DH's liver test elevated. Anyone know what that means?

[QueenTrident]

DH hasn't been feeling well lately. So, for the first time in the 12 years I've know him, he had a physical. Today, he got a call that his liver test (blood) was elevated and he had to go back in 4 weeks for another test. If that was elevated, he'd need a biopsy.

Now, DH being DH, he didn't get any other details and refuses to call the doctor back. I tried to call, but due to privacy regulations, they won't talk to me.

Anyone have any idea what type of liver blood test a doctor would do in a standard physical? DH has been run down lately, but I figured it was due to stress. He also has been complaining of recurring pain in his genital area, but neglected to tell the doctor that in his physical. I have made him an appointment at a urlogist, but that's not until the end of October.

So, now he thinks he has cancer and is getting really depressed. I'd love to do some research to get some info to put his mind at ease, but don't know where to start.

Any guidance would be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[Kirk]

OK, do a search for Elevated Liver Enzymes. They can be caused by many things.

But most importantly you need to have a heart 2 heart w/ DH! Look him in the eye and express your concern. Best to take care of things quickly!

 

[Traveliz]

My husband has had this trouble twice - the first time he had to have the biopsy...now this was about 15 years ago and they kept him in the hospital a few nights so things may have changed (for the better) since. Anyway they did the biopsy and found everything to be normal; however right after the biospsy he was really out of it and quite cold. He recovered very quickly though ... in fact so much so he took the nurses by surprise.

The second time they found the number elevated they did a blood test (maybe more advanced) a couple of more times and found it to be normal.

I hope this turns out to be just an inconvenience for you and not a problem.

I am sure you can find alot more information online but don't let it scare you...good luck!

Liz

 

[jbthi]

From your post, it didn't sound like he was probably taking medication for high cholesterol. My husband has elevated liver enzymes from this. Doctor changed meds so it's not as bad but he thought the elevated enzymes was the lesser of the two evils.

BIL also has had elevated enzymes for 20 or so years. They can't find out why. One doctor blamed touching his mouth while playing golf!! Chemicals on the course and touching tee to mouth.

 

[Disney Princess 6]

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[Dan Murphy]

I would really encourage him to talk with the doctor about it, very important. My best for you both.

 

[Doc and Family]

Things to ask his doctor:
1)Is it his AST, ALT, or Alkaline Phosphatase that is elevated, and how high are they (2 or 3 or 10 times normal, etc., or what the absolute level is and what is the upper limit for normal in that particular laboratory)
2)Is his ammonia level elevated
3)Has he been evaluated for Hepatitis (A,B,C,Autoimmune, etc)
4)Is he on any medications that are metabolized by the liver or that affect the liver (Cholesterol lowering medications, antifungal medications, certain cardiac medications)
5)Have his iron and copper levels been checked

These would be a good starting point and where you go from there depends on the answers you get.

Good Luck and follow Dan's advice--talk to his doctor about it. If he doesn't want to, have him sign a form giving the doctor permission to discuss it with you.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I have had elavated levels. It was either from my meds or more than likely I had a gallbladder that wasn't working properly.

 

[JVL1018]

A few years ago my husband got denied life insurance because his routine blood test came back with elevated liver levels.
I was convinced he had cancer that had spread and was absolutely freaking out, I mean they DENIED life insurance.
He went back for a retest, and they were back down. Two things with him:
#1 His are a little high normally, still within the normal range but on the high side and whenever he has a blood test they see that, it's normal for him, even when he was 16,17 yeras old.

#2 when he got the blood drawn for the insurance, he had just gotten over a nasty bout of the flu, and was taking Advil, pretty much every four hours for a couple of days.
All was well and he got life insurance after all.

 

[always quiet]

During a routine physical, a standard CBC with a liver panel would show elevated liver enzymes. All this indicates really is that the liver is not functioning normally. Back in 1999, my DH went in to the doctor for a pulled muscle in his back, the doctor noticed he hadn't been there in over a year and threw in a physical then and there, down to and including this blood test. Came back high liver enzymes. The next test was more of the same, with "hepatic panel" checked. Turns out he has Hepatitis C. This does not mean that this is what your husband has!!

There are some things your DH should do NOW before he has the next set of lab work (just in case the elevated levels are due to diet or meds)

1. Avoid tylenol in large doses.
2. No alcohol.
3. Drink LOTS of water.

When he goes back into the doctor, be sure he takes a list of all medications he currently takes. Some medications will effect the way the liver works. The doctor will determine quickly if this is causing the high levels.

Good luck to you guys!! Keep us informed.

 

[Mskanga]

I can't add anymore advice that hasn't been given yet in this thread , but all I can say is your husband needs to talk to his doctor and not cover anything up , he needs to be honest.
The doctor is there to help him.
I do not play with liver issues , my grandfather and my father both died from cirrosis of the liver. I know that in most cases this is caused by excessive alcohol drinking but in many cases is also genetic and in our case seems it's a combination of both. I also have an aunt who needed a liver transplant due to hepatitis. I do not play with the liver , I have it checked yearly because I take medications for my arthritis ( Vioxx , no less ).
Your husband needs to lose that fear to the doctor and talk to him. Best of luck to you .

 

[denisenh]

I would encourage your DH to follow the doctors advice.
My oldest DD (23 yo) was found to have elevated "liver enzymes" . She was retested several weeks later and the enzymes were higher. She was given an option of a retest or liver biopsy and she decided to have the biopsy (a one day deal, no overnight hospital stay, as all went fine)
She was dx'ed with fatty liver disease, apparently caused by insulin resistance, which has become an issue for many adults BTW.
As already stated above, there are many causes of elevated liver enzymes.

Also, you may want to ask your Dr. office to send you both a form to fill out that will enable you to discuss your DH's issues with the doc and your DH can do the same.

 

[LadyTrampScamp&Angel]

I just came across this post while during a search.

There are many, many things that can cause elevated liver enzymes and you've gotten great advice here.

Most importantly, your DH needs to work with his doctor to determine what is causing it so he can be treated if he needs to be. My DH has the same thing, went through many rounds of testing starting with the most common stuff, until he had to have a biopsy. He was diagnosed with hemachromatosis, a condition where his body retains too much iron in his blood. Easily treated but if left untreated would've shorted his life. We were fortunate that the doctors didn't see any indication of damage to his liver so far.

So - pursue it and good luck.