Guest guest Posted January 24, 2011 Report Share Posted January 24, 2011 steve to you mean AST/ALT = something? I not hear of this. I searched and found this:"(AST/ALT) ratio is sometimes useful in differentiating between causes of liver damage " Now I have no idea what this means.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AST/ALT_ratioOn Jan 24, 2011, at 1:11 PM, Steve wrote: Does any one know the signicance of this ratio? I was diagnosed about 12 years ago with geno 1b. At that time had a biopsy and Gastro Doc figured I'd had it for about for about 20 years...that was 12 years ago. I've not had the treatment and to my knowledge the only indication has been the 'out of range'AST/ALT numbers. Just the other day the I did my annual bloodwork and the numbers doubled than those of the past few years. My GP just called me and is bringing me in for an ultrasound next monday. Does anyone know what are typical 'high' numbers. btw...I believe I got the virus from a tatoo i got while in the military 35 years ago. Steve in Napa,CA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 25, 2011 Report Share Posted January 25, 2011 Hi Steve...Napa huh? I LOVE Napa! I used to live in Cali and I miss it like CRAZY! I was a Laguna Beach girl... Now, I'm in Chicago and it's cold and snowy... Okay, so you've had hep c playing havoc with your liver for about 35 years now... that little buggar is apparently doing some damage and that's why your liver enzymes are whacked a bit. Your liver is showing signs of impairment.. this is usually how most of us get diagnosed with hep c, it's the liver function tests. The doctors see the function tests are abnormal once and they blow it off and say they'll check it again next time.. then they forget.. then a few years later it shows up again. Then they think twice and that's usually when we get diagnosed. My liver function tests were way off the charts when I was diagnosed. I was actually about 6 months away from needing a transplant when I started treatment for hep c. I was about 25 years into damage stages and in pretty bad shape. I went thru treatment for 48 weeks.. I was type 1A and I managed to kick the virus's butt. I am a hep c Survivor. I am cured. The ultrasound is the next logical place to go.. probably followed by another biopsy just to see where you stand. Then they will probably bring treatment up to you. There are some new drugs that will be out late this spring that will boost success rates for treatment. This is a good thing. Hopefully, if your doctor recommends treatment, he or she will get you in on the new protocol when it comes out. You asked about numbers.... Normal range for AST is 8 to 48 Normal range for ALT is 7 to 55 The farther from normal your numbers are the more likely you are to have significant liver disease. In the case of hep c we're talking cirrhosis of the liver. The good news.. this damage can be undone. Once the hep c is obliterated the liver will start to repair itself. Cool little organ the liver is. It can regenerate itself. Nice huh? Right now my once severely damaged liver is back to normal. There is hope my friend.. there is hope. About how you contracted hep c... it doesn't matter. Nobody will ever really know for sure how they got it. I thought I knew how I got mine. I had a blood transfusion in 1980 when I had my son. But, I also had my teeth cleaned every 3 months and dentists didn't used to sterilize their instruments... We also got those inoculations when we were kids.. they were given with a shot gun. I'm sure they changed the needle, I think.. but I doubt they cleaned the guns. Coulda been any number of ways.... What matters is what we do now... now that we know we have this virus. How we treat our liver and how we handle it when we start to bleed so as not to infect anyone else. How you got it... no one on this site will ever question you or think twice about it. You could tell us you were a heroin addict for your whole life and you know what? That's okay too. It doesn't matter. Welcome and I hope we can help you out.... Napa.... man that sounds good about now. I have 7 inches of snow on the ground here and all I've been able to think about all day is the beach.. with my toes in the sand.... warm sun and a good pair of sunglasses.... If you have any questions, ask away... the only dumb question is the one you didn't ask. Hugs,Teri On Mon, Jan 24, 2011 at 5:11 PM, Steve <bluzman57@...> wrote: Does any one know the signicance of this ratio? I was diagnosed about 12 years ago with geno 1b. At that time had a biopsy and Gastro Doc figured I'd had it for about for about 20 years...that was 12 years ago. I've not had the treatment and to my knowledge the only indication has been the 'out of range'AST/ALT numbers. Just the other day the I did my annual bloodwork and the numbers doubled than those of the past few years. My GP just called me and is bringing me in for an ultrasound next monday. Does anyone know what are typical 'high' numbers. btw...I believe I got the virus from a tatoo i got while in the military 35 years ago. Steve in Napa,CA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 25, 2011 Report Share Posted January 25, 2011 Teri...and everyone, Thanks for taking the time to shine your knowledge on me. Ultrasound next week...we'll go from there. btw..we've had spring like weather in the Napa Valley for about two weeks now...a bit premature but the colors are glorious! Steve > > > > > > > Does any one know the signicance of this ratio? > > > > I was diagnosed about 12 years ago with geno 1b. At that time had a biopsy > > and Gastro Doc figured I'd had it for about for about 20 years...that was 12 > > years ago. I've not had the treatment and to my knowledge the only > > indication has been the 'out of range'AST/ALT numbers. Just the other day > > the I did my annual bloodwork and the numbers doubled than those of the past > > few years. My GP just called me and is bringing me in for an ultrasound next > > monday. > > > > Does anyone know what are typical 'high' numbers. > > > > btw...I believe I got the virus from a tatoo i got while in the military 35 > > years ago. > > > > Steve in Napa,CA > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 25, 2011 Report Share Posted January 25, 2011 Jealous.On Mon, Jan 24, 2011 at 9:15 PM, Steve <bluzman57@...