Elevated liver results

trisher

Hi

I was at the hospital yesterday and had my blood taken.

Today I received a phone call. It was a doctor from the Rheumatology and had phoned becasue they were told that my blood tests showed up really high.

I was told they were concerned because it was so high. I'm now being refered to a consultant in the Liver Unit for further tests because they think something is going wrong.

Has anyone had to go and have tests like this done? If so what or how do they test you? He mentioned one would be a Liver Function Test.

Thank you

Trish xx

He mentioned one will be a liver function test

ritwren

Hi Trisher,
liver function tests are done by a blood test. It's often included in the tests that are done when you're on certain medication. Lots of things can make your liver function tests abnormal. Certain tablets or even a couple of glasses of wine can have an effect for some people. Even people who've been on medications for a while can get the odd rogue result.
I'd say get in touch with your GP and see what she/he says about it and they might be able to shed some light on it for you. Often these things are found to be blips without any real reason. I know it's hard not to worry about this but hopefully you'll get it sorted soon.
good luck.
rita

breane

Hi Trisher, At the start of being diagnosed with OA and RA I had abnormal liver function every time I had blood tests done. I was sent for an ultra sound scan on the liver but the that was OK and it was thought it was the OA and RA causing the abnormality.I carried on having monthly blood tests for quite some time but once I started on Hydroxy my liver tests went back to normal.I would try not to worry too much,hope all goes well for you.Breane.x

scorpio

Hello Trisher, i have had this problem for 8 years now..........the phone calls, the worrying etc etc

dont panic, they will run a set of bloods and get you a panel test, a normal figure is around 40......mine go up as high as 300. Things that can affect your liver are alcohol, diclofenec, methotrexate (hence the blood tests) and other tablets - they will send you to the ultra sound and also possibly a gastro appt (i think thats who it is).............they are currently considering a biopsy from my liver which i am resisting - but it looks like i have a fatty liver

cut out alcohol and your panel will drop like a lead balloon

best hopes and wishes, chris

dreamdaisy

Enbrel sent my liver haywire - figures close to 1000 suddenly appeared in blood results. Rheumatology took me off it immediately (this was Oct 06) and were frightened of liver failure: I wasn't bothered. I was referred to the liver bods (proper name escapes me for the moment) and they prodded, sent me off to ultra-sound and Xrays, told me to stop drinking and monitored me with blood tests. Stopping the Enbrel did the trick. The figures gradually dropped until they were well within normal levels, between 0-30 so my hospital says. The lack of arthritis drugs kept me in bed for just over three months, v dull. They have been fine ever since. Godd luck with it all - don't panic, there is no need. Dreamdaisy

denpen

Hi Trish
I have OA and last September had my THR cancelled because they found that my Liver enzymes were raised very high I was referred to a specialist and he said it was the Simvastatin ( for high cholesterol) that I had only been taking for a few months that had caused the levels to go up so high, once I came off the drug my levels slowly came back down again.
Please dont worry about it easier said than done I know and it will probably turn out to be something that you are taking that is causing it.
Good luck
Denise.x

trisher

Hi

Sorry I have not replied to you I have a chest infection and have felt so bad all day.

Thanks for all your answers too. I do not drink at all, only a glass of wine on Christmas Day.

The meds they have me on at the moment is Cyclosporin, as I cannot take MXT also some of the other drugs for RA. This drug is supposed to be kind on the liver but does not too good with the kidneys.

That is why I'm baffled. The only other drug they give me is Steroid injuections as I'm still on a low dose of the Cyclosprin. It was only put up on Tuesday.

When I find out, I will let you know.

Thanks to all the replies though

Love Trish xx

dorcas

Hi Trish,

Sorry your having something else to cope with. :? :roll:

I hope they get to the bottom of what is causing the high LFT readings and that a change in meds might help.

At least rheummy are 'on the ball' with referring you on to a specialist so I hope you don't have to wait too long before being seen and getting answers to your questions about what is causing this.

Auto immune disease has affected my liver and I get separate treatment for that. I've had raised LFTs on quite a few occasions and have had the arther meds stopped, reduced or changed to deal with it.. and this has always brought the readings back to just about 'normal'.

Sounds as though you are and will be in good hands Trish. Hope it will be sorted soon .

(((hugs)))

Iris x

dreamdaisy

Oh as if you didn't have enough to cope with! I was on Cyclosporin too - I turned into a werewolf. I had hair growing everywhere, thank heavens I'm blonde so it didn't show up too much - until the sun hit at the right angle then - cor! Eat your heart out, David Bellamy! (had a hairy chest, hairy stomach, hairy thighs, God I looked gorgeous!)

I know that Cyclo is only suposed to affect the kidneys but everone reacts differently to drugs - all these damn things are toxic, one way or another. Don't fret too much - they have referred you and that is a good thing. I was not bothered by liver figures explosion because I wasn't yellow. You turn yellow when your liver fails and I was still my usual uncooked pastry white. Keep us informed and I hope the chest infection clears up soon. DD

salamander

Hi Trish, I am having similar problems to you and am being referred to a liver specialist. I have high gamma gt which can be caused by alcohol except that I am a light drinker. I got a very high reading last week which scared me. I've been concerned about my results for some time and have pushed for a referral. Had a lot of blood tests done this morning and am waiting to see. Have stopped a few of my meds to see if that makes a difference but I had high results last summer before I started Mtx. I also have a fatty liver they think caused by the steroids. To be honest, am relieved they are finally taking my concerns seriously. Better to find out what is wrong now rather than later but am worried like you are.
Let me know how you get on.
Sally xx