High AST and alt levels

[Cja1956]

Hello, all,

I just received a copy of my blood chemistry I had last week and it said my AST and AL T levels are high. Of course, I didn’t know what that was so I googled it and it said I could have liver damage. Does anyone know if this is a side effect of medication like hydroxy or jakafi? I am seeing my hematologist tomorrow to discuss it But I was just wondering if anyone else had that happen to them. I normally get a CBC through a finger prick but my doctor wanted a more complete blood profile and this is new to me.

[francesb]

Hi, I'm on Hydroxy and Pegasys and I know my consultant monitors my liver as one of the things in the chemistry test every time so I think it's a possibility. Hope you get some answers, good luck, Frances

[Cja1956 in reply to francesb]

Thank you, Frances!

[beetle]

Yes! I’ve been at this a long time though. I was on Hydroxycarbide for over 17 years and then on to jakafi.

My liver is fatty on ultrasound and my Haematogist told me it was a combination of HU and the disease itself. He stopped the statin I was taking and the ALT has come down but not far enough. I am trying an 800 calorie a day diet to see if I can rescue my liver. I get a blood test next week - 3.5 weeks into the diet - and can’t wait to see if it’s having an effect. He gave his blessing to do the diet and will be interested in the results too.

[Cja1956 in reply to beetle]

Thank you for your information. I have been on HU for 11 years and he added Jakafi about 2 years ago. I didn’t know liver damage is reversible. Let me know how your diet affects you.

Take care.

Cindy

[beetle in reply to Cja1956]

Apparently (unless I am being led up the garden path!) 8 weeks on a very low calorie diet can help drain fat out of the liver and pancreas thus having beneficial effects on liver enzymes, cholesterol and blood sugar. I have been measuring my blood glucose daily and that has definitely come down. The great thing is that I am loving the diet as it is based on Mediterranean principles and I am finding many of the recipes absolutely delicious. I think I might have an advantage in that my enlarged spleen restricts my stomach so I don’t feel hungry either. I will certainly let you know how it all turns out. Best wishes, Jan

[Cja1956 in reply to beetle]

Sorry for my late reply. I just went to see my hematologist yesterday again and he said my numbers don’t ring any alarm bells for liver damage. How ever, My platelets are still rising (874,000) even though I’m taking medication daily. He increased my jakafi again so we’ll see what happens. Hope this diet helps you.

[lavender007 in reply to beetle]

Hi Beetle would you mind sharing the diet you are following.

Lav 007

[beetle in reply to lavender007]

Hi Lav 007. I followed Dr Moseley’s 800 diet for 8 weeks. I discovered some really tasty low cal meals in various cookbooks. The main principal is to follow Mediterranean eating patterns with emphasis on fruit and vegetables and grains and good fats. There is a mass of information about this eating style on the internet but also many cookbooks using these principals. After 8 weeks on the low calorie regime I am now doing low calorie for alternate weeks until I get where the NHS regards as normal weight. I am still using Mediterranean style eating and maintaining lower cholesterol and blood sugar and am really enjoying my food with no feeling of deprivation. Hope this helps

[lavender007 in reply to beetle]

Thank you for your help, good luck for the future

Lav007

[Hidden]

Yes, my levels were high too. I do not drink and eat a mostly healthy diet.

Dr. ordered an ultrasound of my liver a few weeks ago and it looked fine. High liver enzymes is listed as one of the possible side effects of Jakafi.

[Cja1956 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your reply. I’m glad your tests were normal. I just went back to the doctor yesterday and my platelets are finally out of the danger zone. (522,000) The Jakavi also helped my spleen because i can eat more now with no pain. After a month on the higher levels I can honestly say this feel better than I have in months.

[Hidden]

That is great! Do you have a problem with itching?

[Cja1956 in reply to Hidden]

No, no itching.

[Hidden]

Thank you. Wasn’t sure if ET had itching side effect like PV.

That’s good!