Hi, I'm alcohol dependent and waiting for a detox roughly 3 weeks time. My lfts are:
ALT - 325
AST - 258
GGT - 293
I'm going for an ultrasound on Monday. I had two last year and both were fine also an endoscopy. Do these indicate severe liver damage? My ast/alt ratio is 0.79.
Hi Sade80,
This is not an appropriate forum to post individual blood test results.
Differences in normal range for different laboratories can make it difficult to compare or comment on individual test results specifically. This is due to the different brand of tests that are used and how these are interpreted.
It would be advisable to speak to your own doctor about interpreting your blood test results as soon as you can.
Wishing you luck and good wishes with your upcoming tests and treatments,
Best Wishes,
Rebecca
Hi,
Thanks for your reply Chris, it is not our intention to tell anyone off but there are rules that we have pinned on the forum to benefit everyone.
This forum is here to share experiences and provide support to each other and we would advise against posting any test results or asking for specific medical advice. This is not a medical forum and should not be used to try and make diagnoses or replace advice from your own medical practitioners who have a much wider view of your health and test results.
The British Liver Trust do have a really useful publication that explains about liver disease tests, however, as we have said, this is general advice and the best people to interpret results are your own medical team. Here is the link;
britishlivertrust.org.uk/wp...
I hope that is of help,
Best Wishes,
Rebecca
Difficult this!
I don't think I've seen what I would consider alarmist or poor advice on this site regarding liver function test results. I'll grant you that they are incredibly difficult to use to perform a diagnosis, and on their own I don't think even sufficient for a professional to make a full diagnosis.
So responses tend to be, yes they are high/low/ok this may/may not be due to this that or the other. And almost always with the caveat that they are not a professional. I think people find this useful.
I think the community is finding it difficult to understand the sudden stance as to my mind there has not been bad advice. The community is also quick to step in and "self police" in the few instances where poor advice is given.
I personally believe that the wealth of knowledge and experience of all the users on this forum is a great resource, even for the discussion about blood tests. However it would help if there was more clarification about the different normal ranges, I'm sure this would shed a lot of light on the issue.
Rebecca, people come here to GET AWAY from the
"Medical Arena"! They are looking for someone's advise who has or has not been in their shoes. They JUST want Someone to hear their voice and bounce words with. They are not looking for a DR, just the Opposite. Ya think???! It's called a HUG if Nothing Else!!!
Hello Chris and Rebecca, Hope you are both well. At the risk of your wrath Rebecca I really must agree with Chris on this one. I came to this site for support and information that I was unable to get from my Doctor who seemed to think that I had no need to know what my blood test results meant. I posted them here and received some great advice which informed me, put my mind at rest, and most importantly I was told by people here that due to my results I must stop drinking and change my diet straightaway. The doctor had not said this to me, I had no idea how sick I was until I stopped drinking as the alcohol masked many of my symptoms. I am not exaggerating but the liver nurse at the hospital told me I would have been dead in 6 to 12mths had I not heeded the warnings given here. Since then, now that I know a little more about A.L.T,s G.G.T,s e.t.c. I always try and answer what I can (or I should say I did). Now, I worry as things have changed since I first found this site, I have been looking around to see if there are any others and I know that many old timers who message/phone me feel the same. I totally understand where you are coming from, and am in no way criticising The Trust, but think they ought to lighten up a little. Some Doctors do not explain things, it,s wrong but true. That,s often why people come here in the first place. As long as posters make it CLEAR that we are not medically trained, ( though I,d take a pupil from the " University OF Life" over a doctor that has 5mins for me anyday of the week ) and our replies are our opinions and as it,s frequently put "not intended to replace a doctors advice" I see no harm in things going along as they did before. Whatever, this has been brewing for some weeks now and getting rather silly. I worry about replying to some posts, I know for a fact others scroll past queries they would have answered before. I find myself thinking shall I private message the poster, wait until the weekend or after 6pm to answer, Or if I can find it, I will direct them to a similar question on an old post, which is both time consuming, blinking frustrating and may not be totally relevant to their question. The other day I fretted so much about answering posts for help I easily could of that I ended up leaving them and writing one myself about my Cat !!. Sorry to go on sweetheart, but I feel so passionately about this subject. I would be VERY ILL if not DYING or DEAD, if the guys here hadn,t given me advice that my doctor failed to. Hope we,re still friends!. You,re doing a grand job, Thank you, but please let people do as we always have here, help, support, guide if we can RESPONSIBLY.. I am going to risk putting this up (you wouldn,t thump a woman with liver damage would you beccy? ) TO the original poster, if you type in. LIVER PANEL TEST RESULTS, then LABS TEST ONLINE should be there, they are very good at explaining results and the possible reasons for higher/lower readings. The British Liver Trust no doubt, does not endorse them. I am not a doctor or nurse, i.m a lady with liver damage who has been through the mill somewhat!. P.S. could you make your next question a little easier please, you know " what,s the meaning of life, the universe and all that perhaps?". Welcome to the site. Best wishes, please post again (weekends are good times for questions methinks) Regards anne. p.s. No need to reply Rebecca, honestly!!. Chris has offered to field any response, I am just about to message and explain that they,ve volunteered. XXXXXxxxxxxxxxx Hugs and kisses from Blossom too.
