Fibroscan shows severe damage.

[Pinkglitter93]

Hi, I was referred by my GP to see hepatology about a year ago following raised LFT’s. I have a history of breast cancer 4 years ago and am not a drinker. I am overweight. I had an ultrasound in January which showed fatty liver. This kick started personal training and weight loss. Finally had a Fibroscan on 8th September where I was told my fibrosis is 13.9 and cap score over 300. I had an MRI a week later. The results of the Fibroscan floored me and I’ve been quite distressed since. (Much more so than when I had cancer). I’ve had no results letters from the Fibroscan or MRI. Finally got an appointment through for a telephone appointment with hepatology for this Friday. I am worried they are just going to fob me off with weight loss. I’ve done that but it’s got worse. What should be my main questions? .

[Iconoclastic63]

You should request a liver biopsy

[Wham4ever]

My advice would be to research your condition as much as you can and follow a strict diet - ask for a nutritionist referral who can work a diet out for you. Exercise too. My father is at end stage now and decompensated and having lost 5 stone in last 3 months. He’s now more or less bed bound and we are devastated it’s happened so quick. He didn’t stick to a diet and didn’t really take it seriously. You may be able to turn it around at this moment in time. Please act now

[Pinkglitter93 in reply to Wham4ever]

Thank you. Sorry to hear your dad has had it so rough. It sounds awful for you all. I have been sticking to a clean diet and have lost approx 9kg. I am not severely overweight but I am overweight. I’m paying a lot for personal training too as I know exercise helps. I don’t drink alcohol. I think the chemo I had in the past and medication has been rough on my liver, that combined with putting on weight after cancer treatment.

[isi123]

- Establish the origin of the liver damage.

- Confirm the diagnosis 100%, to rule out an overestimated result by the fibroscan. Consider whether more tests or even a biopsy is necessary.

- Establish medical follow-up (6 months) to avoid possible future complications and the actions you should take to improve your situation, medication, diet, exercise, etc.

- You have to be careful with the medications you take and the hepatologist has to monitor how they affect your liver. We do not have the same tolerance as those who do not suffer from liver disease. It has to work together with your other doctors.

- Take good care of yourself and try to live life.

[Pinkglitter93 in reply to isi123]

Thank you. That’s really helpful. I try not to take any meds now but I have had some medical things this year which I don’t think helped. I had shingles on the brain earlier in the year (had to take strong steroids and anti vitals) and then had a major operation. I do take an anti cancer drug and I’m not sure if that’s hepatoxic or not.

[isi123]

Your fight against cancer is your priority, but doctors must work together and have a global vision of your health.

Almost all medications are processed by the liver, but in many cases we have no other alternative.