Should I be concerned?

[Anxious1980]

I'm a 28 year old male who during his 20's drank beer heavily, 8-12 a night majority of time, breaks here and there of weeks to months, only beer no hard stuff.  Anyways recently (don't know why it has taken so long) have started to be concerned about my liver health.  I went to dr and told him of my excessive intake so he ordered lab workups.  Liver enzymes were ALT 89 AST 35 BILLIRUBIN 1.7 ALK PHOS 69.  Had a CT scan of mid section as had right side pain and liver was noted as normal attenuation.  

Are these levels worrysome to the point I have chirrhosis??????  Am I overreacting?  I'm very concerned I may have messed up liver extensively.

I am on metoporol for high blood pressure and prescription grade prilosec along w/ celexa so was thinking that may raise liver levels too?  

Any feedback would be much appreciated.

[Jacker]

I'd be interested in comparing notes with you on this.  I actually started with the generic Amlodipine at 5mg, and I have nothing to compare it to.  I think it's done a pretty good job.  I do notice some occasional dizziness and I sometimes think that I get tired or lose focus when I'm sitting still.  If I'm up and moving, I feel fine.  I've also had some "tingling" in my feet, but no swelling.  
So far these have been minor.  I've decided to drop down to 2.5mg on my own for a week or so - if my BP stays where it is, I'll stay on this dose.  
What were your problems with the generic?  Did the the Norvasc work that much better?  

[chico1]

Novasc was the first HBP prescription I was prescribed. Took it for two years with no problems. When the generic form came out the pharmacy had filled my RX with it and I didn't fair very well. I believe the change was do to insurance reasons. Tried to go back to regular Norvasc, it just wasn't the same. We went through several types before one was found that I could tolerate. I agree with you about the site, basically  I read to see how the people that do post are reacting.  

Chico Jeff

[Jacker]

Interesting Link - I too have the onset of high BP - partially drinking related I'm sure.  I've been taking Norvasc (generic) as a cacium inhibitor.  I keyed this drug in to the website and found many bad reviews.  I don't know what to say - I don't think this website would give a good review on ANY drug.  I know it is an unbiased site, but I figure most of the people who are on that site are people who are negative about the drug already.  

[chico1]

I drank heavily for15 solid years, when they say to drink in moderation it is wise to believe them. Not an alcoholic, just like to drink beer and watch sports. Before last July I had never been sick. Now I have a fatty liver, high blood pressure, and barrett's esophagus, all from drinking. I too take high blood pressure pills (metetoporol) and nexium. I have all kinds of symptoms and have had all kinds of test. Personally I do not know if the medicine that the doctors are prescribing or the fact that I have a fatty liver is the cause. Over my constant searching on the web a came across a site that has customer ratings on the different types of medicine. when I typed in metetoprolol I was shocked.
http://www.****.com
Good luck
Chico Jeff

[Jacker]

In that case, see if you can lay off the beer this month.  I'll bet your levels will be normal when you get your next test.  For what its worth, try to slow down the drinking while you're still 27.  I have fatty liver that showed up 6 weeks after I quit drinking.  The longer you drink, the longer it takes to leave your liver.  I'm told fatty liver can set the stage for cirrhosis.  

[Anxious1980]

I had actually had some beer night before test which was to occur early next morning so I think that might have had something to do with it.  as for the CT scan I had two, a couple of months apart, first CT scan showed mild fatty infiltration of the liver.  2nd report showed normal attenuation.  don't know what happened as was still drinking beer however started on a milk thistle supplement.  

scheduled to go back in for retest of blood work in a month.

[Jacker]

Are those numbers high? I don't remember what the ranges are supposed to be.  I drank too much beer on a nightly basis from age 27-42.  Two blood tests this year showed my enzyme levels as normal, but on both occasions, I had been off the alcohol for 2 or 3 weeks before each blood test.  Like you, I also have a pain in my right side.  A CT scan showed fatty infiltration of the liver, but it was otherwise normal.  
I can't say whether or not you have a problem, but how long had you been off the beer when you had this test?  If you can lay off for a few months, get another test and compare them.  Up to a certain point, you're liver can repair itself if you stay off the beer.  The pain in my side went away (for the most part) but it took about 8 weeks (sober).  There is still a twinge down there, but it is much better.  Your docter is the only one who can answer your question about how the perscrip drugs might affect your liver though.  

[angel264]

Hi I posted something about my tests the doctor said they were normal just wanted some feed back, I had the same test as you,my Bilirubin was0.7 my ALT was 13 and my Alkaline phosphatase was 59 my Amylase was 47 like I said thDoctor said it was normal just looking for feed back so you can compare it also you can look on pc for normal limits thats what I did hope this helps a little. Lisa