Liver function tests
 

Seems as though all those years of a rock n roll lifestyle have caught up for me and my resi medical has thrown up some "slightly elevated" liver function tests.
I've got a CGT reading of 76 (10-50 is the range according to what i can tell from the report), ALT is 44 (0-40 range) and Total Protein is 84 (64-83).
Has anyone any idea if this is likely to cause me problems, and if I need to lay off the booze?

P.S. Anybody want to buy 10 bottles of Stella?

Re: Liver function tests
 

I would say yes, with those results, if you want to improve them, then ideally stop drinking for a wee while. Perhaps try cutting down at first and if you've ever had any physical problems when you've tried to stop before...then definitely see somebody (GP etc) before you stop.

this good living does take it's toll doesn't it?

Can't say whether this will cause problems with immi though

Re: Liver function tests
 

Perhaps a thyroid test is in order.

Odd liver function tests isn't always about alcohol. In fact many folk don't really drink alcohol at all yet have experienced adverse liver function tests in their lives, my husband included.

Intolerance to certain foodstuff ; keeping fit and over exercising ; thyroid probs ; a virus etc can all have an impact on a liver function test.

Makes me a bit cross to think that the first thought is that there is an alcohol problem. In most cases it is bugger all to do with that.

Re: Liver function tests
 

Sorry BEVS, didnt mean to cause offence.
The doc who gave me the results wasn't sure they'd take it any further, but did say I should cut out the booze in case they look into it more.
Bit of a shock really, I did a med for a visa app last July and didnt have a problem.

Re: Liver function tests
 

Hi Adam

OH says LFT's are border line and just stop the alcohol for 3 weeks before repeat bloods. Also do you take any prescribed medication or over the counter medication, as these can have an effect on your live as well.

Foxy

Re: Liver function tests
 

...indeed, cos my results were fine and drink gallons of red wine and Steiny:drinkwine::beer:

Fortunately, I counter this by eating loads as well:thumbsup:

Re: Liver function tests
 

Don't take any prescribed medicines, but did have a cold in the run up to the meds which seemed to be hanging round so was knocking back a few Limsips. Would this have made a difference.
Also, I'd be licking butt at the gym too (trying to keep my BMI down), which I understand can affect some results.

Re: Liver function tests
 

Ha ha, should've said "kicking butt" there.
There are some things I'd do to lose weight, but that aint one of them.

Re: Liver function tests
 

Over Exercising can also raise the LFT as my Bro in Law found out when he had his medical.

Re: Liver function tests
 

Your post didn't cause offence mate & I can understand the shock.

Yes, You should cut out the booze and any meds before new bloods are taken but be aware that it may not make any difference to your test results.

Husband isn't much of a drinker but went teetotal for over a year and it made bugger all difference. Results go up and down like a fiddlers elbow.

Yes. If you are susceptable then Lemsips could have an effect on your liver.

Good luck with this but I am not at all sure that this :p

is the way to go. :scaredhair:

Re: Liver function tests
 

Dont worry too much there is only a slight elevation.
The tests will be repeated (may come back with similar values) you can hold on the alcohol but it won't make any difference.
All should be fine with the immigration . Their Doctors may want to review but there is nothing to view honestly such a slight elevation is not an indication of anything (i'm a critical care nurse). What they are looking for is that you are not going to put a strain on an already stretched health service.
Nothing to worry about for any other reason.

Re: Liver function tests
 

My hubby had the sames issues, he laid off the booze, ate healthy for a month, drank cranberry juice, took herbal milk thistle... and his levels went up!!! :D

After various blood tests, liver scan and specialist report it was assigned to the fact he was "just one of those people with fluctuating levels"... 80% of the population apparantly!

So I wouldn't worry, as long as you BMI isn't too high I'm sure its not something that will hold you back :) we had his medical signed off in approx 3 months.

If you want more detailed info feel free to PM me :D

Re: Liver function tests
 

hi, I had exactly the same problem as part of my medical and was required to have another 2 lots of bloodtests to see if levels improved. Stayed off the booze and thankfully they did come right but gave me quite a scare that my new future in NZ could be in jeopardy. PS had to give up the pints of stella over here as too expensive anyway. Good luck

Re: Liver function tests
 

Any news here?

Re: Liver function tests
 

No news yet. I got an email from Immigration about a fortnight ago saying I'd be allocated a case officer within 3 weeks. I suppose it'll move forward then.
In the meantime I'm following other posters advice; drinking Cranberry juice, and eating loads of fruit and milk thistle tablets, while the other half teases me by knocking back the wine and champagne in front of me.
I honestly dont think I've been out of a pub for this long since I was 15.