Your Best Friends Guide to Liver Disease

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Karen Hoyt

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Karen Hoyt

The Surprising Relationship Between Cannabis and Cardiovascular Health: Separating Fact from Fiction

The Surprising Relationship Between Cannabis and Cardiovascular Health: Separating Fact from Fiction : Katie Pierce is a new guest blog by my friend Katie. I had read about the relationship and was happy to see her compilation of evidence. I think it’s wise to look at the results and then talk to your doctor about your personal use. I’m not here to judge. So post transplant, I’m working on heart heath and am choosing not to use cannabis.

From a federal standpoint, cannabis remains an illegal substance in the USA. However, many US states have recognized its recreational and medicinal applications. Out of 50 states, 38 have legalized medical marijuana, while 24 have legalized its recreational use.

However, more research is needed to further understand the effects of cannabidiol (CBD) on human health. For example, a study suggests that CBD might aid with fatty liver, but some evidence indicates it could increase liver enzymes. More research is needed to conclude whether CBD is helpful or harmful to liver health.

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Karen Hoyt June 16, 2024
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Karen Hoyt

Who is on Liver Transplant Team?

This is a total list of everyone that will be your support before, during and after the liver transplant process. A liver transplant team consists of a diverse group of healthcare providers and professionals who work together to ensure the success of your transplant process. Together, they provide wrap around services and comprehensive care to every patient. You will come to know who is on liver transplant team. After all, you are placing your life in their hands, and will become close to some of  them and at least be acquainted with others. I always wanted to be sure that they were impressed with my desire to live. For some reason, there was a threat of not “making the cut”, if that makes sense to you. Read on and see if you can match the titles with the people you know at your hospital.
I live in a rural area and had to travel to see my team. That meant a longer drive and also meant that not all of these people were easily accessible to me. 

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Karen Hoyt June 8, 2024

Creative Activities to Deepen Your Friendships

Building strong friendships goes beyond casual hangouts. It’s about creating shared experiences that foster connection, understanding, and lasting memories.  This guide explores a range of creative activities specifically designed to deepen your bonds with friends. Maybe you can tie dye a shirt, or build a campfire together. A cooking or gardening project is always fun. When you are feeling isolated by liver disease, strengthening your friendships can play a huge role in helping you heal. No one should ever feel alone with liver disease. Somehow, being sick creates a desire to make memories even stronger.

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Karen Hoyt April 14, 2024
Liver #1 fan karen hoyt
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Karen Hoyt

Can Resmetirom Cure Nash MASH or Fatty Liver?

We’ve all been wondering: Can Resmetirom cure Nash Mash or Fatty Liver? I know the language changed and have written about that here. But what patients want to know is if it really works to reduce fat? The answer is YES and it’s a miracle for many who have been diagnosed. I’ve loaded this blog with information about the dosage, how to get it, cost, video, and the website. Let’s peek closer at how it works in our body.
Resmetirom pronounced Res met er rawm is labeled as Rezdiffra pronounced Rez Diff Ruh. It was approved by the FDA last week and it is totally changing the way we look at the future with a diagnosis of Mash. By starting with the root of the accumulation of fat in the liver,

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Karen Hoyt March 20, 2024
Blog
Karen Hoyt

Surviving Survivors Guilt After Transplant Pt 1

Stepping into the doctor’s waiting room, I locked eyes with my childhood friend Dugan, and quickly squeezed into a spot next to her. As my story poured out in a flood, she wrapped her arms around me and let her

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Karen Hoyt March 9, 2024
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Karen Hoyt

What is Medical Doom Scrolling and How to Quit

We’ve all done it. That may be how you found my website. A thought or question pops in our mind, and within seconds our fingers type keywords into a search engine. One story leads to another until we have wasted

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Karen Hoyt February 3, 2024
Sustainable Stocking Stuffers: Thoughtful Gifts for a Greener Christmas karen hoyt
Your Personal Life
Karen Hoyt

Sustainable Stocking Stuffers: Thoughtful Gifts for a Greener Christmas

The holiday season is a splendid period filled with joy and festivities, yet it has also been overshadowed by excessive consumerism and materialism. While the tradition of exchanging gifts remains beloved during this time, it’s worth noting that it can contribute to heightened waste and environmental harm, particularly in the form of discarded plastic and wrapping materials post-holiday.

Nonetheless, by infusing a touch of creativity and mindfulness into the festivities, it is entirely possible to honor the true essence of Christmas while also prioritizing environmental consciousness! Check out this article that explores the concept of sustainable stocking stuffers, offering you a range of thoughtful and eco-friendly gift ideas to make your holiday season greener and more meaningful.

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Karen Hoyt December 23, 2023
Alcoholism liver disease cirrhosis
Karen Hoyt

Cirrhosis Injury to the Liver by Terri Monclova Milton

Cirrhosis injury to the liver is by Terri Monclova Milton. She wrote this and I thought it was a great representation of liver disease. My husband and I live in an oak forest and consider ourselves oak tree advocates in

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Karen Hoyt December 22, 2023

My Liver Biopsy Story

My liver biopsy story may be different than most. For one,  it hurt like heck. Perhaps my experience was a little rough because of my late stage cirrhosis, and low platelets. You may be wondering which one is best. At

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Karen Hoyt October 30, 2023
How to Lower Liver Enzymes ALT and AST karen hoyt
Blog
Karen Hoyt

How to Lower Liver Enzymes ALT and AST

How to Lower Liver Enzymes ALT and AST – After looking at my most recent labs this morning, I feel a little stressed. They can be elevated for many reasons. It could be a medication you are taking.  Some of

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Karen Hoyt October 8, 2023

Sober Living Survival Jenn Leigh Jones

I’m touched by kindness, aren’t you? People who have suffered are often the most vulnerable, and therefore the ones who express kindness. You can feel the gentleness as they caress you with a warm smile, or gaze at you with

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Karen Hoyt September 24, 2023
help doctor understand liver karen hoyt
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Karen Hoyt

Can We Help Our Doctor Understand?

