High liver functions
Discussion
I've been getting a dull ache above my abdomen on the right hand side on and off for about 18 months now. Initially the Docs thought it was just a build up of acid in my stomach and prescribed omeprazole which did ease the ache and it went away for a good half a year or so. It recently came back alongside some mild mid to upper back pain. I've historically had high liver functions (apparently the high side of normal and nothing to be concerned about) in any blood tests I've ever had, but in a blood test last week they were double what they should be.
I hardly drink any more, it's been years since I was regularly out every weekend although my diet has recently been terrible. In the last couple of years I have packed on the pounds, about two stone in all which puts me in the NHS Obese category- I know I need to lose weight being 5'7 and 14.7 stone at the age of 31- I'm working hard to rectify that.
I am going back today for more blood tests specifically to get more info on the high liver functions and then a doctors appointment in a few weeks for the results. I'm just a little worried and would appreciate any comments from fellow Ph'ers that may have been in a similar situation. I'm a bit annoyed that after all the hassle I had 18 months ago that they didn't pay more attention to my high liver functions!
Cheers!
I hardly drink any more, it's been years since I was regularly out every weekend although my diet has recently been terrible. In the last couple of years I have packed on the pounds, about two stone in all which puts me in the NHS Obese category- I know I need to lose weight being 5'7 and 14.7 stone at the age of 31- I'm working hard to rectify that.
I am going back today for more blood tests specifically to get more info on the high liver functions and then a doctors appointment in a few weeks for the results. I'm just a little worried and would appreciate any comments from fellow Ph'ers that may have been in a similar situation. I'm a bit annoyed that after all the hassle I had 18 months ago that they didn't pay more attention to my high liver functions!
Cheers!
We went through this with Mrs geeks a short while ago. You need to find out which is classed as high etc before drawing any conclusions, there was some good advice in here when I was pretty worried about her, have a read: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
geeks said:
We went through this with Mrs geeks a short while ago. You need to find out which is classed as high etc before drawing any conclusions, there was some good advice in here when I was pretty worried about her, have a read: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Thank you, I’ll have a look at that. Had similar issues with mine, looking at height and weight and a low alcohol intake the front runner will be something called non alcoholic steato hepatitis (NASH).
Don't panic, it improves a lot with weight loss and increasing activity.
Probably looking at ultrasound of the liver which may well be reported as fatty change.
It's been hard work over the last year but consultant happy last month. The good thing is that you're young and got time to intervene
Don't panic, it improves a lot with weight loss and increasing activity.
Probably looking at ultrasound of the liver which may well be reported as fatty change.
It's been hard work over the last year but consultant happy last month. The good thing is that you're young and got time to intervene
OP - I am 3- and have elevated liver function too....
Initially the doctors asked about medication, alcohol intake and level of activity.
Given that I am on none, haven't drunk since I was 18 and gym 6 times a week - conclusion was to do nothing
I too have pain in my abdomen, but my doctors have always put this down to a slight form of IBS following appendix removal, make of that what you will!
Good luck with the weight loss!
Initially the doctors asked about medication, alcohol intake and level of activity.
Given that I am on none, haven't drunk since I was 18 and gym 6 times a week - conclusion was to do nothing
I too have pain in my abdomen, but my doctors have always put this down to a slight form of IBS following appendix removal, make of that what you will!
Good luck with the weight loss!
sparks_E46 said:
I've been getting a dull ache above my abdomen on the right hand side on and off for about 18 months now. Initially the Docs thought it was just a build up of acid in my stomach and prescribed omeprazole which did ease the ache and it went away for a good half a year or so. It recently came back alongside some mild mid to upper back pain. I've historically had high liver functions (apparently the high side of normal and nothing to be concerned about) in any blood tests I've ever had, but in a blood test last week they were double what they should be.
I hardly drink any more, it's been years since I was regularly out every weekend although my diet has recently been terrible. In the last couple of years I have packed on the pounds, about two stone in all which puts me in the NHS Obese category- I know I need to lose weight being 5'7 and 14.7 stone at the age of 31- I'm working hard to rectify that.
I am going back today for more blood tests specifically to get more info on the high liver functions and then a doctors appointment in a few weeks for the results. I'm just a little worried and would appreciate any comments from fellow Ph'ers that may have been in a similar situation. I'm a bit annoyed that after all the hassle I had 18 months ago that they didn't pay more attention to my high liver functions!
