High ALT and AST levels - Liver Function Tests

Seeking Help Jen · Post by **Seeking Help Jen** » Tue Jan 05, 2010 2:36 am

I'm freaking out! I've been having pain in my upper abdomen so I went to the doctor and he ordered blood tests. The results of the LFT or Liver Function Test came back and showed a high AST 114 and ALT 150 level. Now I need to immediatley go and get a sonogram. I'm freaking out over what that could mean! Of course I went on the internet and looked and it all points to some type of liver disease. I am a single mom of two children and just can't stop thinking about the "doom and gloom" of what if something is seriously wrong with me. I cry everytime I think about it.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jan 05, 2010 2:59 am

I too had high liver enzyme levels some years back. Certain medications can trigger these levels to move into a higher range. If you smoke it is best to stop because that will increase your ammonia level - and no alcohol or Tylenol. Do not search Google as I did and had myself dead! Many reputable sites can have incorrect information...God bless!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jan 05, 2010 3:18 am

Thanks Steven. The crazy thing is that I don't even drink. One thing I pride myself on is the fact that I've never been drunk. I know it's a problem to look at these websites, but it's that impulsive nature of mine that wants to know immediatley what is wrong with me.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jan 05, 2010 12:52 pm

Did they do a second blood test? If the rubber tourniquet is left on your arm too long, ammonia builds up and the tests come back irregular. Also if the blood samples are not placed on ice immediately, it can throw things off! I made it through and I know you will as well.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jan 05, 2010 2:33 pm

Hi there-

I had a high LFT reading when I "accidentally" was tested at a routine physical about 3 weeks after I had a cosmetic surgery, that caused alot of bruising. The high reading was from the red blood cells breaking down as the bruising subsided. I totally forgot about those routine blood things and all of a sudden it was done.

The doctor told me later, that elevated levels that they worry about are like in the thousands!

I'd get it checked, but don't buy the coffin yet. There are many points between an abnormal test and the end of life. Not to mock you at all! I always zoom to the worst possible scenario and am somewhat successfully slowing myself down and thinking rationally more and more.

Do the things you can control. Get info from the doctor, not the Web. Go to your appts. Follow up. Let go of the things you can't control. God is in charge of it all.

I hope your pain subsides soon and so does your angst.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Jan 06, 2010 2:33 am

Steven and NewRunner,

Thank you both for your response. I'm having a sonogram done towmorrow and need to have the blood tests repeated next week. Newrunner, I know it's in God's hands and that has given me comfort. It's when I start obsessing about my kids that freaks me out every time.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Jan 07, 2010 11:37 am

Jen-

How did it go?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Jan 08, 2010 2:44 am

Thanks for asking. I had the sonogram yesterday and have to wait for my doctor to get the results. I also have to get further blood tests next week to check my levels again.

I really appreciate you asking.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Jan 08, 2010 2:50 am

NewRunner, I need to ask your opinion - - since you brought up that it's in God's hands. I have a friend who basically tells me not to worry about these things so much. When I tell him my fear is for my kids and who would take care of them if something should happen, he tells me that I haven't fully accepted Jesus. Because if I did, I would know it was out of my hands and that Jesus would take care of them. Any thoughts

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Jan 08, 2010 3:57 am

I am praying for you and wishing you the best. I have came to the point that I pray to God that his will not mine be done. I used to be afraid to pray this but at least I know whatever happens I am in the perfect will of God. It is normal for Christians to worry - I have my blood checked quite a bit and still get worrisome! Relax and be still my friend!