Elevated Liver Function results

[Barch]

This is not exactly gear realted, since the problem isn't from usage. But, since it may effect future use, I'm posting it here... Recently had two sets of liver function tests done. The first was about a month or so ago, the most recent was this past week. The results...

Elevated both times (1 month apart), but the first time the AST was really high, and the second time the ALT was really high. I've been dealing with several years of shoulder pain and chronic migraines, which is probably the root of the problem (acetaminophen), but stopped taking painkillers a couple of months ago. Any takes on why the flip-flopping of elevated AST and ALT?

p.s. My first numbers were: AST- 111, ALT- 58 IU/L
Second set: AST- 44, ALT- 93

Any ideas about what to make of this? Any input?

[stallion_1]

im sorry to hear that bro.

i would not recommend u take orals since they will only make the problem worse.

but u could use injectables since they dont affect the liver that much, if any

[JiGGaMaN]

The good news is you know your liver is working. This sort of thing tends to happen when people get hooked on prescription pain killers. As long as you arent consuming any more acetaminophen your liver function may return to normal eventually. Only time will tell, and until then dont eat any more pills!

[Barch]

Yeah, the acetaminophen will definitely do a number on your liver. I just let it go too long. I'm taking AX's Perfect Cycle, NAC and Liv. 52, so hopefully, it will be a speedy recovery. I may get an ultrasound just to be safe, but a few docs I've talked to have said that with cirrhosis or fatty liver the levels would be much higher than indicated.

[JiGGaMaN]

Yeah, the acetaminophen will definitely do a number on your liver. I just let it go too long. I'm taking AX's Perfect Cycle, NAC and Liv. 52, so hopefully, it will be a speedy recovery. I may get an ultrasound just to be safe, but a few docs I've talked to have said that with cirrhosis or fatty liver the levels would be much higher than indicated.

Oh i know what you mean. I post on a recreational drugs board and you hear people saying they are consuming 10-15 vicodins that are 10mg hydrocodone and 650mg acetaminophen. 4 grams is enough to damage the liver, these guys are doing double that at least. scary shit. at least learn how to cold water extract your meds so you have a solution minus the acetaminophen.

[Barch]

I think people fall into the trap of OTC/approved=safe... I know that I've gone on stretches of using 8-12 tabs of Extra Strength Tylenol/Excedrin for days on end... for months, before I even thought about the negative effects it might have! And they say steroids are dangerous...

[TranscriptionFactor]

Tylenol is without question the most dangerous medicine in most people's medicine cabinets, certainly among OTC meds. Very easy to OD on as little as 10 extra strength tabs, and btw it is not a good way to try and off yourself, the progression to liver failure is slow and painful unless intervention is done pretty soon.

Ibuprofen is far superior for musculoskeletal pain, but yes, some people do have GI irritation with it, a risk of a GI bleed, and it shouldn't be used chronically either.

Your liver should recover fine. Were you drinking alcohol? Having AST elevated in excess of ALT is usually seen with EtOH. In actual cirrhosis your liver is too far gone and usually the "liver enzymes" of AST and ALT are not elevated at all. A better measure of liver function is Albumin, pre-albumin and coagulation time for your blood (liver makes most of these factors).

Anyway, give it a rest, the liver is a remarkable organ.

[testy1975]

try taking liver detox. worked for me, i had same problem. got checked month later levels were not elevated.