Liver problems - Digestive Disorders Message Board

ATootsie · 02-13-2007, 10:25 PM

I have been coming to this site ever since I first started to have a problem! I was told a few visits ago my liver enzymes were slightly elevated, at that time my Dr. was trying to get my cholostereal down, so he put me on Zetia. I was concerned. The next visit in fact even before that the office called to schedule an ultra sound because my liver enzymes had gone up! Is 119 & 78 high? I know what normal is, I just don't know what is considered real high! Anyway, I've been very nervous about all this! I've been a casual drinker, but I have been on seaveral prescrition medications. I stopped or at least slowed way down on my drinking and taken myself off seaveral medications. I was taking meridia to try and lose some weight. Did I mention I'm about 30 lbs over weight too! My Dr. also suggested I go off dairy for at least a week to see if I feel better. I do have other stomache conditions. I have noticed I did feel alot better but today I thought I was doing very well. I ate a breakfast bar ,a couple cups of coffee w non dairy creamer, a bowl of Raisin bran with 1% milk. I started to get that uncomfortable feeling just below my bra across the whole midriff. I didn't think I ate anything to make me feel this way! What did I do wrong? I could use some input! Thanks Toots!

Harry · 02-14-2007, 12:46 AM

Toots,

Your symptoms sound like gallbladder problems instead of an alcohol problem?
What did the ultrasound show?
and --What are your other stomach problems?

As you may know Zetia works in your intestines to reduce cholesterol whereas statins drugs work in your liver.

As you know Liver enzyme ALT(SGPT) normal range is 19 to 71 U/L so 119 is high. My last test mine was 36.
The other one AST(SGOT) normal range is 0 to 36 U/L so a reading of 78 is high -- twice normal and that is too high --my last test it was 17. I am also at least 50 pounds too heavy. But, I don't drink alcohol and I had my gallbladder removed 12/1997.

When my wife has a gallbladder attack just last year on 11/16/2006 after eating a very greasy meal that resulted in her gallbladder being surgically removed, her liver enzymes went up to 195 and 266 with a gallstone blocking her bile duct -- she was in alot of pain.
But, we were told that is normal for a GB attack--- and the levels would return to normal after surgery.

Blood tests have been done about a month ago but we have not gotten the results back. The surgeon and PCP did not seem concerned and my wife has felt fine since surgery eating a normal diet without any restrictions.

Have you had a HIDA scan to test the function of your gallbladder?

I wish you well ---Harry

ATootsie · 02-15-2007, 08:34 AM

Thanks for your reply Harry! I had my gallbladder out seaveral years ago! I still can't eat some of the things that bothered me before I had it out. I resently had colonop. and scope. Had a few polops removed and a biyopsy. Everything was fine! I do have dyriticulitis. ( I'm sure you love my spelling! Sorry!). Since my resent scopes it seems alot of stuff really messes me up! It's hard to change your eating habits. I'm trying to lose weight and also at the same time stay away from greasy foods! Sauces with dairy in them are a big nono! I am going to have my Dr. set me up an appointment with a gastrologist! Did I mention my liver was enlarged. I'm trying to detoxify it with lots of water, fruits and other recommended things. Not sure how long it will take to get it back to normal so thought it best to go see a specialist! My Dr. didn't seem to be that well informed about what we should be doing so I'll feel better with a specialist. I'll keep you informed! Last blood work enzymes were doen to 83/38. I went off the Zetia for 1 month so I'll see what the next blood work says! My cholosterol must have gone down because they said blood work came back good but I forgot to ask, I was more concerned about liver enzymes!

sadtummy · 02-15-2007, 12:51 PM

I would imagine the gastroenterologist that you see will want to do an endoscopy on you to look for gastritis or ulcers. Pancreas problems are also digestion related, ask about that as well. One of the most frustrating things about the multitude of GI problems is that they share so many of the same symptoms, so without some accurate diagnosis, you are only guessing.

Harry · 02-16-2007, 11:33 PM

Toots,

When I last wrote, I did not know you had your gallbldder removed-- but glad it's not a problem.

I am glad to hear that your liver enzymes are down-- at least almost in the normal range so you must be doing something right.

An herb that helps the liver is Milk Thistle-- you may want to try it ?? I am not really into herbs but this one has been well documented to help the liver from toxins and pollutants by preventing free radical damage and all liver disorders.
The problem is it is not regulated so the brand varies alot with herbs. I use the brand from the Vitamin Shoppe.

Take Care--Harry