Wow what a caring supporting post I think we're all getting worried about posting now. 🙁Sam x
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I'm naughty I posted mine because i was sick of not having them explained. Clinic is a bit too quick not much time to ask. It's very rushed. Sorry for my post but i did get a lot of support n pointed in the right direction. Strike one for me 😟
WOW!! Tillycindy you ROCK!
REBECCA..... Truly Ciao Ciao!! You need to RETHINK what this Site is ALL About! if that is your attitude- you will not be Popular, sorry!
Are you still on the site tillycindy???
Are you still here?
I read this post this morning . As a sufferer of chirrosis myself I do sort of know about the levels on the liver tests . But I also know they can differ from hospital and GP. I too was told in 2008 if j did not stop drinking I would be dead in 6 months , thank the lord I am still here to try to help others and Also to gain support when I am struggling with the dark thoughts and alcohol craving . I was going to reply back myself until I read Chris post . I am enjoying this support network , but was afraid to reply . I hope that sade80 will continue on this sight and best wishes to you .i agree with both Sara and Chris on this one .. Sorry 💕 If I offend anyone .. Just saying 😊
Well Said Millie! xxxx
Thank you Sadiegirl . I think as long as we don't give medical advice that is deemed fit for only a GP or hospital then it would be OK to help others if we have the answer to their Question . Especially if we have been in the same place .hope you are well . Best wishes .. Linda
Hey Millie, enjoyed chatting with you. If you are interested there is a book out "get sober, Stay Sober" the truth about alcoholism by Cynthia Perkins. Must stress I haven,t read it myself but found the concepts fascinating as I,ve always believed there is a biochemical reason behind addiction, and from the extracts sounds like a good read as you,re into diet and the such. I,ve found that I haven,t had any cravings for alcohol since I cut out all sugar from my diet. I really think more research ought to go into the science behind addiction. Hope you are keeping well. Best wishes anne.
Hi tillycindy , yes thank you so did I . Oh is there ? I will look that up on line maybe Amazon have it or the bookstore , I'm sure I will find it . I believe the same as you , my dad had a drink problem years ago , I was only 10 years old if that , and it only dawned on me when I went through alcohol withdrawal that is what my dad was going through . Always remember him in bed telling me he could see spiders climbing the walls . No one else in my Family has any alcohol issues .i cut out some sugar but I do still have craving for chocolate lol .so I buy the 60% sugar free from tesco . I totally agree with you. They say it's an illness , others Disageee like my last alcohol adviser in Aquarius . Much appreciated with regards to the book so thank you . Glad your still sober . Hope you are well . I am doing ok . Take care .. Linda X
Actually, I found it after looking into " the problems with a.a" on the search engine, and came across Cynthia. Wanted to find alternatives as I'm in the 97% they don,t work for. Trouble is there data is only collected from their own members so the election is rigged, so to speak. Also you can look up P.A.W.s post alcoholic withdrawal syndrome another issue hardly heard of in the addiction community, which is that sudden dip or return to some withdrawals even 2 or 3 yrs after you,ve given up. All interesting science which needs more study. Not dissing a.a as I told you before, if it works that,s fantastic. but for us failures there has to be another way!. P,s Do me a favour, bump this off the front page as my dear friend pickles is about, and we sort of agree to disagree (well avoid the subject) love her dearly and don,t want to annoy her. hope you are keeping well. anne.
