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Avatar universal

ast and alt levels

i have listed
ast is 142 h
alt is 119  h
gall bladder removed years ago
two viacodon per day
cympalta and lyrica for fibromylia
dr. says liver damage,
but to what extent?
he gave me 23 months to live
is this true?
4 Responses
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Avatar universal
HCA
Very good advice from Mike.
There is nothing in what you have told us to suggest that you have a terninal condition apart from this dire prediction -based on what?
Get yourself to a qualified hepatologist and get the real low down on your health.
It would be nice if you were able to post again to confirm that you have an appointment.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I really believe that you must see another doctor. I had a liver transplant in June 2000 and I'm still alive and doing quite well. My underlying disease was Hepatitis C. That is what damaged my liver. I have seen a of of doctors over the years and in my own experience, as well as the experiences of the many people I have corresponded with, your doctor may be the worst I have ever heard about. For someone to tell you that you have 23 months to live is totally irresponsible and I truly believe (assuming what you told me is true and there isn't more) that his treatment may constitute malpractice. I'm not suggesting that you initiate legal action - I do not advocate that at all. I say that only to make clear how bad I think his care has been.

Are you close to Oregon Health and Science University?
I don't know your insurance/financial situation but if going there is feasible I would advise you to get an appointment with their hepatologist ASAP. I think it would relieve a lot of stress to have a doctor who knows what he's doing see you and talk with you.

There are many possible causes of liver disease. Just to name a few: Viral Hepatitis - A, B, C; Autoimmune Hepatitis; Alcoholic Hepatitis; Fatty liver; Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis; Drug Induced Liver Injury and so on and so on.

The point is that there are many possible causes for your liver damage - if you even have liver damage. Actually, though your enzymes are out of range they are not that high. With Tylenol overdose, for example, the ALT & AST can get into the thousands. Yours are not nearly as high as I have seen. And a person can have elevated liver enzymes and not show liver damage. Without more tests, and the best is a liver biopsy, there is no way your doctor can know anything about your liver condition.
There are routine blood tests that are helpful in assessing the extent of the liver damage. Platelet count is generally low in patients with cirrhosis so a platelet count would be helpful. In advanced cirrhosis the albumin level is often reduced so that is something to look for too. The list goes on.

I would run, not walk, to another doctor - either a hepatologist or a gastroenterologist. I would not waste any more time with your present doctor.

Good luck,
Mike
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Answers are:
yes... I am serious
yes... after reading your input, maybe I was mistaken. Will write what I mean.
no... never been offered this
no... dittto
and no... no tests have ever been offered for this.

I have been dealing with my physicians response to blood tests. Feel like I was backed into a corner and absolutly no other direction to turn to. The net. gives info, but it is hard to figure out what it means. Maybe I misunderstood what the Doctor said. I was told that I have major liver damage and it can never be amended. It is permanent and cannot be healed. I asked,"Never?" He said,"No. No other Doctor that I know would give you more than 23 months. Will check your levels in a few months but it could be better in a month, very questionable though. What did you do to cause this damage?" I told him that I did not know, except for Vicadin 5/500 tablets twice a day. After a recent colonoscopy, a nurse told me that Tylenol is probably the cause and the Doctor should have replaced the pain med with something like Oxycodone which is not as dangerous to my liver. I have now gone off all med.s except for 1 half a tab Vicadin a day. I have terrible muscle pain, headaches.etc (Fibromyalgia). I just want to live longer for my family (especially 3 teens who need their mama, older ones want their babies to have a gramma). Just want to know everything about getting healthy. Doctor said to take more vitamin D, since I was insufficient and also seleniumthianide might help. He is a homeopathic physician.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Are you serious?
Your doctor gave you 23 months to live based on your liver enzymes - Alt & AST?
Have you had a liver biopsy?
Have you been diagnosed with liver cancer?
Have you had viral hepatitis blood tests?

Unless there is something very significant that you didn't mention I would suggest thinking about finding another doctor. I can't believe a reputable doctor would predict your lifespan without giving you more information or treatment options.You said he told you "liver damage" but doesn't know the extent. But he does know how long you have? That just sounds so wrong that, if true, I would definitely want another opinion soon.

A hepatologist (liver specialist) would be best. They are found at larger hospitals, teaching medical centers, university hospitals and transplant centers. There is a hepatologist at Oregon Health and Science University if that is close by.
if you do not have access to a hepatologist then a gastroenterologist would be the next choice. You want to know what is causing your liver damage and what, if any, treatment options are available. You definitely want to know the amount of liver damage you have. I have a lot of trouble accepting that all you heard from your doctor is what you posted. If true, that is simply bizarre!

I wish you good luck.
Mike
Helpful - 0
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