Me again!!

[Robert1220]

Just something niggling me so sorry for troubling the forum but I just need things to be clear so I can deal with my illness without being in constant worry. My fibroscan result was a reading of 36.6. I was told that I had NASH with Fibrosis but it is compensated. If it was cirrhosis, would he have told me it was NASH and if it is NASH do they, as a result, test me every 6 months as surveillance for liver cancer or does this happen only when it is cirrhosis?

[Roy1955]

Sounds like a nice way of saying you have cirrhosis but ask your Dr to clarify. Yes you should be on 6 months check ups.

[Robert1220 in reply to Roy1955]

Just confirmed stage 4 nash cirrhosis

[Hidden]

cirrhosis is stage four fibrosis. I think they test every 6 months as a rule for everyone unless the cirrhosis is at the end stage.

Someone else will answer you and give all the details though.

And don't worry about being a pain - we all need answers when we get our diagnosis, is is scary!

[Roy1955 in reply to Hidden]

Cirrhosis is "End stage liver disease" its the term Dr's use for all forms of cirrhosis. Don't confuse end stage with end of life!

[Hidden in reply to Roy1955]

What I was saying the cirrhosis may be compensated rather than decompensated which is the stage at which the doctors start doing more than a six month check up.

[Robert1220 in reply to Roy1955]

Thank God for that!! I thought it meant that I was for the off xx.

[Cat-B]

I think you probably have cirrhosis, but don’t panic, I was diagnosed with end stage cirrhosis and 7 years on my liver function tests are normal, I like my 6 month ultrasounds as it tells me everything is ok( it’s very reassuring) . Good luck and stick to your dietary advice

[Robert1220 in reply to Cat-B]

So there is light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you so much for this. Bit happier about it now. I think it's the unknown that's scary and googling hasn't helped at all!!

[Anthonysmate]

I have stage 3-4 Fibrosis (with advanced bridging) that's what it says after a biopsy was done last June, on a Letter from my consultant. I live in the UK: Its classified as Fibrosis here, but in the USA & Canada, I believe it's seen as early stage Cirrhosis, either way it's not good and they put me on a diet and advised me not to drink alcohol and avoid certain medications if possible that are harmful to the liver, I have lost a couple of stone, and stopped drinking, my last visit they were so pleased they made my next appointment for December 22nd, no doubt to remind me to stay dry over the festive season, and see how I'm getting on with my weight. I'm over 60 years old by the way, like yourself.

[Robert1220 in reply to Anthonysmate]

Well Anthony's mate. Thank you for replying. I'm looking at diet menus for cirrhosis /fibrosis as I need some idea of what to eat. I'm determined to live healthily and be here for quite some time xx.

[BritishLiverTrust4]

Hi Roberto1220

You may want to call our helpline nurses who can help yuou understand the termonology and what that may mean. Call 0800 652 7330 between 10am and 3pm Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays) or email [e-mail] (emails can be sent at any time and are answered during helpline hours).

[Robert1220 in reply to BritishLiverTrust4]

Thank you. I will do that x

[Cat1966]

Hi,I have received my fibroscan last week with the score 24,7.

It is a confirmed cirrhosis, but I am in Canada, and as Antonysmate said, in Canada the staging could be different.

I was sent to the ultrasound for hcc and gastroendoscopy for varices.

I also had a mri, and another blood test as they don’t know what caused my liver damage.

I had an ultrasound before, in February, that did not show so much damage, but right after I started following the diet.

I looked into different sources on what to eat with cirrhosis, and since I still don’t know the cause of it, it is tricky.

I stopped drinking completely, even though I have never been a big drinker.

I ve never been a big eater as well, hardly ever junk food, and not really overweight.

Now I start my mornings with oatmeal, few nuts, fruits and honey,

Eating only poached or boiled, a lot of fruits ( what the sugar though) and veggies, no fizzy drinks, even diet soda,

Check for sodium on the labels, minimize it as much as possible.

Try to eat 4-6 times a day, small portions,

I also exercise 4 times a week ( nothing heavy, cardio and stretching)

I suggest, you ask your dr to refer you to a dietitian, who could match your diagnosis with your a proper diet, based on your preferences and life style, and see what works for you the best.

I am going to do so when I know what the cause of mine.

I feel what you feel, I am running like a chicken, looking for answers and solutions.

Good luck!

[Robert1220 in reply to Cat1966]

You are so right. Just need guidance as to suitable foods etc. Mine was caused by NASH so concentrating on veg (although I really struggle as I'm not overly fond) but I do eat a lot of berries and some grapes. Protein is chicken fish and eggs. I miss salt but I do use a bit of lo salt. Not sure if I should but I'm sure someone will let me know if it's okay to use it. Just 100% about helping myself as I need to so as not to make this liver disease any worse. Thanks for replying to me. My reading was 36.6!!

[Cat1966 in reply to Robert1220]

Just watch the fruits, some might have too much sugar.Chicken and fish are great, try not to fry, only steam or boil, at least for now.

There are some nice recipes even with boring ingredients.

I was searching if I could do light stomach crunches with cirrhosis, and I ran into a website hepmag.com, see if you find something interesting there.

Check for Karen Hoyt recipe books well.

[Iro1]

Think the 6 month tests are only if you are confirmed with cirrhosis I was told that I had improved from being 'on the cusp of cirrhosis to being 'stable' and to come back in 3 years. I do not think my liver will ever be free of fibrosis it just probably kill me.