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Need some help
As my regular readers know my partner has had a work accident and has been on Oxycontin and other drugs for about three years now. He’s trying to get of it, but it’s been pretty hard on him. About over a year ago he started to feel real sick and could hardly keep his food in. After all sorts of tests it turned out he had a fatty liver.
A fatty liver can be caused by various of things, the most known one is alcohol abuse. In his case it is probably because of all the drugs he’s been taking after his accident. Unfortunately there’s not much he can do about it except eat healthy and exercise. Two things he’s not very good at. No matter how healthy I cook for him, he hardly eats anything at all, causing the problems to stir up again.
I kind of forced him to eat more and gave him a gym membership and things started to go better for a couple of months. At this moment things are going down hill again, especially because he is not eating enough. He feels to sick to eat and I don’t know what to do about it. I have started with buying nutritional supplements so he will at least get some vitamins and minerals in his system. I have also given him a new gym pass, but it is so hard to get him to go because he doesn’t feel well.
He’s been on the waiting list for an appointment in the hospital for over a year, but still no luck. It’s driving me nuts! Does anyone have any experience with fatty livers and what you can do to feel better?
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January 21st, 2008 at 9:43 pm
My hubby has the beginnings of fatty liver and he is NOT doing the things you recommend. Yes I worry, very much.
However, my hubby has no problem eating. In fact he is trying to lose weight (should lose a good 30 lbs.) When he was diligent (not drinking alcohol, exercising and watching his fat intake) his numbers came down.
I know it’s difficult to stand by and watch someone else struggle, but you cannot make him eat healthy, you cannot make him workout.
Could you go to the gym with him? This does NOT work for us, because we have three kids. I am trying to lead by example (I have been working out and have lost 5 lbs.) but I feel that’s about all I can do.
He knows what he needs to do (my hubby) but I cannot do it for him.
Can you partner handle protein drinks? That might help him gain some weight and keep the food down.
Good luck.
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January 22nd, 2008 at 12:57 am
Is his cholesterol/triglycerides really high? My doctor was worried about me possibly developing fatty liver disease because my triglycerides were sky high. To supplement the medication the doc put me on, I started taking 1,000 MG of fish oil a day and I believe that seriously helped to bring my triglycerides down…way more than the medication did.
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January 22nd, 2008 at 1:11 am
There are liver detox regimens available, but if he doesn’t want to eat healthy, I doubt that they would appeal to him. Maybe acupuncture?
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January 22nd, 2008 at 2:01 pm
This sounds like more than a “fatty” liver. I have A Lot of experience with liver problems. Father, two brothers, husband and self.
First, has he had any blood work done? He’ll need a full blood panel -
enzymes,bilirubin,albumin,clotting factors, and complete blood count.
Second,why isn’t a family doctor ordering blood work and tests? He SHOULD NOT have to wait a YEAR for simple tests. Doctor can order lab work from a lab or some can even do it in office. The same goes for CAT
scans (yes, boyfriend will need one)
and ultrasound. CAT scan is better.
Thrid,Oxycontin is VERY hard on livers and the doctor who wrote or writes that script for three years should be keeping a much closer eye on his liver. Again, why no blood work?
Forth this sounds like more than ,just a fatty liver. Please find a book called “Living With Hepatitis C, A Survivor’s Guide” by Dr. GregoryT Everson and Hedy Weinberg. Best info I ever found.
Fifth, DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE, buy any supplements over the internet. Boyfriend should see a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) for supplements. Some Chiroprators also carry supplements. The best ones are called “Systemic Formulas” and the ONLY herbs I’ll use are “5 Chinese Elements”.
Boyfriend should see a Doctor who covers digestive diseases. He’ll need a referal from family doctor. Don’t be shy about DEMANDING that BF
be seen and DAMN SOON.
Another good book to reference is:
“Perscription for Nutritional Healing” by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC and James F. Balch, M.D.
For the feeling better now, try Organic (yes, it must be organic)apple juice. Best brand I’ve found is
R.W. Knudsen. Carrot juice is also good, stay organic, but may make him itch or have a “flush” feeling.
If you have your own juicer, try organic apples, cucumbers, carrots and beets. Ratio 2,2,1,1.
Use only real butter and try not to use much. If he likes milk, switch to “reduced fat” organic. Couscous with fresh steamed veggies is good, add “Bragg” Liquid Aminos for flavor. Scrambled eggs were my favorite. Switch to sea or Kosher salt and cut down as much as you can. NO fried foods or fast foods, limit fish (too much iodine, iodine is not good for liver)if he must drink pop try the organic ones. Lots of water, try distilled for awhile.
Old fashioned oatmeal with fruit, yogurt, green tea (hot or cold), white is good too. Beans, as long as he likes them and use low fat or better yet cook your own. Stay away from as much processed foods as you can and check for fat, salt and additives. NO ALCOHOL OF ANY KIND AT ANY TIME !!!!!!!!!!!!
If he is worn out a lot of the time, this is way more than just a fatty liver.
If there isn’t enough cash (know this feeling) to see doctors, try to find a “Free Clinic” or call someone at a community service organization.
The Health Department in your area might be of some help.
If you would like, I’ll send you my phone number, or you can send me yours, so that I could tell you more stuff. Just don’t feel comfortable putting it here.
I know this is very long, but I was given a 2%, yes 2, chance of surviving and I’m still here after almost three years.
You should also get your blood tested if his comes back with more than just “fat’. Get your Hepatitis
vaccinations,A and B.
Hope this helped, I’ll pray for both of you.