High GGT Level

Hi,

I had an ultrasound in November 22 because of a high GGT level and right side pain, the results came back as normal.

I had another blood test in January and again in May of this year and the results came back as normal apart from my GGT which was 142.

I don’t drink and eat healthily and still have right side pain which is not too harsh.

I’m not sure what to do now as from what I understand a GGT level that is within 3 times of the normal level is not considered serious but before all this started my GGT level was always in the 20 to 30 range.

Any advice would be gratefully received.

[noelle1974]

Morning Denboy. First of all, do not panic. It's easy to go into panic mode when we get told something isnt quite right. I was taken into hospital so many times due to feeling really unwell and liver functions off the scale. GGT was almost at 1000. I remember being asked all sorts of questions, Did I drink? I have not had an alcoholic drink in 15 years. I don't smoke, don't eat meat and really quite fit. I am 48 now. This had been going on for years. I was being sent to one specialist to another. Long story short I paid £90 and had an ultrasound of my liver, pancreas, gallbladder, kidneys. They discovered I had a gallstone 3cmx2cm. Every time it gets stuck or gallbladder is inflamed, the liver functions are affected and the GGT is sky high. Pain is always right side and sometimes in liver area. Just a thought, have you had a scan of the gallbladder?

[Hidden in reply to noelle1974]

Hi Noelle,

Thank you for your comments that’s very useful.

The ultrasound of my liver was normal which I found strange but not sure if there checked my gallbladder although you would have thought they would do at the same time. I think a private ultrasound may be a good idea.

[noelle1974 in reply to Hidden]

I was the same. Liver absolutely fine. Just a thought, have you noticed anything different with stomach or bowels habits? If so, this could also point to the gallbladder. Hope you find some answers. x

[Hidden in reply to noelle1974]

Hi,

No problem with stomach or bowels, I’m more inclined to think it may be gallbladder related as the pain which is just under my rib cage is on the side near to my gallbladder.

[BritishLiverTrust3 Administrator British Liver Trust]

Dear DenBoy70,

If you [are in the UK and] would find it useful to talk things over, our nurse-led helpline is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm on 0800 652 7330 (excluding bank holidays)

Best wishes

British Liver Trust

[Hidden in reply to BritishLiverTrust3]

Hi,

Thank you, that would be a good idea, I will do that.

[Belleben]

Your Dr should be sending you to see a Hepatologist I would have thought.. Maybe you should ask again, good luck!!

[Hidden in reply to Belleben]

Hi,

I wish it was that simple, difficult enough getting an appointment with my doctor.

The doctor sent me for an ultrasound which came back normal so they then close the matter.

I could ask for a referral to a specialist but the wait will be many months I imagine. I will speak to the liver trust and see what they say and then possibly have a private scan. If that shows a problem then back to the doctors.

[Luzajo in reply to Hidden]

Hi,

I'm in the same boat, have pain in my right side just at margin of ribcage, not severe to have to take painkillers but I'm aware of it constantly. Went to GP, got a blood test, GGT only was high 247, told I was being referred for an US scan, and to retest in 12wks after abstaining from alcohol. Meantime I went for a private US as I got really worried, it was totally fine, they said liver looked fine and no sign of gallstones etc. All other organs fine. So I'm none the wiser, just waiting to make an appt to retest GGT.

[Hidden in reply to Luzajo]

Hi Luzajo,

Yes, that’s the same as me, my GGT was 154 when I went to see the doctor and he referred me for an ultrasound, there was only a 4 week wait as the NHS can do ultrasounds at some of the larger doctors practices. They said there could find nothing wrong although I didn’t think to clarify if that included my gallbladder.

Same with the pain, not bad enough to warrant pain killers and I generally only notice it when I sit in an armchair and the chair presses against my side.

If you don’t want to wait the full 12 weeks you can always buy a Liver finger prick test kit which is relatively cheap.

Some medications can irritate the liver, your local pharmacist can advise in that respect if you are on any medication. I know this from first hand experience as my doctor put me on statins in 2020 and following a blood test after 6 weeks my doctor was on the phone ordering me to go straight to the surgery as my GGT was so high as if to indicate chronic liver failure. I’m glad to say that stopping the statins brought my GGT back to the correct level, but it just goes to show how sensitive GGT is.

[Luzajo in reply to Hidden]

Well your pain sounds very like mine actually. I was on HRT until Jan there and no other meds, I rarely even need to take painkillers as I never even get a headache.

I would drink wine at weekends, probably two bottles over the whole weekend, but that would be over the advised limit though, so I suspect that is affecting my GGT.

Anyway I will keep you posted if I find anything more out, and please let us know if you get to the bottom of your pain, I would be interested to know.

I'm particularly concerned with liver issues as my Mum passed away in 2015 with liver cirrhosis, diagnosed very late, shocking, she never drank alcohol in her life, the docs couldn't explain why it happened so I was a bit obsessed with it for a while which is why I came across this forum, and I find other stories interesting.

All the best in the meantime