I think I noted I had an MRI done last month to determine if I had any liver-related issues. It was also meant to clarify whether I had fatty liver since it wasn’t noted on a CT scan earlier in the year. I saw my doctor this morning, and the MRI confirmed that I do have fatty liver which is the likely cause of my “deranged” liver function tests. I find it odd that it wasn’t mentioned on the scan earlier in the year but apparently they often don’t unless the investigation is liver-related. I think my tests were all normal at that time so I guess it wasn’t important enough. I just need to keep seeking to improve my exercise and diet so that it improves.

Here in Australia, we have something called My Health Record where our pathology, imaging, etc. can be uploaded so that it will be easier to access between health providers and the patient. There were a lot of controversies when this started many years ago, especially with regard to privacy. I personally had no issues with it and have put my own information there. But even though it’s been around for over seven or more years, I have very little information there. But my recent MRI and CT reports are there. Also, there’s a COVID test I had a couple of years ago and another recent pathology report. My COVID jabs are also included but not much else is there. The pathology reports all seem to be from one pathology company, which is the one used by the public health system. So I think I will start using that pathology lab for future blood tests. That way I can access the information easily online. I am in the habit of requesting copies of my lab results but I have found lately they don’t always follow through.

I did notice one remark on the MRI that was of interest to me. Apparently, I have a condition called pancreas divisum which means that instead of a single pancreatic duct, I have two of them. It occurs when the two ducts that develop in utero never fuse as they are supposed to. I guess it’s not a big deal for most people who have it and almost never requires any treatment.

Anyway, none of this relates to the reason I am seeing this specialist, which was my low iron issues from last year. My ferritin levels have fallen but it seems unlikely I will need to deal with low iron for a while. Maybe I will need an infusion every couple of years.