NASH and how bad is this FibroScan? Guess my life just changed.

[KellyI]

I found out about NASH after a year of chasing pain in my side, and generally feeling not normal at times. GP thought it was Pulmonary which was wrong by a mile. I am 53 active guy (Hockey, Hiking, Kayak, Ski) who has been over weight 255lbs with a BMI from 30-36 since my mid 20's. GP mentioned slightly elevated liver enzymes and fatty liver, but only said to lose weight and they did not always show on my annual exam. So on Jan 28th had a fibroscan after Gastro ran some blood work. My results were 365 CAP and 19.0 kPa. I have not had a MRI or biopsy yet, but I signed up for a NASH study and they are scheduling a battery of tests over next 8 weeks. So how bad is this? I started reading about major diet changes (started a plant based diet) and have questions about that as well, such as I am not a black coffee drinker, can I have Honey or Splenda. How many calories a day should I have? I see sodium should be less than 1500mg, but how much Protein, Fat, and Carb's should I get. I am using the My Fitness Pal to log everything.

[grapewizard]

Sounds like you're panicking (we all started there). The tests are a wake up call. You're starting the program. It can take up to a year to clean things up. A biopsy is a bit aggressive this early on, but it's your doctor. Plant based is great. Honey and splenda for coffee is not. If you must use sweetener, Stevia is the only thing you can use. Whole Foods has a liquid version with a dropper that actually tastes much better than the powders. Then, little by little, you will get used to black. Coffee is good for the liver. So is 2oz of apple cider vinegar in the morning when you wake up. Lot's of details. Lot's of choices. Simple plan - weight loss and food choices. No meats - no sweets. (with an occasional cheat day).

[nash2 Partner]

Lots to think about but you are on the right path. Here is some info on diet that may help you along the way

fattyliverfoundation.org/li...

Wayne

[Alterity]

No RED Meat. You will feel a lot better. Learn to listen to your body. If you feel bad, think about what your ate. It's hard for the liver to digest certain things when NASH is present. Biopsy is no picnic, but it does tell you a lot. I had one 20 years ago when diagnosed, then I had one a year ago before I started the research program and I'm to have another one in 6 months when I'm done with the program. It helps them understand NASH and me as well so I withstand the pain. Since I was diagnosed 20 years ago, I have lost around 92 pounds, Yea it took 20 years to do it, but my numbers are better, but not the best yet. I still weight 195. Another 60 to go, but my fiber scans are so much better. I don't get as tired and the flu like symptoms are few and far between. Try to keep STRESS out of your life, it seems to play a big part with me. Good Luck, you can do it. By the way, if your liver shuts down, it does affect your heart so some of the symptoms you were telling them would have lead them to think heart. As you progress in this and learn your body and watch for signs, you will realize what I'm talking about after 20 years I know when to just go to bed and rid it out. Watch what goes into your mouth. You'll pay for it later.