Cheers!
Are you currently hitting it hard at the gym? Lifting weights? I read somewhere a heavy gym session can increase LFTs for upto 7 days. I hardly drink any more, it's been years since I was regularly out every weekend although my diet has recently been terrible. In the last couple of years I have packed on the pounds, about two stone in all which puts me in the NHS Obese category- I know I need to lose weight being 5'7 and 14.7 stone at the age of 31- I'm working hard to rectify that.
I am going back today for more blood tests specifically to get more info on the high liver functions and then a doctors appointment in a few weeks for the results. I'm just a little worried and would appreciate any comments from fellow Ph'ers that may have been in a similar situation. I'm a bit annoyed that after all the hassle I had 18 months ago that they didn't pay more attention to my high liver functions!
Cheers!
toohuge said:
OP - I am 3- and have elevated liver function too....
Initially the doctors asked about medication, alcohol intake and level of activity.
Given that I am on none, haven't drunk since I was 18 and gym 6 times a week - conclusion was to do nothing
I too have pain in my abdomen, but my doctors have always put this down to a slight form of IBS following appendix removal, make of that what you will!
Good luck with the weight loss!
As above. Could be the muscle damage / stress.Initially the doctors asked about medication, alcohol intake and level of activity.
Given that I am on none, haven't drunk since I was 18 and gym 6 times a week - conclusion was to do nothing
I too have pain in my abdomen, but my doctors have always put this down to a slight form of IBS following appendix removal, make of that what you will!
Good luck with the weight loss!
Edited by Phooey on Friday 31st August 10:31
I forgot about this thread, so my belated thanks for the replies.
I had a series of blood tests following my visit to the doctors, lastly one specific to my liver. I was diagnosed with the following:
“Weakly positive anti-smooth muscle autoantibody”. The doctor mentioned that it could indicate autoimmune hepatitis, although unlikely as I don’t seem to have any symptoms other than the dull ache. My liver functions were still around 70ish His advice was no further appointments needed, lose weight (he suggested 2 stone) and see how I go. This was in mid September 2018.
I’m now a stone down and still get the symptoms, abliet less frequently. It now mainly happens shortly after I eat, more so with foods loaded with carbs. I do not have any other symptoms of liver problems so far as I can tell.
The last few weeks I’ve been watching what I eat with more of a careful eye (admittedly at first my attempt to eat healthier was somewhat half arsed) My symptoms are much less prominent if I stick to low fat foods. I’m committed to losing another stone in the next few months.
I’m going to arrange another appointment, maybe with a different doctor.
I do not use a gym. A new job role has me walking 8-10 miles a day, combined with the above healthier intake of food I seem to be losing weight at a steady pace. I feel fitter than I have done in a couple of years.
I shouldn’t have googled my symptoms
I had a series of blood tests following my visit to the doctors, lastly one specific to my liver. I was diagnosed with the following:
“Weakly positive anti-smooth muscle autoantibody”. The doctor mentioned that it could indicate autoimmune hepatitis, although unlikely as I don’t seem to have any symptoms other than the dull ache. My liver functions were still around 70ish His advice was no further appointments needed, lose weight (he suggested 2 stone) and see how I go. This was in mid September 2018.
I’m now a stone down and still get the symptoms, abliet less frequently. It now mainly happens shortly after I eat, more so with foods loaded with carbs. I do not have any other symptoms of liver problems so far as I can tell.
The last few weeks I’ve been watching what I eat with more of a careful eye (admittedly at first my attempt to eat healthier was somewhat half arsed) My symptoms are much less prominent if I stick to low fat foods. I’m committed to losing another stone in the next few months.
I’m going to arrange another appointment, maybe with a different doctor.
I do not use a gym. A new job role has me walking 8-10 miles a day, combined with the above healthier intake of food I seem to be losing weight at a steady pace. I feel fitter than I have done in a couple of years.
