UPDATE on my liver tests

Several months ago I commented on my high liver levels. They were drawn in April (My 6th month mark) and although they were still elevated since my surgery October 25th they didn't seem to mind me waiting another 6 months to see them.

I decided in June to call my pcp and explained my concerns to her. She had me get tested again (In June) and 6 weeks later in July. I also was tested a few weeks ago with my 1 year mark coming up and I am beginning to be very worried.

It appears my levels are up from last April. I actually DON'T have them in hand at the moment. I do however have the results from April/ June / July. It was suggested I ask my pcp to refer me to a gastroenterologist. Possibly to be checked for hepatitis? Yikes guys!!!! I am kind of nervous now.

here are my levels:

                                                 April                                   June                                July


SGPT/ALT                               97                                       171                                   121

SGOT/AST                              61                                         81                                      90

ALP                                        219                                       234                                   203

ALBUMIN                                4.5                                        4.4                                     4.3

Anybody have some words of wisdom for me?   I will get my results hopefully tomorrow of my October labs. I keep forgetting!

Did you add some milk thistle like was suggested and they're still rising?  Not medical here, so I don't know what to suggest other than milk thistle. Let's see the October levels and go from there.

--gina

You know Gina, I actually did buy a bottle of milk thistle now that I think of it. And I took them as directed, but didn't buy another round once they were gone. I do know my October labs are higher than APRIL, but not necessarily higher than June/July. I'll be sure to get them tomorrow.
And I will buy more milk thistle if that will help my levels to lower. Do you know if my current levels are alarmingly high?

I'm cautious to answer if they're alarming....I'd say no. Mine have been up there from time to time as well and my doc hasn't been overly concerned. He says if they were up around 600, then he'd be concerned. But, you listen to your docs on this one and if they want to watch some more, fine, take your milk thistle.

--g

My liver enzymes have been high since surgery too.  Before surgery, in the normal range.  No one seems to be concerned about them though.  I did do the milk thistle thing for quite awhile and did see an improvement in them.  But - I ended up with a liquid from Vitamin World.  Most places have it in the gel, which we really shouldn't be taking.  I also have learned that the different packaging of milk thistle as far as potency is very different.  Find yourself someone knowledgeable about it and ask them which is the best that's NOT in a gel coating. 

Thanks Jody. I was also in the normal range pre op. I did buy milk thistle from vitalady and am now wondering if that is when my levels dropped? I hate to think I messed with my liver choosing this surgery, but I feel so good. And mentally especially. I see in Puritans Pride they sell milk thistle. And it looks like a capsule...
I'll definitely do some homework, and figure this out.... hopefully.

I have the same issues and have retested over and over again.  I do not consume alcohol  The pcp thinks that probably it has something to do with changes in the muscles due to weight loss.  I had a total HEP screen which was negative.  I think I am going to try some milk thistle and see if things improve.

I hope you find some answers.

Hi all!

My liver enzymes have been a little high for a couple of years, but got a little higher in the past year. Doctor ordered an abdominal US, just to make sure nothing was going on. They reported fat deposits in my liver, which may be attributed to NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease). I did a lot of reading on the web and NAFLD is a fairly common side affect of quick weight loss. Might want to ask you doctor about that.

I had a Lapband 1.5 yrs ago. Forgot that my info on left doesn't display that.

I can't seem to re-edit my original post. So here are my October readings.


SGPT/ALT           129


SGOT/AST            78


ALP                     139


I seem to be trending downward? Anyway, I will be sure to buy milk thistle and hope I get in those "normal" ranges...

Just for some peace of mind you might want to see a gastroenterologist.  When my liver enzymes were up, I was told by my gastro doc he wouldn't be concerned unless the AST or ALT were over 100.  Yours are getting better which is a good sign and could just be due to rapid weight loss.  Also, do you take cholesterol medication, PPI or tylenol products?  These can all elevate your liver enzymes. Do you have your gallbladder?  Sometimes if you have stones in the bile ducts, your enzymes can be elevated.  They also sometimes to other liver blood tests just to be sure - sometime hepatitis and other stuff.