ALT-AST levels on the rise

31 yrs old.
A while ago my doctor scared the begeese' out of me and said that I had 5 years left before my live locked up,
6 months ago, my ALT was at 55 and AST 119,
I have had the liver panel done(blood-lab work). I do not know what the results are yet. In Feburary, I am scheduled to get a ultrasound done.
In June is when I have my next appointment with my Primary care doctor. (One week prior to that appointment I have lab work done again.)
My doctor suspects Hep. I don't know what to think.
I think my doctor thinks I'm doing allot of drinking, and I don't. I know what denile is, but that doesn't apply in this case. I have been drinking from time to time "socially" in moderation. I feel justified because no one has definately diagnosed me with anything yet! I'm acting in ignorance I know.
But why totally change my thinking on things without a reason?
There has been no diganosis yet. And my appointments are so far spread apart, I don't see the emergency.
I have what feels like digestion and gas pains (lately pretty regular.) I'm a little overweight(holiday sweets and good eats!)
so I have written the pains off as discomfort associated with "the shrinkage of the belt or the clothes dryer must-a got too hot" Maybe the next time my doctor asks "Are you sure you don't have adominal (abdominal) pain? Maybe I'll answer "yes" this time.
I guess I haven't accepted the fact that I might be sick.
At this time I'm not positive I am.

[Forseegood]

If youre enzymes are elevating like that, means to stop drinking till you find out what is elevating them. Hopefully it isn't hep, but if it is, drinking will be a something you did in the past hopefully. If you need help with stopping, get into a program, if not, do it on your own. Hopefully this is a moot question and you don't have hep, but I'd certainly look into the reasons why your liver is acting up all the same. If you do have hep, youre in a good place, try not to freak out like I did and so many other people, and just go step by step. You can screw up your liver without having hep, with alcohol and/or drugs, there is even a phenomenon of fatty liver that can be from over eating.  Plenty of people have and thats pretty dangerous as well. Good luck to you in finding some answers, sounds like you do want to know some things to do or you wouldn't ask.

[cuteus]

"so I have written the pains off as discomfort associated with "the shrinkage of the belt or the clothes dryer must-a got too hot" Maybe the next time my doctor asks "Are you sure you don't have adominal (abdominal) pain? Maybe I'll answer "yes" this time.
I guess I haven't accepted the fact that I might be sick."
"I know what denile is,..."

are you sure?

I am not clear what you want us to comment on, so I just picked one subject matter. It sounds like there is not only a little denial about your condition, but also a tad of fear about what it could be. You are very concerned about your health or you would not be posting these comments.  Are you concerned enough to stop any and all drinking until you know what the problem is and how severe? This is not a judgement on your behavior( I do a little socialization myself, now that hep c is out of the picture), it is more like a friendly suggestion to avoid any further damage to your liver until you know what is going on.
take care

[MANGLER74]

The liver panel test is the tests for Hep. I do not know the results of the latest.
Prior routine lab work has shown all Hep. tests as negative.
Could stress be the culprit? I am scared of what it could be.
Who wouldn't be?
If I'm diagnosed with something I will definately stop drinking,
(the small amounts I occasionally consume.)
I don't have never claimed to be a complete angel, we were all young once and have done stupid things. I was no diffrent.

Will the liver biopsy display all my "past vices" for the world to see? I no longer do those things, and am ashamed of foolish decisions I have made in the past. I would like to leave them there.."in the past". I fear the liver biopsy will give a detailed history of past involvements.
Am I far off?

[MANGLER74]

"so I have written the pains off as discomfort associated with "the shrinkage of the belt or the clothes dryer must-a got too hot" Maybe the next time my doctor asks "Are you sure you don't have adominal (abdominal) pain? Maybe I'll answer "yes" this time.
I guess I haven't accepted the fact that I might be sick."
"I know what denile is,..."

are you sure?

After reading this (in my own words) and looking at it again,
you may be right.
Denile- mine would not be about drinking...but about being in denile about being sick.
I'm scared of what it might be, and living with a sickness.
Being "Fragile".

[MANGLER74]

Your right.
I was tested for Hep. during my last lab appointment. I know this because the Tech. pulling my blood asked me had I been exposed to Hep.? and said that that is what the extra viles was for.
If this is the case, I need to find out the results.
Thanks for pointing this out to me, I didn't mean to sound ignorant, but THERE IS SO MUCH I DON'T KNOW. I want to educate myself about it, but what? I need to know what's wrong first.
I will call and see if someone could tell me anything about my lab results.

[cuteus]

just don't let fear cloud your good judgement or paralyze your actions, let it be a powerful motivator instead. We all were afraid upon diagnosis, I can only imagine the fear you have when you don't know where the enemy is coming from.
Follow Kalio's suggestions on the hep test.
waiting for results and more tests can be very trying indeed.
but you found this site, and that is a very good thing! You can almost feel the cyber holding of your hand, when your resolve falters.

[NYgirl]

Until you find out the answer to "do I have hepC" don't worry about that.  The ALT and AST rise could probably be a LOT of other things.  

