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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Likelihood that I did damage to my liver
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.
Likelihood that I did damage to my liver
by catnyc, Dec 28, 2004 12:00AM
Last week I went in for a physical because I've been feeling very weak,lethargic, and have gained weight that I can't really explain through what I've eaten or exercise level. I have a history of depression so the doctor prescribed me an antidepressant that I've taken in the past. My sister, maternal grandmother and father both have hypothyroidism and my sister has ulcerative colitis so I thought I may have a thyroid problem as well.
They did bloodwork and there did not seem to be a thyroid problem, but I was told that I have high liver enzymes and yesterday I had to go for more blood work to check for hepatitis. I am 99.99995 sure it's not viral. I did not exercise that day, or drink the night before. So I'm left to figure out what this is, and what I need to convey to my doctor.
I am 30 years old, about 30 pounds overweight. My drinking has been moderate over the past 2 years (meaning about 1-2 glasses of wine 4-5 times a week; plus about 1 time a month I'd go to a party and actually drink more 4-5 drinks) and in college 8-10 years ago I binge drank every weekend or less. Before two years ago i would have an occassional glass of wine or beer; and go to an occassional party and drink (never to the point of passing out.)
Occassionally after a party, I would take tylenol after drinking to prevent a hangover (not in excess of 1500 mg)... And I take tyenol between 1000-1500 mg every 2-3 days because I have fissures and it relieves the pain after I have a bm.
Other symptoms I've had over the past year or so that may/may not be related: this summer I had a significant amount of hair loss which I chalked up to our buildings old pipes, i occassionally feel dizzy after exercising or playing with my dogs, I am very very sensitive to motion, e.g. I get sick if an elevator goes to fast, and I hurt easily- if I open a bottle of soda and squeeze to hard it hurts. (I know these sound silly, but I'm looking for anything to help figure out what's going on.)
So my question is: does it sound likely that I did damage to my own liver? I'm terrified and have been racking my brain about what I've done to hurt myself. this is a new doctor I'm going to and I assume she won't spend a great amount of time with me, I need to know what's MOST important to convey to her/ ask her.
Any help you can give would be much appreciated.
Thanks for having this forum.
They did bloodwork and there did not seem to be a thyroid problem, but I was told that I have high liver enzymes and yesterday I had to go for more blood work to check for hepatitis. I am 99.99995 sure it's not viral. I did not exercise that day, or drink the night before. So I'm left to figure out what this is, and what I need to convey to my doctor.
I am 30 years old, about 30 pounds overweight. My drinking has been moderate over the past 2 years (meaning about 1-2 glasses of wine 4-5 times a week; plus about 1 time a month I'd go to a party and actually drink more 4-5 drinks) and in college 8-10 years ago I binge drank every weekend or less. Before two years ago i would have an occassional glass of wine or beer; and go to an occassional party and drink (never to the point of passing out.)
Occassionally after a party, I would take tylenol after drinking to prevent a hangover (not in excess of 1500 mg)... And I take tyenol between 1000-1500 mg every 2-3 days because I have fissures and it relieves the pain after I have a bm.
Other symptoms I've had over the past year or so that may/may not be related: this summer I had a significant amount of hair loss which I chalked up to our buildings old pipes, i occassionally feel dizzy after exercising or playing with my dogs, I am very very sensitive to motion, e.g. I get sick if an elevator goes to fast, and I hurt easily- if I open a bottle of soda and squeeze to hard it hurts. (I know these sound silly, but I'm looking for anything to help figure out what's going on.)
So my question is: does it sound likely that I did damage to my own liver? I'm terrified and have been racking my brain about what I've done to hurt myself. this is a new doctor I'm going to and I assume she won't spend a great amount of time with me, I need to know what's MOST important to convey to her/ ask her.
Any help you can give would be much appreciated.
Thanks for having this forum.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Dec 28, 2004 12:00AM
, Dec 28, 2004 12:00AM
If the viral hepatitis panels are negative, I would consider a liver ultrasound. Being overweight would put you at risk for NASH - non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, which can raise the liver enzymes.
A history of alcohol can certainly lead to an elevation in liver enzymes. You can consider abstaining from alcohol for awhile and then repeating the enzymes to see if they decrease.
If the enzymes are persistantly elevated higher than three times the normal limit with a clear cause, then a liver biopsy can be considered for further diagnosis.
You may want to discuss these options 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.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b
A history of alcohol can certainly lead to an elevation in liver enzymes. You can consider abstaining from alcohol for awhile and then repeating the enzymes to see if they decrease.
If the enzymes are persistantly elevated higher than three times the normal limit with a clear cause, then a liver biopsy can be considered for further diagnosis.
You may want to discuss these options 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.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b
