Liver pain, elevated liver enzymes and ultrasound

[Iamsarah]

Hello everyone. My boyfriend has been complaining of pain under his lower right rib. Pain was not severe just on and off. He got his blood test done and results showed elevated liver enzymes. He was booked for an ultrasound. We are waiting for the results but really scared. He is 39 and healthy overall. Occasionally smoking but no drinking. Does cardio and weight training. No any other symptom but scared. His weight is a few kgs over which he is trying to lose. Does liver pain and elevated liver enzymes mean anything very serious?

[AyrshireK]

Wait and see what the ultrasound shows and what further follow up tests are going to be needed.

It would depend which liver function tests were out of range & how seriously so. Doctors don't usually panic unless bloods are like 3 to 4 times over upper limit of normal.

Bloods can vary from hour to hour, day to day and it's usually only if there is a pattern of them being out of range that they might flag any issue at all. You say he does cardio and weights exercising - even that can elevate some liver enzymes - it would totally depend on which enzymes are showing an elevation as they can tell the story as to which part of the liver/biliary system might be affected.

The liver itself has no pain receptors so liver pain as such doesn't exist BUT pain in the liver area can be due to gall stone issues (which can also send liver bloods out of whack) or there could be some enlargement of the liver - common when there is some inflammation or fatty liver present. The liver is contained in a membrane called the Glisson's Capsule which when stretched can cause liver area pain.

Don't panic at this stage. Doctor is following up appropriately with the scan but be prepared for more tests to come.

Katie

[Iamsarah in reply to AyrshireK]

Thank you so much for your detailed answers. We are trying not to panic. I hope everything goes well with the ultrasound report and hope there is nothing serious.

[BBC8]

Hi I had/have elevated liver enzymes for on/off 2 years. Highest 80s and 70s and last 2 were normal. It would have never been registered if I wasn't having liver function tests for other reasons.

Scans were always normal.

I have learned some people have always had elevated liver enzymes. The hepatologist always asks about weight lifting exercises as these have an impact -! already mentioned by Katie.

I hope this puts your mind at ease. Wishing you all the best.

[Iamsarah in reply to BBC8]

Thank you so much. He is actually having mild pain in upper right abdomen and back and that is why we are scared.

[BBC8 in reply to Iamsarah]

I ending having tests etc as had pyelonephritis that led to regular monitoring of liver. The tests will reveal more and liver enzymes can fluctuate. No idea about back pain; possibly pulled something when training?

Any pain is uncomfortable and not particularly nice. I hope you get to the bottom of it.

There could be many reasons for the symptoms and liver enzymes. Nobody can really say.

My experience is try and not worry too much as we've all been there when we think and think which makes everything more worrying.

Take care