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Elevated liver function test after excessive drinking - liver damage?
Hi all,
To cut a long story short, after an HIV scare in July 2013, due to suspicious symptoms I diagnosed myself as having caught HIV, quickly developed severe insomnia, then anxiety and depression quickly followed. By the time I was convinced I did NOT have HIV, these mental health problems were ingrained in me. I had just completed a professional qualification abroad when all of these problems started, and have not worked since.
For the past two years, I have had all sorts of therapies, been in hospital twice, visited the Emergency Department several times due to anxiety and morbid thoughts, and been on all sorts of medications. Currently, I am on (daily): Trazodone 200mg; Quetiapine 300mg; Pregablin 300mg; and Temazepan 20mg.
A year ago, largely due to boredom and insomnia worsening (in spite of sleeping meds) I began to self-medicate with alcohol. The amounts were fairly modest at first, and generally only in the evening. However, in October 2014, I went on two serious, though short, drinking binges where, on each occasion, I drank two 700ml bottles of spirits within a 24 hour period. Both times I was admitted to hospital where I was given vitamins and Librium.
After that, I drank very little between November 2014 and March 2015. However, I started drinking again in March, and this became heavy at times.
But my drinking became REALLY heavy last month. In particular, I drank three 1.5litre bottles of vodka in the last week of July. Again, I ended-up in hospital, though only for a day. I have not drunk much since.
I had blood taken for a liver function test on 4 August. I saw my family doctor two days ago and he discussed the results with me. I cannot remember the names or details of the two test results we discussed, but he said that one was more important than the other. It was 96. He showed me historic results and, until 2014, the results were always in the 20s or 30s.
He said they would repeat the test in a few weeks and he just said to me "no more binges!".
Over the past few weeks, I have been sweating a lot. These sweats do not seem to be related to heat, though they are worse in warm environments. They also get worse when I eat or drink hot items. I also have indigestion on-and-off. My appetite comes and goes.
I do not have diarrhoea, vomiting, jaundice or yellowing of the eyes, or pain or discomfort where the liver is.
Does this elevated liver enzyme test indicate damage to the liver? Is it likely to be permanent?
Do the symptoms I am describing sound like they could be caused by too much alcohol affecting the liver?
Would other organs be likely to be affected?
Will not drinking, or drinking amounts within the government's "safe" guidelines return live function and test results to normal?
I appreciate your help and guidance in anticipation of your answers.
Thank you.
Gavin.
To cut a long story short, after an HIV scare in July 2013, due to suspicious symptoms I diagnosed myself as having caught HIV, quickly developed severe insomnia, then anxiety and depression quickly followed. By the time I was convinced I did NOT have HIV, these mental health problems were ingrained in me. I had just completed a professional qualification abroad when all of these problems started, and have not worked since.
For the past two years, I have had all sorts of therapies, been in hospital twice, visited the Emergency Department several times due to anxiety and morbid thoughts, and been on all sorts of medications. Currently, I am on (daily): Trazodone 200mg; Quetiapine 300mg; Pregablin 300mg; and Temazepan 20mg.
A year ago, largely due to boredom and insomnia worsening (in spite of sleeping meds) I began to self-medicate with alcohol. The amounts were fairly modest at first, and generally only in the evening. However, in October 2014, I went on two serious, though short, drinking binges where, on each occasion, I drank two 700ml bottles of spirits within a 24 hour period. Both times I was admitted to hospital where I was given vitamins and Librium.
After that, I drank very little between November 2014 and March 2015. However, I started drinking again in March, and this became heavy at times.
But my drinking became REALLY heavy last month. In particular, I drank three 1.5litre bottles of vodka in the last week of July. Again, I ended-up in hospital, though only for a day. I have not drunk much since.
I had blood taken for a liver function test on 4 August. I saw my family doctor two days ago and he discussed the results with me. I cannot remember the names or details of the two test results we discussed, but he said that one was more important than the other. It was 96. He showed me historic results and, until 2014, the results were always in the 20s or 30s.
He said they would repeat the test in a few weeks and he just said to me "no more binges!".
Over the past few weeks, I have been sweating a lot. These sweats do not seem to be related to heat, though they are worse in warm environments. They also get worse when I eat or drink hot items. I also have indigestion on-and-off. My appetite comes and goes.
I do not have diarrhoea, vomiting, jaundice or yellowing of the eyes, or pain or discomfort where the liver is.
Does this elevated liver enzyme test indicate damage to the liver? Is it likely to be permanent?
