Advanced Fibrosis/Early cirrhosis

[Zobot1234]

I spoke to a consultant today over the phone and he said I have advanced fibrosis / early cirrhosis according the the Fibroscan . He didn’t really give me any info just said he would check me again in 6 months . He said my bloods all came back negative but my Fibroscan surprised him! I have had non alcoholic fatty liver for many years . I asked if my diet changes and I lose weight will this get rid of it but he said no but will stop it progressing . I’m also petrified about life expectancy. Can we live a normal life ? Any advice would b great . Feel worse after speaking to consultant x

[Str8jacket]

If you haven't changed your diet/lifestyle with NAFLD, you will definitely want to do so now. It sounds like you don't have any symptoms yet--depending on how far along your cirrhosis is, you can stay that way for many years. Your number one goal must be to stop any further damage--that means zero alcohol/smoking, strict diet with no added sugar/little salt, regular exercise, following all docs orders. Depending on your age, you might have a normal life expectancy. Median survival with compensated/asymptomatic cirrhosis caught early is 9-12 years. When symptoms start, the median drops to ~2 years.

[Zobot1234 in reply to Str8jacket]

Thank you for the info x I’m 42 does that mean it’s likely I will only live 9-12 urs? X

[Str8jacket in reply to Zobot1234]

That's only a statistical median--approx half do better, half worse. Your case can vary widely from that median depending on all sorts of characteristics unique to you. There are many studies you can find online about cirrhosis and life expectancy, but again, those stats may have nothing to do with your specific case.

For what it's worth, you are in a position many on this site would want to be in--you found out about your liver before it started failing, and you can take steps to try to keep it working as long as possible. And if you get together with other folks to advocate for cirrhosis research and treatment, perhaps there will be a cure by the time you need it.

[Zobot1234 in reply to Str8jacket]

Thank u , I am going to focus on getting healthy and trying to prevent it from progressing . This has really made me realise I have to change . X

[Hidden in reply to Str8jacket]

What are the early symptoms of cirrhosis that you reference?

[Zobot1234]

Thank u for the info , u have done really well . I’m hoping diet and exercise will start to help me x

[Hidden]

You don't need a 2nd opinion. The consultant knew what he was doing, looking for and found. The rest now is down to you and as you say, you are changing your lifestyle which will help you no end. You will get plenty of support here from people living with liver disease in it's various stages and it doesn't have to be scary ... just make sure you continue to care about looking after yourself. You are in a very fortunate position that you aren't having to battle with alcohol addiction since your diagnosis is NOT alcohol related but do avoid it completely.Keep a good relationship with your consultant, they welcome your questions and interest in your condition and will support you if they can see you are doing all the right things in improving your lifestyle.

Good luck to you.

Laura x

[Zobot1234 in reply to Hidden]

Thank u Laura x

[Martyn1980]

Hi, I totally can understand how you must be feeling, I had a fibro scan done in January 2021 after being told I have NAFLD and was told that the results indicated advanced Fibrosis/Chirosis. I was in total shock, upset and devastated. I immediately went on a massive lifestyle change, to this date not drank another drop of Alcohol, No Fatty or Fried Foods, No Red Meat, No Eggs and reduced the number of processed carbs, the consultant after giving the result of the Fibroscan decided that it would be best to also have a biopsy, which I had in February, the result of the biopsy, stated that I have Fibrosis stage three, with bridging. I continued to lose weight and followed my strict diet, after a follow-up appointment with the consultant in May, I explained the weight loss, which to date is just over 4.5 stones, the consultant decided to give me another Fibroscan which I had a couple of weeks ago, the Liver Nurse was amazed, the result indicated that my liver is back within the normal range, with the numbers reducing significantly, I have also brought my Cholesterol levels and Blood pressure down to normal, reduced medication and my recent blood test for my Diabetes is within the normal range. The guys on here, especially Laura gave some brilliant advice and motivation. I am just waiting for the consultant to get back to me to discuss the latest results. It really is down to you now, it is really hard and a massive lifestyle change is required, but PLEASE stick to it, you have to be disciplined and really think positively, I still have a few more stone to move, but I have never felt better. Good luck and stay positive, small steps at a time will lead to big changes. Take care.

[Hidden in reply to Martyn1980]

Well done Martyn keep it up you will get there 👍

[Jargirls98 in reply to Martyn1980]

That's fantastic and thankyou for posting as so far all I've heard is.negatives and I'm newly diagnosed and have already downloaded a eat healthy app and I don't drink so just trying to lose weight and hoping.

[55spenc in reply to Martyn1980]

Hi Martin, what was your original Fribroscan score?

[Zobot1234]

That’s awesome Martyn and really positive advice xx

[Kristian]

The key thing isn't necessarilly resolving the fibrosis or early cirrhosis but stopping its progression. With early cirrhosis you have a bit of scarring that isn't going to go away. However, your liver can work absolutely fine with that and there is no reason that you'll not live out your normal lifespan as a result.

So technically your doctor is right. Just keep on with the healthy diet and exercise and I'm sure you'll be proving Dr Google wrong.

[PoorlyLiver]

I cannot claim to know much in this area, except that before cirrhosis there can actually be reversal of fibrosis for some, but find the way this information has been given to you, presumably over the phone, and with seemingly only the bare bones of the matter and no full explanation is very poor indeed. I know the NHS is under strain but they are not helping matters by doing things this way. Sorry you have been rather shocked although the upside for this is that you are making the right changes now to stave off cirrhosis. If it was me I would like confirmation that cirrhosis is inevitable and ask is a fibroscan the most reliable indicator - what about a biopsy to get a detailed cellular analysis?

[CHRISR999]

What was you fibroscan score. There's a kpa score and a Cap score normally