My 4-Year MASH Update and Recent FibroScan

Hello, readers and fellow warriors. I am writing this article with great excitement. I recently underwent my yearly check-up with my liver specialist in October, and my FibroScan results are fantastic.

I was very apprehensive about this appointment. I have been experiencing a lot of dull aches and pains in my side. It is the same type of pain I experienced at the height of my cirrhosis diagnosis.

Thankfully, the pain is not from any new damage to my liver. Unfortunately, though, it is from the nerve damage already caused by MASH. I have an article on the topic if you would like to dive deeper into permanent nerve damage from MASH.

Understanding FibroScan results

If you are currently going through issues or a diagnosis regarding your liver, you may have already heard of or had a FibroScan. A FibroScan sends signals to measure your liver's elasticity. This determines your liver stiffness. It measures stiffness in kPa (kilopascals). The lower the kPa reading, the healthier the liver is.¹

Anything below 7 kPa suggests a normal liver range. A reading between 7 kPa and 9 kPa is considered moderate fibrosis. A range of 9–12 kPa suggests advanced fibrosis. Severe fibrosis is between 12 and 14 kPa. Anything over 14 kPa suggests cirrhosis.¹ Knowing where your numbers fall can help you and your doctor track your liver health over time.

My recent FibroScan results

When I first got diagnosed with MASH, my liver stiffness was 17.8 kPa. At the time, this was obviously worrisome news. I couldn't believe my liver was so stiff.

I also had an ultrasound done. It showed that my liver had doubled in size to 30 cm. No wonder I could barely breathe and felt constantly bloated. I also had a liver biopsy to determine if I had scarring and, if so, how much.

In short, my liver was screaming for help. Now, my latest FibroScan results show a measurement between 7 kPa and 8 kPa. Some regions of my liver are pinging as low as 6.9 kPa. That is basically within the normal range. It means that over the last 5 years, I have managed to reverse my MASH and get my liver back to a healthier state.

Discovering I had reversed my MASH

Both my specialist and I were over the moon. It was not until she said the word "reversed" that it really hit home for me just how challenging this journey has been. I honestly believe my determination, perseverance, and self-discipline are what reversed the damage to my liver.

As you can imagine, I am beyond thrilled with this news. The last 4 years haven't been easy, especially having to change my whole lifestyle to meet my health needs.

Lifestyle changes that helped manage my MASH

Here is what really helped me the most with reversing MASH.

First, I changed my diet. This was my top priority for my liver health. What we put into our bodies has such a profound effect on our livers and other vital organs.

Second, I gave up opioid pain medications, like tramadol.

Third, losing weight and completing some form of daily exercise made a significant difference.

My journey reversing MASH and reclaiming my liver health

If you read my update through to the end, thank you. It means a great deal to share my story and offer knowledge and insight about MASH. I will be writing an article about the various natural remedies I used during my healing journey and what actually worked for me.

As always, I hope this helps in some way. Maybe it's just confirmation that you're not alone on this journey. Or maybe it's a reminder that help and advice are available.