Is fibrosis f2 reversible?

[Bigbluemonkey]

Had fibroscan today. Score of 9.2. Is this reversible? I was pleased it wasnt cirrhosis. I was told it was mild fibrosis but online charts indicate f2 as 'significant fibrosis with evidence of progressive liver disease'

I have AIH & am taking budesonide 9mg daily.

My LFTs have started to normalise so it will be pretty accurate.

[MINTVCX]

I would say if your AIH is treated well and you are in remission you can prevent from futher liver damage at least (and even get better which is not so rare with AIH).

But the best check your all questions with your doctor. Good luck.

[Bigbluemonkey in reply to MINTVCX]

Saw my consultant & liver nurse today

Online there seem to be mixed opinions. Some say theyve got it down from f2 to f1 with exercise & healthy diet. Others, like my liver nurse, say its scar tissue & cant really be reversed.

Just wondered if anyone on here had improved their fibroscan score by healthy living.

Seems to be a bit of a grey area

Thanks for quick reply & advice

[Iro1 in reply to Bigbluemonkey]

I went from 10.8 to 9.8 in sixth months and my fat infiltration reduced. I tend to agree with the liver nurse with scores like mine probably untealistic to think all fibrosis can be reversed just reduced. Symptom free and accepting that I have a condition I am likely to die with not of.

[MisterX]

Yes there's lots of evidence that fibrosis short of cirrhosis can reverse if the cause - the insult - is removed.

It does take a long time though as it's a very gradual process and with AIH there's always that balance between immunosuppression and immune attack - rather like baling out water from a leaky boat - but there's every reason to be optimistic that there may be a significant reduction in fibrosis over time.

That said, even maintaining F2 would give you a normal lifespan largely unaffected by complications.

Regardless what you have to do is the same regardless of fibrosis level - healthy lifestyle, healthy diet, take your meds and keep alert for changes.

Best of luck

[Bigbluemonkey]

Thanks for positive vibes MisterX.

I dont think I've accepted it yet. I cant seem to process I've got this horrible disease. It will eventually sink in.

Totally spot on about diet. I love sugary food so I'm going to have to stop that. And red meat. Stick to fruit & veg & whole grains & white meat. Easier said than done tho 😂

I need to stay positive

Thanks for the helpful advice

[Poppy234 in reply to Bigbluemonkey]

Yes stay positive and keep reading gathering info. Is that current thinking about diet? We have been reading Paul Saladino and seems to be lots of evidence for grass fed steaks and liver being the best nutrients you can get from meat. Is that not good for the liver? I thought chicken was low in nutrients? Thanks for any info

[Uplink]

On the Fibroscan I had in 2017 I scored a 10.2 which is F3. This year, 2022 I scored 6.5 which is F0-F1. In between I quit drinking, cut way back on sugar and carbs, took a lot of supplements like Alpha Lipoic Acid, phosphatidyl choline, and NAC. I also lost 10% of my body weight by intermittent fasting, declined the acid blockers my GI doc proscribed, and kept my gallbladder instead of removing it when I had 1 gall stone attack. Your mileage may vary of course. Good luck!

[Iro1 in reply to Uplink]

That is amazing and inspiring I thought going from 10.8 to 9.8 was good but to 6.5 how you must feel!I have been sent away for 3 years so will not know if the improvement is continuing. I too kept my gallbladder the stone cleared. What happened to your fat infiltration levels? Did the echogenecity disappear on your US? Forget David Beckham you are my icon!

[Uplink in reply to Iro1]

I am not sure about the echogenicity - I don't know how to read those things! Some degree of fatty liver was noted on a conventional ultrasound 2 months before the Fibroscan, so I suspect I am not totally in the clear there, but it is still exciting to know I am on the right track.

Fibroscan detail

[Iro1 in reply to Uplink]

If they noted fatty liver on an ultrasound that would be because of the shiny look echogenecity. I wonder what you have to do to get rid of all signs of fatty liver and have no echogenecity? Still remarkable results good luck and keep posting. A clever NHS with more time and resources would promote you as an example to others. Personally I have the occasional pain from my abdomen (probably my gallbladder) at the moment I have covid so perhaps that might be a cause. But my pee has returned to clear and my poo is a dark brown colour so here is hoping!