What’s in a number?

[MissKota]

I recently had my annual check up for heart, diabetes etc. Anyway, all was well except the nurse said they need to watch my ‘fatty liver’. I had no idea I have a fatty liver but apparently my previous blood result was 40 and this latest was 45. Can someone explain the numbers to me please? Should I be worried? They are repeating the blood test in February.

[Hidden]

Hi,

Many different enzymes can be checked in a liver blood test. We would suggest you consider re-visiting your GP and ask for interpretation of your blood test and what that means for you. Different laboratories have different reported test reference ranges so unfortunately, no one on the forum can advise.

Here is our publication on Liver disease tests explained that may be helpful:

britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

If you have been told you that you have a fatty liver, was this seen on ultrasound?

Have you been diagnosed with Non-Alcohol Related Fatty liver (NAFLD) ? If so, you may find our general publication on NAFLD useful to read:

britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

Recent new guidance also highlights the need for an assessment of liver fibrosis ( to see if there is any stiffening/scarring) in patients with NAFLD so you may want to discuss testing for fibrosis also with your GP.

If you are in the UK our nurse led helpline is open Monday to Friday 10am to 14.45 on 0800 652 7330 if you would like to discuss anything further.

we hope you find the forum a supportive place to visit

Warm wishes

Trust1

[MissKota in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for replying. I am seeing my GP on 4th December for an unrelated (I think) issue so I will ask her then.

I haven’t had any test apart from the general blood test. It was a comment made by the nurse, “let’s see what’s happening with your fatty liver” that made be think I have it. She was going through all the blood test results at the time and pointed out the two figures previously mentioned and said it will need to be checked again in three months. No other advice on how to improve the situation.

Six months ago I had visited my GP due to constant diarrhoea. She examined my stomach and asked about pains and I explained that, weirdly, I had random pains in my right side where my gallbladder used to be but as it had been removed in 2015 I didn’t think it could be that.

No mention of any possible liver problems was mentioned at that time and instead I was referred for a colonoscopy which came back clear on all counts.

[Hidden in reply to MissKota]

Hopefully the GP can send you for further tests and investigations.

Keep us posted.

Warm wishes

Trust1

[Isabelle2]

Please talk to the help line as they will help you understand things. If it is just a fatty liver then with healthy eating and lifestyle changes you can make things a whole lot better.

Isabelle

[MissKota in reply to Isabelle2]

Thanks Isabelle, I’ll do that.