Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a liver condition unrelated to alcohol consumption but can progress to serious complications like cirrhosis or liver cancer. In these personal accounts, patients share their experience of being diagnosed with cirrhosis due to fatty liver disease, a surprising diagnosis since they had led generally healthy lifestyles and never drank alcohol. Several patients recall having no initial symptoms and only learning of the disease after medical tests. Some experienced symptoms such as nausea, upper abdominal pain, weight loss, fluid retention, and jaundice, which led to the diagnosis of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Despite the diagnosis, the patients emphasize the importance of owning the disease and making positive lifestyle changes. They stress the importance of awareness, especially for those who may have weight-related health issues, encouraging people to get tested and advocate for their health before serious symptoms arise. The patients highlight that misconceptions about liver disease often exist, with many assuming it is linked to alcohol or addiction, but they aim to fight this stigma and raise awareness about NAFLD.

Reference: Living with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). American Liver Foundation. Published July 11, 2022. Accessed September 13, 2024.