liver enzymes elevated

I am 57 and have been drinking an average of 12 beers a day for about 35 years. Last years physical revealed normal liver enzyme levels as well as a good physical report of general condition with the exception of slight elevated blood pressure---145 over 90. I have had irritable bowel for 12 years with two visits to Mayo confirming this diagnosis. The last visit was in 2002.

Recently I had blood tests run that revealed AST reading of 60+ and ALT reading of 106. I also recently had a bad bout with gout [in February] and with medication it has improved but my feet still hurt with the bottom of both burning. My uric acid level has dropped from 12+ to 5.5 but I attributed the continued pain to gout crystals.

I have abdominal and back [in the kidney area] pain but it is similar to the irritable bowel pain I have had for 12 years. The nurse practioner I saw, due to my doctor being busy, stated that these readings are critical and to refrain from alcohol intake and return in two weeks for retesting to see if the trend has been reversed.

Naturally this has me very concerned and wondering if I have caused major damage to myself.

Please give me some comments.

Thanks

[aMom21]

Retesting is a logical next step but I would definitely see a gastrologist.  CT scan and MRI can also help to identify if there has been any damage.  Gout is irritated by alcohol especially beer.  I would heed this as a wake up call to quit drinking for good.  You may not get another chance.

Take care.

[baydog]

Thanks for your comment!!!

I have quit drinking for a week and have no side effects nor do I plan on relapsing. Do you think I need the MRI or CT if I do not relapse. The economy is not helping with costs and wonder if they could do anything if I do have damage. I don't want a transplant if needed as my condition is self imposed and many livers are needed for transplant by non self imposed conditions.

I really appreciate your help!!!!

[aMom21]

Liver enzymes can be or return to normal with cirrhosis so imaging is probably a good idea.  Stopping alcohol can halt the progression of cirrhosis.  As for a transplat, alcholic cirrhosis makes you no less deserving of a transplat than someone who has viral hepititus.

Take care!

[allyg2000]

Your AST and ALT levels are certainly elevated, but that does'nt mean for certain that you have cirrhosis or need a transplant. That would seem a little extreme to me. You're moving too far ahead. Take it one step at a time. For now just keep off alcohol and take your tests again in 2 weeks time. Do the entire LFT, scan and lipids too, while you're about it. See what the results are. In all probability it will be lower. But if the levels of ALT, AST, bilirubin etc are high and above normal, then you need to see a doctor and work out the treatment. Its not yet the end of the world, but do take notice of this wake up call !!