Blood counts

[Lekkerbek]

Morning, just wondered if anyone out there has more knowledge on blood tests results? Miss you latest one is Bill 7, Alp124, Ggt 578, Alt 44. The previous results were Bill10, Alp128, Ggt 156,, Alt 67. Everything seems not to different except for the GGT that has a huge difference, does anyone know what this means please?

[Hidden]

Hello Lekkerbek.

Notso long ago I did put my most recent blood test results on here so you would have to look through my profile to see where I responded to someone posting on bloods. Mine have not returned to normal and I've been diagnosed with PBC for almost 6yrs (December). My first abnormal blood test result as after I visited my GP early 2010 with intense itching that wouldn't go away after a fortnight.

My bloods did show drops in results following starting on urso December 2010. After the year mark they started to slow down in decreasing and then sometimes they bounce up a bit and then down again. Early days I used to scrutinse the results but I have to say I no longer bother that much.

The consultant mentioned to me in 2011 when he gave me an envelope to have bloods done at my GP in-between seeing him that he wanted the GGT taken as it 'can be missed' and he wrote on the envelope. The GGT shows some indication of liver inflammation. Mine has dropped in the early days and then done the bounce with the others but is still above normal.

It has to be remembered too that other medications we can take can cause the bloods to alter in numbers, some are known (ie morphine that my father-in-law takes daily) to make the bloods rise but considered normal as the allowance is made.

[GrittyReads]

Hi Lekkerbek,

I'm assuming you have PBC, as you are this site: are you being treated with urso, yet? Also, what to do your GP or consultant say??

If you do have PBC, and you are not getting the treatment or attention that you are happy with, and no one is giving you a good explanation of your blood test results, then I would contact the advisors at the 'PBC Foundation'. They host this site on 'Health Unlocked' and there is a link to their website at the top of the page. Once there you will find email and phone contact details, so you can talk to their trained advisors.

If you have not been diagnosed and no one is showing any concern, then I would still talk to the PBC F people, but go also back to your medics and demand some advice and explanation.

Take care.

[Lekkerbek in reply to GrittyReads]

Thank you so much for answering and I am sorry that I didn't give enough info from the start. I am stage 2 PBC and miss you GP advised me from day one that he doesn't know much about PBC, I see the liver specialist every 6 month So! Which I have just done, so will have to wait 6 months before these results will be discussed. Miss you main concern is just the huge jump in figures with the GGT. I have been diagnosed with fatty liver too, so that is why I am so concerned now. I will contact the PBC foundation with those results though, so thank you very much for your advise.

[GrittyReads in reply to Lekkerbek]

Are you in the UK? If so, your GP should be getting these results from your consultant, together with a letter stating the consultant's opinions ... based on his consultation with you, and the blood tests. A copy of all this should be sent to you - unless the consultant's hospital has an online link for patients, whereby you can see results and any letters, privately, on your own account, online. You are obviously getting the blood results, somehow, I'm just astonished if there is no more comment and feedback.

I would talk to the PBC people, and maybe contact the 'British Liver Trust' [BLT] they also have a site on 'Health Unlocked'. Also, is there another GP in your practice who may know more about PBC? If so, try to see them. I think this is unacceptable - unless I've just always been lucky with my GPs!

Take care, and try not to stress - easier said than done, I know. But try to treat and coddle yourself. With PBC, we often do have to learn to be our own best expert, and our own best friend!!

Also ... if you join the PBC (it's free) you get access to extra resources on their website (really useful), and you can have a look if there is a PBC supporters' group in your area. It may help a lot to meet with and talk to other PBC people. Good luck.

[Belgravia]

Hi Lekkeebek

I am after receiving similar blood results to your good self. My Billi ALT ALP ESR CRP all have dropped considerably over past few months which I expect is due to anti TNF treatment for RA, I changed nothing else. The treatment is cooling down my immune system. My GGT lowered greatly also but in last blood results my report resembles your pattern. I'm putting the increase in GGT down to my recent holiday where I indulged in all foods I like(d) e.g. high calories, fried food, red meat, desserts, chocolate, fizzy drinks, etc. Also wine to add to the burden! I am guessing the raised GGT is down to my liver's difficulty with processing that lovely mix! So, back to healthy eating & no vino & follow up bloods in couple of weeks. That may prove my suspicions. BTW I have PBC for over 8 years now. I do also believe from a Specialist that blood results with this disease can fluctuate on a daily basis.

PBC F are s great repository for advice & maybe able to guide you. Also your GP & Hepatologist. Good luck.

[Lekkerbek]

Hi, this makes sense, I can totally see how this happens. I changed my diet completely where I stayed without any treats, but then got so sick of the same old cooked up chicken and veggies, so then had a biscuit here and crisps there and before you know it, right back to old habits. I must admit I struggle with miy sweet tooth, will have to get that removed! Lol. Thank you very much for that, eye opener!.