Do the symptoms I am describing sound like they could be caused by too much alcohol affecting the liver?
Would other organs be likely to be affected?
Will not drinking, or drinking amounts within the government's "safe" guidelines return live function and test results to normal?
I appreciate your help and guidance in anticipation of your answers.
Thank you.
Gavin.
Yes, the meds I'm taking are prescribed and I'm taking them at the prescribed doses.
COMMUNITY LEADER
Liver issues are cumulative,meaning the damage accrues over a period of years of heavy drinking.Are the meds you're taking rx'd by the doctor you saw?
I've continued to feel feel unwell (tired all the time, a bit weak and lacking appetite), though those unpleasant visible symptoms have gone, except for my hair seeming to be thin and brittle. My skin is also oily.
I went to see my doctor two weeks ago and he said my liver was irritated by the binges, in a way that it would not have been by only having a few drinks, but the various blood tests I have had showed that I did not have permanent liver damage, but I would if I continued with the heavy drinking. I asked him if I needed any scans, and he said no.
However, as I continued (and continue) to feel ill, I arranged an ultrasound myself. It was last Thursday, and it showed that I have a fatty liver. I asked the radiologist who did the scan if there was any sign of cirrhosis. She said she couldn't see any, but couldn't rule it out. She said she could only comment on what she COULD see, and what she could see was fat.
However, I'm not convinced that "just" a fatty liver could have caused the visible symptoms that appeared suddenly on 30 August, or me continuing to feel unwell.
As well as the drinking, I have been taking some prescribed medications that I know are not good for the liver, and fear that them and the drink, taken together, have damaged me.
I went to see my doctor two weeks ago and he said my liver was irritated by the binges, in a way that it would not have been by only having a few drinks, but the various blood tests I have had showed that I did not have permanent liver damage, but I would if I continued with the heavy drinking. I asked him if I needed any scans, and he said no.
However, as I continued (and continue) to feel ill, I arranged an ultrasound myself. It was last Thursday, and it showed that I have a fatty liver. I asked the radiologist who did the scan if there was any sign of cirrhosis. She said she couldn't see any, but couldn't rule it out. She said she could only comment on what she COULD see, and what she could see was fat.
However, I'm not convinced that "just" a fatty liver could have caused the visible symptoms that appeared suddenly on 30 August, or me continuing to feel unwell.
As well as the drinking, I have been taking some prescribed medications that I know are not good for the liver, and fear that them and the drink, taken together, have damaged me.
COMMUNITY LEADER
its never too late......i knew a lady years back who was on a list for a liver transplant.she had to use a walker and was only in her 40's!she didn't drink for 2 years and her liver enzymes lowered to the point where transplant wasn't needed!today she is 10 years sober!
I guess that is the nature of a growing addiction.
On Wednesday of last week, I was preparing to go to an appointment next day with Addictions' people.
On Thursday morning, something clicked in me and I needed to drink - so I missed the appointment and also a doctor's appointment on Friday. The next thing I knew, I was in hospital.
I now don't have the slightest inclination to drink and, since leaving hospital, have been doing what I can to drink plenty of water, fruit and vegetable juice, and eat healthily.
I just pray that it's not too late.
On Wednesday of last week, I was preparing to go to an appointment next day with Addictions' people.
On Thursday morning, something clicked in me and I needed to drink - so I missed the appointment and also a doctor's appointment on Friday. The next thing I knew, I was in hospital.
I now don't have the slightest inclination to drink and, since leaving hospital, have been doing what I can to drink plenty of water, fruit and vegetable juice, and eat healthily.
I just pray that it's not too late.
COMMUNITY LEADER
You should consider yourself fortunate to EVEN have a liver left!to drink again would be total insanity!do you have a sober support system?
I got tested several times for HIV in summer / autumn 2013. The results were all negative but, by the time I truly believed I was HIV-negative, the damage to my mental health had been done.
Unfortunately, things I got worse since I was posted. After relative sobriety for about ten days, I went on a serious 2-day drinking binge on Thursday 27 and Friday 28 August. Each day, I drank 1 litre of spirits.
I ended-up in hospital and quickly developed tachycardia and symptoms suspicious of a liver problem. I'll list them:
- Chest pain with nasty rash;
- Spider naevi;
- Burning palms and soles;
- Easy bruising;
- Numerous spots and pimples;
- Darkening of several parts of body, especially hands, arms and genitals;
- Loss of appetite;
- Itchy skin;
- Pain in joints and muscles;
- Slight hair loss.
