Blood readings high ☹️ Does this mean my liver is now in trouble ? Or even worse the big C is trying to get me 😬😬 or is this normal ?

[Doughnut61]

Can anyone advise me please my bloods for the last 6 months have been high or border line ☹️ My alkaline should be 130 and its 144 . I know this isn't life threatening but my concern is its always high! And every month I have more blood taken to be told the same . Am I being paranoid ? I would be very grateful to hear your views . Many thanks in advance 🙈🙈

[hawker955]

A raised alkp can mean that the liver is swollen for some reason. Your doctors should be able to explain your results to you.

[lilyak]

As long as your doctor is reviewing your blood work, don't worry. Its only just barely high, and that is very common. I would check with your doc to be sure he/she is awarae, and hasn't missed it, but it isn't a huge cause for concern. Try to relax, mine were always a bit high when I was on Arava. Eventually I had to stop it for other reasons, and my liver function returned to normal. Take care.

[Doughnut61 in reply to lilyak]

Thank you so much x

[helixhelix]

I agree with lilyak, check that your doctor has noticed but otherwise don't worry unduly. Have they remained stable at this level for the 6 months? As that's another sign that there's little to worry about. I have a couple of things where the levels are out of normal range - but that's just my normal it seems. My MCV has been above normal for years.

[oldtimer]

It's good that it is being monitored but with any tests it is the changes that tell you most. If it stays steady at just above the normal range for that laboratory, then it's worth going on monitoring, but if it goes on climbing then it's cause for investigation further.

I presume you have already looked at other things that could be affecting your liver like alcohol?

[Doughnut61 in reply to oldtimer]

I have at the most two weak white wine spritzers at the weekend, surely I'm aloud that? 😞

[Leics]

Hi, alkphos is in every part of the human body but mainly in bile duct, liver, kidneys and skeleton. A raised alkphos in itself can have many reasons for elevation but I would say if it’s being monitored I think you would be made aware by now if it was a serious problem. I was wondering if you’re taking supplements of magnesium and or zinc because I think it may perhaps colour your results. I’m no doctor but ask them to explain why it is no sense in worrying if you can ask. Your results might just be down to your medication.

[Doughnut61 in reply to Leics]

Thank you X I'm taking Sulpha and HYDROX for the RA . Liver could not tolerate MTX

[nomoreheels]

Be assured that your drug monitoring bloods are checked by someone, be it your Rheumy, GP or the Nurse who takes your bloods. Usually if any of your values were of concern, unacceptably too high or too low, they'd have contacted you by now. For example, I'm contacted 2 or 3 days after my bloods have been taken, this is how quick the lab at my hospital happens to return analysed bloods, if I need to be seen again or have bloods repeated.

Mention it at your next Rheumy appointment. If you're anything like me until you know you won't settle.

[Doughnut61]

Thank you x I have to have it checked monthly anyway X so hopefully as you say if they were worried they will be in touch x