High Liver enzymes

[athelp]

My husband had a blood test done a few months ago....and had a liver enzyme that was high.  He had a second test a few weeks later...it was normal.  He had another this past week and the doctor called to tell him that he had several high enzymes and that he needs to schedule a test for a sonogram for his liver, pancreas, and gall bladder.

The first reaction was, oh no...he has hepatitis.  Though we don't know how he would have gotten it.  I was schedule for a yearly exam, so I asked to have blood work done...for peace of mine really, and all my tests were normal.  

Could he have hepatitis and not have given it to me?  Wouldn't I have tested positive too?

I realize it's probably early to be worrying and we'll find some answers out next week....but I just can't help the worrying!  

Any input would be very helpful.
Thank you!

[jmjm530]

Ask your doctor if your husband was tested for hepatitis A, B and C.

If not, insist he be tested now. Hepatitis C is not normally spread through personal or sexual contact. So no, you wouldn't necessarily have it even if your husband does.

But first things first, do the tests. The sonogram's a good idea too. And while they're at it, ask for an AFP (alpha-fetoprotein) blood test.

Chances are everything will be OK, but certain tests should be done.

-- Jim

[cuteus]

many things raise the levels, not just hepatitis. was he tested for hepatitis? Routine check ups do not include tests for hep, you have to request them. If someone had blood products prior to 1991, used Iv drugs, had medical procedures, piercings, tattoos, maybe even manicures or shaves at a barber shop, anything that could have exposed them to blood, should be tested for hep b and c.

[NYgirl]

If someone had blood products prior to 1991, used Iv drugs, had medical procedures, piercings, tattoos, maybe even manicures or shaves at a barber shop, anything that could have exposed them to blood, should be tested for hep b and c.


........that sounds like just about anybody doesn't it?  It's a scary world that we live in....................

If you have insurance it sure can't hurt to have the tests just in case. I had a "just in case" test recently (as my xhusband was diagnosed with HCV years ago - even though we have been apart ten years and you DONT usually get it through personal ways) and mine came up positive.  But I had other ways that I could have received it myself.  

If I hadn't wanted to be "sure" I never would have known and would have died with it by the time it was discovered.

Better safe than sorry.

[athelp]

They didn't actually test him for hep but they ask him all the questions....have you done this...did you do this...

Wouldn't that be something they'd go ahead and test for since he's had the higher enzyme level before?

[jmjm530]

Unfortunately, your average doctor is not well-versed in hepatitis. Of course, if you went to a liver specialist, they would have done those tests.

Just ask to be tested for hepatitis a, b and c. If your doctor won't, see a liver specialist. Just remember, it's not your doctor's liver we're talking about, it's your husbands.

-- Jim

[1fairygirl]

I'm wondering if your doctor did a blood sugar test on your husband.  If so and it was high, high liver enzymes can also be caused by type 2 diabetes.  Good luck to you both!
Smiles, Sue

[avidreader]

A sort of related question. I'm 7 weeks into combi treatment (I started off with a month of Inteferon and Procrit) and my AST/SGOT and my ALT levels continue to be high. They are higher then when I started treatment and higher then they were 4 weeks after the initial Inteferon/Procrit boost. Should I be worried? My doc (well the NP) says it could just be from the meds but says she wants to monitor closely. The good news is that my HGB levels are great and holding--they are higher then pre-treatment! Any insight appreciated.

[1fairygirl]

It's my understanding that levels can often change during treatment and is no cause for concern.  Best of luck!
Smiles, Sue

[avidreader]

Thanks Sue. I know it's been addressed in other threads but sometimes I just don't have the energy to start wading through them looking for specific info.

Tracy

[athelp]

I don't know if he did a blood sugar test or not....I need to ask him.  I didn't know that would cause high enzyme levels.  

I'm afraid I'm not very knowledgable about diabetes....need to do some research.  But I do know that his grandmother was a diabetic.  

He's had some allergy problems as of late...but I've noticed he's always tired now...not much energy.

[bouchie]

there are numerous things that can cause an increase in liver enzymes including bowel obstruction, different vitamins/herbs, alcohol,HIV,heart problems(CHF),was he exposed to any kind of pesticide or poisonous gas(ie. at work) too much tylenol and even diabetes. The biggest question is.... How does he feel?  Is he feeling ill in anyway?  My sister just got out of the hospital(5 days in) and her liver enzymes were 10x the norm and they didn't treat her for anything but dehydration because they are still unsure of why!  So there are many different reasons and most are not injurous to the body! Don't panic! :)

[athelp]

We got a call from the doctor's office....his hepatitus tests all came back negative.  So it's something else that's making his enzymes high.

I had no idea that there were so many things that could make them elevated.  They asked so many of the hepatitus questions....they gave the impression that was the cause of his test results.

Thank you all for you input, you've all helped me greatly!!

[junuevo]

Hi everyone.

My husband and I just came from the doctor office, and she told us that his liver enzymes are high. But the good news is that his blood sugar is ok and he does not have hepatitis A, B, and C.

Today he repeat the blood work to make sure the results and in the end of the week he will do an ultrasound of his liver.

What do you guys think about his situation? What could be it? Heart problem??

By the way, he is overweight right now!

Thanks!
Juliana.

[junuevo]

Hi everyone.

My husband and I just came from the doctor office, and she told us that his liver enzymes are high. But the good news is that his blood sugar is ok and he does not have hepatitis A, B, and C.

