Nash fears

[Amy190]

So I’m feeling a bit deflated, had an initial very high fibroscan that was overestimated at 20kpa in 2020, had a follow up scan last year which showed 7.2 kpa, had a really tough time last year and probably didn’t take my diet/weight as serious as I should of done.

Since January I’ve lost over 20lbs and two dress sizes. I’ve also been on Ozempic / Semaglutide injections since end of March, I do have a lot to lose , but have been taking my diet more serious , I had an operation in March which has left me pretty much immobile so the weight is coming off , but slower then I’d like.

I had a follow up fibroscan yesterday and it’s gone up to 9.3 Kpa, I had intensive liver bloods in March 2022 which were all Normal.

I was so disappointed , yet my consultant didn’t seem too alarmed , he said my bloods are not that of someone with a damaged liver , not a point out of place.

He advised me not to focus on the numbers of the fibroscan so much. Last year July at my fibroscan we were talking Liver biopsy , he said we’ll see how it Goes and if it’s indicated we’ll do one. I don’t understand how my score is higher and he still isn’t alarmed to do one.

To be honest I don’t really want a biopsy with my current health and he is in agreement. He said he thinks I’ve likely got NASH and some moderate fibrosis , I’m only31 and feel so disappointed in myself that I thought everything would be ok after losing some weight and myLower score of 7.

He said nash can be reversed , and most Likely some of the fibrosis. He seemed ecstatic and really congratulated at my weight loss , he said he’ll Follow me up in 6 months time with another fibroscan and to just keep Losing weight , he said the bloods from March are so good and reassuring that I won’t need no more bloods at my next appointment.

When the nurse specialist did my fibroscan prior to the appointment she said there is some stiffness , so maybe we need to look at In the mean time doing a CT scan, MRI or Ultrasound , but consultant didn’t suggest.

I trust him as he’s the lead top consultant at an excellent London hospital, but I can’t help feel confused that he’s not overly worried about my score going up, maybe he feels it’s not truly representative of the condition of my Liver. I know what i have to do now and that’s continue losing more weight !

Any dietary tips for NASH? I see berries are good and some posts about vitamin E?

[Readlots]

Hi Amy, take the win if your consultant says you’re doing well! Fibroscan results go up and down all the time, this is only your second so the rise has disappointed you, but if you read other posts on here you’ll see that they surprise people by going down too. You're losing weight even though you’ve had an operation - that’s impressive. Give yourself a pat on the back and keep going. Your consultant is more experienced than a nurse so if he hasn’t recommended further tests, they probably aren’t needed. If you’re still worried have a chat with the BLT helpline, I’m sure they can advise.

[Amy190 in reply to Readlots]

Thank you! X

[MisterX]

Your consultant seems to be giving you very good advice.

The thing is that what you have to do now is exactly the same whatever the state of fibrosis - namely - switch to a healthy diet, get to a healthy weight and then if you can start to get some exercise.

Fibrosis short of established cirrhosis is reversible so it's really important you continue to embrace losing weight and eating better. Fibroscan is a good indicator but it can vary a bit your consultant is right to warn you off taking each measure too seriously in isolation.

Congrats on the weight loss. You might take a look at Micheal Moselys recommendations in respect of the Mediterranean diet - which isn't pasta - but is lots of fresh veg, legumes, fish and some meat. The basic idea is to eat food which is satisfying but which doesn't spike your blood sugar and has a variety of vegetables and fruits.

Another good bit of advice I find useful to remember is "eat food, not too much, lots of different colours".

What's worked for me in the past is to stick to 3 meals a day - perhaps a small snack with tea in the afternoon - but ensure that I'm not piling too much on plates. Modern plates are way bigger than we need to fill - so I usually keep meals to the middle bit.

Best of luck but you're in a good position right now.

[Amy190 in reply to MisterX]

Thanks so much, willCheck out your suggestions xx