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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Elevated enzymes
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
Elevated enzymes
by John8556, Nov 17, 2006 12:00AM
Seems like my question has been answered by reading the other posts, but my age is my biggest concern. 22
I routinely get bloodwork done about every 6 months (my parents are doctors)...and they are always perfect except for my last one in august.
All the results were high. I can't remmeber them exactly, but the ALT was about 85. The only thing that was really normal was the bilirubin which was also high, but has alwasy been high for me and was in its previous ranges.
I'm a heavy smoker, about 2 packs a day. I also take antibiotics for acne and allergy medication daily. NO caffeine in my diet.
My BMI is also considered to be slightly obesse and i have less than average muscle strength, so i'm assuming its underreporting.
Never drank before the age of 19. 20 is when i started to drink, about twice a week 5 drinks max per night (i'd usually puke by then and be on water the rest of the night). 21 started to go out 3 or 4 times a week. Maybe 8 drinks at most. Following blood work still came out normal. During the summer i drank about a 6 pack minimum a night for 2 months. Had a week break and thats when the bloodtest was done. A week later without knowing the results i drank about 4 days in a row with the 6 pack minimum then a week after that another test was done with slightly lower results but high still.
I'm assuming its from the alcohol, but everyone else that was basically drinking the same pace as me, if not more, decided to go get tested out and were normal.
I haven't been tested for hepatitis C, but i have been donating plasma about twice a week and they haven't flagged me, I am also not in any of the high risk behaviors catagories.
Other factors that i don't konw if they would contribute or not. I'm usually under high stress with school work. Sleep on average 3-4 hours a night sunday-thursday. Friday and saturday about 8-10 hours.
Any help would be appreciated....biggest factor is i can't talk to my doctor since he's my dad and i'm not allowed to drink.
I routinely get bloodwork done about every 6 months (my parents are doctors)...and they are always perfect except for my last one in august.
All the results were high. I can't remmeber them exactly, but the ALT was about 85. The only thing that was really normal was the bilirubin which was also high, but has alwasy been high for me and was in its previous ranges.
I'm a heavy smoker, about 2 packs a day. I also take antibiotics for acne and allergy medication daily. NO caffeine in my diet.
My BMI is also considered to be slightly obesse and i have less than average muscle strength, so i'm assuming its underreporting.
Never drank before the age of 19. 20 is when i started to drink, about twice a week 5 drinks max per night (i'd usually puke by then and be on water the rest of the night). 21 started to go out 3 or 4 times a week. Maybe 8 drinks at most. Following blood work still came out normal. During the summer i drank about a 6 pack minimum a night for 2 months. Had a week break and thats when the bloodtest was done. A week later without knowing the results i drank about 4 days in a row with the 6 pack minimum then a week after that another test was done with slightly lower results but high still.
I'm assuming its from the alcohol, but everyone else that was basically drinking the same pace as me, if not more, decided to go get tested out and were normal.
I haven't been tested for hepatitis C, but i have been donating plasma about twice a week and they haven't flagged me, I am also not in any of the high risk behaviors catagories.
Other factors that i don't konw if they would contribute or not. I'm usually under high stress with school work. Sleep on average 3-4 hours a night sunday-thursday. Friday and saturday about 8-10 hours.
Any help would be appreciated....biggest factor is i can't talk to my doctor since he's my dad and i'm not allowed to drink.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Nov 18, 2006 12:00AM
, Nov 18, 2006 12:00AM
There can be many reasons for an elevated liver enzyme test. Alcohol can do it, as well as various medications such as antibiotics.
I would consider an ultrasound to image the liver and gallbladder. If negative, monitoring the liver enzymes so they do not elevate should be done periodically.
Also, it may be advisable to obtain a non-family member as your PCP as well to avoid situations such as this.
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.
kevinmd_
I would consider an ultrasound to image the liver and gallbladder. If negative, monitoring the liver enzymes so they do not elevate should be done periodically.
Also, it may be advisable to obtain a non-family member as your PCP as well to avoid situations such as this.
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.
kevinmd_
General question to everyone.
I'm a little bit lost on this topic since my doctor my whole life has been my dad or family friends.
If i go to another doctor, i'd eventually have to tell my parents to avoid them further getting me tested. Since my dad is my doc, he's going to request for me to get the info transferred to him and i'm going to have to comply. Him knowing i drink is big enough to have me disowned. What all gets transfered is what i want to know? Am i able to tell a new doctor i don't want certain information given to my dad and he'll hide it...or is it all or nothing.
thanks in advance.