My introduction Hi

[Halcyondaze]

Hiya everyone. Here, as I have recently, by accident really, been to the doctor to see if I might qualify for weight loss drugs, having heard such good things about ozempic or the tablet version Rybelsus. Dr said no, I don't qualify for it. But BP was 185/172 which shows hypertensive crisis, heading for a stroke or heart issues. The BP meds are helping. Dr runs blood tests, an issue with ALT levels, more blood tests, now a result of ELF 9.5. I now have an appointment for a fibroscan. I have absolutely no idea what's happening. Came here to read and hopefully help myself x

[Livmar]

Hi, it’s good to know that you are getting all the appropriate tests done to see where you stand. Once you have your Fibroscan, you can determine next steps. Definitely, DO NOT let liver disease progress.

With an ELF of 9.5, you are just below the mid level and on the upper low level of disease progression.

Best of luck on your health journey.

[Halcyondaze in reply to Livmar]

Thank you so much for your reply. I want to help myself. I've stopped any alcohol (I used to have 3 pints on Fridays, and maybe 2 drinks on the sat). I've stopped eating anything with salt added. And eating a lot of salad. Not really sure what will help repair any damage though

[AyrshireK]

The fastest rising cause of liver disease in the western world is a condition called Non Alcohol Related Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) or newly renamed Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated steatoic liver disease (MASLD). Having acknowledged that you are having issues with carrying some excess weight this may well be the reason for your inflated numbers. Your ELF score wouldn't suggest advanced liver disease (too much fibrosis) which should mean that with some lifestyle changes, weight loss, healthy diet and exercise it should be a potentially reversible situation.

The BLT has a page dedicated to NAFLD and MASLD at:- britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

There is also a downloadable booklet on how you can treat this with healthy diet and exercise. britishlivertrust.org.uk/do...

Even if investigations lead elsewhere you can only help your liver by following the NAFLD guidance.

Best wishes, Katie

[Halcyondaze in reply to AyrshireK]

Thank you so much for your reply and the links. I will have a good read today

[Roy1955]

If that BP is correct you should be in hospital.

[Halcyondaze in reply to Roy1955]

Yes, there was a bit of panic at the pharmacy and the doctor calling me to ask if I felt well, dizzy, headaches, blurry vision etc. (I felt okay) As it happened, I was told to not wait, go get prescription and take immediately. The Lisinopril worked quickly. Foolishly I did not understand the severity as I felt ok. However, I understood now how serious it is especially if I don't prioritise my health.

[sophiaS1980 in reply to Roy1955]

I agree, people are usually no longer in this world with the bottom number being that high, kind of impossible to live and talk about it.

[Halcyondaze in reply to sophiaS1980]

Oh, it's really as bad as that? I went on holiday after I had seen the doctor, forgot to pick up my prescription and waited 2 weeks, came back to a nurse appointment (did BP again still as high) and that's what triggered the doctor to call me, insisting I go and get the prescription immediately. The Lisinopril is working so I guess I was lucky. Now I am having panic attacks about doing any exercises. I've seen a health and well-being coach (NHS) and she is insisting I start walking more because I'm usually sedentary although busy, mostly sat in the car. Feeling like I have a 2nd chance, but I've lost a couple of lbs this week