High liver results

trisher

Hi

I went to see Rheumy yesterday. The doctor said that my blood tests showed that I had very high liver count?

Prior to this, I had to have stop the Sulfasalazine because I was getting really bad migraines.

Is there anyone that has been like this? If they did, how or what made be tried to bring it down???

Trisher xx

Wonkylegs

if the liver results are raised then in my case they stop the MTX for a bit then retest me. I think it was the same for the SUlpha too.

usually one high test is not alarming, but if it stays that way they will do other tests.

hope it improves for you!

trisher

Hi Wonkey

Thanks for that, I have a large inoperable gall stone, I know that causes liver problems. I just wonderd If has + the Sulfa pushed it over the top.

I have got to have a load of blood tests done before they will put me on any more meds.

Thanks again

Trisher

dorcas

Hi Trisher,
My liver enzymes go up and down like a carousel...at different times over past 13yrs I have had to come off various meds when my liver tests have gone off the scale-including sulpha, azathioprine and MTX (also caused nausea and vomiting) .

Good news is the liver recovers very quickly once you stop taking what is causing the problem!

Am back on the Mtx for past year with my anti TNF and so far so good.

Hope it works out for you soon too. Iris x

breane

Hi,For several months I had abnormal liver function test and my GP told me it was because I had both OA and RA. However,when I saw the rheumy consultant she wanted to start me on MTX but when she saw the LFT results she decided to put me on Hydroxy instead,telling me that MTX can alter the way the liver functions.Since being on Hydroxy my liver results have gone back to normal. I still have the monthly blood test done just to make sure the Hydroxy is working OK.I read somewhere that meds for arthritis can alter the liver function. Breane.

trisher

Hi

I got the forms that were sent to me to go and have tests done and a liver scan.

The blood tests they want done is for Hepatitis A and B. I presume that it is just an ordinary blood test?

Then I also have to get blood test for clotting my INR levels plus some others which I cannot read it.

Thanks for the replies though.

Trisher x

dorcas

Hi Trish,
At least your doc is being thorough... hope all goes ok..you didn't say when you're going for the blood tests/ scan? keep us posted so we can send positive vibes to you. irisx

trisher

Hi

Well believe it or not at the hospital I go to I can just go there and have it done.

I have never know such a service as at this hospital. I will make arrangements to go in the week.
If I do that the rhummy will get the results.

I will let you know though.


luv trish xx

salamander

Hi, I'm really interested to read your comments on liver results. I have had high ALT enzymes and my gp wants me to be tested for various hepatitis -A,B,C. My liver results were high in the summer too, before I was on any medication except painkillers. I am now on steroids and not going on Mtx until new year. Are abnormal liver tests common with inflammatory/rheumatoid? I know medication can affect them but wondered whether anyone else had similar results prior to arthritis meds?

Starburst

sally36 wrote:

Hi, I'm really interested to read your comments on liver results. I have had high ALT enzymes and my gp wants me to be tested for various hepatitis -A,B,C. My liver results were high in the summer too, before I was on any medication except painkillers. I am now on steroids and not going on Mtx until new year. Are abnormal liver tests common with inflammatory/rheumatoid? I know medication can affect them but wondered whether anyone else had similar results prior to arthritis meds?

I had a few blood tests, which showed elevated ALT. After I'd managed to convince my GP that I'm not an alcholic, I was referred to a liver specialist. (She assumed that because I'm 21, I must be a heavy drinker when, actually, I can count on two hands the number of times I've ever drunk alcohol in my life!) The specialist said he wasn't concerned as they're not that high but to regularly have blood tests and if they continue to climb, I should have an ultrasound scan of the liver. Since then, I've been diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis. I've never even wondered if it was connected, interesting!

topgirl

I had liver problems ( ALT was 104 and 102!) on Sulfa....
I didnt cut down on Sulfa but tried to cut down on Anti inflams and pain killers.....this has done the trick...
My Rumy also said that its important to cut back on Sulfa if you have an infection or taking any over the counter meds as the liver has problems coping with it all......
Pleased to say that my liver is fine now and I have even uped the dose....
Good luck

salamander

hi Princess, it's interesting you have had similar results to me. Are you on any meds? My results were high before I took anything apart from painkillers so I think it must be something to do with the arthritis, unless, of course, have got something else, let's hope not.
Let me know how you get on.

salamander

Sorry, a bit slow off the mark this morning princess, you said you had subsequently been diagnosed with inflamm arth. Same as me. I see, top girl, you say about pain killers and anti inflammatories maybe being the cause. I don't take that many, just a couple of codrydamol at night but might see if I can manage without them and see if that brings the levels down. Of course, am taking other meds, amytriptilline, steroids, stomach protector- maybe just too much for the liver. Slightly concerned about starting on methotrexate in the new year if ALT is high but will talk to doc about that.
Good to hear different experiences, I feel less worried.
Thanks.