Guest guest Posted November 2, 2001 Report Share Posted November 2, 2001 Lucy, I am having pain also. I have been off pred for a couple of months and 50 mgs of imuran. It has come up kind of suddenly. The last couple of weeks. Im going to call my doc. I hope all is well with us. Thanks Harper. I am going to marry . I cant imagine life with out him. I think we will do just fine. He is a very understanding gentle man. I didnt think there was very many of those kind of men left out there. But I found one of them. Patty AIH 98 P.S. I dont have to worry about to much sun, Im in Alaska Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 2, 2001 Report Share Posted November 2, 2001 In a message dated 11/2/01 7:34:24 AM Pacific Standard Time, roath@... writes: Hello, Anyone - I have had AIH 4 years now with normal tests but, recently I have had liver pain every day. In all of the 4 years I have never expierenced this, Except for the past month. It never get's worse and sometimes disappears, but, it has been there everyday?? I had a recent blood draw everything is normal, Has anyone else expierenced this??? I am beginning to worry that something is happening. The doctor doesnt seem to concerned about this. I on the other hand think that feeling my organs is not a normal happening. I take no prednisone and I take 100mg of imuran. Somebody please respond.... Thanks. Lucy. Oh yeah, I have no swelling that I can feel. I don't know much about this, but I've heard that "liver pain" is actually not from the liver but from pressure from the liver (or something else) on other organs. It may be from gallstones. One book mentions liver cancer as a possible cause. Then there is gastritis or stomach disorders. Abdominal pain can be due to ascites, or fluid in the abdomen. Other people can probably give you more information than I can. Harper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 2, 2001 Report Share Posted November 2, 2001 In a message dated 11/2/01 2:32:35 PM Pacific Standard Time, MFaulk3@... writes: Lucy, As a newly dx w/AIH 10/01, I have had liver pain twice during the past six months. The first time was six months ago when my liver enzymes were initially elevated and that pain did not subside for at least six weeks. Then, four weeks ago after I took an antibiotic for a sinus infection and boy did that hurt my liver. Silly me I did not realize I had AIH! It still hurts a bit and I always know it is there, but it is subsiding. I too hate to feel the pain. It seems that everyone has a different response to enzyme elevation/liver damage?? My doc doesn't even want to do a bx for a few years unless I get to feeling worse. Not sure if that is such a good idea, but that is where I am at the moment. I will look forward to hearing how things go for you.. Molly, have you never had a biopsy? From what I hear, a biopsy is the only definitive (well, nearly definitive) way to be sure yoou have AIH rather than some other disease. Harper (AIH 5/00) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 2, 2001 Report Share Posted November 2, 2001 Hi Lucy, I have liver pain everyday just like you. I have told my doctor and specialist and all they tell me is that there is no liver pain with liver disease. I am sure they think it's all in my mind the only thing they told me to do was to use a hot water bottle, I think they only did that to keep me quite. It hasn't worked I still keep on telling them. Jeanette UK roath@... wrote: Hello, Anyone - I have had AIH 4 years now with normal tests but, recently I have had liver pain every day. In all of the 4 years I have never expierenced this, Except for the past month. It never get's worse and sometimes disappears, but, it has been there everyday?? I had a recent blood draw everything is normal, Has anyone else expierenced this??? I am beginning to worry that something is happening. The doctor doesnt seem to concerned about this. I on the other hand think that feeling my organs is not a normal happening. I take no prednisone and I take 100mg of imuran. Somebody please respond.... Thanks. Lucy. Oh yeah, I have no swelling that I can feel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 2, 2001 Report Share Posted November 2, 2001 When you say you can feel your organs do you mean you can feel you liver ?because I can feel mine and I can feel what feels like lumps has anyone else noticed this. Jeanette Jeanette Carpenter <jeanette_cuk@...