I shouldn’t have googled my symptoms
Edited by sparks_E46 on Sunday 17th March 23:03
Edited by sparks_E46 on Sunday 17th March 23:16
I had a very similar diagnosis about 7 years ago....smooth muscle anti-bodies and possible auto immune liver disaease. Not the best day of my life. I’d already been ill for about nine months at this stage having had pneumonia, which brought on bronchiolitis and ultimately left me with asthma. During that period I had zero energy (not a surprise when your lungs aren’t working) and my diet rapidly turned into a lot of sugar and carbs in an attempt to feel like I had energy....so I put on a lot of weight. When I had the liver diagnosis I was three stone overweight...when I’m fit/at a healthy weight I am 15 stone.
After getting that diagnosis they did a liver biopsy on me....which I was told was the only way to make sure of what was wrong. Good news was I had a fatty liver and not auto immune liver disaease. I was sent to a dietician and lost three stone in four months. I was Uber strict on what I ate and despite not having the energy to go to the gym the weight fell of me.
If I let my weight slip to say 16 1/2 stone I definitely start feeling jaded and have low energy so need to be a bit careful with my weight.
Liver function is absolutely normal now but as I recall lags a bit so even when you do lose weight it it takes a little while to correct.
Hope that helps and good luck!
After getting that diagnosis they did a liver biopsy on me....which I was told was the only way to make sure of what was wrong. Good news was I had a fatty liver and not auto immune liver disaease. I was sent to a dietician and lost three stone in four months. I was Uber strict on what I ate and despite not having the energy to go to the gym the weight fell of me.
If I let my weight slip to say 16 1/2 stone I definitely start feeling jaded and have low energy so need to be a bit careful with my weight.
Liver function is absolutely normal now but as I recall lags a bit so even when you do lose weight it it takes a little while to correct.
Hope that helps and good luck!
The last couple of days the discomfort in my upper abdomen has been more persistent, and I’ve noticed behind my eyelids a slightly yellow tinge, which I know could be signs of liver issues. Time to go back to the doctors I think.
I’m beginning to think it was a tad irresponsible of the doctor to tell me not to worry and just lose weight. I think I’m going to insist on a liver biopsy.
I’m beginning to think it was a tad irresponsible of the doctor to tell me not to worry and just lose weight. I think I’m going to insist on a liver biopsy.
sparks_E46 said:
The last couple of days the discomfort in my upper abdomen has been more persistent, and I’ve noticed behind my eyelids a slightly yellow tinge, which I know could be signs of liver issues. Time to go back to the doctors I think.
I’m beginning to think it was a tad irresponsible of the doctor to tell me not to worry and just lose weight. I think I’m going to insist on a liver biopsy.
Before you insist on a liver biopsy, find out what it entails. You might not be so keen then.I’m beginning to think it was a tad irresponsible of the doctor to tell me not to worry and just lose weight. I think I’m going to insist on a liver biopsy.
I'm also having liver problems and am hoping that I can reverse the damage by it healing itself over 30 days. Plenty of sleep, lots of water and small amounts of food. No alcohol and gentle exercise.
condor said:
sparks_E46 said:
The last couple of days the discomfort in my upper abdomen has been more persistent, and I’ve noticed behind my eyelids a slightly yellow tinge, which I know could be signs of liver issues. Time to go back to the doctors I think.
I’m beginning to think it was a tad irresponsible of the doctor to tell me not to worry and just lose weight. I think I’m going to insist on a liver biopsy.
Before you insist on a liver biopsy, find out what it entails. You might not be so keen then.I’m beginning to think it was a tad irresponsible of the doctor to tell me not to worry and just lose weight. I think I’m going to insist on a liver biopsy.
I'm also having liver problems and am hoping that I can reverse the damage by it healing itself over 30 days. Plenty of sleep, lots of water and small amounts of food. No alcohol and gentle exercise.
Dating back to 2011 I’ve always had higher liver functions when I had routine blood tests.
sambucket said:
It's quite possibly non alcoholic fatty liver disease. You have had a fibroscan? Cirroshis can kill quickly.
The cure is very simply to lose 4 stone. No way around it.
I haven’t had any scan, the doctor told me that they found from my bloods “weakly positive anti-smooth muscle autoantibody” and that all I had to do was lose weight and no follow up etc required. He didn’t seem that bothered. My functions were still less than 100, so not extremely high. He said if I had cirrhosis it would be in the 1000’s and I’d be in pretty poor shape. The cure is very simply to lose 4 stone. No way around it.
I could lose a further 2 stone I’m sure, 4 stone seems extreme.
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