I didn’t pay attention to my health until it took a turn for the worse
Because of fatty liver disease, I've made some significant, helpful changes
Groundhog Day is probably my favorite holiday. It’s pretty noncontroversial, really. Unless you really hate winter, you probably don’t have any problems with Punxsutawney Phil or any of the other various creatures from around the world that share his job title. These furry little animals are prognosticators, like Nostradamus for the weather. And just as the weather can be unpredictable, so, too, can our health.
The first time a doctor mentioned that I had fatty liver disease — more specifically, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis — I found it amusing. I pictured this little, football-shaped organ living the high life of a lounge lizard circa 1974.
While I didn’t do everything excessively, I certainly didn’t have the best diet. I could picture my liver, whom I affectionately named “Larry,” sitting by the pool, eating platters of wings, fried shrimp, and other things that aren’t good for you. I was a huge soda lover at the time, so I pictured this little guy guzzling Super Gulp-sized Coca-Colas. Exercise reminded him of horror movies. Larry the Liver was fond of his flabby belly, which he’d paint a face on for parties. Oh, yeah, Larry the Liver loved parties.
Back then, I couldn’t picture what was really going on inside my body. I didn’t foresee the showdown that would arrive almost 11 years later when I learned I had cirrhosis. Suddenly, pudgy Larry the Liver was no longer just some Elvis-loving lounge singer who ate fried peanut butter and bacon sandwiches. Larry the Liver was one sick, little dude. Or, uh, liver.
That was nearly eight years ago. There’d been plenty of signs of imminent problems for years, but like most people, I didn’t see them until it was too late. I remember having sudden liver pain after eating or drinking certain things. Flakes of skin would float away from my body every time I changed clothes. A few months before my diagnosis, my appetite had dwindled down to nothing. I had to force myself to eat a few spoonfuls of orange sherbet every day and drink enough water. I had no idea that within a year I’d be on the transplant list for a new liver.
Recovery, post-diagnosis
For a few years, it was touch and go. At the age of 48, I spent almost an entire year in a nursing home, which I’m pretty sure qualified me as the youngest patient there. As awful as it was, I began the hard work of saving my life.
I started to turn things around within four years. I bought a house. I no longer consumed sodas as my only beverage. I eliminated fried and ultra-processed foods from my diet. I started working on an anti-inflammatory diet that included healthy fats and proteins. Salmon is still my all-time favorite protein today. I finally started to feel good again.
My doctors have been pleased with my progress. So far, I’ve avoided the need for a liver transplant.
I don’t take this disease lightly anymore, but I also don’t let the fear it’s brought take over my life. I try not to spend as much time worrying about my health as I used to, but I do make sure to investigate every concern I have. I have a teenage daughter, a boyfriend, many other loved ones, and two cats to live for, as well as a future that’s exciting and full of promise.
I was disappointed that Phil saw his shadow early this month, meaning six more weeks of winter. I’ve been champing at the bit to get outside more and ride my bike to the gym instead of relying on public transportation. I recently won an electric bike in a city lottery, because our city is trying to encourage its residents to find greener ways to go about their lives. I’m thankful for that support, because livers need us to put in the work. Exercise, drinking water, and eating a well-balanced diet are just part of my liver’s care and feeding.
Larry the Liver has appreciated my efforts, and he’s sworn off a life of gluttony and excess in favor of living a healthy life. I’m just happy to keep the little guy chugging along for as long as I can.
Note: Liver Disease News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Liver Disease News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to liver disease.
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