> wrote: Hi Lucy, I have liver pain everyday just like you. I have told my doctor and specialist and all they tell me is that there is no liver pain with liver disease. I am sure they think it's all in my mind the only thing they told me to do was to use a hot water bottle, I think they only did that to keep me quite. It hasn't worked I still keep on telling them. Jeanette UK roath@... wrote: Hello, Anyone - I have had AIH 4 years now with normal tests but, recently I have had liver pain every day. In all of the 4 years I have never expierenced this, Except for the past month. It never get's worse and sometimes disappears, but, it has been there everyday?? I had a recent blood draw everything is normal, Has anyone else expierenced this??? I am beginning to worry that something is happening. The doctor doesnt seem to concerned about this. I on the other hand think that feeling my organs is not a normal happening. I take no prednisone and I take 100mg of imuran. Somebody please respond.... Thanks. Lucy. Oh yeah, I have no swelling that I can feel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 3, 2001 Report Share Posted November 3, 2001 In a message dated 11/3/01 10:27:46 AM Pacific Standard Time, MFaulk3@... writes: Harper, No, I have never had a biopsy, and yes, I too have heard that is the most definitive test to determine AIH and certainly to determine the level of liver injury. However, my GI told me that this is what he thinks it is as my ALT/AST are both elevated and I have a pos ANA for hep2. I am going for a second opinion as he was so hesitant to do anything at the moment. Molly Molly, I don't have your original message in front of me. However, I think you should think seriously about having a liver biopsy. Okay, not to beat around the bush, if I were you, I would demand a liver biopsy. He's hesitant? Do ask for a second opinion. This is your life. Unfortunately, at the time we most need to be in charge of our treatment, we often don't feel quite well enough to take charge. You do need to avail yourself of a doctor who's knowledgeable about AIH. Best wishes. Harper (AIH 5/00, San Francisco, 57, female) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 3, 2001 Report Share Posted November 3, 2001 Molly, remember the doc works for you. If you request a liver biopsy, you should get one. If he won't, get another doctor. I am pleased to read that you are getting a 2nd opinion. We have all had to learn to be proactive with this disease. You are your best and sometimes only advocate. Unfortunately, good lft's do not always mean the damage is not progressing. KayK in Austin, AIH 1995 and AIC 1999 (the latter dx after I requested another biopsy) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 3, 2001 Report Share Posted November 3, 2001 In a message dated 11/3/01 1:42:33 PM Pacific Standard Time, majuli@... writes: Molly, remember the doc works for you. If you request a liver biopsy, you should get one. If he won't, get another doctor. I am pleased to read that you are getting a 2nd opinion. We have all had to learn to be proactive with this disease. You are your best and sometimes only advocate. Unfortunately, good lft's do not always mean the damage is not progressing. KayK in Austin, AIH 1995 and AIC 1999 (the latter dx after I requested another biopsy) KayK, what is AIC? Perhaps I have heard, but I don't rememember (apologetic snicker.) Harper (AIH 5/00) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 17, 2002 Report Share Posted December 17, 2002 , I love Google. Take a look at http://www.tiscali.co.uk/reference/encyclopaedia/familyhealth/q_a/page s/1256.html or do your own Google search. Or use your favorite search engine. The pain I was experiencing was in the front, below and to the right of my breastbone under the rib cage. It might have been gall bladder rather than liver. They are connected. Whatever it was went away quickly (as did all the other symptoms) after I discontinued taking T3. It seemed like the T3 made my entire digestive system overactive. Best wishes, Celeste P. wrote: > Many of you have mentioned liver pain ( recently). What does it > feel like when your liver hurts?? > > Why I ask is because sometimes I get this REALLY sharp pain in my > back, lower right kind of, that is so sudden and painful I always > shout out OW!.It takes my breath away sometimes. Now, I've had > muscle problems before and it doesn't feel anything like a spasming > muscle. I thought maybe it was a nerve getting pinched in my back but > it doesn't feel like that either ( I've had off/on sit's with the > sciatia...) Could this be my liver acting up? