Fatty liver pain and symptoms

[ThankGoodness]

My gastroenterologist diagnosed me with fatty liver disease about two years ago. I have heeded his advice and avoided all forms of alcohol for almost 18 months now (it took six months because I was an alcoholic). However, I am still getting a lot of pain on my upper right side that radiated to my back. This is the same pain that led to my diagnosis of fatty liver disease.

I'm now starting to wonder if the pain isn't related to my fatty liver but some other manifestation of my Crohn's Disease which I read so much about. Those of you who have fatty liver disease, does it cause you any pain? What symptoms does it cause you?

 

[new2crohnsMH]

I can't say that I have any pain specifically attributed to it that I can attest to, but I can definitely say I have other pains where I have wondered if it is that and maybe at some times not my Crohns. The problem is I have a stricture in the same area where pain occurs, so every time I ask I'm pretty much told it's that and not the liver, but I do still sometimes wonder. The only symptoms I have had is the positive test results when the biopsies were done, and a long standing history of abnormal liver enzyme measurements. I read you mentioned that alcohol may be involved, so not sure if that changes things as alcohol would not have been a factor for me. Not saying it's a good or bad thing in any way, shape, or form, but just wanted to throw that out there.

 

[Beach]

I do not have a fatty liver, but have read of people finding success at reversing the condition by avoiding carbohydrates. Apparently along with alcohol, excessive grain/carbs intake can cause the problem also.

A few articles about that from a doctor I follow.

"Your liver is fat"

http://www.wheatbellyblog.com/2012/03/your-liver-is-fat/

and

"Human foie gras"

http://blog.trackyourplaque.com/2010/09/human-foie-gras.html

 

[Footy]

My mom has fatty liver disease and she gets pain exactly where you described.

 

[breezy822]

I was first diagnosed with Fatty Liver Disease by my previous doctor the first of the year. Due to his sorry attitude, I found another doctor who is wonderful. Two weeks ago, I had to have surgery to remove scar tissue and my surgeon biopsied my liver while he was in there. I have been diagnosed with NASH (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis), a step further than fatty liver disease. My doctor told me that many people with long term Crohn's (going on 20 yrs) can develope this disesse. I have the exact symptoms /pain that you are describing. May want to check with your doctor about this as many people with NASH develope Cirrhosis. Hope you are feeling better...

 

[2thFairy]

Could also be gallbladder/gallstones.

 

[Terriernut]

My friend Sarah has fatty liver disease. She is not an alcoholic! She is Jewish, and unfortunately, it actually runs in her family. She thought for ages it was tummy and back trouble. She had to reduce her fat intake to almost nothing in order to get it under control, and very few carbs. Sadly, if you have crohns, her diet of alot of fresh veg and fruit wont work that well.

Personally, I would be having the GI check all your bloods and do a good work up on you to make sure you arent flaring with your Crohns. Plenty of us have pain in that area, and back pain as well. Without fatty livers.

 

[Miss Underestimated]

I agree - get it checked. gall bladder and pancreas are in that area too. Often the pancreas can be affected by alcohol long after the person stops drinking.