New on here after having a Fibroscan

[Ciansnan]

Hi I had a Fibroscan a couple of weeks ago the reason I had this is because I have autoimmune disease I have been on Methotrexate for years & one of the side effects can cause problems with your liver .

I have been told on the phone that my Fibroscan results are high but don’t know what level I am at I have been told I need to have a Endoscopy but have not been told why can anyone tell me any information about my level , or what are they looking for on a Endoscopy also what normally happens next please help thanks

[Positive001]

Hi. My husband has PMR and is also on methotrexate..... initially in tablet form. He has monthly blood tests to ensure it isn't affecting his liver. One month his tests showed a high reading and was immediatly taken off the metho until his readings returned to normal. Once normal he was put back on it but this time injecting himself in order to reduce the amount going through the liver. He has had no problem since. Have you been told to do the same ?

[Ciansnan in reply to Positive001]

Hi no I have been injecting methotrexate for years now they say I can’t go back on it they are looking at other drugs to give me I would not have the liver problem if it was not for the methotrexate I also have Rhuematoid Lung where my immune system attacks my lungs I am just hoping it is not my immune system attacking my liver cos I know this can happen

[Positive001 in reply to Ciansnan]

These drugs really do have some dreadful side effects. It also gave my husband a blood clot. His rhumatologist also suggested an alternative drug but it can cause blindness so decided he could cope with having monthly blood tests to keep a check on his liver and a blood clot . . .blood thinners for life, better than risk going blind. All the best to you going forward.

Laura

[Fibro2021]

Hi. Probably because of the high kPa Fibroscan results they want to check if you have or do not have varices in the esophagus or signs of portal gastropathy by endoscopy.

[YvonneM60 in reply to Fibro2021]

My thoughts exactly .

[pushthrough]

To check for varices. If they exist it’s likely you have portal hypertension. Both can be managed for the most part but I’m not as familiar with liver disease caused by autoimmune disease. I had varices and have portal hypertension. Varices are prone to bleeding and have to be monitored. I have a endoscopy every year. Welcome to the forum!

G.

[Ciansnan in reply to pushthrough]

Thanks for reply

[YvonneM60 in reply to pushthrough]

I had a near fatal bleed last year whist away . My specialist was aware I had extensive varacies ( on my ct scan ) however he wouldn't do a endoscopy. I wasn't given beetablockers , Result almost died lost 5 litre of blood. I felt like a was drowning in my own blood ! I now have banding every 8-10 week . Was 4 so this is a improvement x

[YvonneM60]

They should tell you . I was given my results and explained to straight away ! Mine Is 3 which apparently is good and not chirrotic! Good luck

[pushthrough in reply to YvonneM60]

Wow Yvonne I’m so so sorry to hear about your bleeds. You have varices and your liver is only at f3?

[pushthrough]

Ciansnan, did they give you your results? It does not take long to read them but they will likely do further testing. I took a picture of my fibroscan results.

[Ciansnan in reply to pushthrough]

I was told by a specialist nurse that my results were high it was 21.2 and next week I have to have a Endoscopy

[JaynieXX in reply to Ciansnan]

Hi … to throw a little positive here .. I had a fibroscan dec 2021 and it was 22.9. After much improvement , normal bloods, no meds at all and time my level is now 14. My liver nurse is confident that it will improve more. Xx

[Confused2024 in reply to JaynieXX]

JaynieXX not sure if you are still on here as this is an older post...that is great news! Had they said you have cirrhosis and you turned it around? I am just dealing with this - I went in the summer with an 11.8 kPa and on Nov 1 2023 I was a 9.0 kPa - trying my best and trying to stay positive - no alcohol - lots of exercise and eating well and hoping I can keep getting lower. A fibroscan shows me at Fibrosis 2 so I am confused but I do have ascites and a nodular contour so I guess I will see!

[Ciansnan in reply to pushthrough]

Hi again I have had my Endoscopy no varices were found can you tell me what usually happens next are there any other tests that they will do as I have not seen a consultant yet

[BritishLiverTrust5 Moderator British Liver Trust in reply to Ciansnan]

Dear Ciansnan

Here is a link to information on our website explaining liver disease tests, diagnosis and screening, which you may find helpful.

britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

There is also a downloadable booklet named "Liver disease tests explained", which can be downloaded from the section titled "General advice about support and care" on the Publications page linked below.

britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

Best wishes

British Liver Trust

[Confused2024 in reply to BritishLiverTrust5]

BritishLiverTrust2 BritishLiverTrust5 BritishLiverTrust4 BritishLiverTrust6 sorry for adding you all in like this but hoping one of you can help me? I am guessing you are part of the organizers of this site and likely have a good wealth of knowledge? I am currently diagnosed with cirrhosis by my GP and have a fibroscan of 9.0 kPa...I have ascites and a nodular contour. Apparently I had sever fatty liver July 2021 but noone told me about it sadly and so here I am today. I have no other symptoms and am waiting to see a hepatologist...it seems so crazy to go from fatty liver to cirrhosis in 20 months?? Any advice is appreciated!

[pushthrough]

It’s different in the UK than in USA and it also depends on the specialist. I have to be seen every 6 months and have blood drawn and an mri to monitor any potential progression. I wish you the best!