Private Referral For MASLD - Any Exper... - British Liver Trust

British Liver Trust

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Private Referral For MASLD - Any Experiences?

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Hi, I was diagnosed with MASLD last January, and I am completely fed up with my GP’s lack of support and help, I am at the point of raiding my savings account to get seen privately and I just wondered if anyone else has any experience of doing this and how was it? Was it worth it?

I was diagnosed following an ultrasound scan after having abnormal LFTs since November 2022. I have a chronic condition which pre disposes me to fatty liver and all the other metabolic disorders (so far only my liver and cholesterol are affected) and I am under an endocrinologist for this. When I was first diagnosed my endocrinologist did the autoimmune and hepatitis blood tests (all okay), and he recommended a fibroscan - my GP refused to refer me for it and just have done blood tests - rising each time. I then saw my endocrinologist again in October and he just blamed it all on my weight - despite me losing 3 stone and showing him my blood tests ALT 3x normal, AST 2x normal, Gamma GT 5x normal and raised and rising bilirubin.

I was sent to hospital just over a month ago after starting statins which my liver went crazy about…! (I had concerns taking them due to my LFTs not being stable but got dismissed until the next blood test 6 weeks later came back so bad they sent me to hospital!) they did an ultrasound and more bloods and I got sent back to my GP who put me on fortnightly bloods which have come down but nowhere near normal and not yet back to where they were pre starting statins, and they promised a referral to gastro for advice, support and monitoring but despite me chasing up several times this hasn’t happened and I’m no further forward and still have a yellow tinge to my eyes. I’ve been struggling with chronic fatigue for the last 2 years since having covid and being diagnosed with B12 deficiency and I just don’t have the energy to battle this any more, hence why I’m seriously considering going private if I can find the means to afford it, so wondered if anyone else has experienced anything similar, gone private and how they found the whole process and was it worth it?

Sorry for the long post, thank you!

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5 Replies

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Pommies7 days ago

I went privately to see a consultant as I have health anxiety! Part of my treatment was through my medical insurance and my follow up appointment was self funded. The ultrasound and ELF tests were over £1000 , the initial consultation was £195 and the following up was £150. I'm so glad I saw a private consultant. He was so thorough and I had so much time to ask him questions. I don't know where you live but I would recommend my consultant. He is in Salisbury. Good luck with everything. You'll get there!

Yellowsydney7 days ago

Have you looked at the British liver trust website for information and advice about masld, they have diet and exercise advice, and a helpline you can call. There is no quick fix or medication for fatty liver disease just change of diet and exercise. Most GPs don't have much knowledge about fatty liver disease.

britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

Darwin37 days ago

It sounds like you would benefit from having a FIB4 score calculated by the GP, if not already done so. This is used to determine if a fibroscan is indicated. If abnormal this would add urgency to a referral.

Another alternative might be to change GP if you are dissatisfied. Is this an option?

A private opinion is always an option, albeit expensive, but would probably require a GP referral in any case.

You clearly need to clearly establish the situation in relation to your MASELD and the longer term implications for liver health.

kensimmons7 days ago

Go private in my opinion. More in depth analysis and care.

Readlots7 days ago

I’d ask if I could see another GP and request a referral to a hepatologist, or gastroenterologist who specialises in livers. They will be able to request a fibroscan and once you’re under the liver team, hopefully you’ll get the answers and treatment you need. If that fails a complaint to the practice manager might work but I take on board what you say about not having the energy. If the hospital said they’d arrange the gastro referral and they haven’t, I’d contact PALS at the hospital and ask them to chase it up.

I’d try a different GP rather than paying to go private as sometimes the NHS won’t seem to take any notice of private test results and you end up having to get back into the system anyway.

Also check any insurance policies and Employee support programmes you have to see if they’ll cover the cost of private treatment. It’s a long shot but might be worthwhile. I hope you get sorted soon