First ever Fibroscan with results.....

[Troutwhisperer]

If anyone has questions, comments, or advice your response is sincerely appreciated. Just for consideration my first Liverfast test in January resulted in a SAF score of: SO-A1-F3.

Fibroscan Results:

Protest Diagnosis: Fatty Liver..........K76.0

Valid measurements...........12. Total measurements............17.

(SWS MEDIAN = 0.94 m/s............SWS IQR = 0.05 m/s)

CAP MEDIAN............332 (IQR.........33)

E (kPa) MEDIAN.............2.7.............IQR .3............IQR/ med. : 11%

Report further states Stiffness score is the kPa median score of

2.7. Also, the table provided, indicates a score of 2.7 falls within the range of 2 to 7 which for NAFLD or NASH results in a “Fibrosis”score of F0 to F1.

Also, per the table provided, a CAP score higher than 290 dB/m results in a Steatosis Grade of S3. The Table states also that a Grade of S3 indicates the amount of liver with fatty change to be

67% or more.

The report further states the “stiffness” score translates to the degree of fibrosis that an individual has.

My thoughts and questions:

My liver is storing an excessive amount of fat with mild liver scarring. The report is suggesting some fibrosis??? Recently I read in a post that the Fibroscan does not measure fibrosis. So even though the test is called a Fibroscan I shouldn’t jump to any conclusion about how much fibrosis my liver has. I always thought up till now that the “F” score stood for Fibrosis, now I’m not sure. Although the Table provided refers to the degree of “liver scarring” for Fibrosis scores from F0 thru F3. However, the Table states: “ Fibrosis score F4: Advanced liver scarring (cirrhosis). So maybe the term “liver scarring” is synonymous with “fibrosis” ?

I also have to do a much better job with my diet and exercise IF that will make a difference in the amount of fat stored.

Best Wishes to all who see my post. I pray we all live long enough to actually see a “treatment” come to market!!

Most Sincerely,

Troutwhisperer

[nash2 Partner]

Really different results so I'd say additional analysis is probably needed to know which way to think. You can probably calculate your Fib-4 score

fattyliverfoundation.org/fi...

That might be useful

[Troutwhisperer in reply to nash2]

Thank you for your thoughts and suggestion. Regarding further analysis I’m wondering if trying to see a hepatologist, if even possible, would be better than trying to see a gastroenterologist. Although I wouldn’t be surprised if Kaiser says you can only see a Hepatologist if you are seen and referred by a gastro doctor. Reminds me of Jesus saying no one comes to the Father but through me. I know, where did that thought come from? Anyway I’m willing to go with the program inorder to have the best result.

Also, I would hope connecting with a hepatologist might increase the chance to participate in a clinical trial related to NASH if I meet the respective criteria.

Best Wishes,

Troutwhisperer

[nash2 Partner in reply to Troutwhisperer]

Anyone dealing with liver disease should see a hepatologist in my opinion but you may have to deal with the "process"

[Troutwhisperer in reply to nash2]

I respect your opinion immensely. Hopefully I will be able to have a consult with a hepatologist. I will make every effort to do so.

Thank You,

Troutwhisperer

[Hidden in reply to Troutwhisperer]

The only way to know the exact state of your liver is to have a biopsy. My fibroscan had me on the verge of cirrhosis when my biopsy showed only very mild fibrosis!! My hepatologist prescribed pioglitazone - a diabetes drug that helps the liver (an off-label prescription)

[LeiL in reply to Hidden]

Yes, I was also prescribed pioglitazone to help with fat storage. It caused an increase in appetite but I also had weight loss which was undesired—20 BMI. Be careful because discontinuance can cause hepatic fat to return. I no longer take it.

Just received my LiverFast results which stated S0 steatosis, F0 fibrosis, and A0 activity. However still have right side back and flank pain.

[MW923 in reply to LeiL]

I have that pain in the right front it's so scary comes and goes. Congratulations on your results. How are you that you stopped the medication? What is AO

[MW923 in reply to LeiL]

That's what doctor did the liver fast blood work.

[LeiL in reply to MW923]

LiverFst is done through QuestLabs. Nash2 has a Facebook Group and Page with ll the particulars. I didn’t use insurance ,instead paid the $200.00 fee directly to the company. “A0” - means no activity

[MW923 in reply to LeiL]

Thank you but sorry I'm kind of lost I don't understand your message about the insurance part and paying 200?

[LeiL in reply to MW923]

I’m in the U.S. and you can use insurance to pay for the LiverFast test. I chose not to use insurance and paid the fee which was $200.00 out of my own funds.

[MW923 in reply to LeiL]

Oh ok, but not use the insurance, I had it and used my insurance.

