Seeking Insights from Hepatology or Gastroenterology Experts
Hello, I'm an F31 healthy female weighing 76 kg, a significant drop from my previous weight of 103 kg. Last October, I received a diagnosis of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). In an effort to improve my health, I altered my eating habits and began intermittent fasting. Unfortunately, this led to a rise in my bilirubin levels to 1.84, alongside an increase in my ALT and AST liver enzymes. As a result, I discontinued fasting and focused on achieving weight loss through balanced nutrition. This approach successfully lowered my bilirubin to 1.1, and although my liver enzymes began to return to normal, my ALT levels remained slightly elevated. Recently, I underwent another blood test, which revealed an AST level of 16 and an ALT level of 25, the latter finally within a normal range. However, my bilirubin levels have once again increased to 1.3. In January, I had a fibroscan that indicated a S1 score (Cap 243) and an F0-1 (KPa 6.9). Despite this, I am feeling quite unsettled due to the inconsistency in my blood work results. Could it be possible that the fibroscan is inaccurate, and I might actually be dealing with severe liver disease?
Answers (1)
3/19/2025, 2:40:53 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's completely understandable to feel unsettled when faced with fluctuating liver test results. You have made significant strides in managing your Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and it's important to focus on the achievements you've made in your health journey.
Key Points:
- Your liver enzyme levels have shown improvement, with ALT finally in the normal range.
- Bilirubin levels can fluctuate for various reasons, and your current reading of 1.3 is still relatively close to normal.
- It’s important to maintain perspective on your fibroscan’s results in relation to your overall health.
Explanation:
Your fibroscan results suggest mild liver stiffness and fat accumulation, typical for NAFLD. It's common for bilirubin and liver enzyme levels to vary based on numerous factors such as diet, hydration, medications, and even stress. Maintaining a good diet and regular exercise, as you’ve been doing, often leads to better outcomes over time, as can be seen by your recent improvements.
While consistent fluctuations in bilirubin and enzyme levels can be concerning, significant changes usually point to underlying issues. Your latest results indicate that while your bilirubin has risen slightly, your liver enzymes have improved, which is a positive sign.
Next Steps:
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Maintain Healthy Lifestyle: Continue your balanced nutrition and incorporate regular exercise. Aim for a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while limiting processed foods and sugars.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any symptoms like fatigue, abdominal discomfort, or jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes). This will help professionals assess your condition better.
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Limit Alcohol: Abstain from alcohol entirely, as it can exacerbate liver conditions.
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Stay Hydrated: Make sure you’re drinking enough water daily, as dehydration can sometimes affect bilirubin levels.
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Follow-Up Testing: Consider scheduling regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor your levels consistently. If fluctuations continue, discuss the possibility of further tests or referral to a liver specialist for in-depth evaluation.
It’s great that you are taking your health seriously and seeking insights into your condition. If concerns persist, having an open conversation about these results with your healthcare provider can provide reassurance and further clarity. Keep focusing on your progress, and remember that managing chronic conditions often involves patience and perseverance.
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