> wrote: Teri...and everyone, Thanks for taking the time to shine your knowledge on me. Ultrasound next week...we'll go from there. btw..we've had spring like weather in the Napa Valley for about two weeks now...a bit premature but the colors are glorious! Steve > > > > > > > Does any one know the signicance of this ratio? > > > > I was diagnosed about 12 years ago with geno 1b. At that time had a biopsy > > and Gastro Doc figured I'd had it for about for about 20 years...that was 12 > > years ago. I've not had the treatment and to my knowledge the only > > indication has been the 'out of range'AST/ALT numbers. Just the other day > > the I did my annual bloodwork and the numbers doubled than those of the past > > few years. My GP just called me and is bringing me in for an ultrasound next > > monday. > > > > Does anyone know what are typical 'high' numbers. > > > > btw...I believe I got the virus from a tatoo i got while in the military 35 > > years ago. > > > > Steve in Napa,CA > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 25, 2011 Report Share Posted January 25, 2011 SteveAs I'm sure you will already have been told, we'd have to know those numbers to tell you what's what. The AST/ALT are the liver enzymes. I would suggest that from this time and forward, get a copy of your own blood work numbers. Sure, it might be greek to you; but, the couple of us that have been through and completed tx, we know what they mean.BTW that even includes getting a copy of you Ultra Sound results.GloriaSubject: [ ] AST/ALT Does any one know the signicance of this ratio? I was diagnosed about 12 years ago with geno 1b. At that time had a biopsy and Gastro Doc figured I'd had it for about for about 20 years...that was 12 years ago. I've not had the treatment and to my knowledge the only indication has been the 'out of range'AST/ALT numbers. Just the other day the I did my annual bloodwork and the numbers doubled than those of the past few years. My GP just called me and is bringing me in for an ultrasound next monday. Does anyone know what are typical 'high' numbers. btw...I believe I got the virus from a tatoo i got while in the military 35 years ago. Steve in Napa,CA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 25, 2011 Report Share Posted January 25, 2011 Thanks Gloria, Actually I do have the numbers. I get the results from Kaiser as they email them as soon as they come up..ready?: These are from the past 4 annual visits: AST = 87, 101, 79,...and last week...205 ALT = 173, 197, 128.................401. the ratio AST/ALT..however.. remains relatively constant. Thanks for caring..you too Don...your awesome! > > Steve > > As I'm sure you will already have been told, we'd have to know those numbers to > tell you what's what. The AST/ALT are the liver enzymes. I would suggest that > from this time and forward, get a copy of your own blood work numbers. Sure, it > might be greek to you; but, the couple of us that have been through and > completed tx, we know what they mean. > > BTW that even includes getting a copy of you Ultra Sound results. > > Gloria > > > > > ________________________________ > Subject: [ ] AST/ALT > > > Does any one know the signicance of this ratio? > > I was diagnosed about 12 years ago with geno 1b. At that time had a biopsy and > Gastro Doc figured I'd had it for about for about 20 years...that was 12 years > ago. I've not had the treatment and to my knowledge the only indication has been > the 'out of range'AST/ALT numbers. Just the other day the I did my annual > bloodwork and the numbers doubled than those of the past few years. My GP just > called me and is bringing me in for an ultrasound next monday. > > Does anyone know what are typical 'high' numbers. > > btw...I believe I got the virus from a tatoo i got while in the military 35 > years ago. > > Steve in Napa,CA > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 26, 2011 Report Share Posted January 26, 2011 SteveYup, I can see why your Dr. wants you to go to the next step. These are not necessarily really bad; but, obviously they are climbing. So, yup they'll have a look at the Ultra Sound and perhaps be lining you up for a liver biopsy. However, again, these numbers are not really bad.Gloria Thanks Gloria, Actually I do have the numbers. I get the results from Kaiser as they email them as soon as they come up..ready?: These are from the past 4 annual visits: AST = 87, 101, 79,...and last week...205 ALT = 173, 197, 128.................401. the ratio AST/ALT..however.. remains relatively constant. Thanks for caring..you too Don...your awesome! