I'm hoping for a little reassurance really. I'm 33 and not overweight, and otherwise fit and healthy.
A recent routine blood screen (I had been feeling tired) showed elevated ALP and Gamma GT levels. I was told that they weren't alarmingly high, but high enough to warrant further investigation. Historically I have been a heavy drinker on and off, enjoying more than the recommended limit on a regular basis. The doctor told me to cut down drastically on the alcohol intake, preferably abstain altogether, and he would refer me for a liver scan and then repeat the blood test in two months. I had one glass of wine on two separate occasions during the two months.
The liver scan showed nothing abnormal or of concern. The second blood test result showed that the levels are still "slightly" abnormal but that there is a marked improvement. I am due to see the doctor tomorrow to discuss this. I'm feeling scared and worried about all of it, and am wondering:
Is it likely I have a liver problem that will affect my life from here on in?
Or is this likely to be a warning sign? If so, what warning sign?
I know ultrasound scans are not necessarily conclusive, but as it has come back normal, should I allow myself to be reassured that my liver is not fatty, scarred or inflamed?
Is it likely I will have to become completely teetotal, or will I be advised to drink well within the recommended limits from here on in?
Should I be alarmed or reassured that my LFTs have come back significantly improved, but not totally "normal"?
What questions should I be asking the doctor? I'm not great at these things, and I feel ashamed and embarrassed about it all. I don't know if I'm worrying unnecessarily. I know I can't be given any diagnosis here, but any advice or support would be much appreciated. I have no means of putting this into perspective and as a result am unsure of how to respond to it all.