Update On Nash

[alyssasgabby]

Hi there!

I did see my MD today and he did tell me that he definitely believes there is a connection with NASH and celiac disease, in that both conditions create Metabolic changes in the body that can be damaging. Paula, I think you and your mom are on the right track and I would highly recommend further research

I am very lucky to live in a state that has a teaching hospital in it, and in that teaching hospital are a group of doctors who are doing clinical trials on NASH patients. There are only 17 states in the US participating in the trials. In my case, I was trying to determine the cause of lower right abdominal pain that I have had for 27 years! In one of my many Ultrasound results, Fatty Liver Disease was caught. In researching the FLD, I found a doctor who took me on to do a Liver Biopsy and eventually dx'd the NASH, however I believe the cause of my abdominal pain was celiac disease as I haven't had any since going Gluten Free. I wonder how much the Gluten could have damaged my liver!? According to my doctor he does not believe that it did, but I believe it has, so we are kind of at an impasse. FYI, since I was only Level 1 NASH, I didn't qualify for the Clinical Trials, but since my dx of celiac disease, I feel so much better, and my last Liver Enzyme check (I highly recommend that your mom have her Enzymes checked every 6 months if possible!) was right on target! No changes in my Liver Function and I feel great. My MD is a little confused that my bloodwork (not Enterolab) came back negative for celiac disease, but since I am biopsy positive, and responding so well to the Gluten Free Diet I am "tagged" as "Possible Celiac" at my doctor's office. I will continue with the gluten-free diet.

I don't know if any of this helps your situation, but please let me know if there are any specific questions that I can answer. I wish you and your mom the best!