Re: liver panic
ALT and AST can be poor indicators of the absolute level of damage to the liver. Someone whose enzyme levels have been raised for only a few months is likely to be in better shape that someone whose levels have been raised for years – even if the former has higher counts than the latter. A person with cirrhosis from hepatitis C can have normal ALT and AST counts.
Excessive alcohol habits can also drive ALT GGT levels up.
To get a clear picture, its best to have regular tests every three to six months and plot the results over time.
As for the pain, it was very likely a condition known as costochondritis, which is an inflammation of the cartilage that connects the rib cage. It can be quite painful and is usually treated with anti-inflammatory agents until resolved and may take as much as 8 to 12 weeks before symptoms finally abate.
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Best regards and Good Health