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 26, 2011 Report Share Posted January 26, 2011 I've been doing some research and am finding much about AST/ALT ratios > 1. This usually indicates liver problems relating to alcohol abuse, My AST/ALT ratio is just the opposite...it's <1 ...about .5..and I'm not finding much info on that scenario. But I could guess all day long...I guess the ultrasound will show what's up..but I feel great...I get up at 3 AM everyday and work at the winery at least 10 hours/day. Last weekend was childless so I went for 3 hour bike rides both days...felt like freekin Lance Armstrong...I guess I better enjoy it, eh? Thanks for listening. > > Steve > > Yup, I can see why your Dr. wants you to go to the next step. These are not > necessarily really bad; but, obviously they are climbing. So, yup they'll have > a look at the Ultra Sound and perhaps be lining you up for a liver biopsy. > However, again, these numbers are not really bad. > > Gloria > > > > > ________________________________ > > > Thanks Gloria, > > Actually I do have the numbers. I get the results from Kaiser as they email them > as soon as they come up..ready?: > > These are from the past 4 annual visits: > > AST = 87, 101, 79,...and last week...205 > > ALT = 173, 197, 128.................401. > > the ratio AST/ALT..however.. remains relatively constant. > > Thanks for caring..you too Don...your awesome! > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 26, 2011 Report Share Posted January 26, 2011 Truthfully, I'm not aware of any tests that breaks down a ration between the ALT/AST. For insance, even back in 2004/2005 my ratios between the two would be whatever it breaks down when it's ALT - 142 and AST - 178. At that point I believe that my viral load was around 8,000,00, for whatever that meant. Wasn't much except for watching it come down with treatment. I've been doing some research and am finding much about AST/ALT ratios > 1. This usually indicates liver problems relating to alcohol abuse, My AST/ALT ratio is just the opposite...it's <1 ...about .5..and I'm not finding much info on that scenario. But I could guess all day long...I guess the ultrasound will show what's up..but I feel great...I get up at 3 AM everyday and work at the winery at least 10 hours/day. Last weekend was childless so I went for 3 hour bike rides both days...felt like freekin Lance Armstrong...I guess I better enjoy it, eh? Thanks for listening. > > Steve > > Yup, I can see why your Dr. wants you to go to the next step. These are not > necessarily really bad; but, obviously they are climbing. So, yup they'll have > a look at the Ultra Sound and perhaps be lining you up for a liver biopsy. > However, again, these numbers are not really bad. > > Gloria > > > > > ________________________________ > > > Thanks Gloria, > > Actually I do have the numbers. I get the results from Kaiser as they email them > as soon as they come up..ready?: > > These are from the past 4 annual visits: > > AST = 87, 101, 79,...and last week...205 > > ALT = 173, 197, 128.................401. > > the ratio AST/ALT..however.. remains relatively constant. > > Thanks for caring..you too Don...your awesome! > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 26, 2011 Report Share Posted January 26, 2011 Gloria, With the #'s you show, ALT - 142 and AST - 178, that's an AST/ALT ratio greater than 1. Did you have a history of hearty consumption? Just curious. Google AST/ALT > 1 and see if it makes any sense. Cheers! Steve in Napa Valley > > > > Steve > > > > Yup, I can see why your Dr. wants you to go to the next step. These are not > > necessarily really bad; but, obviously they are climbing. So, yup they'll have > > > > a look at the Ultra Sound and perhaps be lining you up for a liver biopsy. > > However, again, these numbers are not really bad. > > > > Gloria > > > > > > > > > > ________________________________ > > > > > > Thanks Gloria, > > > > Actually I do have the numbers. I get the results from Kaiser as they email > >them > > > > as soon as they come up..ready?: > > > > These are from the past 4 annual visits: > > > > AST = 87, 101, 79,...and last week...205 > > > > ALT = 173, 197, 128.................401. > > > > the ratio AST/ALT..however.. remains relatively constant. > > > > Thanks for caring..you too Don...your awesome! > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 27, 2011 Report Share Posted January 27, 2011 Thanks SteveDon't know if I got any smarter by looking at the ratio. It tells me that my liver was damaged either from alcohol consumption or Hep C.Yes Steve, I did have a history of hearty consumption. Thank heavens I put the plug in the jug over 15 years prior to even learning that I had Hep C. I know for a fact that if I hadn't done that, I would likely be dead now anyway. I didn't get sober because of Hep C; but, I'm sure glad that I did because of what was coming in my future back then.Gloria Gloria, With the #'s you show, ALT - 142 and AST - 178, that's an AST/ALT ratio greater than 1. Did you have a history of hearty consumption? Just curious. Google AST/ALT > 1 and see if it makes any sense. Cheers! Steve in Napa Valley > > Truthfully, I'm not aware of any tests that breaks down a ration between the > ALT/AST. For insance, even back in 2004/2005 my ratios between the two would be > whatever it breaks down when it's ALT - 142 and AST - 178. At that point I > believe that my viral load was around 8,000,00, for whatever that meant. Wasn't > much except for watching it come down with treatment. > > > > > ________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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