Abnormal Liver Ultrasound

[TerryTeeJay]

I had an ultrasound test come back showing abnormal liver.  When I met with my doc she said that it looked like the liver of someone with Hepatitis.  She ordered  a handful of blood tests (waiting for results).  But I just had bloodwork on my liver done in the spring or early summer (which came back normal).  What does the ultrasound mean?

(Flash back on when this all started...  Even if it my not be related, heres a long story short.)
Back in Dec 2010 I was having pain and lose of strangth and movement in my L shoulder.  Surgery was done in March on L shoulder, still have pain and weakness which feels like it is spreading, swelling in neck and collarbone, Temp on and off from March to Nov, More test show Hur Disc c-6 c-7, More treatments (injections and PT) Pain Spreading even more.  Thyroid uncontrolable (has been since 91') anti bodys were at 2,000 (should have been 19) Thyroid was then Romeved September, last time I was tested level were close to normal.  Vitamin D is at 6 (should be closer to 100) I Work in the sun EVERY day and have for many years(which normaly I am very tan, but seem realy pale like this summer.  I tan and then It dissapers) Also take 100,000 vit d each week, level staying low.
Never feel rested.......  :(

I work full time and have two kids, I am only in my eairly 30's, in good weight but have gained weight and have swelling since this all started.

Just hoping that someone reading this might be able to help me sort this out.  What the heck is wrong with me.......  I am starting to think that something is really wrong, at least thats what it feels like my body is trying to tell me.
(lupus and ms run in my family, but test done on me does not suspect eighter one)

  

[rnangel]

The liver enzymes are good news.Slight elevations are not concerning. Did your doctor say what is causing the liver inflammation? Does she think it is the vitamin D?

I overlooked in your original post that you had your thyroid removed. The synthroid and vitamin D are essential because your body can't produce them. Sometimes medications are given when the risks outweigh the benefits. Continue to monitor your liver function and request a follow up ultrasound to be done in 2-3 months.

Feeling tired and looking pale is a commonly caused by low iron. Another supplement made and stored in the liver. Ask to have your iron levels checked the next time you have blood work.

The body uses iron to make red blood cells. Each healthy RBC carries 4 oxygen molecules. When we have low iron, our organs and muscles lack the oxygen needed to function and repair. Here are a list of foods that are high in iron: lean red meat, legumes, beans, whole grains (oatmeal, cream of wheat), dark leafy green vegetables, almonds, almond milk. The heme (red meat) sources are easiest absorbed by the body. However you can maximize absorption by taking vitamin C with your steak. If your iron levels are quite low you may need to supplement.

I am happy to share information that not only leads to your well-being but also informs you to have thoughtful conversations with your doctor. We are our best advocates. Taking part in our health care decision-making and effective self care are catalysts to optimal health. You are doing a fantastic job at seeking answers and taking responsibiltiy for your health. I hope you feel better soon. I'm sending you well wishes to you and your family :o)

[TerryTeeJay]

Just got a call from my Doc with the test results (blood work).  Test show slightly elevated liver enzyms.  But the Doc says not to worry about anything and come back in, in four weeks and have blood work repeated. ???????  
Also I talked to my Doc who has me taking the HIGH doses of Vit D.  She told me that I need to keep taking it and that it will be fine regaurding my liver. ??????

[TerryTeeJay]

Thanks again for more info :)

I don't drink and am a healthy eater (for the most part).  The only thing that was really said by my doc was that it was abnormal and looks like a liver of someone that has Hep.  She said that she would not know more until more test are done.

I do take other meds, but none that you listed.  I take synthroid 150mg each day and I also take lowertab 10mg three times a day (for pain from my disc in neck).  When my thyroid was removed in Sep they did do on going test on my parathyroid. (to make sure that it was working right after surgery).  But I am not sure if they are still testing it. (I get blood work done at least every 4 weeks.)

So if my blood test come back normal (I get the results tomorrow) does that mean I am ok?  Or does that mean that something might still be wrong?  Should I push to have a liver biopsy if my Doc does not think it is needed?

