Advice about getting a fibroscan

[FarahS]

hi there,

I’m finding this site so useful. So my question is about fibroscans and particularly how to get one in Edinburgh, scotland, as that’s where I live.

My GP has referred me to Gastroenterology to get a fibro scan but it turns out there is a 37 week waiting list! I don’t think I can wait that long to be honest. Through a bit of research I found that the spire hospital in Portsmouth has it, but is this really the only other place I can get a fibroscan? Is there no other alternative here from Scotland? I am willing to travel so any advice here would be so much appreciated.

Thank you

Farah.

[Candy12]

The PBC Foundation is based in Scotland, give them a call I’am sure they know where the specialist liver units are and the would surely have Fibroscan or similar technology.

I never had my first sheerwave elastography ( my hospital doesn’t have a fibroscan, but the technology is the same) until 8 years after I was diagnosed and still only have them every 3 to 4 years so don’t worry too much if you find you have to wait. Your consultant will know what is best. But give the foundation a call.

pbcfoundation.org.uk

[exy21]

I didn't have one until last year, and I've been diagnosed 16yrs. I'm in Edinburgh and see a gastroenterologist at the Royal. They have one there. So when i had usual bloods done. I got one just after as takes very little time. Before covid I saw a gastroenterologist every 3 months. Now more phone appointments and doctors surgery do my bloods every 2/3 months.

[Cascade35]

Hi

I’m new to all this too. I had a Fibroscan done privately in central London. You saw the Gastroenterologist Consultant who did the scan, results printed off and then about 20 minutes to go have then explained to you and a proper one to one uninterrupted invaluable appointment. He is there every Friday and I saw him him the same week I made the appointment, no stressful worrying for ages. I was so anxious I just couldn’t wait months and months on a referral. If you want the details of the consultant etc please feel free to message me.

[Kakey]

Are you not seeing a GI or hepatologist for your care and diagnosis? I would expect them to order the fibroscan, which might put you further up the queue?

[FarahS]

thanks all, I managed to get an appt with a consultant Al beit on Portsmouth as he has availability next week 🙌🙌 fingers crossed it all goes ok.

[DebatDG9]

Hi I was diagnosed 7 years ago and never had a fibroscan. I was signed off by Gastro team to be monitored by GP - tests fluctuating around normal- but all doctors at the practice have retired and series of locums currently - actually feel as though I’ve been cut adrift!

[mattiasw]

I take yearly fibroscans. 1.5 year into medication, the value was 11, and 7 years later, 6.1, which is more or less normal. It has decreased every year, and is very comforting.