Rar

My ultrasound has been scheduled for Thursday. I am despairing because the Dr. feels a need for an ultrasound based on two specific liver function tests from the blood work I had on January 31st. My AST was 53 (normal 15-46) and my ALT was 91 (Normal 5-65). It appears from from researching my blood work numbers, the other liver numbers (proteins, bilibubin, etc.) are within normal ranges. Trying to interpret these numbers, I came across this online, " If ALT and AST are found together in elevated amounts in the blood, liver damage is most likely present." Somehow I led myself to believe that the numbers weren't that high above normal and represented liver dysfunction rather than liver damage. I was also thinking that if I had total abstinence, by now (86 days) all should be well with my liver. At this point, I'm worried about cirrhosis. As if on cue, I'm beginning to hurt in the liver area. I have dinner guests coming this evening, but I'm paralyzed with these feelings of despair, fear, etc. and cannot get started with the preparations. I have enough health problems without adding another.

I didn't know whom to share this with, so I'm posting to those who will understand. I do believe in prayer, so if you're so inclined I would appreciate a prayer or two.

AveryMarie

Not familiar with your situation but definitely sending lot's of prayers your way. Try not to worry until you speak to your doctor. The mind can do some crazy things!

Thepatman

Prayers your way Rar,

86 days of Sobriety is awesome! But still early in recovery, I don't think your liver had a fair chance to try to heal yet.

Numbers are just numbers, yes they are high but try not to worry too much. Your doctor is doing his job, investigating all possibilities to make a proper diagnostic. Leave it with him and try to spend quality time with your guests this evening.

And above all keep sober and stay positive.

Blessings,

mejorando

I'm happy for you to be 86 days sober! Don't forget the credit you deserve for that.

As far as dinner guests, you shouldn't feel obligated to appease anyone when you're this concerned over your health. I cannot speak to your health situation, but if you don't feel up for having guests, cancelling because of your health (especially if they know you're pregnant) is very understandable.

Best of luck,

A

Rar

Thanks Mejorando. By the way, I'm not pregnant. I'm 64 years old old. LOL

ChickChick

Rar, you are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope it turns out to be nothing. 86 days is wonderful!!
Please keep us updated.

GotGrace

Prayers for you, Rar!

Rar

Can I do anything to present my liver in a more favorable light by Thursday other than abstaining from alcohol? How about fats, carbs?

Anna

Rar, the best thing you can do is to continue to add to those 86 days sober. We all do things that damage our bodies, and we can only move on from where we are. Have faith that the test will turn out well, and have faith that you can manage whatever comes along, and know that your recovery is the best thing you can do.

Rar

Thanks Anna. I am not sure I can manage bad news.

Received

You've put quite a few days together since your blood work on January 31.
Did you inform your doctor of your drinking at that time?

Rar

Yes. I also told him that I was taking my xanax with the alcohol. I have never abused the xanax, taking a much smaller dosage than that which was prescribed. I am prescribed (4) .5 mg, but take only one at bedtime with a rare 1/2 during the day. However, I took that 1 pill with alcohol in my system. I was so embarrassed and felt humiliated coming clean with him.

phoebe64

The actual numbers are not indicative of the degree of damage. It can depend on how long they are elevated and some people have pretty severe elevations and fatty liver without fibrosis or cirrhosis. So, the best thing you can do is have the ultrasound and see where you are at. If they see high numbers, it is pretty routine to do an ultrasound to check things out. I hope your results prove reassuring, as opposed to any bad news.

More often, I read posts where folks get checked out and find things are fine or repairable.

Received

Yeah, what rochele said ^

Applekat

86 days is amazing. I cannot wait to say that when I am there! (80 days to go, lol)
In the same breath, it's *only* 86 days in comparison to how long you (we) put our bodies through drinking. Know what I mean?

Continuing to not drink is obviously the best thing you can do!!

With that said, I have read a little bit on milk thistle. It's OTC, but you'd want to contact a physician I'm sure. And dandelion root tea. Neither would do anything by Thursday (if at all, to be clear).

lifenomad

good luck Rar...I as well want to wish you the best and hope everything goes well.

SoberLeigh

Thinking of you, Rar. You didn't have much sober time (if any?) when you had your bloodwork drawn on Jan. 31st. Things may have changed since then in light of your 86 great days of sobriety. Try and stay positive, Rar (I know; easier said than done).

Please let us know how things go.

Rar

No I didn't. In fact, I had 7 beers the night before.

1stepup

Hope all goes well Rar, they say times a great healer and Im sure your liver will have recovered a certain amount over the sober time, Im sure the fact you had those 7 beers the night before might have had an effect on the test also- Ive been told by a liver specialist to stay off the drink for at least 6 months before Im considered for surgery on an intestine problem I have caused by excess alcohol abuse. He said Im like a car thats reached its 100,000 mile limit on the clock but if I can stay sober for that time il be back to 0 on the clock- but Im not taking that as a green light to start drinking again!

All the best and try as hard as it is when you're worried about something to enjoy your meal, I get depressed at times but am a firm believer that things seem more brighter and positive in the morning.

Upward2Enlightenment

Don't worry yourself unnecessarily Rar, I think you should be ok. If and I do mean IF the doctor tells you there is something wrong then you can work with him to try and fix it. The liver can do an amazing job of repairing itself, and your blood work was when you were still drinking.
To quote Matthew 6:34 "So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself."
Praying for you.