Poor liver function 20%. Man aged 88.

[Isabelle2]

Hi all

I am on here as I had a liver transplant in June 17 and all is fine, I’m glad to say.

However, I live in France and my Dad is in the Uk. He has a lovely lady who cares for him. He recently had painful legs which was identified as gout. Now, however his legs are severely swollen and painful and his bloods show a liver function of 20%. His blood test a few months ago gave him a 40% liver function.

The gp thought it might be a virus. I immediately thought about cirrhosis bearing in mind he has always enjoyed about 3 smallish glasses of wine per night for 40 yrs. His brother, a heavy drinker died from cirrhosis and I had both AIH and ARLD. I have emailed GP to let her know the family history. I just wonder when she says 20%, 20% of what? In France I was never told my function was so many % but was told about separate readings.

I would be grateful of any light you could shine on the matter.

[Kristian]

It seems a bit strange to give a percentage of liver function. Like you I never had that and I don't actually remember there being a blood test that could give you that number. From what you describe though it sounds like it could actually be kidney function that is being referred to. With the swelling in the legs too, that would make sense to me. I am though guessing a little their so hopefully his GP will come back to you with some better information.

[Isabelle2 in reply to Kristian]

I know. It was liver though. I had terribly swollen legs with my cirrhosis but we’ll see. I have written to the gp stating the family history.

[Purplelamp]

My relative who is 78 has been told he has delayed circulation in his liver and back pressure. He had a scan to check whether his bowel cancer had returned which it hasnt. They seem to think his liver problems are due to heart failure after he had a bypass a year ago. His symptoms are cachexia, itching and no appetite. He is yet to be treated as he has been passed back & forth by various consultants with nobody seeming to take responsibility. Its very sad. He wants to eat but he cant. He also suffers from gout. The letter I have read says his liver function tests are only slightly deranged which seems weird.

[Isabelle2]

Thanks. I hope he gets what he needs soon. It’s frustrating isn’t it.