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MedHelp Member's Question

Elevated Liver Enzymes

by Anne, Oct 29, 1999 12:00AM
My ex-husband is an alcoholic and began drinking again heavily over a year ago after six years of sobriety (the relapse led to our recent divorce).  He is also on Lithium, Prozac, and Neurotonin.  He experiences frequent stomach pain, diarrhea, occasional vomiting, and his stomach is extremely swollen.  About a month ago, he saw a doctor and his liver enzymes were "moderately" elevated.  He was advised to stop drinking immediately but has continued to drink heavily every day, as his tolerance is very high.  How long can he continue this self-destruction without permanent liver damage?  How could he have all of these apparent symptoms with only moderately elevated liver enzymes?  I had hoped the results would be significant enough to scare him into detox.  Although he was sober for six years, he has no interest in AA or treatment programs, he has gone through 4 inpatient programs in the last 10 years.  I am very concerned that the damage is greater than the tests indicate (I care about him very much, I just could not live with the disease anymore).  Please advise.
Member Comments (11)

by flying chick, Nov 10, 1999 12:00AM
Have you tried Al-Anon meetings?  

I think it could help _you_ cope situation like this.

Good luck.

by JOHN NIZZI, Jan 10, 2000 12:00AM
over the last 20 years I have had high liver enzymes, levels like AST (GOT) 96 U/L, ALT (GPT) 91 U/L, GGT 100 UL.  my Internal Medicine Physician keeps telling me that they are just elevated and not to worry.  I talked to another Dr. who told me these levels are extremely high.  May I have your opinion.  I developed these levels after a trip to Puerto Rico (the rain forest) and got extremely ill.



  what should I do ??  Am I in any danger ??

by Marilyn Thrasher, Mar 31, 2000 12:00AM
On March 7 I had my 6 month blood work to check my cholesterol levels and liver enzymes. The results were excellent, just a little low on HDL.Within one week, my liver enzymes quadrupled, I experienced stomach pain and vomiting with low grade fever. Hepatitis results were negative. I am on lipitor. I am not a drinker. I am fearful of what this could mean. I am also experiencing pain in my upper back now. I am to see a gastroin. soon. I am fearful of what this could mean. My doctor has told me to stay off lipitor and I am being careful of what I eat. I still experience upper stomach ache, not pain. I have no nausea now. Any ideas? This has frightened me.

by Am I okay?, Apr 24, 2000 12:00AM
When I was a teen, I was diagnosed as having high liver enzymes, and my doctor told not to drink or take tylenol.  I'd been binge drinking since the age of 15, but I also was found to have a fatty liver.  In addition, I have polycystic ovaries.

Anyway, after abstaining from alcohol for about a year after my diagnosis, I began to drink again. I'm now 23.

I have frequent upset stomachs and lately I've been having some side pain.  Also, I've noticed that when I drink lately, I feel strange effects quickly - such as blurry eyes or a heavy, tired feeling - even after only one drink.  Just a few months ago, I could drink without symptoms until I was plastered - now I take a few sips of a vodka cran and I feel horrible.

I know I should go get my liver tests done again - but do you think I'm imagining these symptoms or are they real? Are my liver enzymes high from drinking or having a fatty liver?  Am I in trouble??



Thanks...

by Sam Speen, May 20, 2000 12:00AM
For seven years I have had two liver enzymes elevated (SGPT,SGOT). All other enzyme counts are fine. I've been tested for hep. a,b,c and the tests have come back negative. They say I have some fatty infiltration of the liver. Any Advice ?

by Hank Boggio, May 23, 2000 12:00AM
I was informed today by my insurance provider that a life insurance blood test revealed "elevated liver enzymes of 153."  I have not yet received a copy of the actual test, so I do not know what particular enzymes the test is referring to, or whether 153 is a significantly high number.  I have contacted my physician, but without a copy of the tests, he has informed me that he cannot speculate on what may be the cause.  Of course, I immediately think of Hepatitis C, although after reading the symptoms and causes I can't see how this is possible.  I do not drink heavily, but wonder if moderate alcohol consumption can vary enzyme levels to this degree depending on a person's bodily makeup and vary from person to person.  I plan on visiting with my physician once I receive a copy of the blood test results from the insurance testing agent.  However, I would appreciate any pertinent feedback and possible "calming words" from an educated professional.

by diana, Sep 17, 2000 12:00AM
I have been told that I have a moderately high level of liver enzymes.  I am only 24 single and not sexually active, I don't smoke, drink and do not have high blood pressure or cholesterol and also not on birth control pills.  I have also been vaccinated for Hepatitis B 2 years ago.  In the past years, my results have all been normal. I am confused as to how this may have happen. Is there any medications for this condition? And should I have another blood test done?

by Susan Lawler, Oct 10, 2000 12:00AM
I recently had some blood tests taken that revealed slightly elevated liver enzymes and I am now concerned as to what may be the cause of this. Do you have any information on this?

by Senek8, Jul 01, 2008 06:38PM
I am 33 and dealing with level 2 scarring on the liver. I have had a biopsy done and the conclusion is that the scarring came from supplements that I was taking for working out.

I am supposed to go to Vegas this weekend for a bachelor party and my enzymes are still slightly elevated. My question is, if I drink while I am there will I cause more permanent damage to my liver or just delay the healing process?

by GoingToMakeIt, Jul 01, 2008 06:56PM
To: Senek8
We cannot tell you what can happen to you. But why would you risk further injury? Ask your Dr that took the tests, see what they say.

by addictedme, Jul 01, 2008 09:06PM
To find liver damage you need a liver biopsy (painless). Your blood