Update - elevated Liver Enzymes. What could this be?

[jenza20]

Hi. I have recently posted symptoms relating to reflux/bowel/IBS etc. One of my main health fears is with the liver. I have had some results back for blood test today and told (for the second time) that I have elevated liver enzymes. The receptionist said the GP had left a note saying no further action from GP as I have already been referred to gastroenterologist. (Not till June though :weep:). But if I had any additional problems to go back.

So not only does it feel my worst fear is coming to haunt me, I have to wait till June before I see someone.

Has anyone else had elevated liver enzymes? I am classed as obese (not overly but still classed as obese), eat a lot of crap and used to drink a lot of alcohol. I don't drink nearly as much as I used to but still have 2-3 bottles of wine per week over the space of 1-2 days. Have I damaged my liver, could it be obesity and why on earth can't I stop eating and drinking rubbish? Even with the fears I have and even with the warnings?

[susysparkle]

hi there. i also had the same results from blood tests. my gp explianed that this can be due to taking some medication, both prescition, and also herbal remedies. its because the liver has to break dowm the subsatnces. but i was assured it was nothing to worry about.. take care sue

[jenza20]

Hi, I read on previous posts it could be related to some medications but I don't take any meds that can affect liver function. I take thyroxine and ppi for reflux. I don't take any herbal supplements.

[blondie47]

I'm no doctor but I think if something was seriously wrong with your liver it wouldn't take a blood test to find out.

I know waiting until June must be hard though. :hugs:

[Going home]

Hi there, my liver tests usually show a higher than normal count too, and like you i'm never sure why either...the docs are always a bit vague as to the reasons because there are so many things that can affect the liver, and they seem to jump on alcohol as the main culprit, however if by a bottle of wine over 1-2 days means that sometimes you have a bottle in one day and sometimes half a bottle on each day then that could be why as that amount in that space of time would probably overwhelm the liver a bit. But then having an infection can raise levels too, as can using ibuprofen regularly...admittedly in high doses! My alcohol intake has reduced alot over the last 6 months too but my last liver blood test says the count was still a bit high, but then i'm 3st heavier than i was 3 years ago, and am taking betablockers so it could be either or all of those things :shrug:

Take care
GH xx

[Peter_Scott]

Hi OP,

I have been down this too.

To have high LFT normally means inflammation of the liver, but there are many reasons for this and most are not serious and the effect can be reversed, so do not panic.

Being over weight can cause fatty liver or NASH, this is often a cause of high levels.

To determine what is happening you first need to have the blood result numbers, this will give you a better picture of what the problem is, it is not just the ALT, and AST but the full panel if you have them.

A liver specialist a Hepatologist is the best guy to give you the answers, if you can not see one the the next best is a good GI Doctor with an interest in liver problems. They should examine you to see if the liver is the normal size and normally they will first do an ultrasound, and or CT scan to see if they can confirm fatty liver or NASH.

Fatty liver is very common and normally life style changes and weight loss is the treatment, but sometimes meds may help you.

Try not to worry, first see the Hepatology guy he will explain things. He will want to keep an eye on your bloods over time, this is what they are doing with me, mine are now back to normal after being elevated for over a year, Peter

[jenza20]

Great replies, many thanks!

I am stopping alcohol for a while and this should help me cutting back on the junk food too. Hopefully by the next set of blood tests it may look more promising!! I am gonna use this as a warning that my unhealthy lifestyle needs adjusting.

[oneofus]

Hi Jenza,

Try getting a cheap cook book and having a go at cooking your own. It's damm good fun and a great feeling when you eat something you've knocked up without nipping out the take away. Try the BBC series, http://www.amazon.co.uk/101-Low-fat-Feasts-Good-Food/dp/0563488409/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1271510236&sr=8-1-spell
is excellent and cheap.

Cheers

[jenza20]

Funny you should say that oneofus! I have spent all morning in the kitchen!! Made a homemade lasagne with turkey rather than beef mince, homemade low fat carrot cake, salad and homemade bread! Can't wait for my meal tonight!! I don't eat many takeaways anymore, too expensive, my downfall is snacking on crisps. I am so addicted to crisps!! Oh and a bit of chocolate occasionally. Thanks for your reply and you are absolutely right! Here's to a new, healthy me!! xx

[oneofus]

Yum! Yum! Send me a piece of the carrot cake:)