Question:
I am really scared...I am 1 year out with liver functioning tests bad!
My liver tests came back that my enzymes were triple and one quadrupal the amount it was suppose to be. I called the doctor's office and they are trying to get me in..asap...The nurse said she had never seen levels this high and me not being in severe pain. She stated it could be gall-slug???? anyone heard of this? Anyone out there that was asymtomatic at a year post that had these high of liver enzymes? I am very nervous and would greatly appreciate your support. — arateel (posted on October 10, 2004)
October 9, 2004
That happened to a NON WLS friends wife. Had her gall bladder out 10 years
ago but the bile duct got cloogged with crud. they went in on thanksgivng
day:( Roto rootered the duct somehow. Felt much better FAST. Untill you are
seen by your doc. If you FEEL BAD IN ANY WAY GO HAVE SOMEONE DRIVE YOU TO
THE ER! Not to scare you but really high numers can cause seizure. so I
feel bad will drive myself isnt a good idea. nausea was one of her
symptoms. Let us know how this comes out. Sounds like you are crudded up.
BTW although technically a operation I dont believe she had a incision. it
was all done thru tubes accessing exiting openingsd in our body. No cutting
is always a good thing. Were you on actigal to prevent gall bladder
troubles?
— bob-haller
October 10, 2004
Tara,
My pcp has been watching my liver function all year--I too, am almost one
year post op. My liver enzymes have been high all year long on ever test.
My pcp referred me to a GI dr who is now doing all kinds of hepatitis
testing. I wont find out the results for a couple of weeks. At first, I
freaked out but once I calmed down, I really, really, beleive this has to
have to do with this surgery and the weightloss. I do not have a gall
bladder. Had it removed over 10 years ago. I am in the health profession so
I have had all my hep. vacinations. Never had anything bad come back
regarding this on preop testing. SOO, somehow I think it must be related to
WL. Not really an answer to your question but just wanted to let you know
your not alone.
— JennA
October 10, 2004
I don't know if this will help you or not, but I am a retired ultrasound
technologist. During my 21 years of working in ultrasound, I saw lots of
liver testing done with hospital admissions. Patients with gallbladder
disease, whether it be stones, non-functioning gallbladder, or gallbladder
sludge can sometimes have elevated liver enzymes. Also, problems with the
pancreas, such as pancreatitis can cause elevated liver enzymes. Of
course, you have to see your physician to receive alternative testing such
as ultrasounds of the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder or CT of the abdomen
and pelvis along with maybe some more specialized blood testing. Try not
to worry until you have seen your physician and receive whatever testing
he/she requests. Hope this helps. Good luck and God bless.
— Katherine F.
October 11, 2004
yay Katherine! You read my mind. I had acute necrotizing pancreatitis four
years ago (not alcohol related), and my liver has been checked every few
months... watching me like a hawk. <br><br>
One thing that makes my liver labs go through the roof is if I am taking
too much tylenol... that is not uncommon for WLS'ers. I have had my
gallbladder out, but still crazy liver labs once in a while. Always that
tylenol or a mass soe of painkillers. <br><br>
-shelli k.
— kultgirl
October 21, 2004
Hi. Sorry your labs are off. Try not to worry. Getting into your doctor is
the right thing to do. He will hopefully refer you to a gastroenterologist.
They can do some tests to see if there is sludge in the bile duct which
you can get with or without a gallbladder. The pancreas could also cause
problems as well as a fatty liver or even simply the high protein diet. If
it's the pancrease you'd probably have pain, so if you don't I'd rule that
out. The GI doc can do an ERCP (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) which is a
tube down your throat procedure to get to the bile duct and could remove
sludge, get a diagnosis or even insert a tube to help the sludge drain. As
you see there are plenty of things to help if you have a problem. Good
luck, I'd be interested in knowing how it all turns out. Cathy
— catleth
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