Please help Is this Cirrrhosis?

[loobyloo18]

HI everyone, this is my first time postinhg here. I am worried and have just had a major wake up call. I have been an alcohol user for 20 years and probably to excess in the last five, I am 40 yrs old. I just had my blooed test done and have elevated ALT and AST..

ALT is 67 (normal 0 - 45)
AST is 56 (normal 0.33)
GGT is 45 (normal 0-45)

Albumin and Bilirubon within normal ranges.

If I stay alocohol free for a significant period, would these nos return to normal range or fo i have significant permanent demage.

Thanks to any for input....

[much needed mom]

try the hepatitis forum , I'm not saying you have hepatitis C but they seem to know a lot about AST and ALT and liver functions.  I'd get tested for Hep C anyway because it is known to affect alcoholics - although it is transmitted by blood to blood contact many alcoholics who fall into the risk categories (sharing needles, sharing straws etc.) develop the disease.  Elevated AST and ALT levels are a sign of HEP C.  If you stop abusing alcohol it will most certaintly help your liver function tests.  Good Luck

[hilly]

everyone always says to go to the hepatitis forum with questions about liver problems but the forum dates back to 1998. It seems that this is the only forum where people answer you. Thanks

[imkindly]

Here's some things that you may already know:

The word "hepatitis" means inflammation of the liver.
(Hepatitis (Inflammation) can be caused by many different things---for example: alcohol.....drugs.....viruses (hepatitis viruses)..... hereditary diseases (hemochromatosis, wilsons disease, etc.)......uncontrolled diabetes.....etc., etc.)

The word "cirrhosis" means scar tissue in the liver.

"Hepatitis" (inflammation) can lead to "Cirrhosis" (scar tissue).


Elevated liver enzymes (ALT and AST) are a sign of inflammation.
(Something actively bothering your liver).
They don't reflect how much damage has already been done......
They just reflect that something is actively (right now) bothering your liver. (inflammation).

When a doctor sees elevated AST & ALT----the first thing they should do, is ask you alot of questions (to try to find the possible cause).
(If you drink alcohol----that could easily be the cause.)
(If you take Tylenol or NSAIDS or other drugs----that could be the cause.)

The second thing the doctor should do, is tell you to stop doing those things........then come back for another liver enzyme test in a few weeks (to see if the inflammation has stopped).

If stopping the alcohol (or drugs) makes all of your tests return to normal range-----great!

If your enzymes stay elevated, even after you've stopped alcohol-----you should get screened for hepatitis viruses (Hep A, Hep B, Hep C, etc.)

Hope this helps.

[bradCHF]

I have to ask . . . Why were you having a blood test?

[Revenire]

First of all, drinking liquor can elevate your levels. Secondly, there is no way to tell if you have cirrhosis without a liver biopsy. You can be tested for Hepatitis without getting a biopsy and if you show HCV infection then I would recommend a biopsy.

In short, I think you're getting a little bit ahead of yourself. I understand your concern but you need FACTS.

Best,

Scott

[painpillhead]

plain and simple...get tested for Hep C.  I had elevated enzymes for years and blamed my drinking...got sober and what do you know?  3.5 years later, enzymes still elevated..bottom line--.GET TESTED FOR HEP.  
The treatment is out there.