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AST/ALT Level Question

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Posted 4/3/2014 3:36 AM (GMT 0)
I am trying to clear up something in my mind. If you have mild inflammation of AST/ALT but the rest of your liver tests are normal does that mean my cirrhosis could be halted. Obviously those who know realize my cirrhosis was caused to chronic bile duct blockage that led to a Secondary Sclerosising Chloangitis. My AST/ALT run about 10 points out of normal. My albumin has stabilized at 3.4 when 3.5 is normal and my platelets have stabilized at 120k. Everything else is in normal range.

My doctors said they do not want to rule any other diagnosis out but due to the improvements in the last year believe unclogging my bile duct has fixed me so to speak. My doc who did the ERCP said it could take up to 3 years. My hep says he likes the improvements. I guess I am just concerned about the inflammation. Could they always be mildly high without any dramatic effects. I think I read you do not want it to exceed double normal range.

I just have been thinking about it lately. I feel great, actually the best I have in years. I am down 100lbs from working out etch in the last year. My back surgery seems to be helping. I just cannot stop thinking about this.

Just curious if anyone has been told anything on these levels from there hep or ifmthey have read anything.
Posted 4/3/2014 4:38 AM (GMT 0)
I think this could be a new normal for you. Ten out of range seems fine considering you have cirrhosis. If the docs are happy, I say be happy! ! yeah
Posted 4/3/2014 10:14 AM (GMT 0)
Hey SyXx! I've had liver inflammation and elevated AST/ALT over 30 years now. My readings have always fluctuated from about 10 points over, to a max of about 180. My recent liver biopsy still showed very minimal damage.  

I believe stressing about the inflammation may do more damage than the inflammation itself. If you feel the best you have in years and have basically normal LFT, I wouldn't worry about the slight elevation unless your Hepa shows concerns. GOOD LUCK!!

Posted 4/3/2014 5:58 PM (GMT 0)
Ok, the replies I got from you actually take a load off of my shoulders. My doctors have said they believe I will live a long healthy life with the liver I have and that I should continue to see some small improvements but eventually I would not get any better. I was just concerned that my ALT/AST had not returned to full normal. For the most part my ALT and AST sit around 50 to 55. The normal at my lab is 37 and 45. I did have a test a few weeks ago where they were in the 80s, but I had been taking a muscle relaxor and dialaudid for my back, I know the muscle relaxor SOMA is difficult to process by the liver.

Anyways, I was always concerned because they say if your liver is inflammed that cirrhosis could be occuring. I did also read that you needed to see at least double normal values before doctors are typically concerned. So I am well within that limit.

Now seeing posts from you Dany and you Dave lets me know that you can have inflammation (higher levels) without actually progressing damage. I also realize that bottom line my liver has been damaged. I am trying to lose some more weight, I watch what I take and quit drinking (even thought it was only twice a year) immediately.

One of those things where it was not fully getting back to normal so it was eating at me. I get worried and think about my wife daughter and family.
Posted 4/3/2014 5:59 PM (GMT 0)
Only other thing that is off I guess I could note is my INR sits around 1.3. This I was told will never normalize completely, but is better than the 2.1 it was a year ago haha.
Posted 4/3/2014 10:24 PM (GMT 0)
SyXx,

Great to hear the comment from your doctor about living a long healthy life! Don't worry more than you need to and enjoy your days!
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