I’m Nella, and this is part of my journey with Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).

I was diagnosed with MASH in early 2024, after being referred to a GI doctor for an unrelated issue, a cyst on my pancreas. After doing an abdominal ultrasound, which revealed a fatty liver, the doctor suggested a fibro scan to check my liver for scarring. The results of those tests were alarming. I had Stage 3 liver fibrosis. The doctor informed me that the next stage of this disease is cirrhosis. I did not understand how I could possibly get cirrhosis, because I didn’t drink, I thought that only people who drank alcohol heavily got cirrhosis. I actually told the doctor that he was wrong, that there must be some kind of mix up. He explained to me that this was Non Alcoholic fatty liver disease.

I wish I could say there were signs and symptoms leading up to this diagnosis, but there were none that I could identify at that time. I was not sick, but I did feel tired all the time. I also had been having what seemed like heartburn often. I only had to visit one specialist to get my diagnoses, which is a good thing because it was already stage 3 at that point. 

After explaining the disease more, he told me that I needed to try to lose weight so that my liver could start to heal. If I lost 10% of my body weight, that would be a good start. That’s easier said than done when you struggle with hormone issues like I did for the last twenty years. I needed to change my eating habits. He also mentioned recommending me for weight loss surgery, which confused me even more. I did not consider myself to be extremely overweight. I was definitely overweight, but weight loss surgery seemed extreme to me. Needless to say, I left that appointment feeling very discouraged.

After my diagnosis, I struggled with losing weight. I was also struggling with depression and anxiety from the diagnosis itself. I kept thinking to myself, what if I can’t lose weight, and I actually do get cirrhosis. I thought about my family and how I would be able to take care of them if I was sick. I am a natural born care giver. And I care for everyone around me including my including my 85-year-old Grandfather, who is currently fighting liver cancer. I changed my mindset, instead of being scared and confused, I started praying and leaning on my faith. I started asking questions and doing research about this disease.

I have spent the last year doing everything in my power to fight this disease. Losing weight by changing my diet and exercising were not working for me. I went to a dietitian for help and also got a fitness trainer. I am thankful for the support of my medical team and my family through this journey. One thing that I have learned along the way is that this is a disease that is not very well-known. I had never heard of this disease before I was diagnosed, nor has anyone in my family. I think that there are a lot of people that could be affected by this and don’t know it. It’s a silent disease.

I would encourage anyone that has been diagnosed with this disease, to stay positive. There is hope, we can take control of our liver health. It’s not easy, but we can make the changes necessary to slow or even stop the progression. Don’t give up, I almost gave up but GOD gave me the resources I needed to keep going. I have since lost weight and my latest fibro scan showed significant improvement. I am hopeful for the future.

I see the light at the end of the tunnel, and I know that the positive changes I’ve made are helping. I hope that sharing my story helps others to see that too.

Author bio: I’m Nella, I am 54 years old. I am a blessed mom to 2 amazing daughters. I work in medical transportation as a dispatcher. I enjoy baking and cooking. Some of my hobbies include sewing and crafting. I whole heartedly believe in GOD. I stand on my faith in every journey life has for me. I am blessed beyond measure.