Latest update

[Lindy65]

Hi Guys

I had my US yesterday and the below results came back:

US Abdomen :

The liver is normal in size but is increased in echogenicity in keeping with fatty infiltration. No obvious focal abnormality seen.

The intrahepatic ducts and CBD are not dilated.

Normal directional flow demonstrated within the portal vein.

A 25mm single calculus is seen within the gallbladder. The GB wall is not acutely thickened.

The pancreas and spleen are of normal appearance.

The left kidney is of normal size and echogenicity, there is no hydronephrosis.

Right nephrectomy noted.

The abdominal aorta is normal in calibre. No free fluid demonstrated in upper abdomen.

I received an email message from my doctor which just said :

Your ultrasound shows fat deposits in the liver - "fatty liver".

it is also showing gall stone which was present in previous scan in 2016.

Further info:

patient.info/healthy-living...

Fatty liver can usually be managed with lifestyle measures - ensuring a healthy diet & limiting alcohol.

Thanks,

I have tried calling surgery but as usual long waiting que 🙄 My Fibroscan in Jan said suspected cirrhosis but there is no mention of it now. Really confused 😳

[AyrshireK]

What were your bloods indicating at the time of your fibroscan? If you had elevated inflammation markers it is entirely possible that your fibroscan kPa score was falsly raised - fibroscan can be notoriously inaccurate showing higher kPa scores in the presence of inflamed tissue. Fibroscan can not differentiate the difference between inflamed tissue and actual fibrous tissue.

Katie

[Lindy65 in reply to AyrshireK]

Hi Katie My Fibroscan was 19.1 . I had so many blood tests I don’t know what to look for with regards elevated inflammation markers . Are they called a specific thing ?

Lyn

[AyrshireK in reply to Lindy65]

In your standard set of Liver Function Blood tests the inflammation markers are ALT, AST, GGT and sometimes ALP. If these were out of range then you probably had ongoing inflammation at the time of your scan.

I note you've had a diagnosis of fatty liver since 2015 & doctor and ultrasound both seem to confirm that remains the case with no additional damage which is good news.

Also, it sounds like you have been working on your diet and suchlike and it's possible that the damage that was previously labelled cirrhosis may have improved.

I don't know whether your doctor would repeat your fibroscan to perhaps get an up to date score for your kPa and CAP or indeed run an Enhanced Liver Fibrosis (ELF) test which might reveal whether or not your liver is at all fibrotic/cirrhotic.

Katie

[Lindy65 in reply to AyrshireK]

I have just had a quick look 4months ago it was ALT 70 now 36 and ALP 118 now 106. I have worked really hard to change my diet which has helped me lose nearly 2 stone and swim for an hour 3 times a week. Certainly shook me up and gave me the wake up call I obviously needed!

[Hidden]

Hi Lindy,

We appreciate you are concerned about a possible diagnosis, but we do ask that members do not post their test results as it is not a medical forum.

Could you possibly contact your consultant's medical secretary and ask for a telephone appointment to get some clarification?

Best wishes.

[Lindy65 in reply to Hidden]

Oh I am very sorry .

[Hidden in reply to Lindy65]

No problem! If you'd like a supportive chat our nurse helpline is open Mon to Fri on 0800 652 7330

[Lindy65]

Okay thank you 😊

[Hidden]

I think the reason so many people ask about their scores etc on here is that their consultants are not very helpful. I was given scant results and only after asking was given only slightly less scant results and no explanation.

[Lindy65 in reply to Hidden]

It would be nice to know if I can expect a letter with an appointment to see a Liver Specialist and not just a message up date from my doctor which doesn't’ t really tell me that. I don’t understand why you get such wishy washy information for something which can be very serious and life threatening if not treated early enough 🤔

[Hidden in reply to Lindy65]

Totally agree - and you can't even apply the old adage "if they're not bothered it can't be serious" because it already is pretty serious!I did get a letter for my follow up and a blood test form, but it doesn't mention another fibroscan. It's all very vague and it shouldn't be. Anxiety can have an adverse effect on the liver so why cause it??

[Lindy65 in reply to Hidden]

Maybe they are going to mention it at your next follow up , after your next blood results and refer you for a fibroscan . You need to emphasise the anxiety and worry this is all causing you. I must admit I am going to wait until the end of next t week and if don’t receive an update letter I will call the surgery .

[Hidden in reply to Lindy65]

Yes, there is always the option to call someone, though I can never get through to my surgery. Thinking of changing but then it's all the re-referrals and stuff, and also the best surgery is in my actual county - at the moment I am registered with the nearest town which is in a different county, which would mean staring up again in another hospital 🤦‍♀️