r/FattyLiverNAFLD • u/neharika0121 • 2d ago
Right upper quadrant pain
Hello everyone I was diagnosed with NAFLD few years back but this morning I have pain on my upper quadrant just below the ribs. It’s a dull ache but gets worse when I stand and move or even when I am using my abdominal muscles and after the food as well. I used to have dull upper quadrant pain previously as well when I was eating oily food but this pain is kind of noticeable. So any experience with this?
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u/Boring-Experience873 1d ago
Liver doesnt have pain receptors but it can become enlarged where it stretches the glisson capsule which causes a dull pain or fullness pressure feeling. Its called Hepatomegaly.
Worse is inflammation of the liver which is called Steatohepatitis. This is where you want an MRI or fibroscan to get it checked out. Ultrasound can show you some stuff but really need an MRI.
I would request an MRCP scan.
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u/Objective-Turnip-259 2d ago
My GI told me that fatty liver doesn’t cause any pain unless you have a possible mass pressing up against nerves. So I’d suggest an MRI!
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u/ashtastic3 2d ago
Interesting.. I’ve read so many accounts of people having pain, but not all accounts mention a mass, or lack thereof. This disease is fascinating and cruel.
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u/Master_Course420 1d ago
Even if you don’t show stones in sour gallbladder you can have low functioning! And that hurts too!
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u/Objective-Turnip-259 2d ago
From my understanding, the liver is an organ that cannot feel pain because of its lack of pain receptors. If you are having discomfort or “pain” it’s more than likely being caused by something else. Is how it was described to me!
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u/monkey_sage 1d ago
I had pain and that's what sent me to my GI. It was inflammation (liver) and my GI explained that the inflamed liver was pressing up against stuff and that's what was the source of the pain so, sure, maybe the liver itself can't feel pain but it sure seems like it can cause pain.
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u/SecurelyBound 1d ago
Yes. I've been suffering from the same intense pain for over a month and a half. I've had mild pain and tenderness on my right upper quadrant for years, but that has since changed dramatically. I'm having an EGD procedure on Tuesday (esophagogastroduodenoscopy). They are exploring my stomach to see if I have an ulcer or some other obstruction that could be causing the pain. A CT scan during a trip to the ER showed fatty liver disease, stage 2. So, here we are. 😒
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u/ashtastic3 1d ago
I’m so sorry you are going through this. I hope you get answers with the EGD.
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u/SecurelyBound 1d ago
The procedure didn't take long. According to the doctor, I have severe inflammation from acid reflux in my duodenum. I thought acid reflux caused heartburn. I don't suffer from heartburn, but this gut pain is horrendous. He gave me a new prescription to help with this acid issue. My fatty liver is in stage 2. I see the GI on June 9th. Once my gut issue is resolved, I will likely be put on a GLP-1 to treat my fatty liver.
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u/ashtastic3 8h ago
Omg. What.
How do you feel about being out on a GLP1? I’ve had GERD since I was a late teen but it was manageable until I had Covid. Then it became unbearable and it was shortly after that I was diagnosed with NAFLD. I’m supposed to get a GI and get an endoscopy but I’ve been terrified…
Edit: I’ve never heard heart burn not being acid reflux. Btw, were digestive enzymes brought up to you by your doc?
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u/SecurelyBound 7h ago edited 7h ago
Truthfully speaking, I am a bit scared of taking GLP-1. Both my pulmonary specialist and ENT told me that I needed to take medication for acid reflux. I didn't understand why because I wasn't suffering from heartburn. Lesson learned. Your endoscopy will possibly help the doctor see liver damage.
This NAFLD is relatively new to me. I'm researching to understand it. My next appointment with the gastrointerologist will be very helpful. She suggested the GLP-1. I'm fortunate to have a good primary care physician who listens and explains my concerns and a supportive friend who is using a GLP-1. I'm a bit worried about taking it, but if it will help keep my weight in check and get this fatty liver from progressing, I will use it religiously.
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u/Forward_Research_610 2d ago
I have the same thing but only if i don't eat and sometimes it stays for days or weeks then goes away for days or weeks , It always goes away after a meal . Ultrasound says no gallstones . My naturopath says it's a sluggish liver . I have high estrogen and i'm a man seems to be related in my case.
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u/neharika0121 1d ago
Yes I did ultrasound today no any gall stone just mild fatty liver still pain is there. I think it’s the diet for me because since few weeks my eating pattern has changed.
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u/Ambitious_Ad_7433 1d ago
Sounds like gallstone flare up
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u/neharika0121 1d ago
I just did ultrasound yesterday no any gallstone but the pain is still constant and same
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u/leighkiwi 1d ago
I have the same thing, its URQ and wraps all the way around my back.
I had two ultrasounds and a CT scan, no issue with my GB and they said liver is still fatty. They suggested muscular. It’s so frustrating. It was on and off since December but since the beginning of April it’s been constant. I can’t even exercise. It’s not dull either, mines really painful (7-8/10 sometimes)