ultrasound scheduled Monday and feeling nervous

[mtk0925]

I’ve been on this board for some time. My last scan was at the end of 2021 and it was normal but my dr felt the scan was not done with the best equipment. Any ways I’m having one Monday. My enzymes have stayed a few points elevated for 10 plus years after having my first child. My diet isn’t great I have high cholesterol but I am a healthy weight. Just turned 40 and really worried it’s advanced to cirrhosis I’m just ready to cancel the apt and accept that that’s what it is. I don’t have any symptoms other than some fatigue and upper side pain on the right side but it’s very rare for me to have it. I feel scared to go to the ultrasound. I’ve had a lot of scans over the years but this feels different.

[Herman7275]

It's still best to get the test done, It's always better to be aware of your health so we know what's best to do with what they find out !! Good luck and let us know the outcome!!!Ron

[nash2 Partner]

The fear of finding out is a real thing for many. It is rarely a wise strategy. Beyond not knowing the facts you can also end up stressed by concern that isn't warranted. One thing to discuss with your doc, if you are getting an actual ultrasound rather than a stiffness measurement it won't really answer your question. Many modern ultrasound machines can make the stiffness measurement similar to the Fibroscan which is specific for stiffness but a standard ultrasound doesn't give you that. If cirrhosis is the concern liver stiffness is the measurement you want.

[mtk0925 in reply to nash2]

Thanks for your reply it’s an abdominal ultrasound to check my liver and gallbladder. My last one was normal but my dr thinks it’s because the the equipment was old and wants a better look with a higher quality machine

[nash2 Partner in reply to mtk0925]

Many of the new machines will do the stiffness test. Depending on the practice, the doc might have to order it separately.

[mtk0925 in reply to nash2]

I’ll come back and update after the scan when I get the results. Super nervous but I’m going to pray for Gods will

[Candygirl22 in reply to nash2]

It seems most people here are using the term ultrasound when what they’re really talking about is a Fibroscan. I am new, but that’s the impression i’m getting.

[nash2 Partner in reply to Candygirl22]

There is some confusion about that. A Fibroscan is quite different from an ultrasound exam but once they started building the stiffness measure into new ultrasound machines it got confusing. The key is whether they report a stiffness score or a velocity or just report on structure or abnormalities. When they say everything is fine it is likely ultrasound and the liver may in fact be fibrotic as ultrasound can't see that.

[Candygirl22 in reply to nash2]

That is why a patient should also get an MRE, a liver elastography. Which shows far greater detail of only the liver.

[goldencody in reply to Candygirl22]

That is the only test I do now

[Candygirl22 in reply to goldencody]

It’s really worth it because it gives so much more detailed information and solely focuses on the liver. I’ve heard of friends having biopsies before a fibroscan or an MRE. Makes me wonder why do something so invasive before other techniques that are not painful are used.

[goldencody in reply to Candygirl22]

I had a fibroscan but doctor also wasn't convinced about where I was with mash so I had a biopsy. Now I get an annual mre.

[mtk0925]

here is my results they did a partial scan of my right side I hope this is enough to tell me that it’s ok

Black and white

[nash2 Partner in reply to mtk0925]

Everyone here would be happy to have that report. Your doc will have to interpret it for you combined with the rest of your health information but that is a normal ultrasound

[lusitania84 in reply to nash2]

I know i would be happy with it and I'm waiting on my results right now.

[mtk0925 in reply to lusitania84]

Good luck!

[mtk0925 in reply to nash2]

Thanks Ill take it as a win

[lusitania84 in reply to mtk0925]

Mine was also clear this go around. I can't tell you how much of a burden has been lifted from my mind...🙏

[mtk0925 in reply to lusitania84]

that’s great news! Yes I feel a burden off my shoulders but I still have elevated LFTs by a few points so I know I’m not out of the woods for getting fatty liver or Nash. Something is irritating my liver and it has been for about 11 plus years

[VeeWat in reply to mtk0925]

Did you get tested for hepatitis C? That can cause elevated blood levels.

[mtk0925 in reply to VeeWat]

Yes I did negative

[Candygirl22 in reply to mtk0925]

Definitely stay on top of testing. Liver disease has no symptoms until you’re in cirrhosis or end stage.

[goldencody in reply to nash2]

My first ultra sound read exactly the same yet my liver enzymes were elevated so I continued with testing and I was stage 3 fibrosis

[goldencody in reply to mtk0925]

I had that done plus other tests which I think was a mri but had elevated enzymes so I continued in testing and finally a biopsy which indicated stage 3 fibrosis. So now I don't bother with fibroscans or other tests and only get blood work and an MRE.