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 17, 2002 Report Share Posted December 17, 2002 Yes T3 did the same thing for me. Although I saw it as a good thing, because my digestive system was healing. I used a little extra Armour for gall bladder pain, and soon the problem went completely away. When the body heals " at the cellular level " you can experience symptoms you may have had years before. Homeopathy says we heal from the head down and the inside out, when the body has the right tools to work with. It's rather amazing that our tissues and cells have memory. Gracia > , > > I love Google. Take a look at > http://www.tiscali.co.uk/reference/encyclopaedia/familyhealth/q_a/page > s/1256.html or do your own Google search. Or use your favorite search > engine. > > The pain I was experiencing was in the front, below and to the right > of my breastbone under the rib cage. It might have been gall bladder > rather than liver. They are connected. Whatever it was went away > quickly (as did all the other symptoms) after I discontinued taking > T3. It seemed like the T3 made my entire digestive system overactive. > > Best wishes, > Celeste > > P. wrote: > > Many of you have mentioned liver pain ( recently). What does > it > > feel like when your liver hurts?? > > > > Why I ask is because sometimes I get this REALLY sharp pain in my > > back, lower right kind of, that is so sudden and painful I always > > shout out OW!.It takes my breath away sometimes. Now, I've had > > muscle problems before and it doesn't feel anything like a spasming > > muscle. I thought maybe it was a nerve getting pinched in my back > but > > it doesn't feel like that either ( I've had off/on sit's with the > > sciatia...) Could this be my liver acting up? > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 17, 2002 Report Share Posted December 17, 2002 Thanks guys, really. I know what it is...it's most likely all the fat that is forming around my liver because I'm still overweight and it AIN't coming off easy. Just to add.........I'm going to one of the BEST FP doctor in the area who deals in thyroid problems ( Dr. Mike Milton) He's on the Best Doc's page and I've heard REALLy Great things about him. It's going to be ALL out of pocket but I don't care....it's MY health and I'm tired of feeling the way I feel all the time. This disease is managing ME and my son is growing up with a constantly sick Mother- NOT fun. Again, THANKS for all of your help with this!!! > > > Many of you have mentioned liver pain ( recently). What does > > it > > > feel like when your liver hurts?? > > > > > > Why I ask is because sometimes I get this REALLY sharp pain in my > > > back, lower right kind of, that is so sudden and painful I always > > > shout out OW!.It takes my breath away sometimes. Now, I've had > > > muscle problems before and it doesn't feel anything like a spasming > > > muscle. I thought maybe it was a nerve getting pinched in my back > > but > > > it doesn't feel like that either ( I've had off/on sit's with the > > > sciatia...) Could this be my liver acting up? > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 19, 2002 Report Share Posted December 19, 2002 In a message dated 12/16/2002 7:23:35 PM Pacific Standard Time, nabie67@... writes: > Many of you have mentioned liver pain ( recently). What does it > feel like when your liver hurts?? > Dear , The liver pain I feel is mostly in my lower, right rib cage and just under it. Often I'll feel it in my back in the lower right rib cage, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 19, 2002 Report Share Posted December 19, 2002 Gracia, My situation was not at all similar to yours. If I had only had a few symptoms I might have thought I should keep taking T3 (although I don't think I ever needed it). Along with the other symptoms I already mentioned (my liver hurt, my nose was stuffy, had a terrible metallic taste in my mouth all the time, was tired, was hot and sweaty, was hungry all the time, my throat hurt), I also had a constant headache (and I never get headaches normally) that aspirin wouldn't touch, I was spotting, I felt short of breath (that's the one that really worried me), and would constantly awaken during the night. So these were mostly symptoms that I had NEVER experienced before. If I would have thought that I had to continue to put up with all that crap I think I would have killed myself. I went from being very well and highly functional without taking T3 to very sick and not able to function when taking T3. I did not have the time (nor did I think it was warranted) to wait and see if the symptoms would go away (and they were only getting progressively worse). The only good thing I can think of to say about T3 is that fortunately the effects of it don't last long. All the symptoms were mostly gone the next day after I stopped taking it. Nobody could pay me enough to try it again. The entire experience made me realize just how really excellent I feel on my current medication (Levothroid). Best wishes, Celeste Gracia wrote: > Yes T3 did the same thing for me. Although I saw it as a good thing, > because my digestive system was healing. I used a little extra Armour for > gall bladder pain, and soon the problem went completely away. When the > body heals " at the cellular level " you can experience symptoms you may have > had years before. