Scared

[stu777]

I was a heavy drinker for about 7 years (12 pack of beer everyday or a little more).  I am scared I have liver damage.  I have been to the Dr and had to 2 liver function test within 6 months.  I had a few relapses with drinking but have managed to stay away from the beer.  My test came back normal both times but I am still afraid.  My last test was in November and I have drank a few times since then.  I just don't feel like I used to.  How accurate are the test?  Most people think I'm fine but I feel a bit off still.  I have no insurance but was recently approved for the V.A. because I'm a vet.  

[stu777]

On my last test my AST was 20, ALT 37, Bilirubin 0.5, Platlets 206.  This was done on 11/19/10.  I've drank after those test but only on the weekend and I took a total of 2 months off the beer since then also.  I would drink a couple times a week then I took a month off drink again and now over a month away from beer.  Is it reasonable to assume I will have normal results again?   I'm done with beer it's truly not worth it!  I'm trying to find a new way to live without the alcohol.  Alcohols everywhere and it's tough but I'm gonna suck it up and stay sober.  Thank you very much for responding.  Stu

[Thomas D Schiano, MD]

alcohol-related liver damage is reversible up to a point and would manifest by abnormal liver chemistry tests.  You must somehow try to stop drinking alcohol. After a while the damage will be irreversible.

[Thomas D Schiano, MD]

the GGTP is a very sensitive blood test which we really don't use.  It probably would be near normal or normal.  Good luck.

[stu777]

One last question.  I have read about GGT.  I noticed this wasn't on my 2 panels.  If my other enzymes were normal would these be ok as well?  Do they go hand and hand?  I noticed my mcv was 95 which is on the high side of normal.  I don't drink anymore and don't plan on doing so ever again.  Thanks in advance for your time.

[Thomas D Schiano, MD]

i think that most likely you will again have normal results.  i am glad that you are continuing with your sobriety.

[Thomas D Schiano, MD]

if you remain abstinent your liver should probably heal.  it is a very good sign that the blood tests are normal.  Beer, wine and hard liquor are the same when it comes to damaging the liver.  cirrhosis is definitely reversible.  the spottiness of the hands could be porphyria if the changes are made worse by the sun

[stu777]

I am still very scared.  I'm only 38 and dread that years of abuse has ruined my life.  I alwaiy thought beer wasn't a big deal and liquior was what would kill my liver.  I've had the 2 liver panels with normal results. I have noticed my hand are spotty red alot of times and That really scares me.  Are the blood test very accurate?  Can you reverse early Cirrohsis if I have it?  What should I ask the Dr. ?