u/tigotj

Posted yesterday and wanted to give an update on visit with new GI.

After 5 years with previous GI team was referred elsewhere given ongoing issues and the recent fatty liver dx.

I have to say I’m not sure what to make of it and kind of feel this may not be the right fit.

For context I’ve been struggling with iron deficiency anemia for years. Source has still to be uncovered. Several colonoscopies and an endoscopy didn’t find much. Was basically told “a small percentage, we simply can’t figure out” so I’ve basically been on maintenance for years. Just tracking iron, ferritin and hemoglobin and getting infusions as needed. No way to live long term in my opinion…something has to give.

After GI reviewed my recent labs we discussed both issues (iron anemia and fatty liver)

Guidance on first issue is yet another colonoscopy and endoscopy….even tho just had them 2 years ago. But I get it. It’s a new doctor and I suppose things can change in 2 years. But just so frustrating going through it again and feel it’ll be the same outcome.

As for the fatty liver…which has now become my bigger concern…I don’t know how I feel about the approach.

Basically in real time he used a calculator model and entered lab numbers and my age and said based on the model “I’m low for liver disease”

I don’t want to say he brushed it off. He did acknowledge but said labs look good and despite the US findings he said those and CT don’t really tell you much of anything.

Then mentioned that fatty liver could or could not be cause for concern. Said only if it’s causing inflammation rather than just storing fat which I can change.

Initially recommended just getting labs yearly but no mention of any other changes etc.

He noticed my hesitation and asked if I wanted to proceed with an elastography of the liver “for piece of mind”

Of course I agreed. But just the tone made me feel it’s not taken serious and while some comfort, that worried me as well. This isn’t the best regarded medical network either but it’s the one with earliest availability. But boy oh boy I see the difference.

I mean isn’t fatty liver itself already a big red flag?

I’m wondering if I should go through with all this or run now maybe see a hematologist.

Finally have a follow up with a new GI specialist tomorrow and am having extreme anxiety over it. Recent Ultrasound showing fatty liver prompted the visit and I’m unsure what to ask for.

I’ve struggled with alcohol for years and moreso to crazy levels daily the past year and a half. My doctor knows I drink but as many I downplayed just how much. But consequences do not lie.

I guess going into this appointment not sure what to expect or ask for. I know I want a fibroscan/biopsy? I’m confused as to why the Ultrasound showered fatty liver but the CT scan did not. Furthermore the US just stated echogenic liver consistent with hepatic steatosis. But no other info.

My doctor didn’t even say much other than fatty liver but noted enzymes were normal.

But in doing research I now know it can be much worse. From fibrosis to even cirrhosis. So I know I need to test further.

ALT -14 AST-26 platelets-360

While within range, I know that doesn’t mean much. And what is telling is AST/ALT ratio is consistent with alcohol consumption.

I’m freaking out at many symptoms from RUQ dull pain, constant diarrhea, fatigue, anemic, iron deficient and most recently random and easy yellow bruises.

I fear I’m worse than thought. So I want to be honest with the GI about my worries but also don’t want to overreact if they feel it’s still just at fatty liver stage.

I admittedly had a few drinks last night and today in a sober state felt some soreness on my leg and abdomen and sure enough…some yellow bruises. While I do recall the causes (slight bumps) it doesn’t make sense something minor can cause the level of bruising.

Just overall worried and I’m taking notes of the symptoms.

Recently diagnosed with fatty liver through ultrasound. Surprisingly ALT and AST are in range but given AST is higher by almost 2:1 I’ve read it’s highly likely due to alcohol. Which I’ll admit does not surprise me as I’ve struggled with heavy drinking the past few years.

Big wake up call. Between the fatty liver and high cholesterol I’m in a very dark place right now.

My question is, is fatty liver caused by alcohol (ALD) reversible (assuming there isn’t scarring) just like NAFLD? Is one worse/harder to improve? Or is it the same concept for both?

May sound silly but always did wonder.

Also, Ultrasound just noted fatty liver but no severity etc. kind of scared to dig into it more but I feel I should push to see if there is scarring and potentially worse.

I know Ultrasounds don’t show everything. Did have a CT scan as well but I know those don’t see as well. Fibrosiscan the next best bet?

Just curious on experiences on taxes for forex. Been in the game for a while now but never had realized gains like this year where it was of significance to truly worry about. In fact 7 of 10 years I took a loss. Past 3 have been profitable. But first 2 of those 3 weren’t major.

This year I’m already up quite a bit. Putting away some for taxes but also trying to gauge liability.

Side note I do have an LLC (not related to this) as well as a W2 job.

Just curious if anyone has insight on what to expect.

Thanks

Having a solid start to the month so far. Up 8k and 14k YTD.

Banked some profit and considering next steps.

I have some debt I’m looking to wipe off and these funds would do some serious damage to that.

Obviously, I want to be mindful of potential taxes. Not sure how the rest of the year will play out but hoping I can be profitable overall. So while I initially set aside 40% for taxes already…I’m sitting on some debt at an average of 18% APR.

Question is, is it smart to pay down the debt and save on that crippling interest then worry about tax liability later or not even touch that?

Curious what others do when they bank profits in anticipation for that bill from Uncle Sam.