Concerned about fatty liver, high GGT - Liver & Pancreas Disorders Message Board

marshadmae · 08-25-2004, 07:19 PM

I am concerned about my recent counts. I was diagnosed with fatty liver.
In April of 2000 my GGT was 275

My numbers today are (7/04):

GGT 214
Total Cholesterol 259
HDL 61
LDL 170
Triglycerides 142
Alt 42

I am presently taking 6 tablets - 625 mg. of Welchol per day
since 10/00

Last week doctor stated me on Zetia also.

I take 3 tablets of Fish Oil per day - plus 1 vit. pill (doing this on my own)

I can not take Lipitor, as it rose my ggt count.

I had to have my gall bladder removed 8/03 (I have had attacks, I was hoping that would help bring my counts in balance - but no it did not)

I also had a liver biopsey done 1/01 (Re: Fatty Liver)

This past year I have gained weight (I am now about 25 - 30 lbs. over weight) It seems that I am always hungry, and I am not an exerciser, which I know I should do. Even though I am not obese , everything that I have read says I should lose weight. I do not drink (maybe a glass of wine once or twice a month). I am also fatigued (is that due to liver or menopause)

I want to go to a liver specialist, but my doctor feels it is not necessary, as he is treating me. (I think he is doing ok) I am concerned and would like to have a specialists' view on this, but I have to have a referral from my primary
Dr. (This is where HMO's are not good)

I am getting more concerned with every blood test, can anyone tell me if they have been where I am and what they have done to get their counts lower.

Thank you.

vamp36 · 08-25-2004, 09:45 PM

Tell your doctor you want a second opinion. He should refer you to one. I am on a variety for meds for my fatty liver. I take Welchol as well. Alot of my levels are raised though due to Autoimmune Hepatitis. I am on steroids for this and this has brought all my levels down to almost normal now. Steroids should only be a last resort though as they themselves cause many problems.

aimless · 08-27-2004, 07:31 PM

I was diagnosed with fatty liver infiltration a couple years ago and since exercising and losing weight plus taking milk thistle and noni juice, have gotten my enzymes normal for the first time recently. I also got my out of control diabetes "in control" and that helped enormously I'm sure. Are you diabetic? Some of the things you said sound like you might be. Take care. Deb

boaz · 08-27-2004, 09:31 PM

I'm so sorry for your problems marsh...I don't have any answers...but I just wanted to ask what GGT is I haven't heard of that one???

vamp36 · 08-27-2004, 09:40 PM

GGT stands for Gammaglutamyl Transferase

GGT This is another enzyme produced partly by the liver. Blood levels are increased in a very wide variety of situations and by a large number of drugs, including herbal remedies and alcohol. However, if levels of both GGT and ALP are abnormal (known as a "cholestatic" pattern), this may raise suspicions of a problem with the liver and may indicate a disease affecting the bile ducts.

normal levels of GGT are between 5 & 55