I also developed a chest infection, but I assume that I was unrelated and has gone now anyway.
By Monday, the symptoms above had got so troublesome that I spoke to one of the hospital doctors.
He said that liver function and other blood tests had been done when I was admitted. He talked me through some of these: AST, ALT and GGT were all elevated, but not dramatically. Other tests were all in normal ranges. He said this showed that the alcohol was not doing me any good, but did not indicate serious or lasting damage. However, he agreed to re-run the tests as he could see I was agitated.
So, I got the results of the new tests later on Monday. These now showed milder elevations of AST, ALT and GGT. Again, the other parts of the liver function test, the full-blood count and clotting tests were all normal. He said I do not have cirrohsis or hepatitis, but need to reduce my drinking to be within the government's recommended limits.
I was released from hospital yesterday (Tuesday), and the suspicious symptoms seem to be reducing, though I slept a lot last night.
I have an appointment with my family doctor next Monday, and hope it can help bring closure to things.
This has given me such a fright that I have given-up alcohol and genuinely feel it will be a long time before I take a drink.
When the suspicious symptoms started, I was quickly convinced that I had developed cirrohsis, despite the doctor's and others' assertion that I had not. I am less panicky about that now, but still worried.
It seems obvious to me that, at the very least, the quick development of a whole range of suspicious and unpleasant symptoms can only have been due to my liver protesting at the alcohol abuse that I was giving it.
What are your views?
Unfortunately, things I got worse since I was posted. After relative sobriety for about ten days, I went on a serious 2-day drinking binge on Thursday 27 and Friday 28 August. Each day, I drank 1 litre of spirits.
I ended-up in hospital and quickly developed tachycardia and symptoms suspicious of a liver problem. I'll list them:
- Chest pain with nasty rash;
- Spider naevi;
- Burning palms and soles;
- Easy bruising;
- Numerous spots and pimples;
- Darkening of several parts of body, especially hands, arms and genitals;
- Loss of appetite;
- Itchy skin;
- Pain in joints and muscles;
- Slight hair loss.
I also developed a chest infection, but I assume that I was unrelated and has gone now anyway.
By Monday, the symptoms above had got so troublesome that I spoke to one of the hospital doctors.
He said that liver function and other blood tests had been done when I was admitted. He talked me through some of these: AST, ALT and GGT were all elevated, but not dramatically. Other tests were all in normal ranges. He said this showed that the alcohol was not doing me any good, but did not indicate serious or lasting damage. However, he agreed to re-run the tests as he could see I was agitated.
So, I got the results of the new tests later on Monday. These now showed milder elevations of AST, ALT and GGT. Again, the other parts of the liver function test, the full-blood count and clotting tests were all normal. He said I do not have cirrohsis or hepatitis, but need to reduce my drinking to be within the government's recommended limits.
I was released from hospital yesterday (Tuesday), and the suspicious symptoms seem to be reducing, though I slept a lot last night.
I have an appointment with my family doctor next Monday, and hope it can help bring closure to things.
This has given me such a fright that I have given-up alcohol and genuinely feel it will be a long time before I take a drink.
When the suspicious symptoms started, I was quickly convinced that I had developed cirrohsis, despite the doctor's and others' assertion that I had not. I am less panicky about that now, but still worried.
It seems obvious to me that, at the very least, the quick development of a whole range of suspicious and unpleasant symptoms can only have been due to my liver protesting at the alcohol abuse that I was giving it.
What are your views?
Your profile says that you were in a longterm relationship that ended. You've been alone since then. I don't want to get all scientific on you, but you've got a broken heart. Search out a mental health professional that you trust to guide you back from the abyss. Good luck to you.
excessive worry and stress will cause dis-ease, "the law of averages"
if you keep thinking you are sick you will be sick, you have to learn relaxation techniques and how to think positive, its not easy to overcome this negative thinking, ,, i know from experience, but it can be done, recovery is the way.
you very well may have some illness and discomfort but the mind can make it more than it is, when you have a anxiety disorder, the news you got from doctor is positive, also walking 7 miles is alot, unless you are trained athlete that would cause sweat and discomfort.
i hope you can get some peace, thinking good thoughts for you
Trev
if you keep thinking you are sick you will be sick, you have to learn relaxation techniques and how to think positive, its not easy to overcome this negative thinking, ,, i know from experience, but it can be done, recovery is the way.
you very well may have some illness and discomfort but the mind can make it more than it is, when you have a anxiety disorder, the news you got from doctor is positive, also walking 7 miles is alot, unless you are trained athlete that would cause sweat and discomfort.
i hope you can get some peace, thinking good thoughts for you
Trev
Hi BG,
Let's see .....where to begin! IMO this did not begin with the HIV scare. It began with an Anxiety Disorder of sorts leading to you being very mentally receptive to "High Anxiety". For someone to spin out of control simply because he THINKS he may have HIV is troublesome.
