2nd Liver Biopsy result

[Bigbluemonkey]

My 2nd liver biopsy states I have advanced bridging fibrosis with a score of 4/6. Which I think means F3. My previous fibroscan was F2 (9.2kpa).

I'm not seeing my consultant for 13 weeks. I know I'm not supposed to post test results but I would love to hear from anyone at F3 & how they are coping with it? Is it reversible? What diet are you on?

The fact my liver has detiorated has shook me up a bit. I'm in the danger zone now.

I did talk to a lovely Scottish nurse from BLT & she was really charming & reassuring. She had a neat explanation of fibrosis; F0/F1 the liver is wobbly like jelly, F2 its firm & F4 it's like concrete.

I have AIH.

Hope you are all doing well & are coping ok

Take care ♥️

[MisterX]

There’s lots of evidence that fibrosis is reversible if the cause of the insult to the liver is removed - especially if before cirrhosis (the final stage of fibrosis) is established. AIH can be a bit tricky as the “cause”, the immune system is potentially lurking in the background.

I’ve had cirrhosis as a result of AIH for a number of years. The two most important things for you are to get to a Hepatologist or or specialized gastroenterologist and make sure the immunosuppressive meds are at the right level for you. You should also make sure to reduce other damage to the liver in the meantime. That means ensure you have a healthy diet and stop drinking if you haven’t already. 13 weeks is a long time. I’d contact the nurse and ask if they can review your meds and perhaps even try a change in advance of your appointment.

I’d rather have F3 than F4 but AIH is a manageable condition as long as properly managed so do make sure it is.

Best of luck.

[Bigbluemonkey in reply to MisterX]

Thanks for the helpful reply. I need to ask if the AIH is under control. I'll try & see gastroenterologist next week. The biopsy results were posted to me with no explanation at all.

[MisterX in reply to Bigbluemonkey]

Getting the AIH under control as fast as possible is the key but it can take a while - months rather than weeks. If you’re already under care then it’s definitely worth drawing it to their attention and asking about the meds but blood tests may show that you’re already at the right dose and the it’s just a question of staying healthy and being patient (in every sense! 😉)

Cheers. Best of luck.

[MINTVCX]

About staging is probably this scale. About your Fibroscan result (F2 Metavir) is not for sure you are getting worse.

Scale

[TheLWord1]

Hi I am also F3 with 9.12. I had a fibroscan and ultrasound and an appointment with my hepatologist. She was pretty harsh with me. She said I can’t reverse it but I can stop it in its tracks. Mine is NAFLD and I’ve been overweight the whole of my life, no one else in my family is, no amount of dieting has worked. She told me to lose weight and see me again in 12 months. That was last July. I feel very well in myself, I’ve found exercise has helped my anxiety. It seems the help is different for a lot of us. Mediterranean diet I was told, but I’m also pre-diabetic so the advice is contradictory. I’m just trying to stay healthy. My weight has not changed though.

[Bigbluemonkey]

Thank you for your kind reply & good advice.

I was told fibrosis is reversible until it reaches cirrhosis. In your case 9.2 is moderate fibrosis & is definitely reversible. The fact you're feeling well is a good sign.

My main worry is whether my autoimmune hepatitis is still active or whether my medication is controlling it. Time will tell.

I'll definitely work on my diet & exercise.

Take care & stay positive!

Happy Easter