[MW923 in reply to LeiL]

I meant why didn't you use the insurance. Sorry

[LeiL in reply to MW923]

The processed seemed to be more trouble than it was worth. Not my experience but others have written that if the insurance doesn’t pay you will be billed more than $200.00

[Troutwhisperer in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your response. I want to check out pioglitazone. So glad to hear it is helping you! My Fibroscan suggests I may only have mild fibrosis, but my Liverfast test suggests I may have serious fibrosis. Maybe a hepatologist will want a biopsy. I’m going to find out.

Best Wishes,

Troutwhisperer

[MW923 in reply to Troutwhisperer]

Yes these test are all so nit trusting really, biopsy I hear is the best but I'm scared to do it.

[MW923 in reply to Troutwhisperer]

These tests are also scary because you don't really know what is accurate I have heard the biopsius is the most accurate but who really wants to go through that I guess if you have to you have to. Good luck with everything , I still have to do my fibro scan and I don't want to I've heard it's so inaccurate

[MW923 in reply to Troutwhisperer]

My liver fast test was 0 no fibrosis my doctor still wants me to do the fibrosis scan

[MW923 in reply to Hidden]

That's why I don't want the Fibro Scan, how are you doing now on the Pioglitazone?

[Hidden in reply to MW923]

I am doing well, thanks. Seems to be working and no side effects apparent.

[MW923 in reply to Hidden]

What is it for? I mean I know liver but what does it do for it? Sorry just new to all this.

[Hidden in reply to MW923]

Here is some info: frontiersin.org/articles/10...

[MW923 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, yes I heard it, but heard ots a dangerous drug as far side a effects. I will ask my doctor Thabk yiu. Are you on it and gas improved your liver?

[MW923 in reply to Hidden]

My was against it, saying it's not safe. I'm going to ask the pharmacist today about it.

[Hidden in reply to MW923]

If it was not safe then it would not be prescribed. Like every medication, however, it can have side effects but they need to be weighed up against ongoing liver fibrosis. Not everyone gets the side effects and some side effects are very rare. It was prescribed to me by a professor in hepatology and has worked for me.

[MW923 in reply to Hidden]

Yes I knew it's medication for us. I will have to see if my doctor will prescribe it for me. I'm on Metfomin now only been for a month so I'll see if he will. I don't evan know if I have fibrosis yet my liver fast said 0 fibrosis. Thank you so much.

[MW923 in reply to nash2]

I have been able find any here where I live, you it up and only that cones up is Gastro. Hmm

[lecc]

Hi trout,

my fibroscan yielded similar results as yours and my FIB-4 score is around 0.3.

(I had no liverfast test though).

What about your bloodwork? Did you compute your FIB-4?

Also, do you have intermittent RUQ pain? What about back pain?

I am asking because it would be nice to exchange experiences with someone in a similar situation.

[Troutwhisperer in reply to lecc]

Thanks for your response. I need to check my FIB-4 again. I believe last year it was between 1.5 and 2.0. It could have been higher, I’ll let you know what the recheck number is. Both Fibroscan seem to be very well respected. That said my Fibroscan suggests if I’m correct that I have minimal fibrosis and scarring. The Liverfast suggests the opposite. I believe that’s why Nash2 said he believes I need further analysis. I need to see a hepatologist. I have never seen one before. It seems that appointment is probably long overdue.

Also, the Fibroscan and Liverfast are two very different types of tests.

I have no back pain, and sorry I don’t know what RUQ ? stands for.

Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts. When we help each other I believe many more may also benefit.

Best Wishes,

Troutwhisperer

[Hidden in reply to Troutwhisperer]

RUQ is Right Upper Quadrant.

[Troutwhisperer in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for clarifying. No I have not had any RUQ pain. As you mentioned my FIB-4 score I will get to tomorrow and let you know. Thank you for your help.

Sincerely,

Troutwhisperer

[Troutwhisperer in reply to lecc]

Thank you for your response. Sorry I did not get back to you sooner. Regarding my FIB-4 score it was 1.21 in April of this year. I have not experienced any RUQ pain or back pain. No one has ever told me until recently that if you have liver disease you need to see a hepatologist. I had assumed incorrectly that my doctor would tell me that I should see a specialist if he or she thought it was important and/ or necessary. I have had several primary care doctors over the years and the idea of seeing a specialist was never mentioned. Now I no longer assume anything at least when it comes to liver disease.

Again, thank you for sharing. I’m sure we will have future communications. Best wishes,

Troutwhisperer

[MW923 in reply to lecc]

I have the RUQ pain. It's awful and scary.

[MW923]

Good luck to you, yes I pray they come up with a cure and as far as fibrosis not sure about that fibro scan I just know I don't trust it nor want it.

[lecc in reply to MW923]

Hi,

I went through this and i know it for a fact that its scary because its a constant reminder something is wrong.

Try to thjnk of the pain as a tool to keep you on track. My RUQ pain significantly diminished after i started exercising and eating clean. Some days (if i slept well) i dont even feel anything.