Newly diagnosed at 60

[NorthernSoulBlue]

Hello,where to start?Had a fibroscan last year and heard nothing until I received a consultant's letter for June.Had completely forgotten about the fibroscan. Consultant explained about my fibrosis diagnosis and suggested I lose a lb per week and up my activity level. Explained how working from home has certainly reduced the amount of exercise I take. First month, doing well,lost 6lb, going out for long walks. But it's hit home now,I can't believe it's happening to me. I don't drink,but it is so tempting to buy the largest bar of chocolate or cake and just indulge.Has anyone got any useful tips to help me persevere? Thank you.

[AyrshireK]

Hi NorthernSoulBlue, welcome to the forum where hopefully you'll find all sorts of information and support.

I take it from your brief first post that you have been diagnosed with some degree of fibrosis linked to non alcohol related fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

NAFLD is the fastest rising reason for people having liver damage in the western world primarily because our lives have become more sedentary and our diet isn't the best. Improving diet and including more exercise can all help to reverse fibrosis and fibrosis all the way to early cirrhosis is now deemed reversible so keeping going with your diet and fitness are all key to improving your liver health. A wee treat every now and again isn't going to hurt BUT you do need to keep looking after your liver.

The BLT has really good guidance on NAFLD and a newish publication on treating NAFLD with a balanced diet and physical exercise.

britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

britishlivertrust.org.uk/wp...

Obviously it takes a wee while for the shock of any diagnosis to sink in but the good news with this one is you probably can make some hugely significant improvements to your liver health and bring down your fibroscan score and fibrosis level.

Even having more severe liver disease isn't all doom and gloom - hubby now at age 61 with cirrhosis (with which he was diagnosed April 2012) still cycles regularly and hill walks and lives his best possible life despite the challenges his health poses. It took him a while to 'adjust' to the new him but he now rides the roller coaster as we call it when you get the ups and downs of ill health.

Best wishes to you, you can do this.

Katie

[NorthernSoulBlue in reply to AyrshireK]

Thank you Katie, yes, NAFLD. Will be called back to hospital in 6 months. So good to hear what you say. I need to understand this is for real and have been given a chance to make things better. Thank you so much❤️

[NorthernSoulBlue]

Wonderful, thank you so much. It's so great to connect with others❤️

[Robert1220]

Hi. I'm Elaine. I have stage 4 Fibrosis diagnosed last December. I'm 66 years old, have type 2 Diabetes which is now in normal range as I have lost 3 stone since then. My liver disease started as far as I was concerned by fatty liver. Then I had a scan and it was much worse than just fatty liver. I had to press the liver nurse to confirm this as the only conversation I had after the scan was with a gastroenterologist at 7.30 in the evening with not a lot to say other than I can retrieve some damage if I lose weight but no advice other than that. So when it sunk in it hit me like a brick and I had to research a lot myself. Frightened me too when I read Dr Google so don't go down that road. I'm being careful what I eat but sometimes my sugar levels drop very low and I do have some jelly babies etc but it feels as if I'm fighting this on 2 fronts. Anyway. I have now reached the stage where I think this is how I have to live if I wish to be around and live each day without thinking too far ahead as it would drive me mad. We have to accept the restrictions but boy oh boy. I could murder a custard slice or a pasty some days but that's out of the window now. Please keep the faith and stay positive xx.

[NorthernSoulBlue in reply to Robert1220]

Thank you, yes, it was lose weight and bye. Such limited information given. So much conflicting information about what to eat. Sugar, no sugar, fat, no fat, carbs, no carbs. Really appreciate your reply ❤️