Waiting for LFT results

[Xemxija]

Hi,

Went to have my blood pressure checked, which was high and given Amlodipine for that. Also had a blood test which showed elevated enzymes so am awaiting results of a Liver Function Test.

I never considered myself a heavy drinker. Never got drunk. Just a couple of pints most evenings on the way home. However, going through two years of divorce proceedings has meant more regular drinking as a stupid coping mechanism and this has clearly had an effect.

I've stopped drinking now (only been a week but that's a start). Am hoping I'm one of the lucky ones and can halt any further damage and (if I'm really lucky), perhaps even reverse some of the damage. Time will tell.

X.

[freddie76]

Liver problems are not all related to alcohol. Just make sure you are fully checked out.

Good luck

[Xemxija in reply to freddie76]

Thanks freddie76 I'm still waiting for the results. My GP has them, but I'm unable to get them as I have one of those practices where you have to phone in at 8am to book a call-back, but I'm working then and there's no mobile signal in the building I work in. There is currently no bookable telephone consultations as the system is down.

There may be other explanations, though I think alcohol is the most likely explanation. I do have 'dimple' edema and dry mouth (though these can also be caused by the amplodipine).

X.

[Ticktoc in reply to Xemxija]

Hi I've been on Amlodipine for about 5 yrs for high bp recently put on Bisoprolol a d Apixiban for a fib I have had side effects trapped wind , a uti , now have been told blood test shows elevated liver enzymes when I asked go if it could be caused by Amlodipine being a calcium channel blocker he said it is not ? I'm also on Atorvastatin Which can also cause raised liver enzymes and copd meds I don't know what is causing them or weather it's a combination of all of them but so stressed about it all at min didn't have any of this before a fib diagnosis just a irregular heart rate I don't drink alcohol at all but I'm confused with it all I think some of meds need to go

[Hidden]

Well done, good start, keep it up !! You will feel so much better. You'll get plenty of help and support here if you need it.

Laura

[Xemxija in reply to Hidden]

Many thanks Hidden

X.

[Hidden]

Well done for taking steps to a healthier life. You may also want to discuss having an ultrasound scan with your GP, that would provide more information on liver function.

Best wishes

Trust1

[Xemxija in reply to Hidden]

Yes @Trust1 I plan to do so (when I can actually get an appointment with my GP) ...

X.

[Hidden in reply to Xemxija]

It really is so difficult to get appointments at the moment. Good luck!

[Ticktoc in reply to Xemxija]

That's the problem been trying to see my gp had app last week when I got there computers were down so didn't get app just a text to say to go for a repeat blood test so I got to wait for results to start app circle again

[Hidden]

Hi

How are you feeling today? Would your boss let you come in a bit later so you could go down to your GP for day 7:50 and then you'd probably be first in the queue. Good luck. Take care Lynne

[Xemxija in reply to Hidden]

Hi @Oldham12 - it's not a 'walk-in' practice, so you can't just turn up. You have to phone for a call-back, arrange a pre-booked telephone consultation, or arrange for an appointment (which could be at least a two weeks wait).

[Hidden in reply to Xemxija]

Ours is a normal practice but they do emergency appointments first thing. Take care Lynne

[Xemxija in reply to Hidden]

So does mine @Oldham12 but not sure getting blood test results would count as an 'emergency'.

[Hidden in reply to Xemxija]

Hi

Very true . It just seems so unfair that you have to wait for so long. Take care Lynne

[Ticktoc in reply to Xemxija]

Same here. Crazy system

[Owlie]

Hi, what is your diet like and do you exercise? The reason I ask is because you can get liver problems from just a poor diet and no exercise. Also lose weight if you are overweight. Stopping the alcohol is brilliant well done! My damage is reversing, I don’t drink but unforyptunately I haven’t looked after myself very well for the past few years and a poor diet and lack of exercise caused my problems. Luckily the damage is reversible as long as I stick to a healthy diet and exercise regularly. In 3 months I lost weight and my LFTs went from severely abnormal to abnormal to normal to extremely normal! The liver is an amazing organ and has the ability to regenerate, good luck with your tests and let us know how you get on! owlie

[Xemxija in reply to Owlie]

Good point. I'm sure not drinking alcohol will help with weight loss and I'm switching to a more plant-based diet with lots of veggies, fruit, seeds and nuts. Also drinking a lot more water.

X.

[Xemxija]

Saw an 'Advanced Nurse Practitioner' on Friday (GP was on leave). She confirmed that my enzymes were up. I mentioned the ankle swellings and dry mouth and she just told me to put my feet up when possible. She thought Fatty Liver might be possible and has arranged an ultrasound appointment.

X.

[Hidden]

Hi

Firstly well done on your first week of giving up the dreaded drink.

Re Your doctors ! Have you tried arriving just before 8am as most doctors will allow you to book an appointment for the same day! Give it a go,, you may be lucky!

Well good luck and keep in touch

Trish