Need answers

Husband with SGOT of 49U/L, ALT 47U/L, CK 201U/L; had cat scan which doc says shows mild cirrhosis and referred to gastro doc. (Also what appears to be noncancerous cyst in kidney). Waiting to see gastro doc for consult-tough to get in.  No symptoms; he has been bruising more easily but attribute to high blood pressure meds (and had stint put in blocked artery in June.) He is a moderate drinker.  Doc says he can have his wine just don't binge.  1) what does mild cirrhosis really mean?; 2) should he completely abstain or can he have occassional drink; 3) what is urgency; 4)can cirrhosis rapidly get worse? 5)Is cyst related?  Thank you so much.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

To answer your questions:
1) Cirrhosis is a condition in which the liver becomes scarred, fibrous, and filled with fat, thus reducing its ability to function.

2) I would advise abstaining from alcohol.

3) Can't say without examination.  A liver biopsy can be considered to determine the extent of liver damage.

4) Yes, cirrhosis can get worse.  The time course will vary depending on the disease causing it.

5) I am not aware of a connection between kidney cysts and liver cirrhosis.

These questions can also be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
http://www.straightfromthedoc.com

[yvonne35]

sorry, one more fact - he is 60.  also, can there be a misdiagnosis of cirrhosis?  I don't want to be in denial but hard to believe that this reasonably health, very active, no symptom man would have this disease.

[Kalio1]

Has he been tested for Hep C? Cirrosis (cirrhosis) is serious business, alcohol is a big no no. Google it. good luck to you.

[yvonne35]

Thanks - he is negative on all the hep tests.  With mild elevations, no hep, and again moderate but not out of control drinking, able to do significant physical exercise, hard to believe.  I got an appt. today with another doc so hoping for more answers.  He wants his occasional wine and I'm trying to convince him not to do it until we have firm diagnosis.  I saw ultrasound better than CT so mabye again misdiagnosed?  Again - thank you.

[dcdre14]

He needs to stop drinking ASAP.

ANY alcohol is bad when you have health issues like these!

[yoshi]

http://www.medicinenet.com/cirrhosis/article.htm
read this article,it talks about other causes of liver cirrohis besides alcohol,like iron,copper,parasite.
Also kidney failure related to liver problem.

[yvonne35]

Thanks everyone for all your comments and suggestions.  I appreciate it.