Fibroscan results - scared

[Worried2021]

Hello

I have found this forum and it’s a wonderful wealth of information.

I am so worried about my recent fibroscan results.

They came back as F3/4 (stiffness 13 / Fat 302)

I am 40 , a binge eater and drinker and currently 19 stone I know this is a result of abuse of food and alcohol even though I’m not dependant on alcohol on a daily basis when I do drink often weekly I binge and same with food.

This is the wake up call I know I have to sort this out once and for all for me and my family.

Would anyone have any guidance on if these results sound reversible or what I should do to stop anything getting worse. I have not had a drink since December and have no issues continuing. With food I’m going to keep it clean with lots of water etc.

My follow up with the consultant is on Monday I’m hoping to hear some positive stories or advice on how not to feel like I’m at deaths door.

Thanks so much

[Laura009]

Hi worried. Well l would say the hardest part for you is over... you know you have a problem with binge drinking and eating, and here you are admitting it on the forum. You know what to do ... quit drinking which you are now doing and changing to a lifelong healthier eating plan. Throw in regular daily exercise and you will be well on the way to losing that weight and repairing any damage to your liver.Well done to you, keep it up and we would be interested in hearing about your progress.

All the best.

Laura

[Worried2021 in reply to Laura009]

Thank you Laura I will keep posting.

I have always had elevated levels even but ultrasounds upto last year showed no scarring but the fibroscan seems to have gone to the other end of the spectrum. They also found I have Alpha 1 (mild) so I’ve had other things going on that o didn’t even realise.

I know this is my last chance to fix the years of self sabotage and really hope I have a chance to try undo the damage I have caused.

Hoping to hear some similar fibroscan results with positive stories as I have myself almost planning my funeral. Thanks for the response I really appreciate it.

[Laura009 in reply to Worried2021]

No need to be planning your funeral, plan for your new healthy life instead and head towards those positive goals. You will do fine, stay determined and focussed 🚴‍♀️🏋️‍♀️🍅🍌🍉

[Worried2021 in reply to Laura009]

Thank you for the reassurance Laura I really appreciate it. I look forward to sharing positive posts. This forum is a great resource!

[Martyn1980]

Good morning, I appear in similar situation, I am also 40, have elevated liver test results was told there was not that much out. I had was told I had a fatty liver a few years ago after an ultra sound scan but the GP did not appear that concerned, eventually my GP referred me to the gasto dpt at the hospital and took bloods and requested I had a fibro scan, this was July last year, again the results of the bloods was slightly elevated and the consultant advised that I have a fibro scan which I had last Friday (6 months later). I was told my cap score was 400, which again told it was fibrosis/Cirrhosis stage 3/4. I have a follow up appointment with the consultant but there still another 2 weeks to wait. I have been absolutely devastated, new mortgage, dependant children no life insurance due to diabetes etc. Feel so alone and so scared. Thinking my life has ended. I've already kicked all the booze, exercise and diet. Already dropped a stone in a week, but putting this down to not also nit wanting to eat as I as scared of damaging my liver more. Just so anxious waiting for the consultant. I was also told by the nurse doing the scan, the consultant will probably want to do a biopsy. I've spoken to my GP who has done some bloods to have recent results for the consultant to review. Hope you get some positive answers on Monday, totally understand how you must be feeling.

[Worried2021 in reply to Martyn1980]

Hi Martyn - I could have wrote your post I too am in a position where I have a new mortgage and a child and worry for the future. It’s very very daunting but we will get through it. I too am afraid to eat I’m keeping it clean and plant based for foreseeable with lots of hot water lemon and walks. I’ve seen some positive posts here where people have reversed at borderline F3/F4 stage so that is very hopeful. We can’t change the past but we are on the right track we just need to keep going ☀️

[velvetunderground]

Hi - There's been a lot written about reversal of fibrosis and cirrhosis. Keep in mind that it's a sliding scale, you don't suddenly tip from Fibrosis to Cirrhosis. Mild fibrosis is easily seen as "not cirrhosis" and severe cirrhosis is also obvious - the middle ground is more murky.

Generally speaking fibrosis can be reversed or improved over time, if the cause is known and removed - obviously the extent to which it can be reversed depends on the severity and the health/lifestyle choices of the individual. Back in the 70s cirrhosis was generally considered not reversible, but more modern research suggests that it sometimes can be, in more mild cases. Again, the extent of the reversal will depend on many factors, not least of which are severity and lifestyle and importantly removing the cause of the condition.

My condition has no known cause, which is a problem for me as although I can do everything else, I cannot remove that cause. You, however have the advantage of knowing the cause and being able to do something to remove it. This will give your liver every chance to improve.

No one can say for certain whether any individual's liver can make a full recovery, but if you remove the cause, avoid alcohol, maintain a healthy weight, eat a good diet and exercise you are providing the very best conditions for that to happen and very much tipping the odds in your favour.

By the way, don't be afraid to eat - the body needs good quality fuelling to repair itself!

All the best

Paul.

[Worried2021]

Met with my consultant today - I’m in a very very dangerous zone and if I keep going down the wrong path she would expect that I would be in her clinic full time within 2 years with cirrhosis. She expected to see an 8-9 on the fibroscan so a 13 and my blood results is very close to irreversable. She was impressed with what I have done the last week and said it’s all about the diet and exercise and getting the weight down and she’s confident I can turn it around and my liver will repair itself in time. I’ve to go back on the iron and milk thistle as I am prone to low iron no issue there but try get any other vitimans and minerals from diet. This will take time to turnaround and I’m back for a repeat fibroscan in 12 months if I lose 1-1.5 stone or 9 months if I can get down 2.5 stone+ (I have 9 stone to lose) so that’s it now I know where I am and it’s all about the changes! She also won’t be sending me for a biopsy at the moment but if I notice any changes for worse I’ve to get in touch. I’m focused now on getting that number down and continuing on my liver health journey. Thanks for support this forum is invaluable ❤️

[Realy in reply to Worried2021]

How are you making out and did you have repeat fibroscan?