Raised ALT liver function test

[Zogster]

Hi all, looking for similar experiences to mine please.

Been having gastric and bowel issues and pain for several months. Gp ordered various tests including liver function.

ALT is 48 u/L which is over the normal range. Seeing her for a follow up next week. I'm wondering if this is really that high and if it could be do to with the gallbladder.

Thanks tia xx

My ALT has generally been in the 90s over the last 3 years. No gastric symptoms initially but then gallbladder played up. Had it removed a few months ago but not yet had bloods done to see if ALT has reduced. If you suspect gallbladder you should probably have an ultrasound.

Thanks @Cranarc

Anyone else going through this? Symptoms are chronic loose stools, bloating, occasional vomiting, nausea most days, pain under right rib, pale stools, low energy.

sorry, I have been just diagnosed with gallbladder polyp, abroad, only had a scan due to a gp there going into a shock by me not having one for over 10 years now. Was yours removed in an emergency or it was a routine op? Thank you

im currently going through this too, my alr was 75 in May, I was prescribed some meds abroad, checked again in late august and it went down to 27, have you been prescribed any medication?

I think all of those are symptoms of gallstones. Ask for an ultrasound and as the NHS list for gall bladder removal will likely be slow, don't allow your GP any further delay. Sounds like you have been suffering for ages. Best wishes.
www.nhs.uk/conditions/gallstones/symptoms/

Yep has all those symptoms and it was gallstones. Once I had it removed I felt much better.

Thank you all for the comments so far! I'll ask my gp about scans (unless she suggests them first!)

Has anyone had this and the same or similar symptoms with a different outcome or diagnosis? Xx

That's not really high, OP. I've had 125 and told they don't worry unless significantly higher than that. Having said that, it's obviously indicating there is something amiss and part of a greater picture. Good luck with your appointment next week.

Gallstones here to. Had all your symptoms including high ALT levels.

I had a gallstone pass through my bile ducts and liver and it was this they attributed to the high levels.

Thanks @MinnyMous i did wonder how significant the number was. With all the symptoms it does seem obvious that I'll need more investigations like a scan.

@Evilpixie41 what were your levels? My friends daughter had her gallbladder out. Her ALT was one lower than mine but her bilirubin was high whereas mine is only borderline

@abcd4321 thank you for your kind words. It has been hard! :( It's been about a year but the vomiting and nausea started a few weeks ago along with upper abdominal pain. Other symptoms have been been going on longer but has gotten worse. I've just taken some time off work as was struggling to cope with the symptoms and a young family.

The surgeon who removed mine said once you get symptoms, removal is the only sensible option. The NHS makes people live with symptoms though as a means of rationing care. You can live with gall stones for years but once you get symptoms action is required.

@abcd4321 my parents have offered to loan me money for surgery if required as they are concerned about waiting lists. We know someone who needed her gallbladder removed but as she was on a waiting list it took time and in the meantime she had something go wrong like a blockage or reputure (I can't recall) so had emergency surgery but caused complications with her liver and they accidentally punctured a lung in surgery. A planned swift op would be preferrable! Let's see if it comes to that xx

Just another question... If it is gallbladder issues then it's this something I've done? Is it genetic? I can't really see much about what causes it, just risk factors on the NHS.

It's not your fault. It's just one of those things. BMI (now Circle Health) in my area did it as a £7k package deal with one night in hospital.

Thanks @abcd4321 i did look up Spire health near me and they charge the same. Did you have yours as keyhole?
I'll update after Dr on Monday.
Thanks all. It's been reassuring xxx

Yes it was done as keyhole and would only have been open surgery if it had become necessary during the procedure. It would not have cost me any more though with the 'package' fee.

I too have elevated ALT, although no specific symptoms. The levels go up every year though so I got a huge lecture about alcohol and diet. The thing is I don't drink any alcohol at all, don't smoke and eat a very low fat diet. My BMI is right in the middle of normal and I do hiit exercise classes 5 times a week and plenty of walking. It's actually a joke as I couldn't be healthier so would really like to know why my ALT levels are going up. They are in the high 40s too.