Re: Slightly Elevated Liver Enzyme - Paranoid!

In Reply to: Slightly Elevated Liver Enzyme - Paranoid! posted by Freak on August 14, 2000 at 15:52:04:

You are, at least, a heavy drinker. I hope you choose to act now before your troubles get worse.

The ALT and AST reading may very well be accounted for by the alcohol intake you have described and may be a forewarning of future trouble with your liver.

If you add to that a positive test for HCV, you are wise to be concerned about this while you can still reverse the damage and capture back your liver health.

First, no more booze. EVER.

Once you have your tests back, you may have a more definitive answer, but in either case, the booze is going to damage your liver if you continue to drink it. The evidence is the tests you have described. You cannot tolerate alcohol.
Alcohol with HCV is like pouring gasoline on a fire. The alcohol actually accelerates the reproduction of virus in your body, thus increasing the damage to your liver.

ALT and AST "normal" range is being reconsidered right now by experts. The REAL normal range is less that 20! The range on a test in a lab (up to 40) generally is higher to account for differences in labs and errors.

I hope this helps you. Please check www.hcop.org (favorite links) for information that may also help.

thanbey

www.hcop.org

: All,

: I went to the doctor for an unrelated problem, and blood was drawn. The result's were all normal, except my liver enzyme (I dont remember the letters(!)) was at 58. The chart said normal is 0-40. The doctor didnt seem too concerned, but said I should be tested for Hepatitus as a precaution. I am freaking out, and biting my nails waiting for the results. My questions is, is 58 an alarming number? Could it be that mine is just higher than the average bear? I am a moderate drinker (2-3 beers a day, a few more on weekends). Could this cause elevated enzymes? This scare has already made me stop drinking! I know the test will tell the truth, but any info is appriciated.

: Thanks