Have you ever thought to yourself: "I am having a hard time getting satisfactory answers about why my liver hurts. I've been having fairly constant sharp pain in my upper abdomen and right flank for several days, with the pain increasing when I eat or move/twist/step hard. I am also tired, headachey, and generally feel kind of gross. I've been to a regular doctor, who sent me to an emergency room. They said there is nothing wrong with my appendix or gallbladder, and that blood tests indicated mild inflammation of the liver. I've done some searching online, and I can't really match my symptoms to anything."
In this section we will talk about how to investigate if you have liver problems and how different scoring systems determine how severe any liver disease may be.
What you can do:
You CAN change the future direction of your illness!!!
If you are drinking alcohol, you must stop completely and immediately!!! We have met several people that have improved enough to come off transplant list. You will never be able to go back to drinking and will always have to be followed for liver cancer.
Ask your doctor what medications you should avoid that may be harmful to your liver. You must tell your doctor about all herbs and "natural remedies" Some of these are liver toxic!
Your doctor may put you on a low sodium diet, especially if you are having problems with fluid retention.
Eat a balanced diet with adequate calories and non-red meat protein. Malnutrition is a major problem for cirrhosis patients. But ask your doctor before you start a multi-vitamin. If you are still drinking, vitamin "A" (retinol) can be deadly.
What doctors treat liver patients? Primary Care Physician (PCP): The gate keeper of your
general health. A PCP is typically a General Internist doctor.
Gastroenterologist: The first line of treatment in digestive disorders. Has specialty in all organs of the abdomen.
Hepatologist:A Specialist in ONLY the liver--the best are usually associated with a university or a liver transplant center. This is the type of doctor that you should be seeing if you are having issues with your liver.
When To Call The Doctor:
If you experience any of these symptoms:
weight gain of 5lbs in a week—sudden weight changes may signal ascites
increased swelling in feet
increased temperature (over 100 degrees)
yellow skin (jaundice)
coffee ground vomit or black "tarry" stools
worsening fatigue
loss of appetite
decrease urination
any new symptom that concerns you call your doctor
Bedside manner is not the most important quality in a doctor BUT, fighting liver disease will take both of you to win. If you don't like, feel comfortable with or trust your doctor:
Find A New One!
When To Go To The Hospital:
If you experience any of these symptoms:
excessive bleeding from your nose, mouth or rectum-- Bleeding to death is the most common cause of death for cirrhosis patients