My ELF result

[kippy2]

I have had a recent ultrasound with good news, I do not have fatty liver anymore, but I’m confused and very worried as my ELF blood test came back with bad news. In June 2019 my level was 9,0, in June 2020 my level was 9.6 In that year I had about 100 units of alcohol, In the past I drank about that amount in about two weeks. From June 2020 to now, Sept 2020 I have had zero alcohol and my ELF result was 10.0 I was expecting it to have dropped significantly not gone up. Can anyone please tell me why this would be? I eat healthily and have lost over a stone in weight, I am now 10 stone 2lbs

What else can I do?

Tania

[Hidden]

Good afternoon kippy2,

I am unable to offer a simple explanation for this. Liver disease tests are best analysed with full clinical information including all blood tests and scans etc.

May I suggest you ask your hepatologist for an explanation.

The most reassuring factor however, is your abstinence and change of diet - long term this is the best thing you can do for your liver health.

Take care,

Trust9

[kippy2 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Trust9

I don’t see a hepatologist and my doctor appointment isn’t until 29th Sept.

I am so depressed that the fibrosis is severe, is it likely to get worse. Having stopped drinking for four months now, does the fibrosis score get worse before getting better? If that is the case usually how long does it take after abstinence for the fibrosis score to be lower?

At the moment I can’t think of anything else, so frightened it’s going to get worse and worse and kill me

[mayk19 in reply to kippy2]

Hi, sorry to read of your troubles. I’m no expert, and I think your best bet is chatting this through with your doctor. But while I was looking up ELF for myself I found this guide from NICE (UK medical board). It suggest score of 10.5 and blow is not advanced Fibrosis... maybe worth a read? nice.org.uk/guidance/ng49/c...

[kippy2 in reply to mayk19]

Thank you mayk19, I will look

[Hidden in reply to kippy2]

Hello kippy2,

It is not easy to put a timescale on how long it will take for the fibrosis score to improve, but as I said - every day without alcohol and with healthy lifestyle changes will have a positive long term effect on your liver.

The doctor who requested the ELF test has a duty of care to explain the results.

I also wonder if you are not seen by a hepatologist, it may be worth having a conversation with your GP about referral to a hepatologist?

Take care,

Trust9

[kippy2 in reply to Hidden]

I appreciate you replying to me. Thank you Trust9

[kippy2 in reply to Hidden]

Hello Trust9

Mental health is still very bad. I think I need antidepressants, but have read they can be bad for the liver and my ELF score is severe, gone up from 9.0 June 2019 to 10.0 Sept 2020, I have stopped drinking alcohol 3 months ago.

Would it be safe to take antidepressants and if so which one?

Thank you

Tania

[Hidden in reply to kippy2]

Hi Tania,

I am glad to hear you are addressing your mental health struggles.

No-one here is qualified to comment on an individuals medication.

I would strongly encourage you to discuss what medication is appropriate for you with your GP.

I have attached a couple of links which may be helpful:

nhs.uk/conditions/health-an...

mind.org.uk/

Take care,

Trust9