I am going to assume you never got tested to be sure if you did indeed have HIV, Yes?
Now your anxiety about "the unknown" had caused you to be placed on Three medications (assuming antidepressants) in addition to these meds you had begun to drink excessively--have I got that right?
Yes you Liver functions would be elevated if excessive alcohol is consumed, but the meds you are taking could also contribute and Interact with your alcohol consumption. This in itself is dangerous.
High Liver values are common from time to time, yes they do correct themselves if they are elevated from time to time and not consistently.
Meds, diet, and other things contribute to Liver problems like fatty liver, and elevations of enzymes. That is because the LIVER is the strainer of the body, everything has to be filtered through this organ-----unfortunately that means any toxins have to go through there. Alcohol and some meds are Toxic to the Liver.
Excessive use of Alcohol cause eventual Liver damage that cannot be reversed. Sooo IIF you want irreversible liver damage keep on drinking and taking excessive medications the combination will eventually do you in.
Right now I believe it might be a good idea to be checked out by a Gastroenterologist for acid reflux-GERD. This will condition is aggravated by drinking , diet and drugs. It may be as simple as getting on an antacid regimen to calm the acidity in your stomach, and esophagus.
IMO you could benefit from some psychological counseling for anxiety and depression.
Take better care of yourself and your thoughts.....and just knock off the alcohol altogether it is not helping but creating more health problems to be anxious about.
Good luck to you Gav
CML
.
Let's see .....where to begin! IMO this did not begin with the HIV scare. It began with an Anxiety Disorder of sorts leading to you being very mentally receptive to "High Anxiety". For someone to spin out of control simply because he THINKS he may have HIV is troublesome.
I am going to assume you never got tested to be sure if you did indeed have HIV, Yes?
Now your anxiety about "the unknown" had caused you to be placed on Three medications (assuming antidepressants) in addition to these meds you had begun to drink excessively--have I got that right?
Yes you Liver functions would be elevated if excessive alcohol is consumed, but the meds you are taking could also contribute and Interact with your alcohol consumption. This in itself is dangerous.
High Liver values are common from time to time, yes they do correct themselves if they are elevated from time to time and not consistently.
Meds, diet, and other things contribute to Liver problems like fatty liver, and elevations of enzymes. That is because the LIVER is the strainer of the body, everything has to be filtered through this organ-----unfortunately that means any toxins have to go through there. Alcohol and some meds are Toxic to the Liver.
Excessive use of Alcohol cause eventual Liver damage that cannot be reversed. Sooo IIF you want irreversible liver damage keep on drinking and taking excessive medications the combination will eventually do you in.
Right now I believe it might be a good idea to be checked out by a Gastroenterologist for acid reflux-GERD. This will condition is aggravated by drinking , diet and drugs. It may be as simple as getting on an antacid regimen to calm the acidity in your stomach, and esophagus.
IMO you could benefit from some psychological counseling for anxiety and depression.
Take better care of yourself and your thoughts.....and just knock off the alcohol altogether it is not helping but creating more health problems to be anxious about.
Good luck to you Gav
CML
.
I returned to see my family doctor this week and had blood tests (liver function tests and full blood count) repeated.
My Gamma GT was down from 121 to 72 (still above the upper limit of normal which is 61) and my AST was down from 96 to 25 (right in the middle of normal range).
I also had a physical exam of the abdomen and liver and the doctor said that these felt normal and soft, with no sign of inflammation, enlargement or hardness.
She said I should be reassured by all these findings.
However, I continue to feel unwell. In particular, I have pain and burning in many joints, the inner thigh and genitals. I also have occasional abdominal pain, nausea and lack of appetite.
If anything, the sweating has been getting worse. I am just back from a 7 mile walk and developed profuse sweating over most of my body a short time into it. My t-shirt and hair were totally soaking by the time I got home.
I have not been drinking but, despite the much-improved blood test results and doctor's reassurance, I am extremely worried that something is seriously wrong, and it is maybe not just the liver that has been affected - or it is something completely different that is wrong and the heavy alcohol consumption has just clouded the picture.