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 19, 2002 Report Share Posted December 19, 2002 Celeste, I guess I was going on what you have said in previous posts. I understood that you were first put on Armour, and then switched to a different doc who put you on T4. I understood you to say that you saw no difference between the two, but probably felt a little better on T4 only. There are 2 possible reasons why: one is undertreatment and the second is that other hormones might have been needed. In my case I would say I was in a strange way getting weller, and also very sick with symptoms lasting about six weeks, and then changing to something else. Gracia > Gracia, > > My situation was not at all similar to yours. If I had only had a few > symptoms I might have thought I should keep taking T3 (although I > don't think I ever needed it). Along with the other symptoms I already > mentioned (my liver hurt, my nose was stuffy, had a terrible metallic > taste in my mouth all the time, was tired, was hot and sweaty, was > hungry all the time, my throat hurt), I also had a constant headache > (and I never get headaches normally) that aspirin wouldn't touch, I > was spotting, I felt short of breath (that's the one that really > worried me), and would constantly awaken during the night. So these > were mostly symptoms that I had NEVER experienced before. If I would > have thought that I had to continue to put up with all that crap I > think I would have killed myself. I went from being very well and > highly functional without taking T3 to very sick and not able to > function when taking T3. I did not have the time (nor did I think it > was warranted) to wait and see if the symptoms would go away (and they > were only getting progressively worse). The only good thing I can > think of to say about T3 is that fortunately the effects of it don't > last long. All the symptoms were mostly gone the next day after I > stopped taking it. Nobody could pay me enough to try it again. The > entire experience made me realize just how really excellent I feel on > my current medication (Levothroid). > > Best wishes, > Celeste > > Gracia wrote: > > Yes T3 did the same thing for me. Although I saw it as a good > thing, > > because my digestive system was healing. I used a little extra > Armour for > > gall bladder pain, and soon the problem went completely away. When > the > > body heals " at the cellular level " you can experience symptoms you > may have > > had years before. > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 2, 2007 Report Share Posted April 2, 2007 Hi all. Its been a while since I have posted. I get the digest daily. I am 43 years old. Been on HCG only last year and since the fall of 2006 I have been on T cream (10%) with 125mgs per day of HCG. I had a new son born last fall and tried T shots for 2 months because of the baby but like the cream better so switched back. In addition to the TRT, I take paxil, klonopin, and lipitor daily. Tried to get off the paxil but had some major problems over the winter so went back on it. I have been having some soreness the last few weeks in my liver area. I have been drinking protein shakes, using creatine, and glucosamine/chondroiton as I work out all the time. The doc I use called the other day and said my blood work looked good but I had high liver reading. Wants to retest in another month. I told him I was having the pain and I think it got started when I went on creatine and glucosomine/chondroitin. I am taking milk thistle and NAC to help my liver but have stop the protein, creatine, and glucosamine. I am drinking a gallon of water a day to try to help. Does anyone have any more advice for me? I hate this feeling I am having in my liver area. Its tender and makes me grouchy. Any help/advice is greatly appreciated. thanks, Mave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 2, 2007 Report Share Posted April 2, 2007 I would get to a doctor and have your liver checked out. Could it be your gall bladder? Please, do leave something like this to anonymous internet advice! Chris --- maverick_2414 <maverick_2414@...