Just been floored by blood results! Can anyone help read these? - Liver & Pancreas Disorders Message Board

neena1127 · 04-15-2008, 11:59 AM

Originally came to these boards trying to educate myself on suspected thyroid disorder, very prevalent in my family. Blood test from the endo reveal reactive liver tests to both HAV (without number - listed as still pending); HCV high number 30.3 (range is listed as >1)

Other tests in hepatic panel:

Bilirubin, Direct 0.3 (flagged as high with range of <.2 mg/dL)
Alkaline Phosphatase 97 (normal with range of 33-130 u/L)
AST 42 (flagged as high with range of 10-35 u/L)
ALT 29 (normal with range of 6-40 u/L)

I had a blood transfusion in 1976 when I gave birth to my daughter having needed an additional surgery immediately following the birth. I do have a tattoo I got in 1996 but actually inspected the autoclave, opened the needle myself to insure protection). Nothing else in my history as far as my bloodwork going back as far as 1990 with my regular physician indicates any problems of the liver.

Could this be undiagnosed for this long with absolutely no symptoms? Not to mention I am investigating thyroid dysfunction with includes high heart rate, well, my heart rate is pounding now!

Any help appreciated and God bless us all in our quest for wellness.

phovo · 04-15-2008, 02:43 PM

Hi Neena. I could have written your exact post!!! I know how you feel because I just found out 2 weeks ago that I have HCV. I have gone through most of my life not knowing and symptom free, too. I had blood transfusions in 1973-74 due to fibroid tumors. I had slightly elevated AST and ALT #s for 2 years. Finally my MD sent me to a gastro who did the Liver tests and he floored me with the diagnosis. Last Thursday I went in for a liver biopsy and will find out the results on Monday.

I have been reading everything about this HCV and have been consumed by it. Please post back with any more news because it helps when you have a support system. So far my husband only knows about this diagnosis. I cannot bring myself to tell my elderly parents and family.

neena1127 · 04-17-2008, 09:50 AM

I understand how you feel: I have daughters I am scared to tell but I feel I should since this can be something that effects both of them if it was indeed caused by transfusion in 1976. I understand blood didn't get tested in any way before then and even if it was for minor ailments, it could have also been in a 'dormant' or incubating phase. I was stunned because I stopped drinking on weekends like a fish back when my older girl, now 32, was about 8, so since I'm 29 I have not got out to drink regularly. That was 24 years ago - I thought since I started taking care of myself with routine doctor visits and blood work, etc. that if I had hepatitis I would have shown some symptom before 32 years passed by...

Don't be ashamed or afraid, let your family know. There is no shame in admitting your ill, only in NOT treating the ailment. Best of luck to you and I will keep good thoughts for you and your family. And I'll post after I see hepatologist next month. Be well!

Neena

phovo · 04-26-2008, 10:49 AM

Hi Neena. I was at the gastro's on Monday and he gave me my biopsy results. My liver is not damaged at all. He recommended blood tests every 6 months and another biopsy in 5 years. He also gave me the option of doing the treatments, but I decided to wait for better meds. From what I have been reading this could happen in 3 years. Please let us know what you have found out.

neena1127 · 04-29-2008, 02:30 PM

Thank God! I hope I am that lucky. Going to see liver doc next Thursday - I would have waited until AUGUST for an appt if my doctor hadn't called to help push me in the door. I will keep you posted. Pray for me - apparently putting you on our prayer circle has worked for you!

That being said I am a 53 y.o. female, single, sole support of my girls. STRESS is the way I live my life! Hopefully the good Lord will keep me here long enough to start to enjoy my life as a reward for taking care of everyone along the way!

Although truth be told, it was its own reward doing the right thing.

I will keep you posted: cardiologist thursday, another endocrinologist friday then next week (insert singing angels) liver doc!