Elevated Liver Enzymes

[quote]ANIMAL M0THER wrote:
I think my problem was caused by the protein powder I was taking. It’s the only supp I was taking.

I had right upper quadrant discomfort for a week or so and it has subsided considerably since I stopped taking it.

Any idea how long it takes for the liver to go back to normal?[/quote]

Protein powder is not a supplement. It’s food.

My ALT is now up to 208 u/l. I had abdominal ultrasound last month that came back normal. My hepatitis screen came back normal last year and the year before that. I am going to see a gastroenterologist tomorrow. Any guesses as to what’s wrong with me?

My ALT is now up to 208 u/l. I had abdominal ultrasound last month that came back normal. My hepatitis screen came back normal last year and the year before that. I am going to see a gastroenterologist tomorrow. My symptoms are mild RUQ discomfort, decreased appetite and occassional nausea. Any guesses as to what’s wrong with me?

Any guesses as to what’s wrong with me?

I see a lot of patients as an ultrasound tech with RUQ pain and normal gallbladder/liver ultrasound. What I see a lot of in large intestine dilation (gassiness) without abdomen distention or flatulence. Large intestine gas can press against the gallbladder that could impinge on normal outflow of gallbladder bile. It can mimic symptoms similar to gallbladder stone obstruction. A dilated large intestine can also press against the stomach causing acid reflux and the lungs. Any abnormal bowel movements? If there is no evidence for gallstones, a HIDA scan with CCK stimulation may be considered to evaluate gallbladder function. If the gallbladder ejection fraction is low, then removal of the gallbladder may help. Ultrasound also rules out any signs of liver disease.

If your really worried, use of an extract of milk thistle, but I wouldnt worry.
Just have youre doctor keep an eye on it once or twice a year.

It is well known and documented that ALT levels increase in response to strenuous physical exercise.

Levels of ALT exceeding 2,000 U per L are indicative of liver damage.
Elevations less than 250 U per L are common.

Things that cause ALT elevations:
Acetaminophen
Niacin
aspirin
acetaminophen
ibuprofen
Chaparral leaf
Ephedra
Gentian
Germander
Jin bu huan
Kava
Scutellaria (skullcap)
Senna
Shark cartilage
Vitamin A

Good Luck!

[quote]Med Pro wrote:
I see a lot of patients as an ultrasound tech with RUQ pain and normal gallbladder/liver ultrasound. What I see a lot of in large intestine dilation (gassiness) without abdomen distention or flatulence. Large intestine gas can press against the gallbladder that could impinge on normal outflow of gallbladder bile. It can mimic symptoms similar to gallbladder stone obstruction. A dilated large intestine can also press against the stomach causing acid reflux and the lungs. Any abnormal bowel movements? If there is no evidence for gallstones, a HIDA scan with CCK stimulation may be considered to evaluate gallbladder function. If the gallbladder ejection fraction is low, then removal of the gallbladder may help. Ultrasound also rules out any signs of liver disease.

If your really worried, use of an extract of milk thistle, but I wouldnt worry.
Just have youre doctor keep an eye on it once or twice a year.

It is well known and documented that ALT levels increase in response to strenuous physical exercise.

Levels of ALT exceeding 2,000 U per L are indicative of liver damage.
Elevations less than 250 U per L are common.

Things that cause ALT elevations:
Acetaminophen
Niacin
aspirin
acetaminophen
ibuprofen
Chaparral leaf
Ephedra
Gentian
Germander
Jin bu huan
Kava
Scutellaria (skullcap)
Senna
Shark cartilage
Vitamin A

Good Luck!
[/quote]

Thanks for the response. My ALT is up to 208 now and I have been off any supps and alcohol for over a month. I saw a gastroenterologist yesterday and he ruled out cancer and gallbladder issues. I hade lab work done this morning that included a hep panel and also checking copper, iron, ferritin, and smooth muscle anti body amongst other things. My primary doc told me that he doesn’t think I have hep C. I really don’t know how I could have contracted hep.

Thanks again.

basically means ur liver is working.

This is an update on my situation.

From January to March, my ALT climbed from 78u/l to 98, finishing at a high mark of 208 u/l. Then in April, it dropped to 112 and then to 92.

The following test were performed:

  • Ultrasound- normal
  • Hepatitis A,B,C- negative
  • Hemochromatosis- I don’t have the disorder but I am a carrier of one trait.

My doc is happy with the ALT decrease and wants me to get it checked again(4 weeks after the last reading of 92.) He said that there was some kind of an assault on my liver. He does not feel a biopsy is necessary at this time.

My symptoms have greatly subsided and I feel normal except that I don’t feel as strong as I did prior to this and I’m having trouble burning body fat. I also feel a little RUQ discomfort when I bend over and my thigh pushes against my abdomen.

