Hi all, my relative was hospitalised and diagnosed with alcoholic liver disease late 2020, fibroscan of 74.2 and moderate ascites. We didn't they think she would survive until Easter but she did. However now she is back drinking at least 2 bottles of wine a week....... I dont know much about fibroscans and as we were in the depths of covid them we didn't get any detailed chats with consultant etc. Because she would of had poss 18 months with no alcohol is there a chance that part of her liver may of regenerated? I do wonder if the fibroscan was elevated as prior to been in hospital she was drinking a bottle of wine or brandy every day for at least 2 months. However she has always been a heavy drinker for at least 20 years. Either way I'm assuming drinking any amount of alcohol is a very dangerous game for her? At the moment she appears in good health..... many thanks
Can liver regenerate after high fibros... - British Liver Trust
Can liver regenerate after high fibroscan score
If she was diagnosed with decompensated cirrhosis (even if now is compensated because of quit drinking for some time), she would probably getting worse in the nearest future if still drinking. In fact she would not give a chance to regenerate her liver...
Yes it is a bad idea for her to be drinking. By giving it up for 18 months there was probably an improvement in her liver. Hence she seems well. There’s always the danger that once someone starts to improve they think it’s ok to drink again, albeit sometimes at much lower levels. It’s not ok when liver damage is present, as any improvements are rapidly reversed. So it won’t be long before she’s back to square one.
Hi daisydo1
I am attaching links to some pulications we have on alcohol related liver disease and cutting down on alcohol. These may be useful. If you still have questions after you could call our nurse led helpline to talk it through. Call 0800 652 7330 between 10am and 3pm Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays) or email helpline@britishlivertrust.org.uk (emails can be sent at any time and are answered during helpline hours).
Daisydo1,
My husband was hospitalized in July of 2020 with acute alcohol hepatitis. His first Fibroscan was 27.5 kpa, he stopped drinking and his next one was done in September 2021 and was 5.7 kpa. Sadly he started drinking again because he thought he was healed. He had another scan 6 months later in March and he was at 10 kpa. He is currently in the hospital going through detox for the second time in two months. His next appointment with the liver doctor is scheduled for September but I'm hoping while he is in the hospital now they will run some tests and check on his liver. I'm not with him and don't plan on going to see him so it's up to him to ask. He's been a heavy drinker for over 25 years. If you looked at him you wouldn't think he had health issues, he appears fine to everyone but I keep waiting for the symptoms to start again. His mental health is a mess.
Sorry to read you are going through this. I'm just amazed she isnt unwell, she hasnt had another fibroscan since and only had telephone check ups with the liver consultant. Is your husband on any medication? Thanks for your message
I'm sorry you are as well! He's on multiple anxiety medications but nothing directly related to his liver disease. He had a second chance and a clean slate and has possibly ruined that. It is very interesting how some people get sick right away when they start drinking again and others can go on for years and years.