Hi, new here.

[Squashacat]

I have had a few problems and been sent to a consultant for a Fibroscan....he didn't tell me much so what do the results mean? "Fibroscan Score (Median/IQR): Median 22.3 IQR 6.1 Probe XL" He just said he would contact my Doctor.......is it bad?

[Hidden]

If by 'consultant' you mean a gastroenterologist or hepatologist, as opposed to a technician who administers a FibroScan, fobbing you off to your GP instead of explaining what the score means was unprofessional. With a FibroScan score of 22.3 kPa you'll need further testing & monitoring by a specialist gastroenterologist or hepatologist—preferably a different one to the one who passed you back to your GP without explaining the implications of your FibroScan score!

A median FibroScan score of 22.3 kPa is indicative of heavy liver scarring & probable cirrhosis however the score may have been inflated due to your liver being inflamed. A second FibroScan should be done after you follow a healthy lifestyle to give your liver a chance to settle down and resolve any inflammation present when the first scan was done. If the second scan result is similar to the first one a liver biopsy to determine the true health of your liver should be considered.

If you are a drinker never drink again. Avoid all liver stressors like non-prescription drugs & only take prescription drugs if absolutely necessary. If you are overweight gradually get your weight down into the healthy body mass index range. Even if you have cirrhosis with total abstinence from alcohol & other liver stressors & following a healthy lifestyle you may be able to live a normal lifespan with few symptoms.

Dr. Melissa Palmer's Guide To Hepatitis and Liver Disease:

"Some people with cirrhosis feel perfectly normal or have vague symptoms, such as fatigue, decreased appetite, nausea, and loss of libido. These individuals are known as having compensated cirrhosis. People with compensated cirrhosis often live a normal life span with relatively few health-related consequences due to cirrhosis."

[Squashacat in reply to Hidden]

Hi Edward, thanks for your reply. The scan was done by a nurse/technician initially but she couldn't get a reading and the Consultant Gastroenterologist who was present took over. He didn't tell me anything other than I will need an ultrasound and blood tests every 6 months. That was odd in itself as he said ultrasounds tell you nothing. Again, thanks for the reply, at least i have an idea of what happening now.

[Hidden in reply to Squashacat]

Hi,

Welcome to our forum.

It can be confusing and worrying when you are only given limited information. We would suggest that you consider contacting your consultant and asking for another appointment as soon as possible for full interpretation of the FibroScan and a discussion of any diagnosis.

You may be interested in our new Patient Charter which is a document for patients who have been diagnosed with a liver condition/ disease and helps inform them about the care they are entitled to. Here is the link;

britishlivertrust.org.uk/li...

Best wishes

Trust1

[Squashacat in reply to Hidden]

Hi Trust1, I tried about 10 times to DL the Patient Charter PDF but nothing happened?

[Hidden in reply to Squashacat]

britishlivertrust.org.uk/wp... Sorry, we are having a few problems with the new website, try this!

[Squashacat in reply to Hidden]

Yep that worked, many thanks.

[Hidden in reply to Squashacat]

fab!

[Owlie in reply to Hidden]

This is really good just read it!

[Hidden in reply to Owlie]

Brilliant, so pleased.