What do you think? Thanks.

Mate i’ve been through all this. I won’t bother you with the full story but after getting messed about by a GP i forked out to see a Specialist at a top hospital. He did a scan, blood test and full physical and sent me on my way!

After a week he called me back to get the results. They showed high ALT and Bilarubin, scan came back slight fatty liver.

He didn’t even seem fussed by the results. Just said the raised ALT would be becuase of my weight lifting. That and the fact that the levels they use are a estimated level. Estimated for men, women, children, fat people, skinny people, 300lb body builders? No! Just an average Joe with an average diet doing average things. Bilarubin level was because i have Gilberts Syndrome. It effects liver function, but is harmless. 5% of people have it and most will never even know.

As for a fatty liver! 99% of the scans he’s done will have a fatty liver to some extent. He just said vegaterians are actually some of the worst! Something about to much fruit!

So unless your skin colour starts to resemble Homer Simpson, or your pee looks like yellow radioactive waste i wouldn’t worry!

[quote]ESX wrote:
Mate i’ve been through all this. I won’t bother you with the full story but after getting messed about by a GP i forked out to see a Specialist at a top hospital. He did a scan, blood test and full physical and sent me on my way!

After a week he called me back to get the results. They showed high ALT and Bilarubin, scan came back slight fatty liver.

He didn’t even seem fussed by the results. Just said the raised ALT would be becuase of my weight lifting. That and the fact that the levels they use are a estimated level. Estimated for men, women, children, fat people, skinny people, 300lb body builders? No! Just an average Joe with an average diet doing average things. Bilarubin level was because i have Gilberts Syndrome. It effects liver function, but is harmless. 5% of people have it and most will never even know.

As for a fatty liver! 99% of the scans he’s done will have a fatty liver to some extent. He just said vegaterians are actually some of the worst! Something about to much fruit!

So unless your skin colour starts to resemble Homer Simpson, or your pee looks like yellow radioactive waste i wouldn’t worry! [/quote]

Im concerned because I still have discomfort on my right side. There definitely is something going on in my GI tract and it’s affecting my liver.

Dude you’ve had the liver and surrounding area scanned and they’ve done a Hep check. Thats ruled out the bad stuff. Is the discomfort bad or just a dull ache? Did the doctor say you have a problem with the GI tract?

Not feeling as strong or having problems burning body fat would be a different problem all together and would have nothing to do with liver function.

It sounds like your problems are the same as what i had. As soon as i got the all clear the dull ache i had in my liver area suddenly went! Get what im saying?

So your AST, GT, ALP, bilirubin, PK/INR and albumin are fine?

[quote]kakno wrote:
So your AST, GT, ALP, bilirubin, PK/INR and albumin are fine?[/quote]

Yea. It’s only the ALT that was high, but it’s slowly coming back down. High mark was 208, then down to 112 then 98. I’m getting another liver panel done this weekend. I just still have that discomfort in my right side. Almost like it’s the inflammation or feels like something is there.

[quote]ANIMAL M0THER wrote:

[quote]kakno wrote:
So your AST, GT, ALP, bilirubin, PK/INR and albumin are fine?[/quote]

Yea. It’s only the ALT that was high, but it’s slowly coming back down. High mark was 208, then down to 112 then 98. I’m getting another liver panel done this weekend. I just still have that discomfort in my right side. Almost like it’s the inflammation or feels like something is there.[/quote]

As far as the theory that the high ALT numbers are related to weightlifting, did you decrease or stop weightlifting before your numbers went down? Do you see a correlation?

[quote]qsar wrote:

[quote]ANIMAL M0THER wrote:

[quote]kakno wrote:
So your AST, GT, ALP, bilirubin, PK/INR and albumin are fine?[/quote]

Yea. It’s only the ALT that was high, but it’s slowly coming back down. High mark was 208, then down to 112 then 98. I’m getting another liver panel done this weekend. I just still have that discomfort in my right side. Almost like it’s the inflammation or feels like something is there.[/quote]

As far as the theory that the high ALT numbers are related to weightlifting, did you decrease or stop weightlifting before your numbers went down? Do you see a correlation?[/quote]

They continued to increase even after I stopped lifting.

ALT is down to 78 and celiac panel came back negative. I’ve seen two gastroenterologists and they don’t know what’s wrong.

The only way to know for sure is a liver biopsy.

ps. I have been on a gluten-free diet the past week and I have lost fat, feel better and have improved digestion(no bloat at all.)

AM: Interesting amigo. You should post that gluten observation in the other gluten forums where people are saying its an over blown theory and way more people can handle gluten than thought and its a safe product etc etc. Your feed back is the same I get from my clients.