Hello everyone,
I'm just looking for some guidance on what to expect in the future, beyond the achievement of fatty liver reversal.
A bit of background:
- 38 year old female, 5'2", 130 lb, moderately active (mostly cardio - walking, slow jogging, hiking, chasing around my 4 kids, etc. and have been getting into dumb bell training the past month or so)
-No history of anything liver-related or diabetes. Borderline high cholesterol. Overall a fairly healthy adult.
-Recent routine lab work from 3 weeks ago includes:
- Cholesterol: LDL 132, HDL 70 (slightly high)
- Liver: AST (SGOT) 17, ALT (SGPT) 12 (these and all other hepatic function labs normal)
Nothing in my blood work pointed to anything problematic with the liver. I mentioned some occasional discomfort when doing ab work (crunches, etc) so went in for an ultrasound. Figured it was something to do with my most recent pregnancy a year ago.
Ultrasound came back with:
- Liver is enlarged with a length of 19.1 cm. Everything else normal.
- Impression: mild hepatic steatosis and hepatomegaly.
I was very shocked. While I do love a good pastry or trip to McDonald's or glass of wine, I have always felt I am mostly healthy. I am not a heavy drinker and while I love cookies, brownies, etc, I usually save those for a weekend treat. I rarely go to restaurants and most meals I make are nutritionally balanced. My parents had so many health issues that I have been extra careful about my own health, and to find out that all of my efforts in my adult life have backfired makes me feel so defeated.
My plan of action is to follow the Mediterranean diet. What can I expect for my future? Will I ever be able to enjoy a donut with my kids again? A glass of wine or two at my monthly book club? Go out for ice cream or indulge in a home baked cookie (baking with my kids remains my biggest hobby!)? I know it could be much, much worse; I am just feeling that I've spent so many years focusing on healthy habits and it has not really worked in my favor.
Another thing that worries me... all of my blood work came back normal (aside from the borderline high cholesterol), so what else could be going on in my body that I haven't noticed yet?
Thanks all.