, no big deal except a few more trips to the bathroom and a waist too big for the body. If it's not one thing it's another with Peg and riba.
Be well,
-- Jim
I believe my biopsy report of four years ago stated I did not have fatty liver but as you may have remembered my NP suggested I might when my GGTs came back elevated during treatment. My tx doc disagreed and he was right -- at least in terms of the GGTs -- as they returned back to pre-tx baseline within a relatively short period of time.
The reason I mentioned Statins is because I believe they treat fatty liver the same way they treat clogged arteries, i.e. agressively lower LDL cholesterol and Triglicerides. But again, you may not even have it but I won't tell you "not to worry" since I was so instructed :) But maybe put the worry on the burner until you have more info?
Really don't know much about the adrenal system so can't comment there.
Regarding the skin, seasonal changes can be triggers. The last few months have been relatively mild where I live so no real test of heat or cold, or even dryness. Yes, the heat is starting to go on and a humidifyer is one solution although you have to be fastidious about keeping them clean otherwise they become bacterial breeding grounds. My ENT cautioned me against them for this reason.
For me, the bigger test will be the outside cold, also with dry air. Last winter my face litterally stung when I went outside and had to cover up like an authordox moslem wife. And then there will be next summer with the heat and sun. Right now, my skin looks fine and is in a holding pattern. So we shall see what happens with the weather and also with my workouts which I am stepping up. Today, two 40 minute aerobic sessions and probably will test the chlorinated pool soon.
Good luck with your colon/endo, you sure are getting a lot of tests these days :) Actually I'm supposed to have an endo about six months ago as a follow-up for my short-something Barrets but have put it off. After all, don't want to catch some bug like Hep C with g*d knows how well they sterilize things :) As to the colonoscophy, I am supposed to be good for another four years but something tells me if I have the endo I'll have them take a look at both ends.
Maybe you can relate to this. Some gastro discomfort since the end of treatment. Nothing major except make more trips to the bathroom than my usual one in the morning but the strange thing is that my stomach appears bloated -- at least a couple in the middle -- and it's not fat. Likely suspects are gas and IBS so maybe the colonoscophy will come up. Last week I did have a routine abdominal ultrasound which was long due and he did mention that he couldn't get a good look at the spleen because of bowel gas. I probably should have questioned him some more. So if it's just gas, how do you get rid of it? I've already eliminated coffee thinking it may be agravating things and probably will eliminate my daily Zone bars when they run out.
I suppose Edamane (soy beans)is out as well as milk products. I even stopped the Clindamycin because I read that bloating is one of its side effects. I wish there was some way of knowing what is causing it so I don't have to eliminate so many things. "Stress" is also listed as a cause of IBS but I've been under stress before and never had this problem. I also read it can be some sort of intestinal inflammation or bacterial thing but my stool kit came out OK. Again, no big deal except a few more trips to the bathroom and a waist too big for the body. If it's not one thing it's another with Peg and riba.
Be well,
-- Jim
I should also add that I've been off my topical regimen for the past 4-6 weeks and only use on an "as needed" basis which is no more than once or twice a week. The Rezamid or Sulfaced if I think a pimple is forming; the Clindamycin for certain irritations; and the Metrogel if things become a little red or inflamed. All the preceeding very minor compared to several months ago. My chest is completely better. Hope your doing well on your end. If you have much more to add on skin issues, feel free to add to a thread at the botton and I'll have a look later.
-- Jim
-- Jim
Worked fine with me but maybe you're browser for some reason isn't taking the re-direct, try this link:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/hsn/20061025/hl_hsn/researchpredictsoutcomesfromfattyliverdisease
Curious if you've ever had a dx of "mild fatty liver" before. My understanding is that while scans can suggest fatty liver, only liver biopsy can confirm it. Just my understanding. But if so, maybe you'll beat me to the statins yet :) BTW just had an ultrasound -- nothing stuck out of the report -- but haven't reviewed it with my doc yet.
Today went to derm and the cute PA said, "I remember you, but you look so different. Weren't you dressed in business clothes last time and your face looks good...it was so red last time". Funny though because last time she said it wasn't all that bad. I guess they only tell you the truth when it gets better :)
Anyway, it made my morning although the derm did you the "remission" word, suggesting things could flare up for numerous reasons including sun, heat, diet, stress, etc. I certainly hope he's not too right and that things will be better as more time gets between me and the tx drugs, but as they say, we shall see what we shall see.
Be well.
-- Jim
http://news.yahoo.com/s/hsn/20061025/hl_hsn/researchpredictsoutcomesfromfattyliverdisease
Curious if you've ever had a dx of "mild fatty liver" before. My understanding is that while scans can suggest fatty liver, only liver biopsy can confirm it. Just my understanding. But if so, maybe you'll beat me to the statins yet :) BTW just had an ultrasound -- nothing stuck out of the report -- but haven't reviewed it with my doc yet.
Today went to derm and the cute PA said, "I remember you, but you look so different. Weren't you dressed in business clothes last time and your face looks good...it was so red last time". Funny though because last time she said it wasn't all that bad. I guess they only tell you the truth when it gets better :)
Anyway, it made my morning although the derm did you the "remission" word, suggesting things could flare up for numerous reasons including sun, heat, diet, stress, etc. I certainly hope he's not too right and that things will be better as more time gets between me and the tx drugs, but as they say, we shall see what we shall see.
Be well.
-- Jim
What am I doing wrong. I copy and paste, like I have done a thousnd times before. But google, Yahoo and Dogpile come up with nothing, or lead me right back to the forum.
If you get a chance, can you link it in an e-mail.
Had my cat scan read just today, and it said mild fatty liver.
Thanks,
Ina
If you get a chance, can you link it in an e-mail.
Had my cat scan read just today, and it said mild fatty liver.
Thanks,
Ina
Ill email that to you Ina, you'll feel better soon, nothing more stressful then things going in orifices that you don't want there...that sounded awful but you know what I mean...
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