> wrote: > Hi all. Its been a while since I have posted. I get the digest > daily. I am 43 years old. Been on HCG only last year and since the > fall of 2006 I have been on T cream (10%) with 125mgs per day of HCG. > I had a new son born last fall and tried T shots for 2 months > because > of the baby but like the cream better so switched back. In addition > to the TRT, I take paxil, klonopin, and lipitor daily. Tried to get > off the paxil but had some major problems over the winter so went > back > on it. I have been having some soreness the last few weeks in my > liver area. I have been drinking protein shakes, using creatine, and > glucosamine/chondroiton as I work out all the time. The doc I use > called the other day and said my blood work looked good but I had > high > liver reading. Wants to retest in another month. I told him I was > having the pain and I think it got started when I went on creatine > and > glucosomine/chondroitin. I am taking milk thistle and NAC to help my > liver but have stop the protein, creatine, and glucosamine. I am > drinking a gallon of water a day to try to help. Does > anyone have any more advice for me? I hate this feeling I am having > in my liver area. Its tender and makes me grouchy. Any help/advice > is greatly appreciated. thanks, Mave > > ________________________________________________________________________________\ ____ 8:00? 8:25? 8:40? Find a flick in no time with the Search movie showtime shortcut. http://tools.search./shortcuts/#news Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 2, 2007 Report Share Posted April 2, 2007 Hi CHris HAve you had a Complete blood count done? Secondly you mentioned you take lipitor and seeing how that controls cholestrol it might have something to do with your liver being sore? I would also screen for HEpatitis. Just some thoughts Manraj > > Chris > --- maverick_2414 <maverick_2414@...> wrote: > > > Hi all. Its been a while since I have posted. I get the digest > > daily. I am 43 years old. Been on HCG only last year and since the > > fall of 2006 I have been on T cream (10%) with 125mgs per day of HCG. > > I had a new son born last fall and tried T shots for 2 months > > because > > of the baby but like the cream better so switched back. In addition > > to the TRT, I take paxil, klonopin, and lipitor daily. Tried to get > > off the paxil but had some major problems over the winter so went > > back > > on it. I have been having some soreness the last few weeks in my > > liver area. I have been drinking protein shakes, using creatine, and > > glucosamine/chondroiton as I work out all the time. The doc I use > > called the other day and said my blood work looked good but I had > > high > > liver reading. Wants to retest in another month. I told him I was > > having the pain and I think it got started when I went on creatine > > and > > glucosomine/chondroitin. I am taking milk thistle and NAC to help my > > liver but have stop the protein, creatine, and glucosamine. I am > > drinking a gallon of water a day to try to help. Does > > anyone have any more advice for me? I hate this feeling I am having > > in my liver area. Its tender and makes me grouchy. Any help/advice > > is greatly appreciated. thanks, Mave > > > > > > > > > _____________________________________________________________________ _______________ > 8:00? 8:25? 8:40? Find a flick in no time > with the Search movie showtime shortcut. > http://tools.search./shortcuts/#news > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 3, 2007 Report Share Posted April 3, 2007 Yes, I read statins make it difficult for the liver, before and routine six month liver test are recommended. Lipitor works, in the liver, to stop the production of an enzyme that causes our body to produce cholesterol. Just a side note, but in my family, of seven brothers, none has had difficulty with their cardiovascular system, except one brother who has very low HDL, (25)that type of cholesterol sponges up excess fat and dispose of it. The remaining six brothers to include myself, have HDL levels thirty five to fifty. So it is not the numbers of LDL or HDL cholesterol, it is the ratio, of good, HDL, to bad LDL, that is most important. Anyone who is very active is going to have high total cholesterol. In my SO's family of origin, all have elevated cholesterol, her younger sister, thirty five, works sixteen hours a day, has a trigliceride level of three thousand, been to the Mayo Clinic, her dock thinks she may die at any moment, but she appears very healthy. And it seems normal for them to live into their nineties. kind regards david -- In , manraj2005 <no_reply@...