I want to have plain speak with my doctor. I want to be totally honest and make real change for my future. The subject comes up frequently when I’m speaking with and mostly listening to doctors associated with the AASLD. They wish their were a special language that would help them understand all of the spaces between the words we patients and caregivers say. Our medical providers are betting their careers on the fact that we really deserve to have a better life.

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Karen Hoyt September 16, 2023
Alcoholism liver disease cirrhosis
Karen Hoyt

Patients Are Going to The Liver Meeting

The patients who go to The Liver Meeting AASLD will meet many friends, patient advocates, and medical providers. Some of them are in the patient lounge, webinars, chats, and workshops. But we will also be gathering together. I love to join the chats where it’s patients like us leading the talk and we all get a chance to ask questions and learn more about how we can Live Longer Stronger with liver disease. I’ll be hosting a live chat in November from Boston and I’ll tell you more about it soon!

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Karen Hoyt August 27, 2023
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Blog
Karen Hoyt

What Does MASH Liver Disease Stand For?

What does NASH liver disease stand for? It is a type of liver disease where fat cells infiltrate the liver. It causes inflammation. Picture a red, angry, liver that cannot function well. The liver performs so many things for your body. When it gets inflammation 24/7 with no break, it eventually leads to severe liver disease. Learn about diagnosis, tests, treatment, diet foods

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Karen Hoyt August 13, 2023
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Karen Hoyt

Too Weak to Walk with Sarcopenia Liver Disease

Sarcopenia and frailty happens when a person with liver disease slowly loses muscle tone and strength. My muscles turned to jelly and I’ve got some great tips for getting around and getting strong again.

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Karen Hoyt August 4, 2023
6 benefits of eating locally sourced foods karen hoyt ihelpc
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Karen Hoyt

6 Benefits of Eating Locally Sourced Foods

More and more people are turning to fresh, local options for produce and other items as locally-sourced food has become a mainstream trend. More restaurants also acquire locally grown ingredients and refer to this practice as a farm-to-table process. Find

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Karen Hoyt July 22, 2023
childhood obesity and liver disease ihelpc karen hoyt
Blog
Karen Hoyt

Childhood Obesity and Liver Disease

When the new pediatric guidelines came out this year, it was shocking to many. Given that it had been 15 years since an update, everyone knew a lot had changed. It wasn’t long before many pediatricians, dietitians, and child psychologists started speaking out. The trouble is that many don’t agree with the American Academy of Pediatric’s new guidelines. I’ll go over some of what is being said regarding childhood obesity and liver disease. Are weight loss pills and bariatric surgery right for your teen?

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Karen Hoyt July 15, 2023
MASLD vs MASH: Where are you on the spectrum karen hoyt ihelpc
Blog
Karen Hoyt

MASLD and MASH: Where are You on the Spectrum?

There are no FDA approved medications for those with fat MASH or MASLD liver disease. You can learn about the stages or find out where you are on the spectrum. I’ve beat liver cancer and love to encourage others to learn more about how the liver tries to heal itself. I’ve written for over a decade and have plenty of stories that can help you in your liver disease journey.

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Karen Hoyt July 4, 2023

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This site is dedicated to those who have liver disease from any cause. I've had Hepatitis C, Cirrhosis, Cancer, and Transplant. I'm not a doctor, but I'll be your best friend.

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Helpful Links

(AASLD) The American Association for the Study of Liver Disease creates info and education to support patients. Doctors and medical staff are invested in helping you liver longer stronger with liver disease.

(Global Liver) Donna Cryer is a dear friend who had a liver transplant while finishing her law degree. Her reach goes out to patients, families, medical providers, pharma and on and she’s global.

(Trio-National) Transplant Recipients is your one stop shop for information for ANY type of transplant candidates, recipients, their families and the families of organ and tissue donors. Lorrinda Gray Davis is the President.

(Trio – Oklahoma) This is Oklahoma’s chapter founded by Lorrinda Gray Davis. I’m the founding VP to our current president Benjamin Babb. For anyone needing support for solid organ, tissue, or eye transplant, we’ve got your back. We’ll truly be your best friend.

(Fatty Liver Foundation) was founded by Wayne Eskeridge to improve the diagnosis, treatment & support of Americans with fatty liver, NAFLD or NASH through awareness, education, screening and patient advocacy.

(Sober Liver Survival) founded by Jenn Leigh Jones is everything you need for sobriety, recovery, PTSD, breaking cycles of addiction and victims of personal violence. She’s just getting SLS off the ground and would love to connect with other people battling alcoholism.

(Say Yes to Hope) Suzanne Lindley is a hope dealer to cancer patients. If you need a fri

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