Please Help...Scary Liver Biopsy Results?

[HeatherCakes]

My husband had the Gastric Sleeve done on November 20, 2014 and the doctor said his liver was lumpy and bumpy and she took a biopsy.  This is the results.  We are waiting to hear back from our primary care doctor.  His BMI has dropped from 55 to 49.8 in just 3-4 weeks.  I am freaking out about the results.  The internet can be a scary place to look for answers.  Can someone PLEASE tell me what the results mean.  The good, the bad, and the scary please....Thanks, Heather

A.  Liver, Wedge Biopsy:

- Moderate Mixed Micro and Macrovesicular Steatosis (Approximately 40%) with Mild Steatohepatitis (Brunt Grade 1/3).

- Bridging Fibrosis with Modular Regeneration, Consistent with Cirrhosis (Brunt Stage 4/4).

- Pas-D Special Stain Negative For Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Definiency Associated Globules.

- Iron Special Stain Positive for Mild Hepatocellular and Kupffer Cell Cirrhosis (1/4).

- Trichrome and Reticulin Special Stain Support Interpretation.

Comment:  The findings are compatible with cirrhosis arising in the background of steatohepatitis.  Correlate with clinical and laboratory/serologic findings.  

[Dee1956]

Hi Heather, I wanted to come back and give you the link for the cirrhosis forum.  The MedHelp site is full of  people more than willing to help each other.  It is great place for any kind of problem you may have or support you may need.  It sounds like your husband is off to a good start.  Due to his weight he may want to cut back on salt and sugar.  It is difficult to make a lof of changes in a short time.  I had problems when I was diagnosed with Diabetes but you just make small changes.  Take Care, Dee

http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Cirrhosis-of-the-Liver/show/1390

[Dee1956]

Hi there  fntn has given really great advice.  I have cirrhosis and was told to limit red meat or cut it out completely.  Also fatty or fried foods should be eliminated.  Increasing water intake will help the liver process everything.
I hope that over time his US will improve.  Mine has improved over the past two years.  I hope the same for your husband, especially as he is young.
Good luck to both of you, please keep in touch.
Dee

[HeatherCakes]

Thank you so much for explaining.  I have been stressed since the biopsy was taking.  As for drinking, he did drink heavy in his 20's.  He hasn't had more than a few (8) glasses of wine in the last 10 years.  I will keep in touch.

[fntn]

Unfortunately the biopsy results simply backup what your husband's doctor already suspected, cirrhosis. And it's primarily due to fatty liver disease it would seem, based on your message with very high BMI. I assume alcohol isn't a big part of this since you haven't mentioned it and it's not noted in the biopsy results.

But not all is lost. There are levels to cirrhosis and he's likely in the early, compensated stage, which is good. If nothing else changes, he can go on like this for a long time. But you can even expect improvements by taking actions yourselves (which you've started, great!) - diet and exercise, lots of it. People have are able to live long, complete lives by focusing on their health. The liver can recover in amazing ways.

There are many of us on this site (I'm cirrhotic myself) and there is the Cirrhosis of the Liver postings section as well. You can fight this, it isn't a death sentence. Keep in touch.

[HeatherCakes]

I forgot to add my husband is 44 years old.