Save Before Navigating does not recognize file attachment, work around?

Anyone run into this issue and have a solution?

The class SaveBeforeNavigating will only Auto Save if it detects a change on the record. However, it does not see a file being attached as a change. Thus, if uploading a file is the only change made, it will not save before proceeding.

Indeed, even formula checkboxes looking for a file only recognize it once it is saved. So, any thoughts on how we can get a record to auto save before navigating, if a file upload is the only change? 

In other circumstances if I am launching to a form, I can use some sort of sneaky field update in the background. However, if someone opens a record, and simply adds a file without making any other changes, I am not quite sure how I can force a change.