Can someone help with my hubbys test results?

Jenny R.

Regular Member

Joined : Sep 2006

Posts : 162

Posted 4/19/2012 7:51 PM (GMT 0)

Hubby had a pre-employment physical done and was denied employment because he has high cholesterol and his GGT level was 164. The ALT and AST levels are within normal range. What would cause the GGT level to be elevated? He does take Vicodin for back pain. Could this be what is causing it? What are your thoughts of how to lower them besides the obvious of stopping the Vicodin. He also drinks whiskey frequently. I told him its time to grow up and get straightened out. He does have an appt tomorrow to get a nerve block done for his back pain and then hopefully wont need the Vicodin anymore. Thank you.

hep93

Elite Member

Joined : Jul 2005

Posts : 12014

Posted 4/19/2012 8:18 PM (GMT 0)

Hi, Jenny, and welcome to the forum! The GGT can be elevated as a result of liver disease, gall bladder and duct problems, and pancreatitis, to name a few. It is also seen when taking certain medications and very often seen with alcohol abuse. I think this latter one is why he was denied employment. Or maybe they just want someone who is totally free of illness. He needs to stop drinking entirely! The Vicodin could also be contributing to the GGT elevation.

You are right--this should be a wake-up call for him to make some lifestyle changes while he still has a chance, and before he really starts to have serious effects from the alcohol such as elevated ammonia (hepatic encephalopathy), cirrhosis, liver cancer, etc.

Hugs,
Connie

DGinSD

Veteran Member

Joined : Apr 2007

Posts : 851

Posted 4/20/2012 3:49 AM (GMT 0)

Jenny,

Mixing Vicodin with alcohol is asking for trouble. I agree with Connie.

Also, GGT can be elevated in fatty liver disease. Since he has high cholesterol, I wonder if that could be an issue as well. In either case, the best thing for him is to stop drinking.

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