Dear Hepatitis Researcher,
I am writing in hopes that you may be able to help me identify locations where I may be able to obtain a Fibroscan in the U.S.
I am a 45 year-old female Caucasian, and I am not in a position to easily obtain a liver biopsy due to extreme sensitivities to multiple local anesthetics tested, and concerns expressed by my doctors regarding IV sedation/general anesthesia without further testing. They have recommended that a non-invasive procedure would be preferable given my particular medical history.
My ALT and AST levels have been elevated for over 20 years, with no evidence of fatty liver in multiple US or MRIs through the years. My physicians are leaning toward the possibility of lupus, lupoid hepatitis, or autoimmune hepatitis diagnosis. To date, testing has ruled out viral hepatitis, celiac disease, rheumatoid factor, and various other causes for the health issues I am experiencing.
I would like to have Fibroscan testing done to potentially assess the degree of liver damage, and/or confirm or rule out NAFLD/NASH as a possible cause for my positive ANA, and so that I can begin an appropriate course of treatment.
I live in Louisiana, and am able to travel easily anywhere in the U.S. that might have the technology available without the typical requirement for a liver biopsy as required in clinical trials. I greatly appreciate any help you can offer in my search for possible providers.
I have added additional information about my condition(s) as tags to this post. Please do not hesitate to contact me in this forum or via PM if you should require any further information as I am limited to the length of my post.
Thank you for your assistance and best regards.