GGT should I be worried

[Evergreen21]

Hi, new person here, had a blood test just before Christmas in the middle of the boozy season. Blood test was for an arthritic condition. I saw the Doctor this week and she flagged up my GGT reading, it was 65. She asked me if I drink regularly, I said yes about 3/4 days per week, she recommended that I reduce consumption to lower GGT figure. All other readings were fine incl liver function test. Basically, should I be really worried about this GGT reading? She said it should be between 0-59. I'm 57 and in good health otherwise.

Thanks.

[Hidden]

Hi & welcome.

"just what the doctor ordered"

Exactly the thing that is or was needed to help improve something or make one feel better.

GGT is an alcohol marker amongst other things. I can't comment on meds being an issue.

By admission booze certainly raises it, however only YOU know how much overindulgence was involved.

It's markable simply because it's above the range for a male.

You have been advised accordingly. 🤔

[Laura009]

Hi.

So your GGT is over 59 and the doc has said refrain from drinking to bring it down, take your doctor's advice then you won't have anything to worry about.

Best wishes

Laura

[ThreeSmiles]

Hi ever

Laura and feckle have given you the answer that you probably already knew yourself. In the long run no alcohol would be a great answer (speaking from experience 😕👎) but at least try and cut down - “you know it makes sense” 👍.

Good luck! Next time you post it will be that your doctor is really impressed with what you have achieved! 🤞🤞🤞 for you.

Miles

[Evergreen21]

Thanks for the responses. I do realise that in a perfect world I wouldn't drink beer at all but I do want some kind of life. I actually love beer and wouldn't say I'm a heavy drinker but I'm certainly a regular drinker and have been that way for some 40 years now. Doctor seemed so laid back about it and simply told me to 'cut down' not stop. She also mentioned losing a bit of weight, I'm about 14.5 stone and I eat reasonably well. I'm off for a holiday on friday which will involve some beer! After that I think that I should abstain for 6 weeks and get my blood tested again (which she suggested). Looking at my GGT reading, it looks lower than others on here so I initially thought that it wasn't too bad. I do realise that it is an early warning though. I need to look after myslf more at my age now I guess.

[briccolone in reply to Evergreen21]

hi there and welcome..as per the other posters-try and stick to the guidelines on alcohol per week which is 14 units so that's about 6-7 pints per my estimation. Those guidelines are for a reason-some of us haven't followed them. Losing weight also helps with GGT, blood pressure and blood sugar. Take another look after 6 weeks "dry"-I think you'll find the proof will be in the pudding. I first started getting problems at your age so treat this as a wake up call.

[ThreeSmiles in reply to briccolone]

Absolutely right brick

I was told to go reasonably on the alcohol about 4 years before I got bad liver disease - cirrhosis- which I ignored inn the main because I thought I’d be “alright on the night”....doesn’t work unfortunately 😕👎

Miles

[briccolone in reply to ThreeSmiles]

likewise...am still in diagnostic mode myself but fairly certain the same...

[Hidden in reply to briccolone]

No self medication. 🤔

[briccolone in reply to Hidden]

nope

[Hidden in reply to ThreeSmiles]

The trouble with us was down to faulty jeans. They'd no pockets so our money was always deposited behind the bar. 😜

[Evergreen21 in reply to briccolone]

I've been reading through other peoples cases on here, my GGT has never been flagged up before. I see back in 2016 it was 52 but the Doctor never mentioned it. It is definitely an early warning for me and after my holiday I'm going to make a real effort. I think I'm still in a position where I can change things for the better before it gets bad like others on here. Strange thing is, my wife, mother, father, sister don't drink alcohol at all!

[briccolone in reply to Evergreen21]

Hi there not surprised your doctor didn't mention a level of 52 as a concern. Mine was 180 first time it was checked- didn't even show on the ultrasound. I had symptoms though. It was the beginning of fatty liver. If you take the appropriate steps now you'll be fine. Best k

[Hidden in reply to Evergreen21]

I don't drink. At all. Where does this idea that you have no life without beer come from? I have a fantastic life with plenty of hobbies, friends and interests - and I never wake up with a hangover.

You've bought the myth that sells the poison that kills so many people. Time to start thinking differently, for the sake of your health. I promise that you won't miss beer in the long run

[Evergreen21]

I also forgot to mention that I have been on Omeprazole 20mg per day for many years, from what I'm reading that may also raise GGT level.

[Hidden in reply to Evergreen21]

That wonder drug, without which I can't even keep water down!

I've not heard of it increasing GGT, but I always ask for GGT to be added to my blood tests, as a cirrhosis survivor and ex drinker - so I'll be sure to mention this if my GGT is still higher than it should be in a sober person. Thanks for that info!

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

To make sure omeprazole is safe for you, tell your doctor if you:

have had an allergic reaction to omeprazole or any other medicines in the past

have liver problems

are due to have an endoscopy

Ask your doctor if you should stop taking omeprazole a few weeks before your endoscopy. This is because esomeprazole may hide some of the problems that would usually be spotted during an endoscopy.

NHS website. 🤔

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Good advice! I was taken off Omeprazole for about three days before my endoscopy. Not a problem at the time as the cirrhosis cost me my appetite, so they were able to get all the results they wanted.

[Hidden]

Good morning Evergreen21,

Welcome to this friendly forum !

I can see our lovely members have offered great advice as always.

I will just point out that no one on here is medically qualified to interpret blood tests ( as stated in our community guidelines )

I have included links to the British Liver Trust website information on diet and alcohol, which may give you food for thought.

britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

Have a lovely holiday, and do let us know how you are getting on with lifestyle change !

Best wishes,

Trust9

[Evergreen21]

Thanks Trust9!

[Laura009]

I will just say you can have a life without booze! I have a fabulous life without ever having any. Enjoy your hols

[Evergreen21 in reply to Laura009]

That is certainly something to aim for Laura. Thanks.

[Sharona68]

I must be an exception. I haven’t drank in 6 years yet my GGT was at 225! Like 😱