Hepatologist?
I am newly diagnosed with severe fatty liver and mild to moderate liver fibrosis. After learning these diagnoses, I was revved to get on it and get better. As our medical area has no hepatologist, I messaged my gastroenterologist to see if she knew of a hepatologist to refer me to within a 100 mile radius. Her reply was that I didn't need a hepatologist. I just needed to eat better, exercise, lose weight, and reduce stress... so change everything in my life. My question is: do any of you see a hepatologist or are these diseases handle by your primary and/or your gastro?
Thanks for your post. I am going to find a hepatologist.
I feel like this is just not as important to my physicians as it should be. I have been told to lose weight all my life, and I have, but my stress level is currently off the charts. And what comforts me? Food, and a lot of it! Pizza. Ice cream. Cookies. I, too, am on an antidepressant now and for years. I am already decreasing my dosage (guided by my primary). Praying for all of us to get healthier.Yes, and this has been very frustrating to me. Considering the seriousness of this disease, I don’t appreciate being dismissed to go lose weight and exercise and everything will be better. I have been on an antidepressant for years. My gastro knows this but never mentioned that antidepressants can contribute to liver damage. Had I known this, I would have stopped taking them prior to doing my own research on the subject. My AST and ALS levels are elevated. My fibrosis score is7.4 and CAP is 300. I have been brushing off the diagnosis for awhile since my gp and gastro don’t seem to think it is a big deal but now I’m beginning to wonder if it is more serious than I thought.
feeling dismissed by your doctors is really frustrating! They should be taking the time to explain your results and what they mean for you. If you don’t feel like your concerns are being addressed, would it be possible for you to get a second opinion? If there are any questions we can answer please let us know. We’re happy to help! All my best, Julie (team member)
