Fibroscan

[ktan49]

Once you had your fibroscan, how long did it take to get the ball rolling after that? I guess it depends on the result but say for example if it was a very high score, would you then be put in for liver transplant assessment?

[AyrshireK]

Fibroscan will form part of your gastroenterologists bigger picture of what is going on. You're certainly symptomatic of more advanced liver disease but doctor will need all the tests drawn together. Once he or she has this then you'll be in position to discuss future treatment / management options - this isn't watch and wait, you need to have more regular monitoring and treatment of the issues being discovered.

Once the test results are all together make sure you go to the next appointment with a list of the symptoms you are experiencing and how these are affecting you. Make sure you also list any and all medications you might be taking and also a list of all the questions you want to ask - make sure you get to ask them and take someone with you to listen too. Two sets of ears are better than one and can help decipher med speak.

IF it turns out to be cirrhosis then even this isn't necessarily at the stage where you need transplant assessment, it would be a case of treating the symptoms - so regular checks of any varices and banding if need be, appropriate treatment of any HE symptoms which you feel you are experiencing. You also NEED to see a dietician to work out the most appropriate dietary regime for your condition. ASK about the possibility of being referred to one of the transplant centres to touch base even. Local doctor might not feel you are anywhere near the stage of requiring transplant but it is good to get that 2nd opinion.

I hope the fibroscan does shed some further light on what is going on.

Katie

[Hidden]

Agreed you are showing some symptoms of more advanced disease. As far as fibroscans go they really need to be administered multiple times over a span of time for a doctor to see the trend in the scores. Some people have a high finroscan score and then have much lower results a few months after. If a finroscan over months keeps reproducing the same results then that can be taken as a bit more concrete. That being said fibroscan can only and should only ever be used to aid in a diagnosis and not used as a means of diagnosis solely. Its merely another tool in the kit to help build the full clinical picture.

[Hidden]

Sorry for the spelling mistakes. This new cell phone screen protector leaves much to be desired lol

[Hidden]

Hi

Good luck re fibroscan

🇧🇧

[ktan49]

Thanks. But I am very confused ... how cab I have all these symptoms but my score is 4 kpa and fat is 264... I feel like crap. Why do I have grade 1 varices and high AST and GGT? Is there anything else that can cause this in the liver apart from cirrhosis

[ktan49]

Picture of Fibroscan imgur.com/a/80mIkVy

[Hidden in reply to ktan49]

Hi ktan49

I notice from your fibroscan screenshot that there is ?ASH in the top left corner of the screen. Does your consultant seem to think you have Alcoholic Steatohepatitis?

I am no doctor, but your fibroscan of 4 is very good and I believe you have had clear U/S and CT scans.....again good news.

From what I understand there are only three causes of varices: cirrhosis or scarring of the liver, a thrombosis, either a blood clot in the portal vein or splenic vein that feeds the portal vein and lastly a parasitic infection otherwise known as Schistosomiasis found in more exotic locations throughout the world.

Keep pushing your medical team and don't be fobbed off if you are still concerned and your symptoms persist, insist upon being referred to a Hepatologist or if you can afford it see one privately.

I know it is easier said than done,but try not to worry and think of the positives of your clear scans and low fibroscan.

All the best

Pilot

[ktan49 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for reply Pilot.

I was initially diagnosed with fatty liver few years ago.. but had no issues apart from right side dull ache on and off... until almost 3 months ago I feel like I hit a brick wall... Don't feel myself at all.. like a unpleasant drunk dizzy feeling with shocking memory. The liver nurse who did my Fibroscan said she will write results to my gastro.. She said it is odd how I've got good fibro score yet I've still got these horrible symptoms...

I was taking lots of painkillers due to being a daily headache sufferer and my diet was bloody awful looking back. ..

I'm in quite a lot of pain at times in my back and spine.. never had health issues before this started now I feel like my whole body is suffering.. I'm eating clean now and trying to go for walks few times a week. Nothing too much though as I'm not as fit as I was 3 months ago.

[Hidden]

It does all seem a bit confusing, but I am sure your medical team will get to the bottom of it, the fact that you have varices will get the attention of the hepatologist regardless of the low fibroscan score.

Just continue what you are doing regarding your diet and exercise and I am sure things will turn out ok in the end.