Liver question

[NEW] Finish the Toon Caption Contest! Win $100.

by kcsunshyn8
Dec 10, '02   Views: 1,003   Comments: 7

  1. I had blood work done a few weeks ago to check my thyroid(it's always been enlarged). Well my tests came back fine except for my liver enzymes. The NP told me that both my ALT and AST were higher than normal. She said a cause could be from drinking alot of alcohol..but since I dont drink very often that can't be it. Anyone know what else could be the cause of it? Also does anyone know what it means or what it does to you? Never really had anything wrong w/ me....I've always been prettyhealthy. So if anyone has any input that would be great
    ~kerry~
  2. Visit kcsunshyn8 profile page

    About kcsunshyn8

    Joined: Apr '02; Posts: 72
    student

    7 Comments

    Topic Closed
  3. by Vsummer1
    Dec 10, '02
    Occupation: RN, ICU/CCU Joined: Aug '02; Posts: 1,062; Likes: 7
    Same thing happened to me. I was told no ETOH for 2 weeks, then retest. Retested, still high.

    Turned out to be viral hepatitis. Have you been tested for viral heps?
  4. by renerian
    Dec 10, '02
    Occupation: RN, MS home health Joined: Aug '02; Posts: 7,472; Likes: 49
    HOw high is it? Marginally or very high? Could be hep or meds. Any thoughts on those?

    renerian
  5. by Tweety
    Dec 10, '02
    Joined: Oct '02; Posts: 60,384; Likes: 16,559
    In addition to the above, couldn't cholecystitis cause it?
  6. by BadBird
    Dec 10, '02
    Occupation: Critical Care Joined: Aug '00; Posts: 2,629; Likes: 20
    I believe that elevated liver enzymes could be caused by:
    infections from viruses
    toxic reactions to drugs and chemicals

    I hope you follow up with your Dr. Please keep us posted.
  7. by andrewsgranny
    Dec 10, '02
    Occupation: Office Nurse. Joined: Jun '02; Posts: 205; Likes: 32
    Also tylenol will increase your liver enzymes.
    We have had the same problem with a patient of ours and all the tests including Hep.and gallbladder came back neg. Come to find out it was a virual infection..
    Anyway hope you figure it out.
  8. by neneRN
    Dec 10, '02
    Joined: Feb '02; Posts: 660; Likes: 98
    Even if you only drink occasionally, liver enzymes can be elevated the day after a few drinks.
  9. by kcsunshyn8
    Dec 10, '02
    Occupation: student Joined: Apr '02; Posts: 72
    I'm not sure how high the levels are, but I guess enough for me to have to get more blood work done in about three weeks. I haven't drank in quite some time so I'm almost positive its not that. The NP said it could just be something viral but wants to test again to make sure. Im not on any meds nor have I taken tylenol lately. I'm probably making a mountain out of an ant hill but I'd rather be safe than sorry. Thanks for all your replies!
    ~kerry~

close