Confused

[CHRISR999]

Hi all, I'm confused to the max. After a reading of 12.7 kpa back in feb 2019 and a cap score of 328. Alt about 160.. I was told I had deffo got cirrhosis by liver nurse. Also my liver was enlarged and spleen was enlarged.. They told my parner at the time I had a very sick liver. I became very poorly at beginning, I even asked docs to end my life. Yeah that's how much of a poorly man I was. Then I started with a whole bunch of symptoms, I was told I could possibly slow the progression down. Just recently back on 18th Dec 2020 I had a repeat scan. Ultra sound came back as normal. Fibro scan was 4.6 and cap 168.. The nurse seemed pleased. Went onto to say my liver has fully healed. I then spoke to another liver nurse. She said I have no scars on my liver at all. Then I spoke to consultant he said it's regressed. My question is. Am I back to normal now. Liver like it was before any damage. Has all the scars gone. Got one saying I have no scarring and other saying it's regressed. What's the difference between no scarring and regression. Or does it mean the sane thing like it's regressed to no scarring at all. There's so much confusion with the conflicting views. Everybody seems to tell you different things. From doctors, nurses to consultants.. Makes me wonder if they even know what's going off at all.

[CHRISR999]

I was a binge drinker for about 20 years

[AyrshireK]

Hi Chris, as discussed previously - in all likeliehood you never had scarring in the first place. 12.7 kPa only reflects F3 fibrosis where alcohol is the underlying cause - this can also be called incomplete cirrhosis - liver is starting to show bridging fibres between areas of fibrosity which would eventually have led to cirrhosis). Also, fibroscan could potentially have been falsly elevated in light of ongoing inflammation. Plus, alcohol related hepatitis does have similar symptoms to pretty advanced liver disease.

The fact you have now got such a good score reflects the good work you have done so damage done has regressed and you have no scarring. Your results are now fantastic, it doesn't mean you can return to old ways as the next time your liver becomes damaged it may happen quicker and to a more severe level. You've dodged a bullet this time round and you need to keep on looking after your liver.

Doctors and nurses all seem to be telling you the same just in different terminology.

All the best, Katie

Fibroscan Score Chart

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Hi Chris

It doesn’t sound conflicting at all. You had a poorly liver which now has healed itself. Enjoy the good news, live life to the full (without alcohol) and be thankful that you are one of the lucky ones.

[Kettl]

Your initial results suggest you were in fibrosis not cirrhosis as Katie said. This is reversible and it looks like yours has improved. Well done.