Got My Fibroscan Results, weird belly symptoms.

[Qwertrew]

Hello all,

I got my fibroscan several weeks ago and it seems very positive. I've listed the frequency in which I drink in a previous post for anyone interested. My CAP score was 195 and 5.9kpa 14%IQR which I hear is not too bad. Not to mention two months ago had normal LFT bloodwork (never have had abnormal LFT) I was told "You most definitely do not have cirrhosis." Now that my fears of liver disease are all but alleviated, I'm curious if anyone here has ever had weird abdominal symptoms. I feel very bloated most days. It typically peaks between hours of 10-19:00 with feelings of tenderness and general discomfort on upper abdomen both right and left quadrant although a little more on left side. Sometimes I feel so bloated I'm scared of developing a hernia although its probably psychosomatic because that would typically happen in decomposed cirrhosis. Also, when I feel at my worst, I don't necessarily present with a large belly, it just looks like my normal male-type abdominal visceral fat I'm 5'10" 198lbs I've been feeling this way for the better part of a year now and I had an ultrasound about 4mo ago which suggested fatty liver, but also said "No Ascites." I was already feeling this way so I don't suspect it to be that. What's curious is my CAP score is 195, suggesting normal fat. Anyways, I thought I'd give this forum a try to see if anyone out there has had this or knows of a case? 🤷‍♂️

[Hovegate]

Hi. Happy New Year 🎉

I have fairly recently been diagnosed with non alcoholic cirosis of the liver and having varicose veins in stomach. I too for about 6-7 months have had pain in my upper stomach almost constantly and feeling bloated. The amount of pain and discomfort varies day to day but when I eat increases dramatically. It centres around the middle and originally to the left side but now mainly to the right and sometimes towards my belly button.i am due to have another endoscopy in 2 weeks as consultant seems to be unsure why this is happening. I have had a fibro scan. I am also type 2 diabetic on insulin and suffer with neuropathy affecting my feet and now seems to starting in my hands.

I am little relieved to hear that I am not the only one having these similar symptoms. How is it affecting your everyday life? For me I am struggling at work and being able to do much.

Wishing you all the best

[Hdon in reply to Hovegate]

Have you had your iron levels checked? Haemochromatosis can cause cirrhosis and diabetes.

[Hovegate in reply to Hdon]

HiI don't think I have a problem there as had full bloods done and nothing said except low vitamin D which i am now taking tablets for. Was due to go for another blood test Wednesday but I tested positive for covid and now in isolation.

🙁

[Qwertrew in reply to Hovegate]

Hello Happy new year Hovegate,If your bloating was caused by cirrhosis, then I’m not too sure how similar the etiology of both our conditions is but I can tell you most days I feel like just laying and not working, I’ll usually also remain sitting for longer than usual to avoid discomfort. I’ll have to see a GI doctor to have an endoscopy.

[Hidden]

I have been diagnosed with fibrosis and I know the ascites should only occur when you have cirrhosis but I have a very pronounced upper belly. I decided to do a bit of an experiment as I had some water tablets left over so I started taking them and it is going down!! Now I don't know whether to mention this at my next appointment as I'll probably be told off for taking them with out a doctor saying so, so what do i do?I also have IBS and get bloating with that, so it may help if you kept a food diary to find out if it is a specific food that's causing it?

[DavyGravy in reply to Hidden]

Food diary is a very good idea Jacky. That way any bloating might be easily linked to specific foods.

[Yarkis]

Same here. 4.65kpa, weird RUQ pain. Sometimes LUQ pain. My belly button was sore for a few days which has never happened before. Normal HIDA scan. They did say the fibro scan "confirmed" fatty liver but I didn't see the CAP score. I see my gastro again Monday. I can update you with findings if you like.

[Qwertrew in reply to Yarkis]

Great news that you’ll be seen soon. I would certainly be interested in seeing what they tell you. Thank you!

[Yarkis in reply to Qwertrew]

Well, this is what they told me. "We don't know what's causing your symptoms. What we do know is that it isn't your liver, right kidney, stomach, esophagus, or pancreas. We can do a CT scan, but I'm 99% sure we'll find nothing and you'll waste your money. You probably have IBS which if I'm being honest is just a term we use for non-life threatening abdominal discomfort with a change in bowel habits. Something we can't diagnose medically. You're fine, go home".

I asked about a CAP score and the NP who was filling in for my Gastro had never heard the term. I asked how they confirmed fatty liver and she got rather short with me and said "do you want me to order the CT scan?!". Like I was just wasting her time. Not a super great experience. I told her I'd hold off if she didn't think it was necessary and left. I'll consult the actual gastro doc when he's back from his vacation.

Disheartening. I live in the US and have spent the entire past year paying thousands of dollars searching for a diagnosis.

*I want to note that I know this is a UK forum and the medical systems are different. There aren't many decent US forums for stuff like this and I wanted to share my experience for the sake of knowledge.

[Qwertrew in reply to Yarkis]

I know the feeling. I’m also in the US and have gotten ultrasound, several bloodworks, fibroscan, x Ray, all to come up with a “you’re fine go home.” That’s one thing about the U.S., even when you’re paying over $200 a month on insurance, I can still expect to pay in the thousands for all this. Either way, I have a feeling they might just tell me I have IBS as well when I see a gastro. It’s a shame that they didn’t share the full fibroscan with you, but one thing I’ve found is really only liver docs and nurses know anything about cap score and fibrosis staging. I suppose it kind of is a specialty item. Thanks for sharing!