liver function test.

[daveymboy007]

im not 100% sure but the doctor said i might have a virus. he took a blood test yesterday and today the surgery called and said i'll have to go in for a liver function test. does anyone know what this involves and what could be wrong with me as i never drink. im really scared and thinkin the worst.

[Kleiber]

Don't worry, davey. Liver function tests are quite run-of-the-mill and all they involve is a simple blood test. Doctors do them in lots of cases, just to try and narrow down what's ailing you. For example, if you have high cholesterol and are on a statin, you have to have them done regularly. The liver is such an important organ in the body that a liver function test can tell your GP all sorts of things. Anyway, like I said, don't worry!! K xx

[Beetledewz]

Don't panic. It's purely a blood test. The blood will then be tested.

[daveymboy007]

but i cant see anywhere that it wont be serious. all i keep seeing online is cancer or liver disease. there must be something really wrong surely?

[sqad617]

daveymboy do stop worrying. The liver function tests will only be blood tests taken from a vein in your arm by a trained phlebotomist ( blood taker). These tests may will give the answer to your problems, but if not, then a liver scan or liver biopsy may well be needed. If you are not jaundiced then the blood tests may well surfice to give a diagnosis without the need for liver biopsy. The ultimate diagnosis will depend upon the results of these tests but will likely show a no life threatening condition.

[daveymboy007]

thankyou for your advice. i'll try put it out of my mind until i have to go i guess. im ony 31 n getting married next year and really scared it could be something really bad, whats the best news it could be? high cholestrol??

[Kleiber]

Davey, listen to us!! Stop worrying. I've had them done when I've had a virus too and I can assure you that I'm perfectly healthy! Like I said, the liver is responsible for all sorts of things and if you're fighting an infection, an LFT will show this up easily and enable your GP to prescribe the right thing for it.

[daveymboy007]

ok well you have made me feel a bit better. thankyou again for your help. i'll try stop worrying thankyou

[Kleiber]

Just read your recent post - kiddo, at your age, you've got nothing to worry about. Like you said, it could be cholesterol, but more than likely just a virus. Relax & look forward to your wedding (congratulations, by the way!!). K x

[Eve]

I've had it done loads with general bloods to see if I have an infection or similar, seem to be quite a run of the mill thing to do.

I've never had any symptoms or problems connected to my liver.

[Dollie]

I have it done once a year, because my high blood pressure tablets can cause some liver disfunction so they check me annually to be on the safe side. They've never found anything yet.

[Ice.Maiden]

I know how you feel davey, because I'm only 29 and recently had blood tests for an enlarged liver. I'm not overweight, and I don't drink much, so I was as scared as you. I had a liver scan - which is simple and painless (the sort of ultrasound test that pregnant ladies have), and when I was put to sleep in hospital, I had a small liver biopsy taken. There are no lasting painful effects, so please try not to worry. However, just try and keep yourself fit. If you smoke and/or drink, cut right down on it now, and keep your blood pressure down. I'm sure you'll be OK, and you can come back and tell us about it. x

[pjm007]

Try not to worry bruv, I'm sure everything will be fine, just a routine thing. You've got so much to look forward to. Think positive and chill out mate.