NAFLD and chronic hepatitis

[Tsbs]

I am a chronic hepatitis b positive and was recently diagnosed to have NAFLD grade 3 via ultrasound.

I haven't been on medication.

I was having right sided abdominal pain, also under the ribs and the back.

Ultrasound done revealed fatty liver grade 3 but couldn't ascertain whether there was cirrhosis or HCC due to the fatty liver. The liver was smooth and echogenic.

I saw a hepatologist who said I should do LFT.

Still awaiting the results.

Apart from the pain, I have been having malaise and occasional itching

I am scared I am likely having cirrhosis or HCC.

Urinalysis done revealed bilirubinuria trace amount.

I know the bilirubinuria shows that there's liver damage.

My question is that with the bilirubinuria, can my liver recover.

I am in tears right now.

[nash2 Partner]

The test you should ask your doc about is liver stiffness. Ultrasound doesn't measure fibrosis well but does generally show cancer if present so that is good. You need additional tests to be sure but the symptoms you describe don't suggest end stage so if you can manage the liver fat there is every reason to believe that you can deal with this successfully. The test you want is an elastography test, most often using a Fibroscan but some new ultrasound machines have it built in.

[Tsbs in reply to nash2]

Well I am from Nigeria, fibroscan is rarely done here. The hepatologist has already told me I will do liver biopsy in order to know what's going on in the liver. I just hope and pray that cirrhosis or HCC hasn't set in. I will be seeing the hepatologist on Wednesday

[Herman7275]

Yes , depending on extent of liver, but I was diagnosed with fatty liver & f-2&3 in fibrosis and some cirrhosis in 2018 and with several tests annually,living a strict low carb diet and exercise I have lost my fatty liver and my fibrosis, but I don't let my guard down. But there is definitely life after your diagnosis.!! Ron

[Tsbs in reply to Herman7275]

Did you have any symptoms before you commenced treatment

[ThyroidDeb in reply to Tsbs]

In my opinion, the biopsy is best. I had 2 types of blood test, one that indicated f3 bridging another indeterminate then the fibroscan with f4 probable cirrhosis and advanced fatty liver. In switching from gastroligist to hepotoligist he recommended biopsy since my test showed 3 different results. Biopsy indicated no cirrhosis, grade 1 fibrosis and mild fatty liver. I know it's scary, believe me, I was a basket case but am so glad I did the biopsy. I have had blood test since and my liver enzymes were great as were all others. Actually the best they have been in years, lost total of 77 pounds 47 since diagnosis ( I was cutting down even before). I did not have any known symptoms, I have gastritis and my stomach was bothering me so my primary did ultrasound and so the journey began. Try to not let yourself panic, watch what you eat and exercise, good luck.

[Tsbs]

Just saw the result of my LFT, ALT is 40 normal is 12, AST is 8, normal is 12. But there's hypoalbuminemia with value of 18 and normal is 30 and above.The hepatologist said it's highly likely I am cirrhotic due to the hypoalbuminemia. I have been scheduled for liver biopsy in the next 2 days. My prayer is that the cirrhosis isn't decompensated and that treatment can help me.

[stvienfan]

God bless and good luck. Saying a prayer for you

[Tsbs]

I did the biopsy almost 2 weeks ago, result not yet out. Recently I have been feeling somehow around my left side of the abdomen. Thinking it's ascitis or splenomegaly. I spoke to a gastroenterologist about the hypoalbuminemia but he was surprised that I can have albumin of less than 2 and have no ascitis. Yet to start antiviral because my doctor is waiting for the result of the biopsy. HBV DNA difficult to do where I am. I am only on atovastatin. I just hope it's not too late before I start treatment for both NAFLD and hepatitis b

[Tsbs]

Just saw the liver biopsy result which is metavir score F3A2. The pathologist diagnosis was moderate necroinflammation and moderate fibrosis and also NAFLD Brunt score 8/9.

Will see my gastroenterologist next week to commence treatment.