I have had an ELF blood test 2 years ago and it was 10.5 I had another one recently and it’s 10.9, I haven’t drank alcohol for 3 years apart a few drinks in September this year and a few this month. I am very worried, why has my score increased, and what can I do about it. Thank you
Elf blood test: I have had an ELF blood... - British Liver Trust
Elf blood test
So, your result reveals you had were at the lower end of the score which says you have fibrosis and this has now increased slightly - ok you haven't drunk (much) for two years but how is your diet, level of exercise, body weight or do you have any other medical conditions or on any other prescription medications.
There are more ways to have fibrosis than just by alcohol - indeed non alcohol related fatty liver disease (NAFLD) also known as Metabolic Disfunction Associated Steatoic Liver Disease (MASLD) is the fastest growing cause of liver disease in the Western World. You can read about it at the BLT webpage at:- britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...
Ways to treat it are detailed at:- britishlivertrust.org.uk/do...
Maybe your doctor will now arrange for some further tests such as fibroscan, more bloods etc.
Indeed NAFLD also isn't the only other potential reason for liver disease there are auto immune, genetic, viral and more non-lifestyle related issues that can cause it. Probably some more tests required.
But it won't do anything but help if you can identify any other risk factors you may have and rule them out and make changes. Any amount of alcohol on an unhappy liver isn't going to help matters. (like throwing petrol on a bonfire).
Katie
Hi Katie, thanks for your reply. I have put on weight over the last year. I have a very sweet tooth and eat a lot of chocolate. I am on anti depressant medication and vitamin D, What shall I do? I was told by the doctor quitting alcohol would help bring my fibrosis down.
Maybe tackle the weight gain, reassess your diet, cut out all booze and try to get in more exercise. Don't meddle with your medications as they are obviously doing a job for you.
The leaflet I linked to gives very good advice on tackling NAFLD which should reverse your fibrosis too. britishlivertrust.org.uk/do...
Katie