blood tests show raised GGT levels , could do with a little reasurance

[ClintBone]

Hi , im michael, 47 yrs ,

Just had a liver screen where all my levels were fine except my GGT which scored 56, i have 5 boys under 18 and i a little worried, is 56 something for concern

I used to be a very heavy drinker till i was 35 but now binge very heavily two weekends a year, also been on co codomol for 4 years due to a hand injury resulting in severe nerve damage, maybe thinking the constant taking of the paracetamol has not helped especially over medicating when the pain gets to much.

much thanks and love

[jojokarak]

When I first got told I had to stop drinking my ggt levels were over 300 and I didn't listen and now I am nearly 3 years post transplant...

Yours are not very concerning but if you're truly worried about how much you drink and effects on your body then give up while you can so your children will have you around because even though they are not concerning now they could become in the future 😊

[ClintBone in reply to jojokarak]

Wont touch a drink again, i usually get drunk two weekends a year , mine and my best mates birthdays but i do get hammered. No more and sorry to hear of your situation Jojo, hope things turn out ok

[jojokarak in reply to ClintBone]

I all good thanks 😊

And we finally found out it wasn't through alcohol but it scared me enough never to touch a drink again but I think we are all niave to our bodies and what damage we can do without realising x

[Laura009]

You can reduce your ggt by stopping drinking alcohol completely and for good. Drink plenty of coffee and eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, seeds and grains. Generally eat a healthy balanced diet. Get plenty of fresh air and exercise with your boys and enjoy the summer. Without alcohol in your body, you will feel healthier brighter and have far more energy. Good luck

[ClintBone in reply to Laura009]

as i said above for 361 days a year i dont touch it so abstaining is no problem , thankyou Laura for the advice, i a massive coffee drinker and do have fruit smoothies daily, just a bit concerning when i was told

[Laura009 in reply to ClintBone]

Sure,well done, carry on like that and you will have nothing to worry about...... happy days 😀👍

[Popel]

Hi Clint .well you sound very sensible as there are far to many myself included who haven’t done the sensible thing or have but it’s been to late and given up drinking .life and your health are such a gift and lots of people become Blasé and ended up in the operating theatre getting a liver transplant.keep it up anyway because the alternative is a terrifying journey I wouldn’t want to tell you about.paul

[ClintBone]

sorry to hear what you have been through Paul , i think if i was younger when alcohol had me by the hairys id of struggled giving up, ive been researching today , im on co codomol have been for 4 years after smashing my hand badly at work, i think what may have had happened is the one weekend of two i get a bit smashed was only two weeks ago and i drank very heavily, will be seeing the doctor tommorrow concerning my co codomol and asking him to put me on codiene only eliminating paracetomol from my body

[Popel in reply to ClintBone]

Hi there your right codeine is a much more liver friendly drug.its what they give us for the pain after surgery among other drugs. Although I’ve been through a lot I wish I’d had the clarity and inner peace that I now have.and believe having a transplant has changed my outlook on life that I didn’t appreciate before.its been like a lightbulb has been switched on and I now love life and I’ll never take it for granted again it’s just a shame I’ve had to have a new liver to appreciate that.paul

[Hidden in reply to Popel]

Ditto popel 👍

[Hidden]

GGT normal range is between 0 - 52. Doubt many of use near that or your 56. Mine was 1500 hence my Cirrhosis. Should add after 2 mths no sauce dropped to 276. Haven't had any Bloods since, but to late now with the wee c.

[Laura009]

Yes cocodamol is very addictive and to have been on them for 4 years is not good. Hope you manage to find a good alternative through your gp.

[Hidden]

Hi Clint

Fisrtly please try not to stress!

I've had raised bloods including my GGT for over 12 months . GGT 150 which is not that high compared to others.

I'm not a drinker as such but may have one small gin or a beer once or twice a month.

I've managed to bring my bloods back into a normal range by eating healthy and keeping fit.

My recent blood state normal GGT 0 to 45! I'm now at 52 GGT and currently being monitored by regular blood tests and see my consuktant again in October. All scans clear.

So please just take care of yourself and your bloods could improve too!

Trish

[Hidden]

Hi ClintBone

It is positive that you are trying to be aware of how to improve your lifestyle.

We would suggest that you discuss your results with your own GP, it may be useful to also discuss having further tests like an ultrasound scan of your liver that will provide more information.

Here is a link to our publication 'Liver disease tests explained'

britishlivertrust.org.uk/wp...

Our helpline is open Monday to Friday 10am to 14.45 on 0800 652 7330 if you wish to have a chat.

Take care.

Best wishes

Trust1