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Fatty Liver Anyone?

Patti ThompsonPatti Thompson
in General Training Discussions

So, a brief history for those that don't know me, had breast cancer in 2013 (lumpectomy, sentinel node biopsy and radiation) followed by hormone therapy.  When I was diagnosed I weighed 134 pounds.  Currently I am 149, having gotten up to about 154 during HIM training for Eagleman this past month.  My liver enzymes were a tad elevated five days after Eagleman and then again when oncologist scheduled me for another blood test to be sure.  That showed them to still be slightly elevated and so he ordered an ultrasound which has apparently shown that I have fat infiltration of the liver.  He was "shocked" because I am in such "outstanding" shape and now I will follow up with my GP regarding triglycerides and cholesterol levels, etc, which in the past have always been very good.

A lot here I know, but just curious if anyone has gotten any wonky results after a race (my first HIM, btw) or after the age of 50 (I am 52 year old woman).

I assume a further cleaning up of the diet is going to be in order, and I am already ramping the efforts back up in preparation for my summer races, so this may just handle itself but I will update.

Thanks for reading!

Comments

  • Mia OubreMia Oubre
    Hi there, Fatty liver disease is actually my specialty as a Nurse Practitioner.  It is common for liver enzymes to be elevated after a hard race.  I would have them keep monitoring to ensure that they continue to trend down.  As for the fatty liver, it can also be genetic not just about your weight and cholesterol.  Again, just needs monitoring.  We typically so ultrasound imaging every 6 months, along with labs to make sure the enzymes are stable.  Weight loss is the best "cure" for fatty liver. Definitely want to make sure that your cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure are managed as well as that will play a role in fatty liver.   But if it's genetic, then...Just have to go with what you are given.   ;)
    Hope this helps!

  • Patricia RosenPatricia Rosen
    not due to racing....  Usually a diet thing.  not related to breast cancer if ultrasound shows fatty pattern.  losing estrogen in your system if you were on a blocker may have made this worse and caused weight gain.  Plant based diet will help.  PM me if more specific questions
  • Patti ThompsonPatti Thompson
    @Mia Oubre Sorry I have not checked back in a while, it looks like I hit the jackpot as far as getting answers here! I have been putting off following up with my PCP but I will be sure to book that appointment asap.  Ah, weight loss.... time to get serious.  Thank you so much!


    @Patricia Rosen I've tried cleaning up the diet but I am definitely a solid 15 pounds over where I should be and pics from this weekend's race were a bit of a shocker as to how much abdominal weight I am now carrying.  Such good information here - wow thank you thank you!  I am sure I will PM as I digest this information and formulate more questions!

    As promised in my original post I will update as information comes in.  Love this Team!  <3




  • Clark MitchellClark Mitchell
    I'm curious to follow this thread, this is something I have been thinking / wondering about after listening to this podcast - http://freakonomics.com/podcast/theres-war-sugar-justified/.  With the amount of sugar that we consume during the final weeks of training and then on race day, it seems like this could be a problem within the triathlon community.  It would be great if you would continue to post to this thread as you continue to monitor your condition.
  • Patti ThompsonPatti Thompson
    @Clark Mitchell  Yes, the sugars such as the gels and Gatorade were making me nervous too especially as that is one thing that definitely changed in my diet over the past six months when I was leading into Eagleman.  I am now using Nuun for hydration and have started carrying real foods for fuel.  Have an appointment with my primary doctor next week and she will probably order another set of labs but we shall see!
  • Patti ThompsonPatti Thompson
    So I met with my PCP yesterday and brought her up to speed with what is going on etc.  She, like my med oncologist were baffled by my fatty liver infiltration, due to the fact I'm "in such great shape!"  But, as I pointed out to her, that is all relative.  I'm sure the majority of 52 year olds are not doing endurance sports but I personally have gained 15 pounds of primarily abdominal fat since 2013/2014.  She reviewed my lipid panel and said it was extremely good in April.  I also pointed out that genetically my family is prone to diabetes and that I was really pounding the refined carbs/sugars while training for my first HIM and she agreed that I stay on the weight loss program and we will do new labs in 3 months.  If the liver enzymes come back elevated we will follow up with another ultrasound.  I am eating mostly whole foods, very little refined carbs, and no sweets other than fruit or Rx Bars.  I feel better, am down about 6 pounds and my workouts are going well.  Will continue to update!
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