Liver Function Tests?

Question

Hello, I recently applied for life insurance and was told I had elevated liver function readings:
Bili 1.7 (0.2-1.5 norm)
AST 70 (0-33 norm)
ALT 54 (45 norm)
GGTP 284 (0-65 norm)
HAA 10.9 norm (<10.5 norm)
Yes, I've been drinking too much lately...been out of work for six months..fortunately I just found a job but what a price to pay if I killed my liver. I Now I DID drink quite a bit the night before I had the test and I've read somewhere that that could really raise the levels.
I had had blood work done by my rheumatologist a month ago and thought all was fine since I hadn't heard back but called today and was told those numbers were high too (wonder when they were going to tell me...it's my life here....), again, I had been drinking the night before...

So they are probably going to want to do more tests...I've been having trouble nailing them down on when and what but...
Anyway...any suggestions on what I can do besides pray?

Answer 1

I am going to have to agree with bauer. Having elevations in the LFTs across the board would be an indication of long term high alcohol consumption, not just the result of a one night binge. They may normalize if you stop drinking, but there may also be some permanent damage there.

It addition, there has to be concern for other hepatotoxic etiologies. (liver poisoning diseases). These could include: drugs, gall stones, cancer, hepatitis, and pancreatitis, to name a few.

Answer 2

Drinking alcohol will elevate your liver enzymes but you have several reading that are out of range which could indicate a problem other than your drinking. You should be tested for hepatitis B and C. This disease is dangerous because the liver is a non complaining organ and will only start showing symptoms when it is near failure. Please get tested. Risk factors for hepatitis C are tattoos, accidental needlesticks (medical workers), IV drug use even one time back in the day, blood transfusions prior to 1992, piercings, unsterile medical/dental equipment, and for hepatitis B add all those plus sexual contact because it is transmitted through bodily fluids.
It is a simple blood test to find out if you have the antibodies, then if you do you will need a viral load test. It is treatable if caught early enough, and managable. Best wishes to you.

Answer 3

Soooo BUSTED.
My name is Susie and I am a greatful recovering alcoholic with a God given sobriety date of Sept.10,1996.
Though not always perfect,in order or easy. . . sober life is more fun than I ever thought it could be and I am happier than I ever thought possible.
Liver function tests can improve dramatically and you liver can start to heal if you haven't waited too late and you quit drinking TOTALLY and do it NOW! ! ! !
Find an AA club and start attending regularly. . . AA members are what have helped me to understand my drinking,get through the tough times in early sobriety and are now my family and I would not give them or AA up for anything.


Good Luck

Answer 4

You mean besides drinking too much. I find it disconcerting to hear about someone drinking a lot the night before drawing blood. It is not just the "night before" that is causing your liver enzymes to rise. It is your lifestyle. I hope you take this as a wake up call and get some help.

Answer 5

Ok so i read and read and read more and more and more and still havent found my answer to why the hell my ggt is high. I dont drink, i dont eat crap for food, i am healthy as can be. I dont have pains in my side or feel bad in any way. My alt is normal and my ast is perfect. However my ggt is 79 and it wont go down. I tried everything. I took milk thistle and it doesnt work. I gave up exersice and still notta, I gave up meat and omg i luv meat but nope been off from it for a week now and not touched it. I also ha ha gave up froctose in ketchup and jams and still it wont go down. I need it to go down to at least 65. I will do anything even hold my breath under a monkeys butt just to get it down. If anyone knows anything plez tell me. Dont write me with crap just get to the point and tell me what i need to know. I have read so much pointless crap i am about to bust. Also i havent drank for 6 months if anyone needs to know. PLez plez help and sorry for my forwardness i need answers.

Answer 6

Chronic alcohol can lead to cirrohisis but were talking about CHRONIC use. Your numbers are elevated b/c your liver is enflamed. But remember that your liver is the most resilient organ in your body and can heal itself very quickly........ When your ALT, AST and total bilirubin are in the 1000's, then you are looking at evidence of hepatoxicity. Right now, it appears that your liver is upset. You need to drink in moderation before you turn your liver to pate'......

Answer 7

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RE :Liver Function Tests?
Hello, I recently applied for life insurance and was told I had elevated liver function readings:
Bili 1.7 (0.2-1.5 norm)
AST 70 (0-33 norm)
ALT 54 (45 norm)
GGTP 284 (0-65 norm)
HAA 10.9 norm (<10.5 norm)
Yes, I've been drinking too much lately...been out of work for six months..fortunately I just found a job but what a price to pay if I killed my liver. I Now I DID drink quite a bit the night before I had the test and I've read somewhere that that could really raise the levels.
I had had blood work done by my rheumatologist a month ago and thought all was fine since I hadn't heard back but called today and was told those numbers were high too (wonder when they were going to tell me...it's my life here....), again, I had been drinking the night before...

So they are probably going to want to do more tests...I've been having trouble nailing them down on when and what but...
Anyway...any suggestions on what I can do besides pray?
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