When I first started this blog after my liver failed, it was my way of telling others what I learned about Hepatitis. Eventually I came to see that it was just the tip of the iceberg of information. We all have one liver, but there are many diseases that can harm it.
Yeah, the stories and blogs were all real life stories about how to save your life with a healthy diet and lifestyle. I had all of the symptoms and certainly understood them. My own advice was working, but there was so much to learn about all the other types of liver diseases.
Inherited Liver Disease
There is a genetic component to Wilson’s disease, Hemochromatosis, Gilbert Syndrome, and Alpha 1AT deficiency. As with most liver diseases, early detection is important. The availability of treatment are also slow to come forth.
Wilson’s disease treatment requires removal of excess copper in the blood, and also preventing more copper from building up.
Hemochromatosis treatment is similar, but it is aimed at removing iron from the bloodstream and prevent more from accumulating.
Gilbert Syndrome is a milder liver disease and there is no treatment. It is basically an excess of bilirubin, which is not life threatening.
Alpha 1AT deficiency is caused by a specific enzyme. My dear friend Lorrinda Gray Davis, who is president of the Transplant Recipients International had an end stage diagnosis. Thankfully, she received a liver transplant after her liver cancer treatment and is doing well.
Environmental and Other Liver Diseases
The liver is our body’s biggest filter. When it is over exposed to toxins, the liver can get overwhelmed. It could be a drug interaction or overdose that causes it. Liver toxicity can be from a poison, and may be accidental. It can also be caused by consuming too much alcohol. Whether it is a one time over dose or small amounts over time, the liver does take a hit from environmental factors.
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Nonalcoholic Steatosis is where there is an extreme buildup of fat in the liver. Both of these diseases are complex and require a hepatologist to diagnose and treat. There is evidence that lifestyle and diet changes can reduce and even reverse the effects of liver disease from NAFLD and NASH.
Viruses
Hepatitis was what caused my liver disease. There are different types, but they all are a lower level of virus that goes undetected in the blood stream. Unless a person gets a specific test for the virus, they can live with it for years before the liver finally begins to shut down.
Hepatitis B is one of the more common viruses. There are about 300 million people in the world with Hep B. There is no cure, but there are good drugs on the market to keep it in check and help people live a longer life. It is passed through body fluids and blood.
Hepatitis C is curable, but still 58 million people world wide have Hepatitis C. It is spread through blood contamination and I probably got it in my early 20s. I’m not sure how, because I had a blood transfusion, and also worked in a hospital lab setting as a Phlebotomist. I was cured in 2012, but the damage was done. I went on to develop liver cancer, and got a transplant. Today, it is spreading rapidly through IV needle use.
One Liver and Many Diseases
Once a person is diagnosed with liver disease, it is a real wake up call. We only have one liver, but there are many diseases that can cause great damage to it. I wish every person were screened annually for liver disease, just like with colon cancer, or breast cancer. Until we do, the threat of liver disease will continue to grow in the United States and world wide.
PS. There is new nomenclature about the names of different types of liver disease. Nash is now Mash and here is a blog on that.
6 thoughts on “One Liver and Many Diseases”
Thank you for what you have done with Hepatitis .
I have communicated with you in the past, I think it was through a Hep C organisation.
Anyway, good travels I wish for you;
Yours Sincerely
Karen MillerThomas
Karen,
I know we have chatted before too. I’m trying to remember where…. I posted today about brain fog, and it’s a real thing. haha.
The best thing about being a Karen is that when we are truly kind people, we don’t get that awful “Karen” reputation. The name Karen actually means pure. I’ve made it my aim to be pure and open for my whole life. I think that pays off later when you get sick and can’t remember who you talked to or what you said. I’m sure you’re like me in that.
What are you up to these days? Is there anything else that you’re dealing with? I’m always reading and researching. I got out of touch when I went back to work. I’d love to hear more from you.
xo Sincerely,
Karen
Thanx Karen & Merry Christmas & All the Best in 2023!
Debra,
Hello friend and I hope this new year is All that you want it to be also. What are you doing these days? I am truly happy to be back in here chatting and run into your comments.
Thank you for posting,
xo Karen
Your information I receive in my inbox has been helpful and very human like to read. I have cirrhosis, due to drinking over the years. I was more of an everyday drinker, not so much “binge”, very functional, but everyday use, 2-3 drinks caught up. 2021-2022 definitely drank more with a LOT of emotional triggers that I believe pushed my liver to the “whoa!! I’m waiving a white flag here!”
I didn’t look abnormal, but I wasn’t taking care of myself nutritionally at all, which I always have. I just know that time frame did it.
I divert. Back to my original point, when I said human like, I meant it. Being on the patient side of appointments, medical terms, what to-what not to do, and Dr.s who would make better fish in a bowl than physicians has been, for the most part, a nightmare. If I weren’t a strong person, it would be an easy way out to not care and to drink. Fortunately, I have zero desire at all to do that. I feel for those who have a diagnosis like mine, but don’t change.
Anyway, I came across your name weeks ago I’m sure in one of my time consuming searches about cirrhosis. I am so pleased to hear your positive direction that your own news brought.
I would rewind time, but alas, one cannot, so I move forward with positivity and that’s all I can do!
Sincerely,
Christiane Daily
Christiane,
Thank you for taking the time to share. After a sort of break from the blog, I’m back and it’s AMAZING help to connect with others. Our community and connection is everything. We need each other to help heal and grow.
You’re truly a role model for breaking the cycle of drinking. So many are struggling right now. My husband works in national grocery sales and he has heard the stats for liquor sales since 2020. It’s insane how much more people are drinking now. I also work with the AASLD and the doctors are seeing alcoholic liver disease increasing in numbers.
Congratulations on moving forward. Your future you is cheering wildly. I hope you read that blog and will take the time to write a letter to or from your future self. Please stay in touch. I’ve missed being here on the website and am glad to see your positive outlook and words.
Thanks and Hugs,
xo Karen
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