Have you been having 6 monthly ultrasound scans to keep a good eye on your liver? A cirrhotic liver is more prone to lumps and bumps and potential liver cancers. The purpose of the 6 monthly ultrasound scans is to catch these early before they cause problems and when they are at a stage that can be treated. If you haven't had ultrasounds every six months I would be tempted to request these at your appointment.
I did have a scan earlier in the year and the doctor did say I was over due and had probably slipped through the net. I have been told not to eat before my appointment tomorrow so assume this is because the nurse will be doing a fibro scan. Is this the same as a ultrasound scan?
Thank you for the advice I or my partner will defiantly be asking this question tomorrow xx
Make sure you keep on top of medics, appointments can and do go astray or unordered. It's something we've learned. 6 monthly ultrasounds, 6 monthly bloods including AFP. If appointments don't come then get in touch with consultant/consultants secretary. We've learned you have to take ownership of your health.
We learned after waiting 8+ weeks for a biopsy result appointment only to be told there wasn't one in the pipeline, many times the 6 month ultrasound not ordered and had to be chased up and referral to t/p clinic supposedly done Jan 2013 - by June 2013 we chased it and found it hadn't been done (consultant off sick himself and no one had picked up his paperwork).
Make sure you ask about continued monitoring going forward, don't get left in a file on the shelf.
All the best today, Katie
BTW. Fibroscan and Ultrasound are done in a similar way but provide different type scans. Fibroscan measures liver fibrosity whereas ultrasound monitors liver, other abdominal organs and for presence of fluid.
Hi. Yes I agree with AyreshireK and also along with your routine bloods which should be done every six months you should have a blood test for AFP. this is also a marker for early liver cancer. Good luck. Take care xxxx
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