liver function test

[Javi1962]

my LFT always comes back normal, even though I tested positive for hep c and bx shows level 2 stage 2, is not LFT an indicator of virus causing damage? if my LFT is normal levels would that mean that everything is ok right now, like virus is dormant? not sure what to make of it, can someone help

[jumbojet1]

Get tested regularly. ALT/AST could be sometimes normal in people with cirrohosis. It is apositive indicator of liver health but doesn't tell complete story.

[fretboard]

I read an article that said approximately one third of all ppl with HepC test with normal range LFT's.  I wish it meant we were better off than having high LFT's but it doesn't work that way.  HepC is taking it's course and you may want to tx that's totally up to you.  I have normal range LFT's and in late 2008 I had a bx that said I am stage zero, grade 2.  Not bad one would think but that's just not the case.  My ankles swell like there's no tomorrow and I'm not anywhere close to being cirrhotic at all.  Also, if my energy level got any lower I could be a relative of the snail family. lol  All kidding aside, having HepC is a beech and then we die.  The only thing we have a little bit of control over is when and how we die.  good luck

[Javi1962]

thanks meakea, i know your right, I need to treat next year, I just pray the new PI comes out sooner then later:) I tried going to a clinical trial and they turned me down, since I have psoraisis and joint pain, he said the inferon could make it worse and there testing this on patience with greater chances of going all the way through and not having to stop half way due to psoraisis flare ups:(

[meakea]

Javi...  I'm not liking your PCP very much at all.  That "you'll likely die of something else" is thrown around far too much by some docs.  Being that you're 2/2, I think Hector summed it up pretty well as follows:

"No, everything is not alright. You should plan on getting treatment for your HCV. Perhaps with the new meds next year."

That's not to say you should worry...you should not worry - your PCP was correct about that...but don't get as relaxed as your PCP about it -- it's obviously not his liver.

[paen53]

Whoa, if your Dr. isn't up on the new meds, I'd think seriously about a finding a new one for tx. You really need someone that is up to date on the latest tx options to guide you and give you the highest odds of SVR. And, yes, that is pretty scary!

[Javi1962]

thanks for the advise hectorsf i am watching and waiting for the new meds, my GI actually told me to treat now, don't hold your breath for the new PI they have been talking about that for years and so on, but he actually did not know about boce or tele, he went to his office to google it when I mentioned those to him, pretty scary how some doctors don't keep up with new meds

[Javi1962]

Hi nygirl7, thanks for the feedback, sometimes I do forget I have this, i guess going through the denial stage, just get confused with doctors, my primary care physician said everything is fine just keep checking LFT every 6 months, he said not to worry you will mostly likely die of something else not Hep C, he said only small percentage die of it and not to worry.
Although this sounds good to me and is comforting to hear, this website gives me more of a reality check.

[HectorSF]

The so-called Liver Function Tests "ALT" and "AST" do not indicate the amount of liver damage or how well the liver can function. ALT and AST measure enzymes that liver cells release in response to damage or disease. Since you have a low level of inflammation of the liver (2) it is possible for these levels to be within norm as your disease progresses..

Many persons with extensive liver damage (cirrhosis) can have normal LFTs until the liver is unable to function properly. (decompensated cirrhosis).

Blood tests such as albumin, bilirubin, PT (prothrombin time) do indicate how well the liver is able to function.

No, everything is not alright. You should plan on getting treatment for your HCV. Perhaps with the new meds next year.

Good luck.
hectorsf

[nygirl7]

The virus is never 'dormant' it is alive and active and seeking to destroy your liver.  While high liver enzymes can indicate damage being done it is not a necessity and shouldn't really be taken as one.

The only way  to really know is to be biopsied every few years.  Your liver is half way to cirrhosis so if you are not willing to treat right now you should do watchful waiting and that means exactly that. Don't pretend in your mind that you dont have the disease because believe me it is not forgetting it has you.