Austin Gastro physician, Dr. Carl Frank and his patient, Patricia Murphy, were interviewed by the Williamson County Sun on the issue of Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, and why it is so important to take action quickly if you are diagnosed with this increasingly common liver condition.
Patricia Murphy didn’t take Dr. Frank seriously when he diagnosed her with fatty liver disease in 2009. He explained to her that the only treatment for this is good old-fashioned diet and exercise, and he explained that if left untreated, fatty liver disease can lead to irreversible cirrhosis and a whole host of serious health complications that can include liver failure and possibly death. Like many people facing the hard fact that there is no medical treatment – only lifestyle changes – that can help, Patricia had a hard time absorbing the reality of her situation. Dr. Frank’s warning came during a stressful time in her life and years went by before she started noticing symptoms in her stomach that caused her enough concern to talk to Dr. Frank about the changes she needed to make.
Patricia radically changed her eating habits and lost 75 pounds in the first year. And while her weight loss has improved her overall health, and has helped reduce the inflammation in her liver, unfortunately these changes cannot reverse her cirrhosis. Patricia is passionate about raising awareness about how important it is to take your doctor’s advice seriously and to start following doctor’s orders immediately.
If you are concerned about symptoms you have been experiencing, or if you have questions about fatty liver disease we would be happy to help. At Austin Gastroenterology, we understand the importance of your digestive health. Call us at an office near you to set up an appointment:
