So while in Socal I got another kick in the teeth

[DSRIGGS]

I'll bet a lot of us have this same issue. Obesity is the gift that keeps on giving. I am sure you will find acceptable ways to cope. Keep us posted.

I suspect that there is probably a good possibility of what you say being true. Dr K seemed to think Diabetes was a significant player and that MO likely could have played a significant role as well but we just don't know.

 

[DSRIGGS]

There is at least one drug (Cenicriviroc) in development for this disorder, and it has Phase IIb underway, presumably based on Phase I/IIa results which looked pretty good. Perhaps you could get hooked up with a liver specialist in Chicago: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/study/NCT02217475?term=Cenicriviroc&rank=5&show_locs=Y#locn

Here is a description of the ongoing clinical trial: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26944023

Here are the results of the animal model study:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4922569/
"Antifibrotic Effects of the Dual CCR2/CCR5 Antagonist Cenicriviroc in Animal Models of Liver and Kidney Fibrosis."
"CONCLUSIONS:
CVC displayed potent anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic activity in a range of animal fibrosis models, supporting human testing for fibrotic diseases. Further experimental studies are needed to clarify the underlying mechanisms of CVC's antifibrotic effects. A Phase 2b study in adults with NASH and liver fibrosis is fully enrolled (CENTAUR Study 652-2-203; NCT02217475)."

And here is a review of a variety of pharmacotherapeutics for this disorder:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27646933

Pain management is something else entirely - I'd think MM would be the best approach.

I have to see my GP soon and discuss what steps to take. I agree that a trial might make sense.

My function is good and Dr K said the focus should be on not making it worse so bye bye alcohol and most every pain med. I actually read that MM was having some resolution of liver disease but I always view those claims with a grain of salt. Today I am hurting quite a bit because I think I have a stone on the move. Kidney was hurting bad last week and last night so I think it might be in the system on way out today. Peeing is not easy today. .....anyway I am hurting and want to feel better.

Thanks

 

[Eztli]

I'm sorry to continue about your continued issues. I can't imagine how you're feeling.
Marajuana is legal where I'm from. I can't indulge due to work but I do know many people who use it for medicinal purposes. They do swear by it, I can't really tell if it actually is a miracle cure or if they enjoy it as much as it helps them. Either way, if making one a bit happier while its doing something productive is a win win, to me anyways. And it comes in all sorts of forms that do not require smoking it. Good luck.

 

[Munchkin]

Very sorry Scot! Hope you find something else that will work for you!

 

[Bagaof4]

I am so sorry to hear this latest news, Scott. I wish I had some productive words of wisdom, but all I have is positive thoughts and support. Hopefully you will find a good specialist who will lead you in the right direction in dealing with this. Hang tough!

 

[revisionDS]

well at least Dr K found it now and not later so that is a good thing, but don't you think you have met your quota of stuff to go wrong?

 

[DSRIGGS]

My pcp is referring me to a liver specialist so hopefully I am able to get in sooner than later. just trying to understand all of it and then formulate a plan. A friend Dr K's group who is very bright and data driven is pushing me to go Palo full bore. I can eat high protein and veggies but I can't give up everything. I really do think diet is fairly irrelevant as far as prevention More relevant to me is moderating/eliminating drugs and alcohol. My diet is already pretty high protein and moderate carb so that is already helping. The damage was dine from years of being fat and diabetic, and as a younger man I drank a considerable amount .

 

[newanatomy]

My pcp is referring me to a liver specialist so hopefully I am able to get in sooner than later. just trying to understand all of it and then formulate a plan. A friend Dr K's group who is very bright and data driven is pushing me to go Palo full bore. I can eat high protein and veggies but I can't give up everything. I really do think diet is fairly irrelevant as far as prevention More relevant to me is moderating/eliminating drugs and alcohol. My diet is already pretty high protein and moderate carb so that is already helping. The damage was dine from years of being fat and diabetic, and as a younger man I drank a considerable amount .

Your plan seems wise to me. Try to limit all drugs/alcohol that are hard on the liver. A healthy dose of common sense is always best.

http://www.liverfoundation.org/abouttheliver/info/nafld/

TREATMENT
There are no medical treatments yet for NAFLD. Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly may help prevent liver damage from starting or reverse it in the early stages.

• See a doctor who specializes in the liver regularly
• Talk to your doctor about ways to improve your liver health
• Lose weight, if you are overweight or obese
• Lower your cholesterol and triglycerides
• Control your diabetes
• Avoid alcohol

 

[Razbry]

sauerkraut...I believe in it.

 

[Settledownnow]

I was really sorry to read this Scott. I hope the situation is not as bad as you are thinking once you get a chance to see the liver specialist. The liver is an amazing organ and perhaps there is a treatment will help stop and reverse any damage. I say this because I saw the liver specialist for myself this week and found out that the multiple liver abscesses I had have now healed. I am wishing you the same.

 

[Charris]

While doing surgery cleaning up my gut (and good gawd from the op report my abdominal cavity was a spaghetti factory of scar tissue and adhesions that Dr K cleaned up) Dr K didn't like how my liver looked so he biopsied a section. Well it came back and not great news.

I have non alcoholic fatty liver disease with moderate steatosis . ....AND the not so good part. I also have Stage 3 bridging fibrosis......yeah that pretty much sucks because that part is not reversible. Dr K said that it is likely due to years of morbid obesity and diabetes. I basically can't take aspirin, acetaminophen, NSAIDS or opiates the rest of my freaking life. For a guy with chronic pain (spinal and two effed up shoulders, not to mention gut pain) that really bites.

I have to talk to my PCP to let him know and devise go forward plan but I know my shoulders will need operated on at some point and there is no guarantee that the lysis of adhesion surgery will resolve my colon issue (hopeful but just dint know yet). So who knows what I can do in regard to future surgery.

The good news is that my liver function is good and the non fibrosis stuff is reversible.

Yep story of my life. Close one door and another dog is behind another door ready to take another hunk out of my ass.

Dang Scott you can't catch a break!

 

[Charris]

I agree with @hilary1617 about the homeopathic stuff. Most of it is useless, and the stuff that actually does something tends to be harmful. These products are not well regulated and often contain ingredients that aren't on the label, or differing amounts of the "active" ingredients. Not much quality control going on.
Talk with your pcp about opiates. They may still be an option if used carefully and without any Tylenol in them.

What about the oxycodone or Vicodine without the Tylenol in them? Are they too harmful?

 

[DSRIGGS]

sauerkraut...I believe in it.

I love kraut!

 

[DSRIGGS]

I was really sorry to read this Scott. I hope the situation is not as bad as you are thinking once you get a chance to see the liver specialist. The liver is an amazing organ and perhaps there is a treatment will help stop and reverse any damage. I say this because I saw the liver specialist for myself this week and found out that the multiple liver abscesses I had have now healed. I am wishing you the same.

Great news!

The damage I have is irreversible from what I have been told but I can stop progression and do things as well to keep the functioning of the liver strong. my number are good so I am hopeful.

 

[DSRIGGS]

What about the oxycodone or Vicodine without the Tylenol in them? Are they too harmful?

From what I have read any of the pain med are metabolized in the liver and harmful for my liver. Supposedly oral dilaudid and fentynl are the least harmful. I will see what specialist says but I am thinking medical weed is needed.

Thanks