Jump to content
This site uses cookies. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. More Info... ×

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com!
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Elevated Liver Enzymes

Jenn2005

By Jenn2005
in Related Issues & Disorders

Recommended Posts

Jenn2005 Contributor
Jenn2005
Posted

Just wondering if its a common thing with Celiac patients to at some time have elevated liver enzymes come back on the blood work. Shane (my husband) had a dr's appt. on Friday and he ran blood work (routine) to check vitamin levels (he's been getting B-12 injections since November 05), ect.... the full work up, he does this every 3 months to keep an eye on everything. His liver enzymes have always come back fine and he's had 2 U/S in the past 6 months that said the liver was normal (the u/s was not for the liver but for the gallbladder and pancreas but the liver was checked). This time they called and said his liver enzymes were up and they wanted to see him back in 6 weeks to recheck them and they'd let us know what other test he'd order after that. Just curious if anyone else has had any experience with this. I always worry myself to death about this stuff until we get results back so I try to find answers on here to calm my nerves. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Jennifer

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


teebs in WV Apprentice
teebs in WV
Posted

Hi Jennifer. My liver enzymes have been high for about 4 years. I chose to bury my head in the sand and ignore it, even though my doctor kept bugging me about getting more tests. Finally, after I broke out with dermatitis herpetiformis, and couldn't stand it anymore, I decided to have more tests performed. My doc did an ultrasound and found nothing, followed by a CAT scan. The CAT scan showed enlarged abdominal lymph nodes, an enlarged spleen, but my liver looked A-OK! That was when my doctor sort of panicked and sent me elsewhere.

To make a long story short - my liver enzymes have went down since I started the gluten-free diet. I started the end of October, 2005 and last week my bloodwork shows significant improvement in all areas that were out of whack before. Not 100% normal yet, but definitely going in the right direction. (I must also say though that my alcohol intake has decreased dramatically since going gluten-free - no BEER! hmmm........I wonder if that had anything to do with my high liver enzymes?!?!?!)

The GI that did my endoscopy/biopsy indicated that all of these problems could be caused by celiac disease, but of course it could also be something else. I am supposed to go back for 6 month follow-up CAT scan in May.

I think it is very sweet and thoughtful that you are on this message board seeking advice and support for your hubby! :)

Take care,

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Jenn2005 Contributor
Jenn2005
  • Author
Posted

Tracy, Thanks for the reply. I'm hoping when he goes back in 6 weeks that it will all have resolved itself. Good luck with the diet and I hope your results continue to improve.

Jennifer

Link to comment
Share on other sites
jenvan Collaborator
jenvan
Posted

Jen it is VERY common for Celiacs to have elevated liver enzymes. I had them for years, yet another clue that was missed. Most of the time, the enzymes return to normal levels with the gluten-free diet. Just make sure a follow-up test is done. Go here to read some more info, study: Open Original Shared Link

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Jenn2005 Contributor
Jenn2005
  • Author
Posted

Jenvan - Thanks so much for posting that link. I'm printing it out to take to the Dr. when we go. He doesn't know a lot about Celiac but he listen's and is very open to any research I can give him or tell him about.

It helps my nerves to know that its common (even though I want to have all the test done to be sure - better safe than sorry). It seems like just when you think your on the mend something else comes up.

Thanks again.

Jennifer

Link to comment
Share on other sites
jenvan Collaborator
jenvan
Posted

Jennifer, well glad the doc is following up, and that they initiated it on their own. Some celiacs develop liver disease or autoimmune hepatitis, which you could mention, but as I said, majority of levels return to normal.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
lonewolf Collaborator
lonewolf
Posted

This has been an informative thread. I have had elevated liver enzymes in the past and no one could figure out what it was. The doctor finally said it was related to a kidney problem I have. When I figured out that gluten made my kidney disease relapse, the liver enzymes went back to normal too. But what's interesting is that although I have had almost all the symptoms of Celiac (basically everything but chronic D and weight loss) I don't have either of the main genes for it. I've been off wheat for 10 years and gluten lite for that whole time, so no other tests would be accurate. Interesting to know that there is a connection with liver enzymes-just one more confirmation to me that I finally found the right "problem" and "cure", by myself, of course.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


jenvan Collaborator
jenvan
Posted

For more info read this...haven't read it all yet, talks about causes of elevated liver enzymes in asymptomatic patients: Open Original Shared Link

Link to comment
Share on other sites
lonewolf Collaborator
lonewolf
Posted

Thanks Jen,

You are amazing with all the links and information you have!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
jenvan Collaborator
jenvan
Posted

Aw, thanks Liz! I definitely have to give the internet some credit for that ;) I read that article, it is pretty good, maybe technical for some, but good info on things that cause elevated enzymes, including celiac....