Today he repeat the blood work to make sure the results and in the end of the week he will do an ultrasound of his liver.

What do you guys think about his situation? What could be it? Heart problem??

By the way, he is overweight right now!

Thanks!
Juliana.

[Dweav]

I have had Hep-C for over 30year had a transplant and am now on PEG and have been with my wife for 27 years and she has been tested once a year ever since we found out I had it and she hasn

[Mustlovedogs99]

Hello!!

I have recently given blood at a company blood drive and I received the results stating I tested positive for HCV.  I spoke with someone at the blood center and they stated that their tests are highly sensitive and if I am re-tested my results maybe negitive.  They said that a virus that is normal, flu, etc may show up.  I got re-tested yesterday but wont get results until 3-5 days.

Does anyone know if this is true or not?  

Please let me know!

Thanks
Rachel

[Mustlovedogs99]

I recently gave blood and i got a letter stating I tested positive for HCV.  The blood center advised that I be re-tested which I have, as their tests are highly sensitive and pick up "normal" viruses.  I was tested at my again yesterday but have to wait 3-5 days for the results.

Has anyone ever heard of this?  Please let me know!

Thanks

Rachel

[scruffy]

Many times people get false positives and also a positive in the screening tests may also mean you were once infected and your body fought it off so it is no longer active hcv.If the second test comes back positive they will probably recommend further testing. Please post your questions up top in the more recent posts and you will get more responses and helpful info. Good Luck to you, Frank

[foreverfriends1]

In June of this year, I was told Liver Enzyme Test, showed Elevated GammaGT with another problem. Doc said it was not bone and had I been drinking. I repeated that I do NOT drink and had not took a sip since 1982. I also stopped the Pain Meds - Paracetamol over here - something else, in the USA - in early june too. My GP has had ultrasound of Liver, Gallbladder and spleen etc. and all looked normal. Last month the GammaGT was static - then it went down and now it is raised again. I am waiting to see a Rheumatologist to rule out LupusSLE & always ill and tired. I now also, have to see a Liver Specialist and am so scaaaared. I was on paracetamol 8 a day, for 10 years for pain relief. I am scared if the specialist want to take a Biopsy, am living of those power Aid Drinks and have little support. Please, can anybody advise me? I feel I have left this liver problem for too long - but surely after giving up medication and taking codeien 30mg it ahould have gone back to normal. Plese advise if you can foreverfriends1 (((thanks)))

[foreverfriends1]

Its me again "foreverfriends1" and would you believe it - still no rheumatologist and still no liver specialist. Had another liver function test and again GammaGT is 138 "Higher than b4" I am worried sick....my doctor does not know, what is wrong and after all of this time, is referring me to a liver specialist as it is "my liver". (thanx to whoever said it on here) ALL scans showed liver, gallbladder and spleen to be fine. I am not so sure as abdomen is starting to swell and sometimes ankles swell as well.Antinuclear is positive and different blood tests point to problems with the liver. I am so scared. I am thankful to the person who emailed me and said "Paracetamol" would have left the liver 3 months after taking the last one. I am in pain - taking few meds and worried any advice would again be appreciated at ***@**** as I can hardly find my way back here. please mention "Liver" in subject - so mail does not accidently go into my junk mail. Special thoughts to all who are suffering at this time love foreverfriends1

[foreverfriends1]

Its me again "foreverfriends1" and would you believe it - still no rheumatologist and still no liver specialist. Had another liver function test and again GammaGT is 138 "Higher than b4" I am worried sick....my doctor does not know, what is wrong and after all of this time, is referring me to a liver specialist as it is "my liver". (thanx to whoever said it on here) ALL scans showed liver, gallbladder and spleen to be fine. I am not so sure as abdomen is starting to swell and sometimes ankles swell as well.Antinuclear is positive and different blood tests point to problems with the liver. I am so scared. I am thankful to the person who emailed me and said "Paracetamol" would have left the liver 3 months after taking the last one. I am in pain - taking few meds and worried any advice would again be appreciated at ***@**** as I can hardly find my way back here. please mention "Liver" in subject - so mail does not accidently go into my junk mail. Special thoughts to all who are suffering at this time love foreverfriends1

[cuteus]

I see you still like to lurk in the bottom threads!  It is going to have to be the specialists who can shed some light on your symptoms. They have to tests for the things they feel might be causing the symptoms. If you need a biopsy, you need one. Ultrasounds are not a good diagnostic tool for diagnosing liver problems. The biopsy is no big deal if it is done by an experienced radiologist using ultrasound guided needle biopsy. I had no problems and just some pain when the area was touched. Most folks have no complications. Don't be afraid. you should be more afraid of not knowing, of not having real answers to youir symptoms.

bookmark this page and you would have no problems coming back. \\\and post in the upper threads!!! hardly anyone comes back down here.
good luck

[foreverfriends1]

(( Cuteous ))

Thankyou:) I have tried to get in on the higher threads and they wont let me.

Elevated GammaGT and now elevate ALT ( I think the GP said that) will be looked at by a liver specialist. I have already waited a few months to see one on the NHS.

GP said scans looked ok - so NOT to worry. I see too many people on this website who are very sick. I also want to thank you for explaining the procedure regarding the liver biopsy - you have eased my mind.

It is so nice to know - there are people like you who will answer mail - when another person is struggling. God Bless donna - foreverfriends-1

[scruffy]

It is ok to post your stuff in an already existing thread at the top. People understand that the new threads are limited.Frank