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AST 100/ALT 125-everything else normal

I'm a 50-year old female, 6'2", went from 324 down to 275 pounds, feel fine.  I am a Type 2 diabetic and my sugar results were high as I was not taking meds as I should during my mom's terminal illness (probably 4 months of sproadic taking).  My blood results came back with elevated cholesterol, tryglicerides, etc., as in the past.  The dr was going to put me on a new cholesterol med when he noticed my AST is 100/ALT 125 and asked if I drank and I only have maybe 3 beers a month or a glass of wine once a month-nothing significant.  He said b4 he could prescribe cholesterol med that I should have a sonogram of my liver....I am very, very nervous but he and nurse reassured me it should be fine.......I do not use Tylenol but was on Actos for over a year but the dr had me stop that in 2011.
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Avatar universal
That's truly wonderful news Meg!
My Mother always told me - Look on the bright side. If this episode moves you to improve your lifestyle then that's a real bright side.

Good luck Meg,
Mike
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Avatar universal
Dr just phoned me personally -ultrasound normal and told me no doubt the 850 mg Ibruprofen he had me on for my knee was culprit with slight increase in ALT/AST as other blood tests were normal.  Told me to keep up the good work in getting back on track and remember the importance is NOT to rely on the meds--to make life changes in eating habits and it shows I can do it.  Thanks again for your support!  Best to you!! I am thrilled!  My hubby and kids are so happy, too--better habits for all.
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Avatar universal
Thanks for your update Meg.
I sure like the improvement in your fasting blood sugar.
I wish you all the best.

Mike
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Avatar universal
8/13/12-in for liver sono at 8:10 a.m. and she asks before I lay down if I still have my gallbladder and I replied I did.  I was off the table at 8:20 a.m.  To my surprise there was a little pain when she pressed on the top part of my liver area with the sono but she said I would...she then proceeded to my gallbladder and then had me lay a little to my left (I am a large woman 6'2" and plus sized).  I didn't even have to remove my clothing.  I told her I had no symptoms but Dr. Tong was being proactive as my Trys were high and all othere CBC's normal other than being Type II diabetic.  My fasting blood sugar went from 298 with sporadic meds to 120 with faithful meds.  I am hoping all is well...........thanks for caring!  Meg
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Avatar universal
I look forward to hearing some good news from you.

Mike
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Avatar universal
Hi Mike-thanks so much for your kind response and advice!  The dr did mention that I am to come back, as usual, every 6 weeks for diabetes blood work and he mentioned to the nurse that when I come in for that on 9/18/12 that she should draw for hepatitis.  I asked if that particular draw could be done that night as I was there and she is the nurse who draws but he said it wasn’t an emergency and I could wait six weeks.  A woman in the waiting room stated he likes to be proactive on testing which is fine by me.  I feel better knowing all my other blood tests for liver (bilirubin, etc.) are in the normal range.  Take care and I’ll keep you apprised--the sono is in about 3 weeks.
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Avatar universal
I think your doctor is being careful with you and, in my opinion, that's a very good thing.

I am not a doctor or in the medical field in any capacity so bear that in mind as you read this.

First, your liver enzymes would probably be characterized as mildly to moderately elevated. They are not that high. You could have a little fatty liver disease which is quite common these days and generally not a serious risk. Your poorly controlled diabetes could have also contributed to your enzyme elevation so you would be wise to attempt to achieve better glucose control. Frequently when a patient presents with elevated liver enzymes doctors order a viral hepatitis panel just to rule out that possibility so don't be alarmed if your doctor orders those tests.

Cholesterol lowering drugs - statins - can sometimes cause elevated liver enzymes so it is wise to have a baseline level for your liver enzymes before starting statin therapy.

I wouldn't be worried about the sonogram of your liver. As you know it's a non-invasive test and it's good protocol to have this done when you have   elevated liver enzymes. I will give you one piece of advice however about undergoing the procedure. If a technician or anyone other than a doctor you have a relationship with performs the test I would not ask any questions at all about the results. I did this once and the technician mentioned that my bile ducts may have a problem. I worried myself sick for 5 days until I got to see my hepatologist. When I asked him about my bile ducts he told me they were fine and asked me why I asked him that. I learned then - if the tech said everything was fine I wouldn't be completely relieved until I heard it from my doctor. And if the tech said anything slightly negative I'd worry like a fool. If I have to undergo any tests like that I will not even look at the person performing the test.

Good luck to you.

Mike
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