Billy C.

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease*

“Have you been taking a lot of Tylenol or drinking excessively”?

This was the question asked of me back in January of 2012. I had been having several health problems and they were doing a full work up to determine what the problem may be. I stated to the doctor that I had not been taking Tylenol or drinking alcohol, and I asked why they wanted to know. I was then informed that my liver enzymes were in the hundreds and I also had an elevated bilirubin. Several ultrasounds later I was informed that I had an excessive amount of fat on my liver and that my liver was slightly enlarged. At 25 years old, in the active duty military in the Air Force, and just finishing running my first half marathon this came as a surprise to me. Since that time I have undergone every test under the sun to determine the reason behind my liver disease, and have yet to get an answer. What I do know is that the answer is out there. I want to bring awareness and a sense of community to those out there who are struggling with this disease. We can overcome!

My words of wisdom would be to be your own advocate. You have to be persistent with doctors. They have a lot on their plate, and you are not their only patient. Push for your healthcare. Push for answers.

*Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease has been newly renamed metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease.

Last updated on January 18th, 2024 at 11:04 am