High GGT and AST levels

[nobleharry]

Ive just had my blood tests and concerned with GGT and AST levels. My drinking consumption has increased over the last 18 months during lockdown. Feeling a slight dull pain on my RHS under the lower rib which Im worried about. My doctor said to monitor and carryout another blood test in 8 weeks:

AST - 44

ALT - 50

ALP - 71

GGT - 110

Im worried I have damaged my liver and have stopped drinking. Fingers crossed the blood tests will improve.

[BrownTapir]

Hi nobleharry,

I'm afraid I don't know anything about the medical side of this, but I can relate to your worry over the tests. Waiting for results is awful.

Never thought I'd be the type to recommend such things, but I've been trying to learn to meditate with apps like Insight Timer & Headspace (the guided sessions) and found it sometimes helps a bit. Outside of that, healthy eating and especially exercise are helping me to cope (not that I'm coping perfectly, but I think they do help). Knowing you're maintaining the abstinence is something to be proud of too.

I've also started reading fiction again before bed (from a book), as it seems to help me get to sleep & prevent me from Googling every symptom I can think of while playing with my phone, which is generally a punishing experience. I'd be interested if you have any tips?

Whatever happens, you'll get through this (it's just 8 weeks) and then you'll know something more, so I suppose we both just have to hold on as best we can until then. Fingers crossed for you.

[nobleharry in reply to BrownTapir]

Thanks for your reply BrownTapir. Yes the waiting can be quite scary and painful. Thanks for your advice, will definitely look at these, especially the meditation and reading. Anything to get out of this awful habit of drinking every evening!!

[JJgut]

Based on my knowledge of noirmal values, your AST and ALT are barely elevated (if they are elevated at all), and your ALP is normal. GGT is the most sensitive to alcohol. You mention increased drinking during the pandemic. How much were you drinking during the pandemic, and how much did you drink before the pandemic (and for how long)?

[nobleharry in reply to JJgut]

Thanks for your reply JJgut. During the pandemic I started drinking between 10-15 units a night. 1 bottle of wine and approximately 2-3 vodkas.

[JJgut in reply to nobleharry]

What about before the pandemic?