Update to elevated ALT results

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-10-2005
Update to elevated ALT results
7
Thu, 07-13-2006 - 10:56am

Hello again,

Well in my previous post my ALT level was 63 (doc said normal was 52). I was freaked out!!! Well he did additional tests (Hep A, B, C and Ferritin) and all came back normal, thank God! Today, however, I go for my ultrasound of my liver and I am terrified. I pray they don't find anything unusual. He asked me all sorts of questions; Have I ever shot up drugs - no, I have ever had Hepatitis - no, Do I drink alcohol - no. Is it possible to have a slightly elevated ALT level and it be nothing serious? Please include me in your thoughts and prayers. I appreciate your support!

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-04-2005
Thu, 07-13-2006 - 8:52pm

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Great news that the test results came back normal!!!


Please try to stay calm and let us know the ultrasound

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 07-13-2006 - 9:15pm

Has he re-run the ALT to see if it's changed. (I'm the one who throws high ALTs for no aparent reason).


Do you have ALT results from prior to this? Have you always been higher than the expected normal range - or on the high end of normal?


Sending positive thoughts your way,


Jo

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-06-2006
Fri, 07-14-2006 - 2:50am

I wanted to reply to your post although this may not be the same thing that you experienced. I had my gallbladder removed and the surgeon found that I had a slightly fatty liver. I always assumed that fatty livers were from Hepatitis or those who are heavy drinkers of alcohol. It scared me at first and I have never had hepatitis or abused alcohol- i dont even drink it at all. So then, I learned about something called NAFL-which is non-alcoholic fatty liver. The surgeon said to me "When you gain weight, your liver also gains weight." It can be "fixed with proper diet and weight loss. It has nothing to do with Hepatitis C or the consuption of alcohol. I also have PCOS-Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. It was found that 2 out of 3 PCOS patients also have a fatty liver.
I dont know if this relates to your case at all, but like you, I also had the questions about hepatitis c and alcohol. I was scared at first like you and thought that I would have to have ultrasounds and more testing done on my liver to see if there was damage. Thank God it turned out to be ok and it was not so serious. I will pray for you and look forward to hearing from your US results.

God Bless

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-10-2005
Fri, 07-14-2006 - 10:27am
Thanks for your reply. I've also had my gallbladder removed. My doc did mention it could possibly be a fatty liver. I just had a baby almost 4 months ago and did gain some weight although I've lost almost all of it by now. I'm a petite person...5' and about 125 lbs. I have an appt to discuss my blood test results and my ultrasound with my doc next week. I'm not sure what my ALT level was at my last physical 2 years ago. It could be that slightly elevated is my norm. I'm so glad I have this board to discuss things like this with. Oh and by the way, my ultrasound came out negative! Everything checked out! Whew! But thanks for your support...thank all of you!
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-04-2005
Fri, 07-14-2006 - 10:59am

Thanks for pointing out that other things can cause elevated numbers. That's why it is so important to tell the doctor about every and any thing that might not seem related. It is natural to think the worst, but more often than not, there is a good explanation for higher than usual numbers.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-04-2005
Fri, 07-14-2006 - 11:02am

We are glad you found this board too and are always happy to hear 'negative' results!


Please feel free to continue visiting...you might help the next person that shows up with questions and no better support than from someone with first hand experience.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 07-06-2006
Fri, 07-14-2006 - 12:00pm
i am glad everything came out good for you. i know how worrisome it can be. I am a petite person as well. but i have gained several pounds and lost weight on and off all of my life. perhaps that could be responsible for the elevated numbers-gaining weight and then losing weight. Anyways, just wanted to let you know that I am glad for you that it is all ok.