Increased level of GGT in blood test.

[Paulio]

Hello, I am new so am not sure I am writing this in the correct place but.... !0 days ago a rash appeared on my hands and feet and the rash on my hands has since turned 'blistery'. I have had a LF blood test in the past week that showed my GGT level to be at 149.

The doctor advised me to reduce my alcohol intake and take another test in 6 or so weeks to see what GGT levels are like then. In the meantime the Dr. prescribed Betnovate Ointment to treat the rash/blisters but it doesn't seem to be working. Can anyone offer advice regarding this? I would appreciate it.

Thanks

[briccolone]

hi Paulio-yes this is the right place-149 GGT is out of range but not hugely so-if you're drinking alcohol then this is a factor-so reduce your intake or stop for a few weeks to see what happens-normally going dry for a couple of weeks has beneficial results. It normally tales about 3 weeks minimum for GGT to deduce sometimes months

[Paulio]

Thanks briccolone! I am going to reduce my alcohol intake significantly (I have been a heavy drinker for over 20 years), and I am confident that this will help lower my GGT to a more normal range (the Dr. advised that this should be so), so I am now concerned about my lingering rash despite about a weeks usage of Betnovate (steroid based ointment). The rash is not itchy but is rather unsightly. Thanks again.

[briccolone in reply to Paulio]

steady as you go cutting out the alcohol-best thing is to halve what you were drinking and then halve it again over a few weeks-that will minimise the possibility of unpleasant withdrawal symptoms-take it from me!

[ancientadolescent]

Stop drinking. If you have a liver problem alcohol is the most likely cause and if you become so bad thar you need a liver transplant you will srand little chance of receiving one.

[Paulio]

Thanks for the advice. Rather than simply cease drinking alcohol which I understand can lead to other complications, I intend to reduce the amount of alcohol consumption over a period of a few weeks (as advised by my Dr.and 'briccolone' )

[briccolone]

hi Paulio-I believe ancient speaks from experience and with the best of intentions and if a serious liver issue is proved is completely correct-in the meantime cut down as advised and see what happens-the rash could be unrelated

[jugganot]

Hi Paulio,

Did you see your doctor for bloodworks again did your GGT levels came in normal range after 2-3 weeks?

Thanks

[Paulio]

Gosh, that original message was posted a lonnng time ago.

Anyway, since then and months of kidding myself that i could continue my drinking habit with no adverse affects and being proven wrong but without my health deteriorating too badly, i decided to stop drinking alcohol altogether.

I am now a non-drinker and haven't taken alcohol since early 2017 and I feel a hundred times better for it. I neither crave nor desire alcohol. Period.

But, going back to your original question, yes, my GGT did return to normal levels, for a short period before I gave myself 'permission' to continue to drink again and of course my liver didn't like it (raised levels again) hence my decision to quit alcohol altogether.

If you drink then I would encourage you to think about stopping. If you don't drink and have liver issues, I can only wish you well and hope that you seek out good medical advice.

Paul