Hi again:
I can't believe it, I come back to the forum after being gone for a year or two and find that many posters have had similar experiences as I have had!
I had this liver enzyme/gall bladder thing myself. My LFT's (liver function tests) were always well within normal limits. Then about 5 years ago they started going up just a little over the normal range. For once I wouldn't have gotten upset but every provider I saw brought it to my attention. They were watched.
Then I had a CT Scan done for a workup on microscopic hematuria (which I've had for 30 years but my NP Insisted on checking on it again) The CT report came back "gall bladder looks unsual. Further investigation warranted". My urologist added "I bet you have gallstones"
Had an ultrasound done by my gi. Sure enough, gallstones there. They recommended surgery as an unexpected gall bladder attack can be a major problem. I denied any symptoms but I was worried about the unexpected. I was told by a few providers that the presence of gallstones can irritate the liver and would most likely be the cause for the slightly elevated LFTs. Since I was undergoing gall bladder removal they decided to do a liver biopsy while in there (easier and less dangerous) It showed a mild hepatitis. I was also on methotrexate at the time (but not at the time the LFTs first started going up) so my rheumatologist was concerned.
Lo and behold, 3 months after gall bladder surgery my LFTs were well within normal range and have stayed there consistently. No followup on this "hepatitis " though.
My new gi laughed at the gallstones irritating the liver theory and he is looking for "markers". This is causing me some anxiety because like one poster pointed out "untreated autoimmune hepatitis" is not good. Chronic Hep C may or may not cause elevated LFTs. Another baddie. My rheumatologist said that there is no need for monitoring by blood tests on humira (unlike methotrexate and other drugs like that)
Good luck with your surgery. Many crohnies have had gall bladder issues. The surgery isn't bad if they do it laparascopically. Have had no further problems. Turns out that I did have symptoms, just not the obviousfood related ones. I had the occasional vise like tightening around my rib cage and pain between my shoulder blades, off and on.
Root