:-(
My Gamma GT was down from 121 to 72 (still above the upper limit of normal which is 61) and my AST was down from 96 to 25 (right in the middle of normal range).
I also had a physical exam of the abdomen and liver and the doctor said that these felt normal and soft, with no sign of inflammation, enlargement or hardness.
She said I should be reassured by all these findings.
However, I continue to feel unwell. In particular, I have pain and burning in many joints, the inner thigh and genitals. I also have occasional abdominal pain, nausea and lack of appetite.
If anything, the sweating has been getting worse. I am just back from a 7 mile walk and developed profuse sweating over most of my body a short time into it. My t-shirt and hair were totally soaking by the time I got home.
I have not been drinking but, despite the much-improved blood test results and doctor's reassurance, I am extremely worried that something is seriously wrong, and it is maybe not just the liver that has been affected - or it is something completely different that is wrong and the heavy alcohol consumption has just clouded the picture.
:-(
You're welcome BelfastGav - - but I haven't given up on trying to 'reach' (teach) You.
"moderate drinking will do most people no(?) harm"
ONLY
in the same sense that "moderate" amphetamine, cocaine, nicotine use will do most people no (?) harm - as ALL of them (alcohol included !!) are neurotoxic, psychoactive DRUGS.
Most people don't want to realize (don't want to know?) that alcohol is a drug also. Denial is a powerful thing. This I know is true
In my opinion "no more binges, Gavin" isn't good enough information. Rather You should abstain. I wish You well
Regards
Tink
"moderate drinking will do most people no(?) harm"
ONLY
in the same sense that "moderate" amphetamine, cocaine, nicotine use will do most people no (?) harm - as ALL of them (alcohol included !!) are neurotoxic, psychoactive DRUGS.
Most people don't want to realize (don't want to know?) that alcohol is a drug also. Denial is a powerful thing. This I know is true
In my opinion "no more binges, Gavin" isn't good enough information. Rather You should abstain. I wish You well
Regards
Tink
Thanks, Tink.
I know alcohol is not good for the body, though I don't think moderate drinking will do most people any harm.
My doctor said "no more binges, Gavin". That message is ingrained on my mind.
I know alcohol is not good for the body, though I don't think moderate drinking will do most people any harm.
My doctor said "no more binges, Gavin". That message is ingrained on my mind.
I would not presume to diagnose You but I would encourage You not to drink alcohol.
With the knowledge I have of the harmful effect of Each and Every ounce of alcohol to the Human Body, I will once again differ with our government and I will insist there are NO "safe" guidelines for drinking. The government and I disagree on MUCH but there is scientific, documented evidence of the effect alcohol has as it travels throughout the body - it would behoove You to educate YourSelf as well.
and Yes,
alcohol affects other organs besides the Liver - ALL other organs - the Heart, the Kidneys, the Brain, the Central Nervous System (spinal cord, nerves), the Digestive System, Circulatory System, Endocrine System as well. Alcohol reduces blood flow to the Muscles including the Brain and the Heart !! Need more info?? read up, it's there for all to learn
It's my guess that if we all learned the harmful effects of alcohol, we would willingly CHOOSE not to drink at all - we don't drink rat poison do we?? Why not?? Because we know it will kill us. Alcohol is a poison too. We need to learn that.
It's not too late to stop drinking - GoodLuck With Your Medical Findings
Regards
Tink
With the knowledge I have of the harmful effect of Each and Every ounce of alcohol to the Human Body, I will once again differ with our government and I will insist there are NO "safe" guidelines for drinking. The government and I disagree on MUCH but there is scientific, documented evidence of the effect alcohol has as it travels throughout the body - it would behoove You to educate YourSelf as well.
and Yes,
alcohol affects other organs besides the Liver - ALL other organs - the Heart, the Kidneys, the Brain, the Central Nervous System (spinal cord, nerves), the Digestive System, Circulatory System, Endocrine System as well. Alcohol reduces blood flow to the Muscles including the Brain and the Heart !! Need more info?? read up, it's there for all to learn
It's my guess that if we all learned the harmful effects of alcohol, we would willingly CHOOSE not to drink at all - we don't drink rat poison do we?? Why not?? Because we know it will kill us. Alcohol is a poison too. We need to learn that.
It's not too late to stop drinking - GoodLuck With Your Medical Findings
Regards
Tink
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