I'm not sure why you aren't aware of the answer to that question - that is available in a simple blood test. It would seem they would tell you THAT right away and rule it out?

If the answer is YES then you need a biopsy.  It doesnt say that you have had one but...how else could a doctor possibly KNOW that your liver would "lockup" in five years if you haven't had one?

Remember the ultrasound will tell you if you have tumors and other malignancy type growths but only the BIOPSY can tell you the shape of your liver.

[NYgirl]

PS  Drinking is a definite no go - whatever is wrong with your liver...you do realize that the enzymes being raise means that SOMETHING is killing off the cells in your liver? That means it's getting WORSE and alcohol by ITSELF can do that.

I'd definitely get tested to rule that out - or find out either way but drinking is not going to help you in anyway.

We've ALL had to stop drinking completely in here on treatment and found it not to be so bad. Even those of us who used to drink a lot (and I used to drink both your share, my share and your fathers share!)

Debby

[cuteus]

Thanks! I hope yours was stressless, and rewarding. Hopefully, there was a lot of fun gatherings on your end and good food!

I just wish spending was not such a big part of it. There are some people you just can't keep up with! They give so many presents at once, you don't know what to open first.

My older daughter was home with her husband, so it was very nice to have both girls with me. She has returned to Sweden, so now we are back to the routine, and paying off the cards.  Where is my W2? Is it too early?

[cuteus]

Kalio, BTW, I don't have legions of drs that use the word cure for SVR, but I got at least three, just in case you might want to know.
Dr. Cecil, used it as applied to my case, in person, not too long ago.
Dr Dieterich applied it to his own SVR.
and Dr. David Bernstein, recently used it, in a conference.

Those interested can search what their credentials are. Of course, there are always those that disagree with just as good credentials. People choose whom to believe.
Then there are the studies that find the little buggers still present after 0 serum RNA, and there are other studies that found none.  I have the bookmarks for them. Again, people choose whom to believe and what studies to accept. You can pretty much find things to back up any HCV claim out there.
take care

[GoofyDad]

My hepatology group, house-hold names ammong the liver-heads, calls it a cure. Emphatically.

Doesn't mean they're right, nor that new info won't change this opinion. But that's where they stand now, FWIW.

[MANGLER74]

I'm currently awaiting the return phone call from my doctor to see what the results of the blood test was.
As soon as I find out, I'll share the news....good or bad.

[Tonyz]

Remember that 'Hepatitis' Means Inflammation of the liver. Alcohol and many other factors can cause this. Raised ALT and AST
can indicate a damage of the liver, but do not tell you what is causing the damage.

If I were you I would not drink at all, also watch what types of medication you take. I would also seek out a liver friendly diet.


                 Blessings

                   TonyZ

[Forseegood]

I'm with Cuteus in theory, if it's heads it's cure and tails it isn't might as well go with heads. I'm just seeing so many different takes on this disease from so many "experts." Even doctors who feel this way about a treatment regimen, and others that way. Glad I'm finding out as much as I can on my own as well.

[genedog]

when ast is higher then alt 95% of the time drinking is involved

[GoofyDad]

Try to relax 'till you hear more from your doctor. There are a number of us here who are technically quite sick, yet we get along just fine and have reason to expect to live our full productive lives. Waiting is the hardest part with these things, so try to chill 'till you hear more.

Common sense would say a few drinks hasn't caused you harm, but it would also say a few more might not be the best idea right now.

If I were you, I would start looking into finding a good hepatologist - that is a GI who specializes in the liver. If you post your city, someone here will probably have a recommendation. Note that it can take a long while to get in the door - so plan accordingly.

PS - I have had discomfort caused by the too tight belt. It pinches the plumbing like a walrus pair celebrating springtime on a garden hose.....

[dyce]

The lab. where I go ran a hepatitis c anti-body test on me and I tested positive. It scared me so bad I quit drinking immediately! That was in 1991 and liver bx in 1999 showed no damage. My doc and I attribute this alot to discontinuing the alcohol and I drank heavily.If I were you Id consider my health.Hope the best!
rick

[cuteus]

Kalio, that is one question I would like to see speculating upon.  They find hcv in other fluids, but it does not seem to be replicating in it, so I am not sure how it works.

I wanted to add to that old thread but it was closed. I agreed with your basic premise of non transmission sexually if hcv negative. Just because they can not prove that there was  transmission sexually in svrs, does not make it a possibility.  It was hard enough to come up with actual transmission rates when people were not svr!  Anyway, if we can enroll in one of those studies that check you up with PCRs in all your tissues/organs without turning you into an autopsy candidate, looking for hidden RNA, let's do it, once we are SVR. I am game. IF anyone hears of any trials like that, in the USA, let us know. I for one don't think anyone is left in my HCV motel.

[andyarundel]

Seems one can the virus in many secretions of one

[cuteus]

on the toothbrushes; how do they discount minute amounts of blood from gum bleeding? it could be that what contaminated the saliva.

Kalio; the way it sounds Sweden is one of the best places to live. High standard of living, have not been involved in any wars in centuries(smart people) and they have national health and education programs. Very bicycle friendly also. Bike paths are away from cars, not with them. My daughter loves it there.

