How bad is F4 Fibrosis with a 12.6 reading

[Bbsim]

So I just had a fibroscan and it came back at 12.6 kpa consistant with F4 Fibrosis. I have a feeling the way it was presented to me was played down a bit. How serious is this? I have been doing alot of Dr google and it is confusing... please help. Thanks

[ThyroidDeb]

Hi, did you have any other test besides the scan? What were those results? What is your BMI and do you have liver inflammation? Yes F4 is very serious however having a high BMI and/or a lot of fat in your liver the scan can show higher scores. Cirrhosis is not a death sentence watch your diet, lose weight and exercise to lose the fat you can stop progression not to mention the possibility of reversing a stage or two. Try to stay calm, most of us here had that problem when first diagnosed. Good luck!

[Bbsim in reply to ThyroidDeb]

Thank you for replying and yes I am freaking out a bit. I first had a MRI and ultrasound due to an elevated ALT. BMI is 40-42. My liver is 20cm with alot of cysts in the right lobe. One is 2.4 by 1.2 cm. I have been fatigued for months as well. I have been diagnosed with fatty liver probably for 20 years but they never had me see a specialist till now after my GI doctor got involved due to having microscopic colitis. The specialist said no cirrhosis just extreme fibrosis. I only socially drank, but like most people I like my sweets and red meat. I have lost 10 pounds before I had this scan so around 254 5'7" tall. I did have uncontrolled sleep apnea for Years and slightly high blood pressure. I know I am rambling....I know I cannot have any alcohol...also I need to make alot of smart eating choices. It will take time, but I just need to get over the freaking out stage.

[Alterity in reply to Bbsim]

Don't freak out, just change your ways. I was F4 and my scans were a lot higher than that, when they came down they were at a 17.4 and I was so happy. I have been in stage 4 for years, but I have lost 80 pounds in 20 years. Yes it has been very slow. Just keep everything in moderation and keep going the right way. Eat right, rest when need and learn to listen to your body. If you liver rejects something say away from it. You will be fine, just keep losing weight.

[Bbsim in reply to Alterity]

Thank you very much for the support. Everyone that I can see on this site is very nice and supportive. I just need to get this anxiety under control. I also have a cardiologist appt tomorrow morning. I am sure or hope this is induced anxiety from being on weight loss meds for 3 months which can exasperate underlying conditions.

[Alterity in reply to Bbsim]

Make sure you heart dr. know about your liver so he gives you meds that don't go through your liver. As in a previous post, I had to argue with my heart dr., he only cared about my heart which his meds were destroying my liver which would have killed my heart and me. He called me a day later and apologized. He researched Nash and liver disease which he knew nothing about, so be careful. Your liver rules your heart.

[Bbsim in reply to Alterity]

Thank you. I think my heart might be ok. Just had chest pressure since March before I knew all of this. This visit is hopefully just a precaution.

[Stewarpa]

Just checking in to see how you are doing. Hope your appt with heart specialist went well. Have you had any follow up visits with your hepatologist? I have found this site is very supportive as well. It does help to see others making progress. And yes, I was very angry and stressed when I first got my diagnosis and fibrosis stage. That is natural. This is a journey and you are getting your bags packed and ready to start moving. I like to remind myself that live is a journey and this part of it is going to have some new scenery.

[Herman7275]

Don't freak out, I had fibrosis3 and some cirrhosis and with a low carb diet, no alcohol, none or very little sugar and exercise it can improve rather very easy!! I have been going down this road since 6/2018 and my fatty liver has been reversed, and my fibrosis is improving. I go back to my hep. dr in september and am anxiois to hear what my new fibroscan tells, meIts not a death letter, But You Must Make changes in eating and lifestyle, Ron