Advice

[utep99]

My Gastroenterologist said that if you have cirrohsis you have it. A biopsy is useless as is a fibro scan. The test will only tell you what you already know.

[nash2 Partner]

Hi Utep

That is true from a diagnostic perspective. If you are managing the disease and are interested in whether you are making progress or not it is a different question. Much of the gastro community is inclined to just say you have cirrhosis, there is no treatment, it might help to lose weight, and call me if things change. We do know that diet is a treatment. In my case, I was a Fibroscan of 21.5 at diagnosis in 2015 and recently was tested as 9.6 so I have used regular testing to track my progress. There isn't much support for people day to day with liver disease so we often hear the no value comment. if you are interested you might check out our website.

fattyliverfoundation.org/co...

Wayne

[Cats2018]

I agree with Wayne (nash2). In my case, I want to know that I’m improving the NASH, not making it worse. I wanted to know what stage fibrosis I was at and do everything possible to hopefully reverse some of the damage and slow the progression down. The gastroenterologist may not be concerned about the severity, but it’s not his life; it’s yours (& mine and every one of us with liver disease).

[mrsmerlin]

Hi

I am going to buck the trend here and although a last resort, a biopsy can tell you more than you have cirrhosis. It can often show / confirm the cause which can affect treatment plans. It does come with risks but is not irrelevant.

For example it can highlight AIH, Autoimmune Hepatitis which requires a different approach.

I have known people with compensated cirrhosis improve but as you say you have it it's going to stay. The liver has formed scars and as you know you can't erase internal scars. The parts which have fibrosis can be reversed to an extent.

I wish you weren't on this journey but things are improving all of the time and clinical trials are promising. Who knows, a cure could be just around the corner.

Rita xx