Stress Center Peer Support

So I'm usually pretty positive on here but today I've had a major setback medically. I found out some news about my liver enzymes. In September of 2008, I had a physical. My liver enzymes came out elevated (just a couple of points above normal). Normal is about 0-40 depending on the lab doing the blood work. My AST was like 48 and my ALT was 45. So they sent me to get an ultrasound or a sonogram of my liver, which was fine. It was a video of it. They also tested for Acute Hepatitis, which was negative.

I went back to the doctor yesterday for an issue with my leg. During the visit, she decided to send me just to check my liver enzymes again to make sure they were okay. In 4 months, my liver enzymes are now AST 126 and ALT 69.

I don't take medication. I used to take Xanax XR and Lexapro but I stopped taking those in Feburary of 2008 so its been almost a year. However, I did use to self medicate with alcohol from 2004 to about August 2008. I don't drink at all now.

I do not take Tylenol. In fact, I don't take anything except for vitamins and herbal caffeine free tea at night. I eat pretty healthy. I eat a lot of Salmon (like almost every night).

I was doing so good with the anxiety to the point where I was comfortable again being alone, which hasn't been the case for a couple of years now. I'm still doing okay with the anxiety. I guess because now I am worried about my liver enzymes.

I am going to a specialist this coming Wednesday but does anyone know anything that might help me? I don't understand how if all my tests came out okay, how my enzymes can be rising? I'm scared. I'm only 31. I want to live.

Hey, hunnie,
I am not a nurse, but a Medical Assistant.
I am sorry to hear about your bad news. You say you want to live...is this a life threatening condition? I don't know much about liver enzyme levels but did they run any additional tests, like an ultrasound or CAT scan? I would recommend talking to your doctor and asking questions. I read that it is not uncommon to have elevated liver enzymes. As far as the anxiety that you are feeling, here are my recommendations: first...realize that you are going through a scary time, you have a RIGHT to feel anxious, who wouldn't? But before you let your anxiety (and those scary thoughts) get the best of you, get more information-knowledge is power. More information may make you feel more in control of the situation. There may very well be steps you can take to get the enzymes back down to a normal level. And remember, you don't have an expiration date. Try to live your life to the fullest.
Hopefully, that helps. Let me know how things turn out. I will say a prayer for you.
Leah

Thanks Leah. I've already had an ultra sound and a hepatitis test and both came out fine. That was in September. They are higher now. I have an appt to see a specialist on Wednesday.

I am no nurse but from what I have read some people can just have elevated liver enzymes for no known reason, hopefully this is your case. I found this info on the mayo clinic, this is not to scare you but to inform you, talk with your doc and ask questions

<A HREF="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/elevat ... es/HQ01011" TARGET=_blank>http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/elevat ... HQ01011</A>

Thanks Nole. Yeah, I've done a bunch of research. The good thing I guess is that I have already had the sonogram of my liver and that was fine. I already had the test for acute hepatitis and that was negative. What worries me is the quick elevation from September to this month. It basically doubled. So I guess I will see Wednesday. I have found that not thinking about it helps me not worry. I've just been keeping myself busy but being that I have anxiety, thoughts do creep in. The other good thing is that all of my other bloods tests came out great. I wonder if maybe I just need to do a liver cleanse? I will ask the doctor before I do that though.

Hello Hunnie:

I'm sorry you are experiencing this high level of anxiety now pertaining to liver functions. It is so hard for us to stop those old negitive tapes in our head when we perceive danger. I am a nurse and I can tell you that elevated liver functions DO NOT necesarily mean something serious. As a matter of fact, there are many benign conditions that can affect our livers. You mentioned you take vitamins. If you are taking too much E or A, that could effect your levels as they are fat soluable and do not clear the body as well as the water soluable ones do such as B & C. You also mentioned you do not drink, and IF your liver has been affected by alcohol, then your liver WILL heal. The liver is the only organ that has the capacity of regernerating itself and healing. Also, was a total blood panel done to see if all your other levels were in range? Just to put your mind at ease, there are just many things that may affect our levels and it might mean just adjusting any prescription medications or over the counter drugs (including vitamins). Please try to ease your mind with calming thoughts and some daily meditation. I wish you all the best....please keep us posted.

Lynn

Thanks Sidd. I just private messaged you.

Hi Hunnie....I just got your message and replied.