My 4-Year NASH Update

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

I was very apprehensive about this appointment because I have been experiencing a lot of dull aches and pains in my side—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 NASH. I actually have an article on my page if you would like to dive a little deeper into permanent nerve damage from NASH.

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 the elasticity of your liver, which determines the level of liver stiffness. It measures 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 would be considered moderate fibrosis. A range of 9–12 kPa suggests advanced fibrosis, and severe fibrosis is between 12–14 kPa. Anything over this suggests cirrhosis.¹

My recent FibroScan results

When I first got diagnosed with NASH, 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, which 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.

So, with this being said, my liver was screaming for help. Now, my latest FibroScan is reading a measurement between 7 kPa and 8 kPa, with some regions of my liver pinging as low as 6.9 kPa. That is basically within the normal range, meaning that over the last five years, I have managed to reverse my NASH and get my liver back to a healthier state.

Discovering I had reversed my NASH

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. Regarding being able to reverse the damage done to my liver, I honestly believe it was my determination, perseverance, and self-discipline.

As you can imagine, I am beyond thrilled with this news, as the last 4 years have not been easy, especially having to change my whole lifestyle to accommodate my health needs. Regarding what really helped me the most with reversing NASH, the first priority was changing my diet; what we put into our bodies has such a profound effect on our livers and other vital organs. Secondly, I gave up pain medications that are opioids, like tramadol. Thirdly, losing weight and completing some form of daily exercise made a significant difference.

My journey reversing NASH

If you read my update through to the end, thank you. It means a great deal to be able to share my story and convey knowledge and insight about NASH. 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, whether it's just confirmation that you're not alone on this journey or that help and advice are available.