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Blood tests and liver function tests

5 replies

DandelionWishes88 · 31/07/2015 16:55

I recently got diagnosed with gestational diabetes and when at the diabetes clinic they took my blood for tests and it came back with high levels (of what I have no idea) so went back next day (today) and same thing happened now have to go back tomorrow morning for the same.
I wish I could just find out whats wrong so I can get it right or diagnosed. They did say is could be OC but surely 3 blood samples would tell them something!
Going out of mind here never mind hungry coz of GD....

OP posts:

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Graciescotland · 31/07/2015 17:20

I had OC, I had raised alt's part of the liver function tests and raised bile acids. They do the liver function tests in house but bile acids are sent away so they always have to wait for the result. Also they did a complete viral work up (another set of bloodtests) to make sure I didn't have anything.

They're just super thorough and like to exclude everything serious. It was pretty much nothing in my case but lots of hanging around hospital worrying myself.

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LadesC · 31/07/2015 19:30

Same as gracies. Gave birth 3 days ago at 37 +3 as had OC. Initial tests showed raised alt but this went on to fluctuate over subsequent tests as did my bile acids from norm to abnorm. Was a stressful few wks as also didnt get all the answers or consistent answers from everyone but if they've picked up on it thats a good thing as ull be monitored regularly.

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captainproton · 31/07/2015 19:38

I had raised ALT in my last pg, they thought OC but I had no itching. They checked me out so many weeks after baby was born and still raised ALT levels. This means your liver is inflamed, it can be caused by OC, alcoholism, too much fat causing a fatty liver, or auto-immune. I had to have ultrasound, then fibroscans and finally a liver biopsy. It turned out to be AI, thankfully caught real early and minimal damage. If I hadn't been pg I would never have known. Your liver has no nerve endings, if it's not OC please have them check your levels post birth, usually you would never know there was a problem until your liver fails. But if there is a problem don't panic the liver is good at healing itself if damage is not severe.

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Skiptonlass · 31/07/2015 20:50

They will have tested the basic liver function panel first - the machines to run this are on site in the hospital lab.

Depending on the results of those tests (which are quite non specific for some things) they'll do other, more detailed tests for things like viruses, bilirubin, bile acids etc and sometimes a third party lab has to do those. It takes 1/2 days to ship the samples to the lab and a few more for results.

The good news about most pregnancy related liver issues is they resolve after delivery most of the time :)

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DandelionWishes88 · 31/07/2015 22:23

Thanks ladies we will see what tomorrow brings! Time for some sleep if I can get some as little miss is kicking off in my tummy tonight. .