Does anyone understand liver enzymes?

[Lord Pikey]

Its now been over two months since i gave up alcohol despite my previous posts on the subject.

My doc (german) phoned me this morning with my results of my latest blood test. He says its good but i was hoping for a second opinion or just a pat on the back if its good news

April 6th

GDT - 84
GOT - 48
GPT - 121

May 15th.

GDP - 58
GOT - 43
GPT - 90

So, is this good?

cheers

LP

[prand]

Well, I'm not a doctor, and I know nothing about liver enzymes or required operating levels, so I'll have a go:

You might be one of the following things:

a) your levels have dropped so your enzymes are stabilising and going back to normal

b) your liver is still well f*cked (perhaps even terminally) and dropping to dangerous levels, which if continue will require treatement.

I suspect it's (a), but I'm sure your doctor will confirm this with you.

Cheers and good luck!

[dmitsi]

GPT is more sensitive and specific than GOT in liver damage. A GOT of 40 is the normal upper limit (90% healthy humans is around 30). So that's good. Still a bit further to go on GPT, you want to get it down to 35-40 at a maximum (25 is for normal for 90% again), but it's a good reduction so far. Keep the liver clean, they're very good at mending themselves.

I am not a doctor, so you should only look for reassurances from your medical practicioner. I reckon it's going well so far.

[Lord Pikey]

Marvellous PH advice there

[dmitsi]

Was it liver disease, cirrhosis or worse?
Can make a difference on evaluating the numbers.

[Lord Pikey]

dmitsi said:

Was it liver disease, cirrhosis or worse?
Can make a difference on evaluating the numbers.

Fatty liver i was told.

[dmitsi]

Well the numbers are not too bad, you would expect a much higher GOT if it was getting bad, upto 100 IU (GOT) for a fatty liver, so keeping it below 50 and dropping is good. The GPT is maybe higher than you would expect, but that could be other influences. I'd be happy and report back with improved figures. Consult your Dr for any real answers

[Lord Pikey]

Thanks dmitsi..

[Fume troll]

You'd have made a better foie gras before. I'm putting the chianti back in the cellar.

Cheers,

FT.

[paulmurr]

Lord Pikey said:

dmitsi said:

Was it liver disease, cirrhosis or worse?
Can make a difference on evaluating the numbers.

Fatty liver i was told.

I was told I had that after contracting a virus, having swollen glands and was feeling terrible for months then eventually being tested for everything then being sent for an ultrasound. Was told not to drink alcohol for 8 weeks. This was a few years ago now and I'm back on the sauce. I haven't turned yellow so I guess I'm ok.

They never did find out what virus I had and if it was related to my liver problems. I've also never been called back for a check-up. Maybe I should book myself in for an MOT...

[Lord Pikey]

Fume troll said:

You'd have made a better foie gras before. I'm putting the chianti back in the cellar.

Cheers,

FT.

Terribly sorry to disappoint you FT. I shall be back on the booze at Le mans if you care you take a slicccce.

[bull996]

Lord Pikey said:

They never did find out what virus I had and if it was related to my liver problems. I've also never been called back for a check-up. Maybe I should book myself in for an MOT...

I never found out either, but I was twice told I wasnt going to make it, and to put my affairs in order. But, after a long (12 month) hospital battle, I recovered...yay!