Alp/GGT

[tnchikadee]

Hi everyone . I am scheduled to see doc on monday to go over my abnormal labs ,ct scan I just did today, which I cried all the way through, and to start meds I guess for PBC. Before the last lab draw , my alt/ast without meds dropped 30/42 points to normal range and my ALP went from 358-303. GGT is 278. GGT/ALP still high . Does the numbers represent how much damage to your liver you have? I did test positive by the way for ama, so pretty sure this is what I have per the doctor. Also, I had an ultrasound early on when all this started , everything was normal. Why would this new doctor order and mri when ultrasound normal?

[ninjagirlwebb]

High Alk Phos & GGT are suggestive of liver issues...you can’t definitively tell damage by those numbers alone. I think your doctor is just being thorough & careful to order the MRI.

The Alk Phos & GGT can go back down to normal if you respond well to Urso.

Sorry you are having such a hard time. Take the meds & ask your doctor questions to ease your concerns.

Hugs,

Haley

[ENuk]

I agree with Haley, I guess the Dr is being thorough. To ascertain liver damage they tend to use a fibroscan. From memory my numbers were similar to yours and my experienced consultants were not concerned. If it's PBC then most people respond well to Urso. It is a shock especially for people who are usually well but many people live normal lives with PBC.

[ninjagirlwebb in reply to ENuk]

Hepatologist reminds me time & time again, urso responders whose pbc were caught early have a normal life expectancy vs the general population.

tnchikadee So you will be fine!

Haley

[tnchikadee in reply to ninjagirlwebb]

That made my heart happy. Thank you.

[Skypony]

Hi, I’m so sorry that you’re feeling worried, but it’s understandable of course. We’ve all been there! Once you start medication, as Haley said, there’s a very good chance your numbers will come down. For now, try to be calm and trust that your doctors are gathering information so they can to provide the most appropriate treatment. Ultrasound tends not to show much detail for PBC, which goes on at a microscopic level in the early stages, though it would show gross disease, so your normal result is very good news.

Best wishes, and do keep talking to us.

[tnchikadee in reply to Skypony]

Thank you so much!