Thanks again for the info that you have given me.  It has helped to be able to chat about it. :)

[rnangel]

You should have your bloodwork rechecked. Liver function tests can change quickly and the spring results is not going to accurately reflect what is happening now. Your new results should be in soon and will give the doctor direction as what else to investigate. Is your doctor exploring what exactly 'abnormal' means. Is is that your liver is swollen? or has nodules? I do know that lab results can be fairly normal and the liver can still have some abnormalities.The only way to really examine the liver at a cellular level is to take a biopsy. It is a simple procedure that can be completed in about 1 minute.

I also wanted to mention that you should not be drinking any alcohol and eating excessive amounts of fat as this will put added stress on your liver. Are you on any other medicaitons? Cholesterol lowering meds (statin meds) are very hard on the liver.

One other point..Has your doctor ever checked your blood calcium levels to see if they were high? The low vitamin D may be a result of parathyroid disease. In this case, taking vitamin D will NOT lower the calcium levels. Please talk to your doctor about the possibility of parathyroid disease.

I know this sounds like alot of information to take in. You have been experiencing these health issues a while now but the answer will come soon. You will get through this and should not fear a serious diagnosis. I suspect parathyroid problems and the vitamin D you have been taking has irritated your liver. Both problems have solutions and you can live a long healthy life. Keep me posted. Peace and well wishes to you!

[TerryTeeJay]

Thanks for the info, sounds like the liver plays a lot of roles.  Do you know, can the liver show up abnormal on ultrasound and still be ok?  Again my blood work on my liver in the spring was normal. (still waiting for test results that were done last week).  Can blood work come back normal and there still be a problem?  My vit D has been WAY to low for over one year.  So the liver test that were done in the spring would have showen if it was my liver causing the low vit d. Right?  Just woundering how to find out if it is the liver causing low D.?  Plus if I am in the sun every day for up to 5 to 8 hours a day (no sun block), why is my D level still soooo low?  I am scarred to take the Vit D now......  My Doc has me taking 50,000IU every 3 days and 2,000iu on days I am not taking the bigger dose.  I think that I will hold off taking it until I can talk to my doc.
I am really cofused if I am dealing with one problem or more then one.?  (sounds like maybe more then one.)

[rnangel]

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. Many things can cause this. Of course Hepatitis A, B or C are easily ruled out. Other causes are excessive use of tylenol and fat soluable vitamins (A, E and D). Fat soluable vitamins are stored in the liver and high doses can be toxic and impair the functioning of the liver.

Right shoulder pain is a common 'referred' pain with liver inflammation. However you said it was your left shoulder that causes you the most trouble. Nausea and general body aches are also very common when the liver is compromised. The liver performs many complex functions for the body. It puts together all kinds of proteins used for hair health, blood clotting and the immune system. It detoxifies and filters the blood. So the liver takes on a lot of garbage from our bodies and the environment in which we live. When the liver is not working at its best, we will feel tired and 'terrible' in general.

The recommended dose of vitamin D is about 600 IU daily...That's 4,200 IU a week. If you are taking 100,000 IU a week then that is 24 times too much. Stop taking the vitamin D until further advice from your doctor. Just because your levels are low doesn't mean you are lacking in vitamin D. It could also be that your liver is to inflammed to synthesize the vitamin and put adequate amounts into your blood stream. The good news is that the liver is the only regenerable organ in the body and has the ability to heal. Definitely follow up with your doctor to rule out anything else. Hope this helps. Well wishes and peace to you :o)

[jason1118123]

well you were in my prayers im glad you are healthy again thank heaven

[TerryTeeJay]

Sorry, thought I should put a better list of symptoms.
*Pain
-neck (sides and back)
-between shoulder blades
-under shoulder blades
-mid back (just above where the ribs end)
-lower back
-rib cage front and back and side
-collar bone and upper chest
-pain and swelling in abdonam
-pain in sternum (pulling and popping with movement, comes and goes)
-pain in heels
-hair loss
-weight gain or swelling
-brusing for no reason
-swelling in left collar bone up my neck
-at times feel clamy, sick to stomic
-feels like I can't catch my breath at times (for no reason)
-odd case of hicups (single hicup at times when taking a breath (5 to 10 times a day), also regular hicups (1 to 3 times a day) wich I did not get in the past.)
-extream pain in both elbows that comes and goes
-dry eyes (notice it most when I go to bed)