A smartwatch helps me monitor symptoms of fatty liver disease
Managing MASH is easier — and safer — with helpful tools
Since I learned I’d become a full-fledged metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) patient, I’ve collected an assortment of friends with different medical issues. One of my good friends learned of her type 2 diabetes shortly before finding out she also had MASH. It was a double whammy after years of dealing with other health problems, and she continuously faces challenges in need of solutions. Managing the conditions isn’t easy, but she’s getting help.
Most of my friends are fairly healthy, but for those of us juggling multiple medical concerns, managing symptoms can feel like navigating a maze without an exit. Everywhere you turn, another problem pops up — often tied to your primary health issue — and you just want an easy answer. For my friend, this has meant learning to monitor her blood sugar and the occasional racing heartbeat when her body is in trouble. I worry about her.
I mentioned my friend’s situation during a visit to my regular doctor. My doctor said it would be wise for my friend — and not a bad idea for me, either — to get health monitoring devices. If you’re picturing that lady from the old commercial lying on the floor, connected to a call center, you’re not far off. I don’t want you to fall and not get up, but wouldn’t it be good to know the signs of danger, whether you’ve fallen or your heart is beating out of control?
Multipurpose tools
These days, modern devices can help you track your health and take charge of your life. I wear a generic fitness watch I bought online for about $35 two years ago. It resembles a certain fruit logo watch, but doesn’t come with a monthly fee. I can check my heartbeat, oxygen levels, blood pressure, and body temperature in seconds. It also tracks my steps, which activates my competitive streak against my toughest rival: me. If I walked 1,000 steps yesterday, I’ll do my best to beat that today.
Beyond basic health tech, fitness bands from Apple, Samsung, and Google offer some enticing extras. One reason I’ve considered upgrading is the “fall detection” feature — ideal if you have mobility issues or a history of falls. It’s a gift I wouldn’t mind after my upcoming knee surgeries. I love to walk and plan to do more once I heal, but after a serious fall and a broken hip two years ago, I know I’ll be better off with every bit of protection I can get.
Although my current watch connects to my phone via Bluetooth, it loses the signal after about 30 feet. Most wearables from major phone makers come with built-in cell service. That gives you a quick way to check your health and a second phone line if you need it. Many trackers now include stick-free blood glucose meters. Doctors still recommend verifying readings with regular monitoring at your provider’s office, but the alert can give you a heads-up before a sudden fall or health crash.
Having tools to stay on top of your health is something many take for granted. I’ve used my watch’s pedometer more than I ever expected, and I’m grateful for the low blood pressure alerts that help me manage occasional dizziness. When I feel off, it’s reassuring to know I have tools to guide me — whether it’s taking medicine, calling my doctor, or heading to the emergency department.
If you’re ever feeling truly off-kilter, call 911. Sharing your device’s data with first responders might help them treat you.
I suppose I should beat yesterday’s step goal. Please don’t ask what it was. That’s between me and my device.
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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