[ThyroidDeb in reply to goldencody]

Same here but I was F1 mild fibrosis and mild fatty liver. Every 6 months I now have a US and the alpha fetoprotein non-maternal blood test on top of my regular blood work by primary every 3 months. I'm always anxious before it all though. 😏

[mtk0925 in reply to ThyroidDeb]

Does your ultrasounds show fatty liver? I’m confused as some say they can and some say they don’t. I don’t want a false sense of relief if I have more going on

[ThyroidDeb in reply to mtk0925]

The ultrasound can show an enlarged liver normally caused by fat. My Doctor said the only true way to determine the state of the liver is biopsy. Normally don't go that far unless other test warrant it. In my case all the other test indicated cirrhosis F4 and advanced fatty liver, that's why I had the biopsy which showed F1 mild fibrosis no cirrhosis and mild fatty liver.

[lusitania84 in reply to mtk0925]

Yes they show it because my first US about 2 years ago showed fatty liver along with just about everyone on this board. I started exercising, dieting, and cut out all alcohol. Then I ended up getting a contrast enhanced MRI about 6 months later which was normal. Somehow my mind was still not at ease over the whole thing and it wasn't until I had this most recent clean ultrasound that things have come full circle.

[mtk0925 in reply to goldencody]

Do you still get the ultrasounds or no? I haven’t had an MRE yet my dr said with my ultrasound and my enzymes being almost normal he would like me to have another ultrasound next year and didn’t recommend anything else

[goldencody in reply to mtk0925]

I see my hematologist annually now and have blood work done and ask for a MRE just to make sure my liver is good. I decline the fibroscan because it is so inaccurate and I am not overweight (130 pounds).

[VeeWat in reply to goldencody]

Is your MRE with contrast and how often?

[Candygirl22 in reply to goldencody]

Definitely the better way to go when you already know what stage you’re at.

[Candygirl22]

Hi there! New here but i’ve been around the liver disease block since 2018. I would like to encourage you to advocate for yourself and put fear on the back burner. Please keep your appointment, you are in control of your healthcare and you can handle this whether it’s good or bad news. New drugs are coming out onto the market. Have you looked into or asked your doc about any research studies in your area? I’m assuming by ultrasound you’re referring to a Fibroscan? I understand the anxiety, but it’s so important as you move ahead with treatment to know where you are with your liver health. My doc told me in one of my first appointments with her she didn’t start to worry about patients until their fibroscan score was an 8 or 9. I asked what mine was and she told me it was 14.1! At that moment i was kind of terrified. But i worked with my doctor to find a suitable treatment. You will too ♥️

[mtk0925 in reply to Candygirl22]

hi I’ve been on this site since about then as well. I’ve had up-and-down liver and I am mostly elevated for the last 10 years since I had my first daughter I’ve had many scans done always showing a normal ultrasound which I’ve been blessed I’m not much of a drinker and my diet could be a little bit better. My cholesterol is high so my doctor always thinks this points to fatty liver but so far it has not shown that to be true yet. I am a healthy weight exercise daily and meet with a personal trainer

[Alterity]

The machines are much better than they use to be. Don't be scared, be happy they are doing it for you. The more information you can get the better. It's the people that don't know what is going on is they ones that get sick and pass. When you know, you know how to listen to your body, you know what to do. Maybe it's time to watch what you eat so your body doesn't rebel so much. Listen listen listen and learn. The more knowledge you have the better you will be. Do the Ultra Sound!!!!

[mtk0925 in reply to Alterity]

I did and I’m happy I did relieved that it showed a normal very unremarkable liver

[Sunnyskies33 in reply to mtk0925]

Great news!

[goldencody in reply to mtk0925]

Unfortunately 3 of my tests indicated I had a remarkable liver yet I was F3 in February 2022. I had 2 ultrasounds and an CT scan but because of elevated enzymes I wanted to get to the cause and kept having more tests

[Sunnyskies33 in reply to goldencody]

Was the F3 based on biopsy or Fibroscan? I hope you are doing better now!

[goldencody in reply to Sunnyskies33]

Biospy and fibroscan. I am f0 and s0. I upped my exercise and changed a couple of duet items.

[Sunnyskies33 in reply to goldencody]

Excellent!

[mtk0925 in reply to goldencody]

That’s good. I’m surprised that it showed an unremarkable liver all those times.

[goldencody in reply to mtk0925]

That is why I kept having more tests. I did have elevated liver enzymes and needed to know what was causing it. There is liver cancer and mash on my father's side of the family

[Alterity]

Get the test done. There are no symptoms with this disease. Get the test and make sure your doctor starts doing it yearly. 4 years is way to long. The best way to live is to listen to your body, see the doctor and monitor the disease, just don't say oh well. You will be dead with that attitude. Be positive and live!!! If you don't want to live for yourself, live for your family.

[mtk0925 in reply to Alterity]

I did end up getting the ultrasound last and much to my surprise. My liver looked perfect and and I am good to go. I’ll be getting another scan next year and my six month done.