Today I got the news I don’t think I really expected I would ever hear. “You have graduated from my care…”. Thanks Doctor Swendsen! I actually will miss you. The first time we met, I was in a really dark place, and you were compassionate and kind, and very informative...AND you really listened to my questions and my long list of food questions.
My initial FibroScan results are on the left (S2 Fatty Livery and F4 Fibrosis) On the right S0 Fatty Liver and F0 Fibrosis)
When in the office, I asked him what the results really meant. He said I did it! I really healed the liver...no more scarring, no more fat, and all of the blood work matches (in both instances). I asked if I still need scans for liver cancer every six months, and that is also a big no (yeah!).
My liver function was approximately 15% at the onset. It is now a happy, fully functional normal liver. We will re-do the FibroScan in one year, just so we can see it...but I'm good to go, move about the world and live my life. We discussed that we wondered if my first scan was really an F-3 rather than F-4, but I just got a note from him saying "I misspoke today, you did actually meet the criteria for cirrhosis on the first FibroScan based on fatty liver caused by inflammation from fat in the liver caused by weight, but only F3 if it was fat caused by alcohol. We can't really tell which was the cause, alcohol or weight, but it was almost certainly both. Either way, you really really did it. I just shared you story with another doctor and they lived it. Your an inspiration! "
Really, I'm just speechless. I'm not changing anything other than to continue learning how to take the very best care of myself. I'm not planning on backsliding, I have a new lease on life, and I'm not wasting this gift.
I was thinking on the way home that darn...if I can do this, the seemingly impossible health hurdle crossed...what else can I do with this life? I am going to do my best not to doubt myself again, and believe that with hard work, determination and solid information, we can do just about anything.
So I really thank you all from the bottom of my heart for being with me on this journey. It doesn't end here, I'm not giving up on improving, striving for more, and I hope you won't either.
Love, Sue
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