Raised ALT, GGT etc.

[Sawyer99]

Hi all,

I’m 18 years old and have been backwards and forwards and hoping someone might be able to help. My ALT was 443 at the last test 6 weeks ago and still rising. My GGT was 112 and serum ferritin was 209. I’ve got an insane amount of sickness and diarrhoea, up to 6+ times a day, itchy skin, slight jaundice and the pain is unbearable. Some days I can’t bear to walk anywhere.

So far I’ve had numerous ultrasounds, which show an enlarged spleen and liver, fatty liver infiltration and what looks like liver scarring. I’ve had a colonoscopy and endoscopy with multiple biopsies taken from my bowels (still waiting on results). I had a CT scan with contrast a few days ago and now have an appointment for a fibroscan and awaiting an appointment for a liver biopsy to be done. All the Hepatitis tests came back negative by the way

After being referred to my gastroenterologist they’ve found that my levels have been significantly raised for 4 years and that my old GP overlooked all the symptoms. I’m freaking out and getting weaker and sicker each day. But still no sign of any answers? Any help or suggestions from people who have been through the same would be brilliant

Thanks,

Sawyer

[Hidden]

At your age, I would hope you're not on any medications or experiencing toxic exposures, but hope your doc's will be ruling out the obvious suspects early on. A lot of antibiotics have liver toxic potential... Had any recurring infections your GP has prescribed anti-B's for? Acne meds?

Hope you're not taking any magic muscle building pills or other exotic supplements, street drugs or solvent exposure (huffing).

Exotic diets? Vegans can get into trouble with nutrient deficiencies, and crash diets and supplements for weight loss can throw the liver into chaos too.

It's vital your doctors know about any lifestyle factors that could possibly be causing this, so you've got to be completely honest about any of these possibilities.

Once you've ruled out any possible lifestyle factors, your doc's will have to dig into other possibilities. Hope you get to the bottom of this soon!

[Hidden]

It is possible that you have auto-immune hepatitis (AIH), but a liver biopsy will help to confirm or otherwise. In order to confirm this, they have to rule out the other forms of hepatitis first, which is what has been done. I do hope you get some answers soon, as I realise that being this sick without answers is immensely worrying. This is only a suggestion as to one of the possibilities they might be considering. Since I am not a doctor, I am only making this suggestion based on my own experience, which I have to say is not exactly the same as yours, so AIH may not be the best fit. Good luck at getting a diagnosis soon.

[Sawyer99]

Hi guys,

Thanks for the replies I am on regular medication but only been on it for 9 months whereas my symptoms have been around for 4 ish years. They did originally think that but ruled it out after doing extensive research on the medication. Come to think of it I have been on antibiotics quite a bit as I always seem to have tonsillitis. The doctors do know about that and don’t seem to be too worried.

I am a vegan but again only very very recently, in the last week or so. Also is AIH detectable by blood as the results say renal function and auto-immune antibodies are negative

[MarilyK1]

Your ferriten at 209 seems a bit too high. Have you been checked for Hemochromatosis? If you have it, iron collects in your liver and can cause cirrhosis. I have both and my Dr likes to keep my ferriten around 30.