I am reading my blood tests and was wondering which test indicates the liver enzyme levels.
[ 06-24-2010, 03:33 PM: Message edited by: maps ]
Posted by massman (Member # 18116) on :
Poor indicators of liver health.
Posted by maps (Member # 19758) on :
Massman, sorry I am obviously not being very clear.
If my doctor order a liver enzmye test what code would they write on the requisition.
Maybe this is just a really dumb question.
regards
Posted by maps (Member # 19758) on :
Massman, sorry I am obviously not being very clear.
If my doctor order a liver enzmye test what code would they write on the requisition.
Maybe this is just a really dumb question.
regards
Posted by kitty9309 (Member # 19945) on :
Look for AST, ALT, ALP, bilirubin. Those are the routine liver function tests.
Not a dumb question at all.
Posted by massman (Member # 18116) on :
The liver tests are poor because they do not accurately assess liver function !!
Been that way for years so why even bother with the test ? Waste of time + money IMO.
Just because many docs think you can measure everything by blood testing does not make it true.
Posted by maps (Member # 19758) on :
I have no idea why my post shows up so many times.
I had to go to ER last week and they ran blood tests and they said "you have probably had x-rays and such already". Being in stunned mode I said yes. Next day I realized he meant recently not the ones I had two years ago.
So I went to see my GP who ordered abdominal, pelvic ultra sound plus chest, spine x-ray which I had done last Thursday.
My doctors office called yesterday which is really, really fast and want to see me regarding the ultra sound and to do a liver enzyme test.
I thought they did that at the hospital and I was OK but there are none of the above tests on the report.
It is important because if my liver enzymes are high my lyme doctor is going to take me off the iv antibiotics.
Now I feel so sick and scared as although I am so much better I am nowhere near well.
Thank you I needed this information as at least I will be emotionally prepared for tomorrow.
Posted by maps (Member # 19758) on :
I have no idea why my post shows up so many times.
I had to go to ER last week and they ran blood tests and they said "you have probably had x-rays and such already". Being in stunned mode I said yes. Next day I realized he meant recently not the ones I had two years ago.
So I went to see my GP who ordered abdominal, pelvic ultra sound plus chest, spine x-ray which I had done last Thursday.
My doctors office called yesterday which is really, really fast and want to see me regarding the ultra sound and to do a liver enzyme test.
I thought they did that at the hospital and I was OK but there are none of the above tests on the report.
It is important because if my liver enzymes are high my lyme doctor is going to take me off the iv antibiotics.
Now I feel so sick and scared as although I am so much better I am nowhere near well.
Thank you I needed this information as at least I will be emotionally prepared for tomorrow.
Posted by TerryK (Member # 8552) on :
maps - I've had very high liver enzymes in the past. I did need to go off abx for awhile until we got the liver enzymes under control but I was able to get back on treatment within a month.
In order to help my liver, my LLMD put me on an herbal formula that had aloe vera in it and I went off all meds and supplements that stress the liver. High enzymes dropped very fast.
If you have to go off, you'll likely be back on treatment in no time. Please let us know how things turn out.
Massman, I know there are better tests for overall evaluation but I think these tests are reasonable as a monitoring tool. What tests would you recommend as a monitoring tool and for in depth evaluation?
Terry I'm not a doctor
Posted by maps (Member # 19758) on :
TerryK, thanks, glad you posted that as I think I was spiralling a little out of control emotionally.
Now that I have read your message if it is just for a month it would actually be a nice rest. I do see a homeopathic doc for liver supports If my enzymes are high I will go back early and get something stronger. I wonder if adding the flagl was the final straw.
I am concerned though if they have to remove the picc line if they will put another in.
Anyway just speculating will find out tomorrow will go take some deep breaths now thanks.
Posted by TerryK (Member # 8552) on :
maps - It is understandable that you would be upset at the thought of going off a treatment that is helping you. I know I was very upset when I had to go off not to mention worried about my liver.
Hang in there.
Terry I'm not a doctor
Posted by maps (Member # 19758) on :
Just an update, had my doc appointment the ultra sound indicates "consistent with a degree of hepatocellular disease", they have taken more blood to investigate further, and no I don't drink
No idea what this means but does not seem to be anything to do with antibiotics and the test results seem to be similar to the tests done in 2008.
So Yay, hopefully when I see lyme doc on Monday we continue with IV.
Thanks everyone
Came back to update again as I totally forgot the reason for all these tests was due to the severe pain and I just realized after all this no one has found any reason for the pain arrggg
Posted by TerryK (Member # 8552) on :
Thanks for the update! Maybe your lyme doctor will have an idea of what this might mean? Also would be interesting to know what your liver enzymes are doing.
You mmight consider asking your lyme doctor if he has suggestions for you on how to support your liver better. I plan to do the same since my enzymes have been slightly elevated for several months now and a few weeks ago my liver felt swollen again.
Check out the Keeblers great posts on liver support. Just do a search using her user ID with the term liver in the search box. You will get lots of great info.
I have a fatty liver but I think many lyme patients do. My sister has the same problem.
Just wondering, have you had a test for hep c, b etc..?
Will be keeping my fingers crossed that all goes well on Monday.
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