Oh I see , so basically it's not all as it seems then . I have been to AA but I came out feeling more depressed than when I went in , it has worked for a lot of people as I know a few who still go there . If it works for them then great ! But I agree there must be an alternative way . I did know about P.A.W. S. Only through reasearch myself but it was never ever mentioned to me by my doctor or hospital either . Oh bless , yes I totally understand I would be the same . How do I get rid of the post ? As new to this lol . Yes I am keeping well thank you . Hope you are too . Linda
I joined recently because I wanted opinions on my blood results, I wasn't looking for a diagnosis, just opinions from those more experienced. I wasnt told off at the time but if the rules have changed then I am no longer able to ask for opinions. I have done all the research and I believe I know where I am heading but it's good to run thoughts by others in the know as I'm up against a brick wall with my Gastro !
I guess I have no place here now as my results are all I have to go on 
bantam12 (as I do not know your "real name!!"), PLEASE keep on posting and ASKING and truly, I think she is OUTnumbered... what do you think?! 
It's all about support, knowledge and Reaching Out to others. If she doesn't understand that, then perhaps there is a Change in Order......
Thank you SadieGirl 😀
I belong to the thyroid forum on HU and the first advice to new members is to post their results so more experienced peeps can see what's going on then advise on a way forward.
I also run a forum for a fairly uncommon disease and again we always like to see results so we can point members in the right direction and recommend further tests they should be pushing for, we don't attempt diagnosis, just advise.
In my experience doctors are pretty useless at communication so we are left googling for answers, although I'm sure there are many on here with serious conditions who are treated very well, my husband has multiple life limiting problems and his team are amazing but it's been a struggle to get to this point where he is taken seriously and he actually learnt a lot from forums in particular a change of drug which doctors would never have suggested but in fact it has changed his life.
To me the point of posting results is for opinions and possibly confirmation that we are justified in being concerned, even if our "medical team" are disinterested !
I will keep reading but probably not replying or posting as the "rules" prevent me seeking or giving help
Stay as well as can be everyone 😀
Oh my heavens!!! I don't even know what the rules are as I'm not online too often do too just not having the time but I'm surprised that I wasn't knocked off By my comments!! I am sure your body has taken so much stress due to what sounds like a very challenging health situation for your husband and you, as the caregiver. Don't stop asking and reaching out I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers....xx
Thanks Sadie,
I doubt many people on forums read the rules, I never have ! most people will be posting their questions because they are desperate for advice so rules and regs are not top of their to do list.
There was a big debate on the thyroid forum about the perceived "medical advice" being given as there have been a few members who thought the Admins were medically qualified, the solution was to add a disclaimer to their posts, simples 😀
I fully understand the aim of this forum is to support people already diagnosed and going through treatment but if new undiagnosed members seeking advice are excluded from asking certain questions they will go elsewhere or give up trying to find answers, which is sad.
Have a good day everyone x
I feel a bit sorry for Sade80 who must be thinking she has walked into a warzone !
Rebecca is entirely correct in what she has said. Non of us are able to make a judgement on blood results and we could cause unnecessarily worry or falsely reassure those seeking support.
There are plenty of Facebook communities which are entirely unmoderated and I've seen shocking examples of misinformation and advice given inappropriately.
I'm always impressed when somebody is able and willing to address their substance misuse, its really hard work. I was very fortunate, I simply became too unwell to tolerate alcohol and lost any appatite for a drink. Not had a drink for 19 months and I'm now six months post transplant.
Sade80, I wish you a comfortable and successful detox.
Jim
Jim, I don't think Sade80 was looking for a DR here..... just looking for someone to talk to and yap to about concerns as surely one does not get this comfort in a DR's office or hospital. Isn't that why this site exists???! I hope others don't deter people from posting ANY questions, as you did by agreeing with Rebecca.....
I said shocking examples in unmoderated forums - not this one !
It's a shame really because anyone who wants to discuss their blood tests will just google one of these forums instead. And the reality is that blood test results are not discussed in terms of numbers during a consultation only whether they're improved, stable or worse than previous. It's not until you get the letter through the door that you're able to see the numbers. The reality is that the NHS doesn't have the resources to simply have consultations regarding this, and people wait 6 months/ a year before they are able to discuss.
Good morning everybody,
Rodeojoe, interesting point. Sometimes the outpatient consultation letter I get a few weeks after the appointment has the blood results in full. Each result is given with the normal range in brackets. So clearly we are trusted to use that information.
However on other times the results are very brief and have just a few results - I prefer the whole page. Especially after the number of bottles I fill on every appointment ! I'm hoping that after my next appointment I go to every three months.
