Lived Experience Forum

[NatalieS]

Hi everyone

The results of Tuesday's CT scan show I have a fatty liver, so I've been researching how I can "help" my sick liver. 

Avoiding alcohol, changing to a healthier diet, getting more regular exercise and losing at least 10% current body weight are high on the list.

I was interested to read that some medications can contribute to fatty liver.  I have been on anti depressants for more than 20 years, but without them I don't know how I would have got by. So I wonder if this was a contributing factor.  Anyway, doesn't matter: it is what it is.

Has anyone got any suggestions as to how I can distract myself from eating and drinking, as I take great pleasure  from doing both?  Or is it back to my self-soothe kit for distractions? Any suggestions appreciated.

[greenpea]

@NatalieS Ugh! well now that I am in my 50s I cannot tolerate alcohol at all so its water and juice ... boring .. I am trying to live a better way with walking 3 times a week and eating a heathier diet but as for distractions ... *sigh* I need some too.

[utopia]

@NatalieS when you want a drink - make yourself a non alcoholic fruit punch. Something special, so you feel you are having a special drink (just no alcohol). Fruit juice and lemonade. Experiment with the fruit juice. Perfect for the warmer weather ahead.
Well done on being proactive with your health

[NatalieS]

Hi @greenpea yeah, the health issues certainly hit during the 50s....during my 40s, ignorance was bliss...it's when the 50s roll around that things start to show up...and there's nowhere to hide...got to try and lose my sweet tooth, for food and drink....going to try and drink more water...now that the weather's warmer I'm going to walk more than I've been doing lately....need to switch and stay on decaf until I'm ready to quit coffee altogether 

@utopiagood idea about the special drink..a little umbrella in a coloured, bubbly, non-alcoholic drink would satisfy the visual senses..what I struggle with is my all or nothing personality. My thinking goes like this...if I can't have alcohol the only other option is water, but if I thought about it some, I could come up with some alternatives.

Thanks 

[greenpea]

@NatalieS OMG! quit coffee! I love my black coffee/s in the morning. That would be a tough one I have to admit ...

[NatalieS]

@greenpea

AAARRRRGGGGGHHHH!  Just the thought of giving up caffeine again gives me a headache....I get such withdrawal symptoms...

[greenpea]

@NatalieS Why coffee? I though coffee in itself was actually good for you? In moderation of course? and yes those caffine headaches are just awful!!!

[Former-Member]

Hi @NatalieS

Some great suggestions here. What helps me to restrain from drinking and overeating is that when I get the urge to do so I think of the consequences; that doing the latter will make my life worse. Reaffirming my wish for a better quality of life and not a cycle of depression/anxiety. That can serve as the strongest deterrent. Wanting a better future.

Other practical things I do is activities that take my full concentration and most importantly, relax me. They would be cross stitching for me - but craft of any kind is great for this. Also writing, gardening and dancing. Meditating/praying and walking in nature. Keeping active in volunteering.

When upset instead of resorting to comfort eating and drinking - talking to someone helped to prevent the latter. It really is important to reach out. Then the urge to self comfort is not as huge for me.

My biggest pitfall is when I go out and socialise - that is the biggest temptation so I seek the healthiest food on the menu and stick to soft drink or just one alcoholic drink. Sometimes it comes down to an act of the will. Also thinking negatively about myself or life, or dwelling on past and present hurts/worries, can lead to the urge to drink (escape) - so looking for the good and reaffirming the positive helps; as can feeling empty lead to the urge, so purpose helps me there as well (I was an alcoholic many years ago). But when pressure is bearing down in the home that I may not be able to completely detach from all the above kept me stronger. Hope this helps.

[BambiFawn]

dear @NatalieS, I actually  saw in the news a while ago, coffee is good for the liver and good for you. They say you can drink up to 3 coffees per day. I mainly drink tea. Of course you can drink caffeine free.

I drink soda water with juice or cordial and that is healthy and refreshing in summer. Soda water or mineral water with juice is better than soft drink.  And still has the fizz.

I have a fatty liver too, and I'm in my mid 40's, but I try not to worry and eat less fatty foods.  I eat meals on wheels mostly and that is healthy with lots of carrots, beans and vegetables in it.  

All the best with everything dear @NatalieS.

[NatalieS]

Hi @BambiFawn @Former-Member @greenpea@utopia

Thankyou all for the suggestions. I think my head is still in a spin at the news. I'm trying to work out how to get healthier and not make things worse. And I can be my own worst enemy, so I'm so grateful for all your input.

@BambiFawnI like bubbles and fizz, so having soda water is a great idea. I can add some colour and still have a little umbrella drink.

Glad to hear that coffee is good in moderation...I need to have something to enjoy every day.   If I cut out everything enjoyable it'll feel like I'm being punished and I don't need that. 

I've just spoken to a phone counsellor who has suggested I NOT try to change everything at once!  Now that's good advice because I'm an all or nothing personality, so it'll be baby steps for me. I shall try to be patient...lucky I'm going back to work on Wednesday, that will keep my mind and hands busy.

Any suggestions/ideas as to what I can substitute eating/drinking with gratefully accepted...I haven't got a clue where to start.