Reversing NASH/Fibrosis

[nash1996]

Hi all,

I'm 26, living in the UK. I have recently been diagnosed with NASH and F2 fibrosis.

Bit of background. Bloods about 5 years ago or so showed raised ALT. Had an echo which showed a bright liver. GP said it was NAFLD but that it wasn't serious. Didn't do any research and carried on enjoying my life perhaps a little too much, moderate alcohol intake at university coupled with a diet that wasn't great (lots of fast food etc). I am overweight and have high cholesterol. Anyhow about a year ago I started feeling some pain in my upper right tummy, had more bloods which showed ALT significantly raised (300). Referred to hepatologist, had a fibroscan which showed F2 fibrosis and then a biopsy which showed NASH and F2 fibrosis. Hepatologist has advised there isn't much in the way of medication to help. Has advised lifestyle measures and most importantly weight loss.

So yeah. Here I am, young and healthy (I thought), but now a bit frightened. I've read that NASH and fibrosis can be reversed, but I've read elsewhere that it's unlikely.

If you could share your experiences of reversal I'd be appreciative.

Steps I'm taking include a Mediterranean diet, cutting out red meat, reduced calorie intake and exercise. Reduced alcohol intake. I'm also drinking lots of green tea and starting to take milk thistle supplements. I've been offered statins for the cholesterol but I'm going to hold off and try and get it down naturally.

I know this is my fault but I do just wish my GP was more forceful 4 or 5 years ago, as this has all come as a bit of a shock.

[nash2 Partner]

This story is a little out of date as my current fibroscan is 9.6 but the message is clear. There are no guarantees but for most people if they lose weight their liver will improve

fattyliverfoundation.org/st...

Wayne

[nerd1]

Hi nash1996, sorry to hear about your situation. I just wanted to reply to say I think green tea might be bad for the liver (not 100% certain but I'm pretty sure I've read it somewhere). I know coffee is definitely meant to be good for your liver though - maybe switch to that!

[nash1996 in reply to nerd1]

Hi there.

From what I understand green tea supplements can cause liver damage but multiple studies have shown natural brewed green tea to reduce inlflammation in the liver.

[Ilovejoe]

Hi Nash1996. I was being checked for high Alp and found to have a liver autoimmune called PBC. GI said PBC and Fatty Liver, lose weight and take med for PBC. Second opinion with hepatologist confirmed PBC and said I had NASH as well. Another test showed F2 and some F3. After two years I reversed to No hepatic Fibrosis! It is reversible! I changed my lifestyle, diet and attitude because I want grow old! You can too. I went through this a month after quarantine and a therapist helped me through all the shocking news and anxiety from a double whammy diagnosis and the world as it was. Best thing was I easily stopped drinking as I only drank socially and there was a load of time for research and cooking healthy during this time. Please know you can reverse if you are willing and diligent in finding info to help along this journey. If you can, stop the alcohol, no added sugar in any product if possible, no fried and fatty foods. Lots of coffee and EVOO, greens and fresh fruits. Whole grain products , beans and lots of water. I wish you good luck in this journey.

[nash1996 in reply to Ilovejoe]

Thanks so much that's very encouraging. I'm starting on coffee, god I hate it, but I'll persist haha.

[Maxy6]

Green tea supplements have been shown to cause liver damage, as they are very high concentrate. However, multiple studies show that drinking green tea may be beneficial-see link. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl... As always, discuss with medical provider before starting.

[Favorita72]

Hi ,Years ago I was diagnosed with fatty liver I have a year with persistent elevation of alt and ast, I recently had an ultrasound elastography and it gave me mild fibrosis 7.30 kpa, I have an indication for a liver biopsy, but I am afraid of this because I have read that it has bleeding complications, how did it go for you?

[LeiL in reply to Favorita72]

Why a biopsy versus a MRE. I still don’t think I’ve recovered from my biopsy and that was in 2014. I was sleep but recovery was painful.

[MINTVCX in reply to Favorita72]

Are you sure your did doctor recommend you a live biopsy based only on fatty liver and 7.3 kpa fibroscan? Very strange. No other tests that suggested any other liver disease?

Edit

OK you wrote "Ultrasound Liver Elastography" which is something else than fibroscan.

[LeiL in reply to MINTVCX]

In our neck of the woods its a type Fibroscan.

[MINTVCX in reply to LeiL]

Ok but I think is about shear-wave elastography (SWE) here but anyway mild fibrosis (F1 I think) is hardly ever indication for a liver biopsy if this is no suspicious for other liver disease. Especially with low level of kpa. But if doctors see good reason I think it should be considered then.

[Favorita72 in reply to MINTVCX]

My enzyme levels are elevated ALT 192 AST 96, US abdomen RUQ with Elastography mild hepatic fibrosis, The liver stiffness is 7.30 K PA, +/-0.24 K PA,fatty liver. But I'm afraid I may have some complications with the biopsy

[MINTVCX in reply to Favorita72]

Well ALT is pretty high so I think that's why you were advised to have biopsy. I would say if doctor ordered it you should follow this. I know biopsy is a risky procedure but is the test that provides sometimes data that cannot be given by other non-invasive methods. And it can help to schedule proper treatment.

To sum up please follow your doctor's recommendations. If you have doubts ask your doctor. Good luck.

[nash1996 in reply to Favorita72]

Hi there,

My biopsy was uncomfortable, but without it, I wouldn't have the correct diagnosis, as my biopsy told a different story to my fibroscan.

[latingutz70]

I had a biopsy done 5 months ago, glad I did because I would always be wondering! Blood test showed mild fibrosis, and fatty liver. Biopsy said moderate to heavy fatty liver but no evidence of fibrosis. It wasn’t to bad I’m 52 and I was sore on right side for like 2 weeks but nothing to bad. They took a couple of samples and I was done. Not a very long procedure. Best of luck on your decision making.

[Favorita72]

I am a biopsy scheduled for next week , what were the results of your biopsy?

[nash1996 in reply to Favorita72]

My biopsy showed NASH with F2 fibrosis, which whilst scary, was significantly less scary than the fibroscan I had before which showed cirrhosis.

[Healing24]

Nash1996- I too have MASH- new for Nash

Instead with F1, here’s the thing I was thought it’s more important to focus on the etiology in other words what got you there in the 1st place than the staging…. That’s where I think your medical Team needs to step up and start educating & informing us instead of spooking us…and dismissing us , stay in this community

We have some powerful souls like Nash2 just to name one who is really helping everyone with informative data that you can trust but verify as well!!! Good Luck on your health journey I want hear how you reversed this F2 let’s gooooooo!!!!!!