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Alcoholic Husband's Liver

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bluey2047
bluey2047

My husband has been an alcoholic with very excessive drinking for the past 10+ years. Daily drinking; a bottle of wine and a six-pack everyday. He stopped drinking liquor a year ago. He stopped drinking all alcohol a month prior to having bloodwork. The results were elevated levels for his liver enzymes:

AST 89    (healthy range: 10-40)

ALT 142   (healthy range: 9-46)

He told me the doctor said to wait and see in 6 months if they decrease. Without knowing anything about bloodwork, this seems really elevated to me!

Does anyone have insight into what levels would suggest fatty liver / cirossis; or is this just considered "slightly" elevated? Knowing his history with drinking (and genetic factors of alcoholics on both sides of his family) -- I supect this is more serious than what the doctor concluded.

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • RHGB
    RHGB bluey2047

    Posted

    Even if the liver were damamged, abstinence for six months will give normal readings for most people - trust me, I know from experience.

    An abdomen ultrasound (at least in the UK, I know your are US based) is the best way to identify fatty liver/cirrhosis.

    The levels are about what I would expect for a heavy drinker who had given up for a month. They are high and they do indicate that the internal organs are suffering.

    PS I am not a doctor, just someone that has been there done that etc.

    • AlexandriaGizmo
      AlexandriaGizmo RHGB

      Posted

      I agree with your response, but I'm sure no matter what everyone says it will probably be dismissed by your hubby, I truly hope not and that he takes this as a warning that he needs to take heed of.

      Once the liver starts to lose its healthiness then without abstinence will continue to become really bad, but you can only advise.

    • RHGB
      RHGB AlexandriaGizmo

      Posted

      I am the husband and I was the person with the alcohol problem, that put myself in hospital, which is why I understand the whole process.

      But thank you for your words.

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