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Posted 10/26/2008 4:15 PM (GMT 0)
Hello,

I'm normally in the Lupus board but I had blood test 2 weeks ago and my enzyme level was 4 times the normally and I'm scarred to death what the Dx's will be.My AST  226 and ALT  236 I'm having more test on Thursday the 30th.The meds. I was taking Methotrexate for 4 yrs. and Darvocet 1 1/2yrs together.I'm Dx's 2001 with MCTD Lupus,Raynauds,Inflammtory Arthritis and Sjorgren's plus I take several other meds.Can anyone tell me if they have had enzyme levels this high what the Dx's is.If i do have liver problems I guessing AIH or Toxic.

I did drink once a week and smoked cigarettes when drinking so probably 1 pack.Please any info. would be great.

Thanks you,

Mary

Posted 10/26/2008 4:49 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Mary,

As a person with Hep C I would be delighted with your enzyme results. I'm happy when my enzymes are below 1,000. Your meds are likely the culprit but do follow up with your Drs. (I'm no professional) & don't panic. I'm a person that tends to panic easily & I try to tell myself to get the info - then respond.

Hope this helps,
Cary
Posted 10/26/2008 4:56 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Cary for responding so quick.You know the nurse called and said they were 4 times the normal I just keep hearing that and I think thats why I'm freaking out.But mine have never been that high.I can't wait until November and I'll get my results back.So you don't think its anything? AIH or Toxic H.

Thanks again,
Mary
Posted 10/26/2008 8:37 PM (GMT 0)

Mary, welcome to the hepatitis forum.  I have hep C and cirrhosis, and am a liver cancer survivor.  My liver enzymes have never been more than a little above double.  So those stats don't always tell the story.  However, in your case, I would be inclined to think that your elevated enzymes are due to your meds.  Since you also have some autoimmune diseases, it could also be AIH.  (I have OA and Raynaud's myself.)

However, as Cary suggested, try not to panic or think the worst until you get the results of your repeat tests on the 30th.  It could well have been a lab error.  If not, you will be able to address treatments at that time.   wink

Posted 10/27/2008 6:43 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Mary,

I think you need more information and tests. I could not venture a guess as to your diagnosis. Connie & I are good examples of folks living with liver disease, so its entirely possible to have elevated liver enzymes and live a happy life. :-)

Best,
Cary
Posted 10/28/2008 2:33 PM (GMT 0)
I have 1 correction it wasn't last month I had more test it was in April.Do you think this will change my Dx's?Thursday is my blood drawn then I probley won't hear any thing until next week which is going to to drive me nuts.But its getting closure.Thanks for your information.

Take Care,
Mary
Posted 10/28/2008 6:03 PM (GMT 0)
Mary, if nothing has changed...meds haven't changed since April, etc...then the diagnosis shouldn't change.  Unless, as I stated previously, there was a lab error the first time.  Try not to worry.  It's a waste of energy.  wink
Posted 10/28/2008 6:49 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Mary,

I have AIH.  My initial levels were ALT 848, AST 748 and my bilirubin peaked at 23.3.  I wouldn't make any guess but you're probably thinking right that it's AIH or drug-induced.  With your history of autoimmune issues, I would lean more towards AIH.  Don't sweat about your levels.  I have heard of folks close to the 10,000 mark and are still fine after medication.  Be sure to see a liver specialist (hepatologist).  The defining test after they've run all the bloods will be a liver biopsy.  Don't fear that either.  I had mine the transjugular route as I wasn't clotting due to the damage in my liver.  The traditional way is percutaneous.  If you need one, they'll explain everything.

Please don't stress about any of it yet.  I know it's easier said than done but Connie is correct, it's a waste of energy and you'll give yourself an ulcer...you don't need that!!!  You'll know more with your new lab work. 

The naproxen won't be good for your liver...or any of the anti-inflammatory meds.  Advil is allowed on occasion in smaller doses.

Good luck and keep us posted....no more drinking until you know what's up for sure...not even a sip!!!

Posted 11/7/2008 9:55 PM (GMT 0)

Thank you all for responding but I got my 2blood test back and they were elevated because of my medication.But thank you all and I hope you get some great news also.Take care and thank you.

Mary

Posted 11/8/2008 12:49 AM (GMT 0)
Wonderful news, Mary!  Thanks for letting us know!

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