Very high LFT results

[Amok54]

Hi, I’m new here. I’ve been worried sick since I got my blood test results last week.

GGT was 310 and ALT 185 Also something called C reactive protein was 6. This was after I went to the GP with some epigastric pain and over a two day period. The episode was exactly like a gallstone attack and the pain stopped abruptly as soon as I vomited. (Had my gall bladder removed 16 years ago)

I’m 65 now and have always been a bit of a binge drinker, although last March when I had my LFTs done they were all normal. I’ve had repeat blood tests done by the practice phlebotomist but I haven’t managed to speak to a doctor yet.

I’m terrified that my past has caught up with me and I’ve developed cirrhosis. Does anyone know if this can happen in that time frame? Sorry if I sound neurotic, but my nerves are shot with the not knowing. I don’t expect to have my test results analysed on here- just thought someone might identify with them.

[Ironman1125]

Hi sorry nobody else has replied! I'm afraid I don't have much experience of the gallbladder pain at least I don't think I have! My bloods were skewed though on GGT mainly although bilirubin was one above normal but I defo put mine down to alcohol and painkillers. I have some ongoing gastro issues which I'm hoping is again down to the forementined crap and hoping abstinence will help. I do know that on my last bloodtest from abstinence everything was back in normal range....have I dodged a bullet...I don't know and all medical professionals who have examined say they can feel anything untoward but I should get an ultrasound. I'm paranoid though despite what they say about the reassurance it should offer.

Anyway where am I going with that....if you think you are just a bit of a binge drinker....be honest with yourself and have a word with yourself...you like me are clearly worried and that worry will haunt you and your regret will eat your soul. First thing I would be doing now from my experience is using this as a wake up call and knocking the alcohol on the head and giving your live a big break forever with a view to normalising those blood tests.

Try not to worry...its easier said than done but regardless your abstinence of alcohol will help.

Take care!

[Amok54 in reply to Ironman1125]

Hi Ironman,Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. Of course you’re absolutely right about my comment about being ‘a bit of a binge drinker’! In my line of work for the past couple of decades, there was a very strong binge drinking culture, and there was always somebody who drank much more than I did - that was how I used to justify it to myself.

Needless to say, these results have terrified me so much that I haven’t even dared to have a glass of wine since I got them. No drinking session was ever worth this!

If this turns out to be a wake up call, I’ll think myself very lucky. In the meantime I’ll keep up the abstinence and pay attention to your excellent advice.

Thanks again and I hope you also get good news soon.

I wish you well.

[Kristian]

All sorts of things can cause the results you describe. ALT & CRP are both signs of inflammation. But they can be caused by simple things like a bug or viral infection aswell as liver disease. Indeed, those causes are probably more likely. I'm sure your doctor will wish to investigate further and the first step is usually just to do a repeat blood test to see if there are still elevated, going down or going up. That will then indicate to him whether or not further action is needed.

[Amok54 in reply to Kristian]

Thank you for taking the time to reply, Kristian, it was just the kind of reassurance I needed to hear! I’ve really been overdoing it on Google, even during the night as I’ve been unable to sleep due to anxiety and guilt over this. I should get the second set of results in the next couple of days, then I’ll know if I’ve got something to worry about. Thank you once again - whatever the outcome may be, you made me feel better today!

[Ruggerhead in reply to Amok54]

HI, I hope by now you have results back, and to be honest we are not really in a position to comment on bloods as everyone is different and bloods can sometimes lead one down the wrong path. But we here have all had a lifetimes experience of Liver issues. I am 60 and like you I guess a history of some binge drinking. I am not a Dr, but they would look at relationships or partnerships of bloods, are they more Liver specific ie ALT/AST ratios. GGT, Alkphosphate, then how your liver is functioning re production of Bilirubin, Albumin etc etc. The reactive protein can show inflammation but as the previous person siad, that could be a reaction to a loyt of things, as could your elevated bloods especially after something acute, which tends to spike bloods. My suggestion is get the ultrasound, and find out if there is any damage to the liver ie how fibroid, or not is it. You can have many stages of damage, alcoholic or non alcoholic, and from stage 1 simple Fatty Liver through NASH etc. Its good that you are on to it as it may well be a warning shot and reversible if you give up the current lifestyle. Again if it can be a fibrascan even better as that will give you a good reading of Fat cover and damage. Try not to google things to much, as this stage you are were you are, remember bloods can be a lot of things and also the numbers can be a lot higher too, I personally have had numbers many times normal. Gather as much info as you can, lead a healthier life anyway and I've a good feeling. I wish you well, as I said Im not a Dr, but through family history ( cancer) and my own issues i have researched Liver issues a lot, I have also been able to turn things back a bit by adopting a cleaner lifestyle and while i thought that would be hard its not that bad at all. No harm in giving up the booze for a while anyway, regardless of what the ultrasound says. Think of those hangover free days. Good luck, You got this...

[Amok54 in reply to Ruggerhead]

Hi,I got a copy of the results today from my GP practice, but still haven’t managed to speak to the doctor.

The ALT had plummeted to 25, the GGT down to 71, and the CRP was3!

This second test was ten days after the high results. No explanation, just told that I would receive a letter about a scan. Obviously I’ll try to arrange a phone call with the doctor ASAP, but in the meantime I don’t know what to make of it. Btw I hadn’t even been drinking in the two weeks before the first set of tests!

I suppose I’ll just have to wait and see what the scan shows, but it’s scared me enough to have a long hard look at my lifestyle!

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply, your knowledge and reassurance is much appreciated.