I make sure to get a copy of my blood work every month so that if anything falls through the cracks with the doctor, I can catch it and follow up. My blood work was slightly elevated for the AST (SGOT) test, which, according to the web, is a liver test. So... the range was 14-36 and I was listed high at 39. Not a big number, and I didn't hear from the doctor, so should I assume all is OK, or is this a case where he may have missed the red flag? Would you call the doctor over a number like this? How do you know when your number is dangerously high? Do the doctors usually take a wait and see attitude and see what the next test says? Englighten me please. Thanks. hi jess sorry i dont know about liver tests numbers.
but as you say you are high may be worth a call to put your mind
at ease...
Boney
Jesse, one abnormal lab value is not a huge issue. They usually will retest you and if it climbs, it is more of a concern. I'm not sure, but I thought I read once that there is concern if the results are 2x the normal range? If it were me, I'd place a call to my doctor just for piece of mind. I just looked at the test again and it was from the March test that I didn't get a copy of before. All my other tests were 28-30 so I'm really interested to see May's results. I know from past experience that a number that's just a couple of digits up is usually ignored, but I'm just not sure this time. The RD's office really frowns on calling about blood tests. They say "Don't call us, we'll call you if there's anything abnormal" but I'd do it anyway if I thought they might have missed something. Maybe it's like Lorster said and they're waiting for the next test too?
Jesse - I am having on and off high liver tests, probably from 18 months of MTX, and the last test (after going normal again) is really, really high. My primary said we would give it another two months and retest. That surprised me, so I researched and when the abnormally high liver test number gets to be TWICE as high as I have, then they get concerned. This was enlightening to me - you can have high levels, but until it gets to a certain high level, its just something to monitor. Hope that helps you - Cathy
I had high values on liver tests from my chemotherapy for lymphoma. By itself it's not a major deal, and numerically yours doesn't sound that far out of range. If you are concerned and those numbers keep going out of bounds, you would want to consult with a GI doctor. Chances are your rheumatologist or GP will review the tests and send you to one if warranted. If you are on MTX most Dr's follow the liver tests closely. I ended up having a Liver Biopsy after a few high ones. That said they seem to fluctuate. Take Milk ThistleOnly take milk thistle if you don't have a ragweed allergy. People with a history of ragweed, chrysanthemum and marigold allergies may also react to milk thistle