NASH fears!

[Amy190]

So I’m feeling a bit deflated, had an initial very high fibroscan that was overestimated at 20kpa in 2020, had a follow up scan last year which showed 7.2 kpa, had a really tough time last year and probably didn’t take my diet/weight as serious as I should of done.

Since January I’ve lost over 20lbs and two dress sizes. I’ve also been on Ozempic / Semaglutide injections since end of March, I do have a lot to lose , but have been taking my diet more serious , I had an operation in March which has left me pretty much immobile so the weight is coming off , but slower then I’d like.

I had a follow up fibroscan yesterday and it’s gone up to 9.3 Kpa, I had intensive liver bloods in March 2022 which were all Normal.

I was so disappointed , yet my consultant didn’t seem too alarmed , he said my bloods are not that of someone with a damaged liver , not a point out of place.

He advised me not to focus on the numbers of the fibroscan so much. Last year July at my fibroscan we were talking Liver biopsy , he said we’ll see how it Goes and if it’s indicated we’ll do one. I don’t understand how my score is higher and he still isn’t alarmed to do one.

To be honest I don’t really want a biopsy with my current health and he is in agreement. He said he thinks I’ve likely got NASH and some moderate fibrosis , I’m only31 and feel so disappointed in myself that I thought everything wouldBe ok after losing some weight and myLower score of 7.

He said nash can be reversed , and most Likely some of the fibrosis. He seemed ecstatic and really congratulated at my weight loss , he said he’ll Follow me up in 6 months time with another fibroscan and to just keep Losing weight , he said the bloods from March are so good and reassuring that I won’t need no more bloods at my next appointment.

When the nurse specialist did my fibroscan prior to the appointment she said there is some stiffness , so maybe we need to look at In the mean time doing a CT scan, MRI or Ultrasound , but consultant didn’t suggest.

I trust him as he’s the lead top consultant at an excellent London hospital, but I can’t helpFeel confused that he’s not overly worried about my score going up, maybe he feels it’s not truly representative of the condition of my Liver. I know what i have to do now and that’s continue losing more weight !

Any dietary tips for NASH? I see berries are good and some posts about vitamin E?

[Alterity]

Just calm down. Listen to your body. They still don't have any testing that is really consistent. The one thing they do know is losing weight helps. Watch what your eat, if it doesn't digest right don't eat it again. it makes the liver over work. Get lots of rest. My liver function best at rest. Just don't stress it, it makes it worst. Your young, they will find a cure for you. I've had it 21 years and listen to my body or would have been gone a long time ago. I have lost 80 pounds over a 21 year period, so that's not much at a time and have another 50 to go, so I understand, it's slow.

[Amy190 in reply to Alterity]

Thank you, well done on your weight lossX

[SpidermanMom]

Congratulations Amy190! Kudos for focusing on eating healthier resulting in weight loss💃💃 For so many, the biggest hurdle is making healthier food choices and increasing activity. You've crushed that barrier!

After my son was diagnosed with NASH & liver tumors, he was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. (My mom had cirrhosis and NASH caused by diabetes). He was referred to the Liver Tumor Clinic at the University of Washington. His doctor confirmed that diabetes was causing NASH and liver tumors. Prior to UW consult it was a big struggle to figure out food because he was limited by diabetes, & NASH. Thankfully the Dr. confirmed to only focus on diabetes, not necessarily the fat. (But still recommending keeping it in moderation)

A few providers recommended a Mediterranean diet. Thank goodness, because Mediterranean foods are delicious! Info from the Mayo Clinic website:

What is the Mediterranean diet?

The Mediterranean diet is a way of eating that's based on the traditional cuisines of Greece, Italy, and other countries that border the Mediterranean Sea.

Plant-based foods, such as whole grains, vegetables, legumes, fruits, nuts, seeds, herbs, and spices, are the foundation of the diet. Olive oil is the main source of added fat.

Fish, seafood, dairy, and poultry are included in moderation. Red meat and sweets are eaten only occasionally.

The Mediterranean way

Interested in trying the Mediterranean diet? Get started with these tips:

Build meals around vegetables, beans, and whole grains.

Eat fish at least twice a week.

Use olive oil instead of butter in preparing food.

Serve fresh fruit for dessert.

Living the Mediterranean way also means being physically active and sharing meals with loved ones. Savor the benefits!

mayoclinic.org/healthy-life...

Are you taking any medication that could affect the fibroscan? Ask your Dr. if ordering a CT scan/MRI would be helpful.

You are awesome. Keep up the great work!

[Amy190 in reply to SpidermanMom]

Thank you, this is really helpful! I hope your son is doing ok.

I am on reflux medication , and strong antihistamines, also some meds for a bowel Problem, unsure is they can affect the scan.

He said at this stage we don’t need to do anything else and to just Keep losing the weight , no biopsy Or imaging Needed x

[nash2 Partner]

Hi Amy

At lower levels FibroScan can vary quite a bit for a variety of reasons so your doc is right to just view it as a data point to consider over time. You are doing the right things so don't get distracted by over testing or over thinking. The weight loss is key.

[Amy190 in reply to nash2]

Thank you! X

[geneticnash]

Keep up the good work and don't get deflated. This can be reversed, as everyone has stated. Focus on a healthy diet and exercise - you are off to a great start!

[Amy190 in reply to geneticnash]

Thanks so much for your kind words x