Liver Function Test

[midagetrolop]

A couple of weeks ago I had bad episode of IBS, really bad pain. To be on the safe side the doc took blood test to make sure that's what it was, and it was. Since then my LFT has come back boderline. What would make this so, I am being told to cut down my alcohol (not by the doctor may I add, by other people). I can assure you I am tea-total and do not drink ever! My best friend laughed when I told her and my husband. So what could it be?

[hc4361]

Too many things to mention. Lots of things can cause abnormal liver test tests and unless your GP says you need further tests I wouldn't worry about it.

[Sqad]

The two commonest things by far are "fatty liver and type 2 diabetes.

Fatty liver is now the commonest cause.

Perhaps a little weight reduction and exercise might " sort you out."

[midagetrolop]

Thanks Sqad, but not diabetic, only slightly overweight, and do regular exercise. Am trying to get rid of excess stone. Anything else?

[Sqad]

Nope.....you sum it up quite well..;-)

[RATTER15]

I had blood tests done a few weeks ago and was told mine was a bit high as well, I was also questioned about alcohol, Im not tea total, but not far off.
I also could do with losing a stone or two to be fair.

They are going to check mine again in 3 months.

[Sqad]

trolop................perhaps if you could tell us which of the LFT's were borderline and which were normal, a better answer would ensure..............but I am sure it would support my previous posts.

[AndyO]

Ive had a liver transplant last November. I was diagnosed with a problem in October of 2012. I was told it was alcohol related but similarly to you i didnt drink. Chirrosis was apparent and the medical team were unsure as to why i had it. Tests were carried out over the following 18 months. Eventually it was discovered through specialist test that i had Haemochromatosis. More commonly described as a blood disorder(mainly an overload of iron in my body). This was and had been for a considerable time, attacking my organs with my liver taking the most damage. It is usually an inherited disorder without your parents being aware they maybe carrying a defective gene each that has combined in you having both genes causing the haemochromatosis. It is treatable by phlebotomy(letting of blood, ie: drawing off of blood regularly, much like blood donors would give a pint of blood occasionally, only a person with this disorder, would let blood in the same way but
ced with cirrhosis to save my liver(i was 52 yrs old then) and had proably been with the disease for many years without knowing. A specific blood test has to be carried out as a standard blood test for liver function etc, will not detect it. I had a biopsy to back up test results and verify Haemochromatosis. Sorry its long winded, its difficult to explain in more simple terms. It is only one suggestion, and try not to worry as it may well be something far less dramatic. I have purely given my experience and it may be a test the doctor has not thought of or suggested yet. I wish you well.

[anneasquith]

andy. really interesting, are you well following your transplant ?

[AndyO]

anneasquith. Thank you, yes im doing well and feel extremely fortunate to have received a donor liver. Apparently none too soon either. I of course continue on medication for the rest of my life, but nothing compared to the meds i was on pre-operation. Developed type two diabetes steroid induced insulin dependent post-op. Again, nothing when i look at the whole picture, and have been given aa new lease of life. Liver disorders can be far more than one thinks. Initially i didnt realise how ill iwas, other than stomach aches and cramps that seemed to have been there for ages. I was working in Kuwait and only got dianosed on my 3 week leave back in the uk. I havent been able go return to work as yet. 12 months is a reasonable time for recovery back to a reasonable level of health and fitness.

[anneasquith]

great news andy. thank God for donors. excuse me mid, for interrupting your thread.

[AndyO]

Anneasquith. Not a problem. I do go on abit, but i still find the ins and outs of liver problems(or possible gliches) of great interest/ fascination to the total functions of the liver(about 500). If i can spread any light on the issues or better still help some one else to better understand their symptoms, then all to the good, possibly!