Have to retake a bloodtest

[Hogeyz]

Hi all I’m a 38 year old heavy drinker. I recently had a bout of food poisoning for which I had blood tests at my GP.

No one got in touch so I contacted the surgery to chase the results, and the receptionist said that 2 test were normal but they want me to retake one in a month, I asked which one and she said AST serum, which was borderline/abnormal.

Which has freaked me out, does this mean I’ve damaged my liver? Is this a sign of cirrhosis. I quit drinking completely once they told me, and haven’t drank for a week, and intended to stay off the booze until I’ve retaken the blood test, but should I be concerned?

I’m genuinely freaked out.

[Hidden]

Well I would take this as awake up call. You mention not drinking until the second set of tests, but in all honestly I would stop drinking now and forever. You mention been a heavy drinker so your liver may well be damaged and will be more so if you continue. The only way to have a healthy liver is quitting alcohol altogether along with a healthier forever life style. I did it and so can you. We have to respect our bodies and they will repay you with a longer life.

[AyrshireK]

I don't think i'd be panicking at this point - 'borderline' abnormal isn't generally a cause of concern (doctors don't generally get panicked until numbers are 3-4 times upper limit of normal whereas they've said yours are borderline so only perhaps marginally inflated). It may be a blip and this is why your doctor is going to repeat bloods. AST is an inflammation marker so it's possible your liver is inflamed at this time.

Don't panic over this one elevated test but do think about your future relationship with alcohol, it's possible for bloods to be near normal even with really advanced liver disease so bloods arn't the be all and end all. If your bloods remain a little elevated after repeated test then seek further examination of your liver - perhaps a scan to check on the actual state.

Heavy drinking could potentially lead to issues in the future - even moderate drinking if you have already got a stressed liver could lead to real damage being done.

Katie