FIB-4 Blood Test Result is 3.1

Hi. I recently had a FIB-4 blood test. The doctor called me and said he was referring me to the hospital and I’m waiting for an appointment. My own research has revealed that a reading of 3.1 on a FIB-4 blood test indicates advanced liver fibrosis. I’ve had a dull pain that comes and goes on the right side of my abdomen beneath the rib cage. Right now, I can feel some sort of sensation there, no pain, just feels “funny”.

I’m 59, non smoker (never smoked), type 2 diabetes but well controlled, 13.5 stone (a bit overweight). Moderate drinker, usually at weekends, but have now stopped.

I’m panicking past myself and have no idea how this is going to play itself out and what the prognosis is likely to be, and what steps I can take myself.

It seems there may be a long waiting list to be seen at the hospital.

Can somebody please advise?

Thanks

[Sunnyskies33]

Hi and welcome! Keep up with the not drinking and start eating a Mediterranean diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, olive oil, coffee, whole grains, legumes, fish. Avoid added sugar, saturated fats and refined flours (white bread and pasta, crackers etc). Try to lose any extra pounds but slow and steady is best for liver. If you are able get some exercise each day like a brisk walk for 30 minutes. You will likely have some imaging done like ultrasound and fibroscan to see if you have a fatty liver and/or scarring. Don't panic but start with the healthy living today. Many levels of liver injury can be reversed over time with healthy living. Both British Liver Trust and the Fatty Liver Foundation have a lot of helpful info on this. Take care!

[Hidden in reply to Sunnyskies33]

Thank you. I have been previously told I have NAFLD. I’m trying to get a fibroscan done privately but just can find any in the North West. Even the private hospital I’ve been to before (not liver related) doesn’t have one, just the local NHS hospital that I’m waiting an appointment for.

[Sunnyskies33 in reply to Hidden]

Maybe the nurses at British Liver Trust can suggest places for a fibroscan or assist with suggestions.

[Hidden]

Thanks again. I’ll get in touch 👍🏻

[Troutwhisperer]

If you have fibrosis and/ or scarring of the liver you may want to speak with doctor regarding first ever drug, Rezdiffra, approved for NASH patients here in USA by FDA. Progression of disease halted in clinical trials for patients who are either F2 or F3, patients whose livers have been diagnosed with Fibrosis. Contact also Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, they created the drug. I have recently received email from them suggesting all patients with fatty liver disease need to be tested for Fibrosis. Also, they could clarify if drug is already available in UK.

Hope this helps, keep asking questions until you get the answers you need!

Best Wishes,

Troutwhisperer

Turlock, Ca. USA

[lusitania84]

If there are waiting lists over there I wonder if it would be possible for you to come to the States for tests/ treatment...?

[Hidden]

Thanks, but I can see somebody privately over here

[Shelterdog]

oh gosh, why does it take so long to be seen at a hospital? That’s scary!