Newly diagnosed with NASH

[PistachioPlease]

62 yr old woman, diagnosed between Thanksgiving and Xmas. I was told in March that an ultrasound, for something else, saw some fatty liver . The GI doctor just said lose weight and nothing more.

Over time it started to worry me. I asked my primary care doctor about it. She sent me to the GI who specializes in liver. He wasn't concerned because my liver enzymes looked good.

He scheduled a fibroscan to get a baseline. It said bad fatty liver and some moderate steatosis (?). So he has me do a specialized blood test. Next I know he is sending in a prescription for Rezdiffra. He does not talk to me and does not respond quickly to any messages. He has not replied to my last question more than a week ago.

I'm concerned about Rezdiffra's side effects asking for reassurance that my statin does was low enough and did the fact I have an unconcerning to doctors, gallbladder polyp, would play a factor.

This all may be moot, since last years insurance wanted pre authorization and I am now on straight Medicare with a drug plan I doubt it will be covered. I think I've heard that Medicare doesn't cover it.

So that is where I am now.

[Anonguy]

I’m not on Rezdiffra although I’ve discussed with my doctor. It is not covered by Medicare and costs something lime $5k/month or $60,000 per year. Presumably you’d have to take it for the rest of your life. So, it’s not an option for me. Perhaps it’ll get cheaper or Medicare will cover it in the future.

It may as well not exist at all at this price.

[PistachioPlease in reply to Anonguy]

Actually my drug plan approved it and because I'm on "special help" with drugs through my state it will be just under $12 a month. I get to pick it up late Monday.

I'm still a little scared of it, but the pharmacist at the speciality pharmacy reassured me, as did the response my doctor finally sent.

[nash2 Partner]

Rezdiffra is prescribed for stage F2/F3 MASH, fibrosis in the liver, and it is a concerning diagnosis. Like you, many people have docs who ignore early stages. The use with statins isn't a concern. I'm glad that you finally got to a doc who pays attention even if he won't talk to you.

[BeatNash]

I have NASH and I'm on Medicare/ United Health. I was diagnosed in 2019. I am also on the transplant list for a liver. Stay on their case. Also do as much research as you can. My gi/hep told me to drink 2 cups of coffee per day too. Coffee helps to reverse fatty liver. I hope that this helps. Sounds like your docs are a little scared. I fired one for that. Lol I'm not on rez, I'll have to look that up.

[Deborahkd22]

I hope you get all the care you need including a healthy liver… my very best to you! I have been drinking black drip coffee for years and still have mash/and it advanced. I still drink 2 cups a day! Maybe it’s helping… but it certainly isn’t reversing it!