Context:

Aroosha Sarrafi experienced a delayed diagnosis of her liver condition despite a family history of liver issues, as doctors focused primarily on her weight rather than her high liver enzyme levels. Initially misattributed to weight issues, her symptoms worsened over time, culminating in a diagnosis of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a severe stage of liver disease characterized by inflammation and scarring. Her journey began with digestive issues triggered by fatty foods, leading her to adopt a vegan diet and consult multiple specialists, all of whom overlooked potential genetic links and other underlying health problems. Eventually, a FibroScan confirmed her liver fibrosis, a diagnosis that mirrored her father's condition and prompted fears of progressing to cirrhosis. Determined to manage her health, Aroosha resolved to overcome her challenges and focus on healing for the sake of her family and herself.

Dive Deeper:

• Despite her father's history of liver cirrhosis and a liver transplant in 2013, Aroosha's high liver enzyme levels went ignored as doctors attributed them to her weight and possible thyroid issues, delaying her liver disease diagnosis for years.

• Her symptoms began in 2018 with severe stomach pain and an inability to digest fats, prompting her to adopt a vegan diet and consult with various specialists, including a gastroenterologist and an endocrinologist, who remained focused on her weight rather than exploring other causes.

• Doctors repeatedly suggested her liver issues were due to fatty liver associated with her weight, prescribing antidiabetic medication for weight loss despite her healthy diet and lifestyle, which did not resolve her symptoms.

• A FibroScan eventually revealed she had stage 3 metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a liver condition involving fat buildup, inflammation, and scarring, placing her at risk of developing cirrhosis like her father.

• The diagnosis was a turning point for Aroosha, who feared experiencing the same health challenges as her father. She decided to focus on healing her liver and maintaining her health for her family's sake, embodying her belief that determination can overcome obstacles.