On one occasion I picked up a result that wasnt even mentioned later even though it was pretty important to me. It was the Hb A1c which gives me three months average blood glucose. It actually put me in the non-diabetic range, a condition I had for the time of my liver failure. To go from insulin dependent to normal a few weeks post transplant was pretty amazing.
I've heard that some centres give you a password and you can access results online. Now that would be very useful. Do anybody on this site have such a facility ?
Jim
Yes I can do that Jim. I can't see all the results but certainly the main ones - full blood count, liver function tests, kidney functions tests etc. I can also see the letters the consultant sends to my GP. That is the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. The system was paid for by the hospital charity not the NHS though.
Sandy, thanks for that. I'll raise it at my November 1st appointment at the Royal Free. Maybe the Royal Free charity could consider it.
Just looked at the website - the access to records was a trial with just 12 hepatology patients in 2012. Definitely something I think should be available to all hepatology / transplant patients. Perhaps the BLT could take it on-board and promote the idea ?
Oh so they have already trialled it at the Royal Free have they?
No the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham trialled it - now its up and running. I am just hoping it becomes available at all hepatology / transplant units. I think its appropriate as we are " patients for life" and have extensive records and regular tests.
Sorry - my misunderstanding. I agree - I do find it very useful.
Yes, I live in France and although the lab. is close by ......results by same day you can get them on line if you live outside of town.
Mine are all over the place.....they are on the high side but lfts can be very dependent on what you have eaten /drank during the past 2 days. I live in France so have have a complete blood profile every year....sometimes I wish I didn't!
I know exactly what you mean. I,m all over the shop with blood tests. Just think I,ve got something sorted when up pops another issue!. I was thinking about it all this morning and it reminded me of something I read in the readers digest as a child, for some reason it,s always stuck in my mind, funny how things do that........." According to the theory of aerodynamics the wingspan of a bee is insufficient to enable the bee to fly. The bumble bee, not knowing the theory of aerodynamics just keeps right on flying". anne x
Pretty cool 🙏
I got a second gp today and asked what the ultrasound was for. He said "They want to make sure, there's no cirrhosis, no scarring" and said they would come back down after I stop drinking.
WELL SAID CHRIS! xx
Oh well, if I,m to be shot at dawn on Monday morning at least I,ll be in good company! anne.
Thank you Chris, you will be made very welcome on the TUK forum and you will no doubt find a lot of useful info, thyroid diseases are badly managed by the medical profession hence the 1000's of members seeking help from others.
See you over there 😁
Oh- I need to go to your forum as well! I've been on 100 mcgs of Lev for a long time... i'll have to look it up!!!
thankyou for those words i really appreciate it. I guess me you and Anne better go sit on the naughty step. Well we can party 💃while were there lol. Thankyou again. Hope to speak soon. 😊
Hope it's a big step, quite a few of us will be sitting on it, room for one more ? 😂
Bantam12. Please join us. I'll book a room instead of a step 😂😂
In our defence we were left unsupervised. xxx
Hi Chris I am actually a he so no worries. Did you have any symptoms of cirrhosis?
Hi Chris
The sonograper in my case said when asked there is fat around the liver and the liver is not clear. I have a piece of paper with different stats written down at that time but am not going to type them in!!!!!
I had it done yesterday but won't get results from my gp till next week. The sonographer didn't say anything. There was also a student with him.
Does anyone know how long it takes to get results from your gp? My ultrasound was Monday and still haven't heard anything from my gp.
I wouldn't bank on that, never assume no news is good news !
Since when is it breaking the rules on posting blood results? I've posted mine dozens of times and never been sanctioned in any way! A backward step by Blt in my opinion it's precisely because people are not explained results by gps that people ask questions here
I phoned up a few days earlier and i'm 100% positive it was her i was speaking to. She told me to see a doctor which i did but no answers apart from possible cirrhosis.
She was probably expecting me to post on here and looking out for my post. When I posted she knew it was me and responded like that.
What a bitch.
Dr just phoned. There's just fatty change in the liver, no cirrhosis or scarring. They do want to do more tests for hepatitis but she says it's completely reversible. What a relief.
Great news sade80 😁
HERE WE GO AGAIN CHAPS. Hope you are well bantam. So pleased for you sade. best wishes. xx
No cirrhosis even though people on here wanted me to have it. I'm 36 and glad i don't have this death sentence at 36. Rebecca fuck off.
Liver pain, elevated liver enzymes and ultrasound 
Elevated liver wnzymes
How long have your liver enzymes been elevated?