[cougareyes]

Are they doing a pcr test on saliva or is it the antibody test. If it's a pcr with a live culture of active virons that would be something to be concerned about.    Peace

[andyarundel]

And have the world's most wealthiest person, the most per capita billionaires and millionaires. What's up with that?

[andyarundel]

The problem is that to date most studies are on sexual transmission are anecdotal. Anecdotes are useless precisely because they may point to idiosyncratic responses. Much of the data presented as to the transference of HCV is speculation. It may be in the realm of speculation, excellent speculation, but never less speculation.

Presently risk factor designs are often designed or modeled with an outcome that may lead to the Hepatitis C being lumped in with STD funded programs, or HIV/AIDS funded programs. At present most harm reduction programs are marketed to the IVDU population, which may be appreciate with the large percentages of that population being infected with HCV. To date there has been a reluctance to fund studies into other methods of disease transference for many reasons. My hope is that with validated data these issues will not be addressed on boards such as here.

Certainly this community deserves to know the real risk factors. Personally I think the chances of transferring the disease via monogamous couples is low. What level of risk are couples comfortable with? Do people lie to their spouses about their sexual activity? Can the virus be transferred by people with an undetectable SVR? Would one bet their life or another

[andyarundel]

http://www.medmira.com/prs/2006/20060301.pdf


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MedMira Granted Hepatitis C Patent in Europe
Patent Further Protects MedMira

[DoubleDose]

I am happy to see someone other than me asking some of these (more sensitive) questions about where HCV might reside and replicate in the body, and just how 'cured' we are after we become SVR.  Also, the transmission issues are worth considering, with the caveat that maybe the virus can be found occassionally in other fluids, and maybe it can be 'transferred' to others in that form....but so far, it seems that this possible transfer of 'contaminated' fluids does NOT cause a typical HCV antibody response, nor a HCV blood/liver infection.  My chief concern is the question of whether this fluid transfer could possibly cause a 'localized' contained HCV infection within salivary or sexual tissues and fluids within another intimate contact.  Some studies have shown close contacts and family members of HCV+ persons to demonstrate 'cellular immune responses' to HCV on testing of various tissues and fluids....yet do not show the blood antibody positivity to HCV, nor any PCR evidence of HCV in the blood.  What this localized 'cellular immune response' to HCV means is yet to be described, or even discovered.  My concern, again, involves the possibility of an 'isolated' HCV infection in specific tissues, which may not be capable of moving beyond that status into becoming a full  blown HCV blood infection.  I have seen possible anecdotal evidence of this, and the reports of 'cellular immune + responses' cause me to give some credibility to this possibility.  I think further research is very much warranted.

DoubleDose

[Snookmiester]

Well, I thought I'd just drop this in here amognst another thread, as I know threads are left to more important subjects...Like listening to Andy talk to himself, and finding out who Kalio2 is, etc.. But amongst all the BS that is currently unravaling on this board, and all the self appointed philosophers and professors ranting between one another over who can cut and paste the fastest without a clue on how to interrpret what it is their posting.....I got some terrific news!!!

3 Months post tx.................UNDETECTABLE!!!!! Heptimax results just came back, and I'm still clear. Doc just called and let me know, and told me all my labs are perfect!!

So for all those that still remember what the intentions of this forum are about, HCV, looks like I might have made the SVR bus!!!

[mikesimon]

That is absolutely fantastic news and I congratulate you! I am thrilled to read that you're clear! Mike

[mikesimon]

I gotta agree with you about the direction of the board. It is starting to really deteriorate rapidly. Mike

[sailinlady]

CONGRATUALTIONS!!  Great news.  Thanks for reminding all of us why we are here.

[amommy]

Congrats!  That is such wonderful news :)  As I prepare for jab #2, it is encouraging to hear successes!!!! Now go do something fun with your new hep c free life, just be sure to come back often! lol

[Mister beagle bailey]

That is great congratulations!!!  The best for the New Year!!!

BB

[cuteus]

woohoo!! you've come a long way baby! from the miserable first attempt to finding a good dr to trying a second time with success!! Does  It seems like one bad dream sometimes? do you have to keep looking at your bloodwork to confirm you did have the darn thing and now is gone?
good job!

[2irish]

congratulations, i am very happy for you!  you deserve this.

[TnHepGuy_]

The correlation between having a clear 3-month PCR and then going onto SVR at 6-months post-tx is a strong one. Congratulations on your results!!! And I look forward three months from now to seeing "SVR" newly stamped on your get-out-of-Hep-C card.


TnHepGuy

[Tonyz]

<B>WOW is right.....</B>

<i>Isn't the feeling  Great!!!!</I>

Celebrate my brother.

Here is a huge

<FONT SIZE="+6" COLOR=" FF0000 ">Congratulations</FONT>

You are one great Warrior


              Blessings

                 TonyZ

[beamishboy]

so glad to hear about your results-We need Good News and beating the vrus Forever is Great! thanks so much for helping get us back on message.