> wrote: > > Hi CHris > > HAve you had a Complete blood count done? > > Secondly you mentioned you take lipitor and seeing how that controls > cholestrol it might have something to do with your liver being sore? > > I would also screen for HEpatitis. > > Just some thoughts > Manraj > > > > > > > > Chris > > --- maverick_2414 <maverick_2414@> wrote: > > > > > Hi all. Its been a while since I have posted. I get the digest > > > daily. I am 43 years old. Been on HCG only last year and since > the > > > fall of 2006 I have been on T cream (10%) with 125mgs per day of > HCG. > > > I had a new son born last fall and tried T shots for 2 months > > > because > > > of the baby but like the cream better so switched back. In > addition > > > to the TRT, I take paxil, klonopin, and lipitor daily. Tried to > get > > > off the paxil but had some major problems over the winter so went > > > back > > > on it. I have been having some soreness the last few weeks in my > > > liver area. I have been drinking protein shakes, using > creatine, and > > > glucosamine/chondroiton as I work out all the time. The doc I > use > > > called the other day and said my blood work looked good but I had > > > high > > > liver reading. Wants to retest in another month. I told him I > was > > > having the pain and I think it got started when I went on > creatine > > > and > > > glucosomine/chondroitin. I am taking milk thistle and NAC to > help my > > > liver but have stop the protein, creatine, and glucosamine. I am > > > drinking a gallon of water a day to try to help. Does > > > anyone have any more advice for me? I hate this feeling I am > having > > > in my liver area. Its tender and makes me grouchy. Any > help/advice > > > is greatly appreciated. thanks, Mave > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > _____________________________________________________________________ > _______________ > > 8:00? 8:25? 8:40? Find a flick in no time > > with the Search movie showtime shortcut. > > http://tools.search./shortcuts/#news > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 3, 2007 Report Share Posted April 3, 2007 Manraj and My wife and I were talking about me seeing a doctor last night. We are asking around to find a good internal med doc in our area. thanks, Mave > > > > > Hi all. Its been a while since I have posted. I get the digest > > > daily. I am 43 years old. Been on HCG only last year and since > the > > > fall of 2006 I have been on T cream (10%) with 125mgs per day of > HCG. > > > I had a new son born last fall and tried T shots for 2 months > > > because > > > of the baby but like the cream better so switched back. In > addition > > > to the TRT, I take paxil, klonopin, and lipitor daily. Tried to > get > > > off the paxil but had some major problems over the winter so went > > > back > > > on it. I have been having some soreness the last few weeks in my > > > liver area. I have been drinking protein shakes, using > creatine, and > > > glucosamine/chondroiton as I work out all the time. The doc I > use > > > called the other day and said my blood work looked good but I had > > > high > > > liver reading. Wants to retest in another month. I told him I > was > > > having the pain and I think it got started when I went on > creatine > > > and > > > glucosomine/chondroitin. I am taking milk thistle and NAC to > help my > > > liver but have stop the protein, creatine, and glucosamine. I am > > > drinking a gallon of water a day to try to help. Does > > > anyone have any more advice for me? I hate this feeling I am > having > > > in my liver area. Its tender and makes me grouchy. Any > help/advice > > > is greatly appreciated. thanks, Mave > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > _____________________________________________________________________ > _______________ > > 8:00? 8:25? 8:40? Find a flick in no time > > with the Search movie showtime shortcut. > > http://tools.search./shortcuts/#news > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 4, 2007 Report Share Posted April 4, 2007 > > Yes, I read statins make it difficult for the liver, before and > routine six month liver test are recommended. Lipitor works, in the > liver, to stop the production of an enzyme that causes our body > to produce cholesterol. > > Just a side note, but in my family, of seven brothers, none has had > difficulty with their cardiovascular system, except one brother who > has very low HDL, (25)that type of cholesterol sponges up excess > fat and dispose of it. The remaining six brothers to include myself, > have HDL levels thirty five to fifty. So it is not the numbers of LDL > or HDL cholesterol, it is the ratio, of good, HDL, to bad LDL, that is > most important. Anyone who is very active is going to have high total > cholesterol. In my SO's family of origin, all have elevated > cholesterol, her younger sister, thirty five, works sixteen hours a > day, has a trigliceride level of three thousand, been to the Mayo > Clinic, her dock thinks she may die at any moment, but she appears > very healthy. And it seems normal for them to live > into their nineties. > kind regards david Check this site out, . It might put your mind at ease about your SO's trigyceride levels. My family is the same way as hers too. http://www.spacedoc.net/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.