Increased level of GGT in blood test. - British Liver Trust

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Increased level of GGT in blood test.

Paulio profile image
8 Replies

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

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Paulio
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8 Replies
briccolone profile image
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 profile image
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 profile image
briccolone in reply toPaulio

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 profile image
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 profile image
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 profile image
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 profile image
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 profile image
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

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