Fibroscan

[Tenngirl]

As I posted before, I had an US on 10/07 and a Fibroscan on 10/08. The US results were uploaded to the portal (fatty liver). The Fibroscan results were never uploaded. My follow up is on 11/15. I emailed the nurse and told her I was concerned. She said the Fibroscan confirmed I have fatty liver and the dr would go over the results at my appt. When the test were scheduled, they did say they would call if anything was found to be concerning. Would they consider cirrhosis concerning or is it something they see all the time, so no? I have an anxiety disorder and my anxiety gets worse as the appt date draws closer.

[Positive001]

Yes cirrhosis would definately be cause for concern. So be assured by your fatty liver diagnosis as by eating healthily, exercising regularly and avoiding alcohol, your liver can easily be healed.

[Tenngirl in reply to Positive001]

Thank you for your reply. I seem to be fixated on what the numbers are and why they won't upload the Fibroscan results, but uploaded the US results.

[Smegmer]

They would most definitely consider Cirrhosis a huge issue, so try and relax.

Also, the Liver does normally have some fat in it, above 5% fat is considered stage 1 fatty liver. So you have fatty Liver which is very common and some exercise and healthier foods should sort this out.

[Tenngirl in reply to Smegmer]

Thank you, Smegmer. The US results did read diffuse hepatic steatosis, so I think it's more than a little fat unfortunately.

[Smegmer in reply to Tenngirl]

Not necessarily, "steatosis" means fat. "diffuse hepatic steatosis" just means patchy areas of fat in your Liver. What were your bloods like ? CT scans can also see a fair bit, they aren't useless or they wouldn't be using them.

I'm pretty sure that you are going to be ok, just life style changes required.

[Tenngirl in reply to Smegmer]

Thank you, I thought diffuse meant a lot as in all over. My bloods are decent. I only have the bloods from my GP. AST, ALT, platelets and bilirubin all within normal limits, glucose good, slightly elevated cholesterol and triglycerides upper level of normal. The GI doc has not ordered any bloods.

[Smegmer in reply to Tenngirl]

So, there is no great concern from your medical professionals and your Liver is not showing inflammation markers, so no Hepatitis is present. fatty liver is very common, sort your cholesterol out and the Liver will have less fat too. Many many middle agers will have some degree of fat because we aren't as spritely as when we were in our youth. Human body is designed to be walking long distances, modern life means a lot don't. So get a healthier diet sorted and walk a few miles a day, go for a walk and grab a coffee, coffee is good for the Liver btw.

[Tenngirl in reply to Smegmer]

Thank you, Smegmer. You have helped to alieve some of my anxiety.

[Hidden]

It may help for you to email the nurse again and fully explain your concerns. She may be able to offer more info.

Good luck and keep us posted

[Tenngirl in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, the tone of her response made me think she would not give me more information until the appt.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Who are you exactly 🤔🤝🤝

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

What are you referring to?

[Woofey]

Just to give you some positive hope in Feb 2021 my fibroscan result was 15.7 and USS showed some early fibrosis and consultant wanted to do a liver biopsy which I politely declined. Diet and lifestyle changes and weight loss of 10 kilos so far resulted in a repeat fibroscan result of 7.3 which has halved. Often if you are overweight the fibroscan result can be in accurate so my advice would be give diet and lifestyle changes a good go before accepting anything further. Good luck

[Tenngirl in reply to Woofey]

Awesome job, Woofey. That is great news. I am trying to stay positive. I have definitely been eating better and getting a 30 minute walk in every day. I actually lost 40 lbs on the Mediterranean diet, but was put on an anti depressant for my anxiety and in turn gained that weight back. It was like the meds turned on the appetite center in my brain. The meds are finally out of my system and my appetite has returned to normal. The anti depressant did help my anxiety, but never again. There are other ways to deal with the anxiety. Wishing you continued success.

[Onesmallstep1969]

The responses you've gotten already have covered the important points. But one thing to add is that you are actually entitled to receive the full Fibroscan report. Mine includes the stiffness number, the IQR/M range (this number indicates reliability and should be less than 30% ) and the actual readings that were taken (the manufacturer recommends at least 10 valid readings I believe.

Some Fibroscan machines and I think all of the latest models also show your CAP score which indicates the amount of fat in your liver.

You and/or your insurance company paid for the Fibroscan and it actually belongs to you. The doctor only ordered it. I have always gotten mine, just so that I can follow the improvements. Just email the doctor who has the report and politely say that you need a copy for your personal files.