Link to comment
Share on other sites
PghBOB Newbie
PghBOB
Posted
Just wondering if its a common thing with Celiac patients to at some time have elevated liver enzymes come back on the blood work. Shane (my husband) had a dr's appt. on Friday and he ran blood work (routine) to check vitamin levels (he's been getting B-12 injections since November 05), ect.... the full work up, he does this every 3 months to keep an eye on everything. His liver enzymes have always come back fine and he's had 2 U/S in the past 6 months that said the liver was normal (the u/s was not for the liver but for the gallbladder and pancreas but the liver was checked). This time they called and said his liver enzymes were up and they wanted to see him back in 6 weeks to recheck them and they'd let us know what other test he'd order after that. Just curious if anyone else has had any experience with this. I always worry myself to death about this stuff until we get results back so I try to find answers on here to calm my nerves. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Jennifer

my liver enzymes have been elevated . i had an ultasound and cat scan,all ok. i've been gluten free for 7 months but still elevated.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
jenvan Collaborator
jenvan
Posted

PghBOB-- sorry to hear they're still up. i had mine run last week and will see what the results are. are they extremely elevated or just slightly?

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Jenn2005 Contributor
Jenn2005
  • Author
Posted

Jenvan - Thanks for those last links. Great info. I printed those out for the dr. to go along with the first info you posted. How long were your enzymes up? Let us know how your report looks when you hear. I'll say a prayer that your levels are returned to normal. I appreciate all your informative posts.

Jennifer

Link to comment
Share on other sites
debmidge Rising Star
debmidge
Posted

Thanks for info, I found this to be of value. It's amazing what gluten does.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
PghBOB Newbie
PghBOB
Posted
PghBOB-- sorry to hear they're still up. i had mine run last week and will see what the results are. are they extremely elevated or just slightly?

I THINK THEY WHERE ONLY SLIGHTLY ELEVATED, MY DOC NEVER GIVES ME ANYTHING ON PAPER SO IT'S HARD FOR ME TO RESEARCH. GOING FOR MORE BLOODWORK IN A FEW WEEKS I'AM GOING TO INSIST ON COPYS FOR MYSELF

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Jenn2005 Contributor
Jenn2005
  • Author
Posted

I always request (insist if neccesary) a copy of any and all test and/or bloodwork. I don't trust the results to the doctor. I read them myself and look up anything I'm not sure about. When my husband was first dx with Celiac it was months after the biopsy came back as positive because the doctor who did the endoscopy told us it was negative and I didn't get a copy of the reports until we switched gastro dr's and the new dr is the one who found it in the pathology report and followed thru. I now get copies of everything.

Jennifer

Link to comment
Share on other sites
jenvan Collaborator
jenvan
Posted

Jennifer-I also think that's a great idea. I have a file with copies of all my labs etc. That way I can also take them with me to new docs etc. It's all about being proactive :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. plumbago
      - plumbago replied to Suzi374's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      3

      Lots of tests

      I'm also a nurse, but one who has worked in chronic care, and to some extent, it is more satisfying to see patients through to a diagnosis (as opposed to working in the ED), but an accurate diagnosis does not occur not as often as it should! Your posting presents a lot of information. But a couple of things I can respond to. One, celiac disease is diagnosed...
    2. trents
      - trents replied to Suzi374's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      3

      Lots of tests

      Was a biopsy done when you had your gastroscopy? Concerning your anemia, are you B12 deficient? It's nearly impossible to get sufficient B12 if you are a vegetarian unless you take supplements.
    3. Suzi374
      - Suzi374 replied to Suzi374's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      3

      Lots of tests

      And I’m anaemic, however I’m also female and vegetarian. I had an iron trans a couple of years ago however it’s starting to dwindle and taking supplements doesn’t seem to work. I can’t seem to absorb it.
    4. Suzi374
      - Suzi374 posted a topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      3

      Lots of tests

      Hi, I attended a neurologist appt last Tuesday, which I nearly cancelled, due to ongoing numbness and tingling in toes to mid foot. One of the first things he asked was ‘are you celiac’. I’m not. He thought all reflexes were ok but at the last minute decided on nerve conduction tests which were low normal. He was a little confused as he felt they should be be...
    5. Peace lily
      - Peace lily posted a topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      0

      Would like to gain weight

      Im still not gaining weight I’m on a gluten free diet . And still having issues with constapation started priobiocs figured it would help been over two weeks . I guess it’s going to be a long road for me .
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      121,224
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Suzi374
    Newest Member
    Suzi374
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      120.3k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • plumbago
      Lots of tests

      By plumbago · Posted

      I'm also a nurse, but one who has worked in chronic care, and to some extent, it is more satisfying to see patients through to a diagnosis (as opposed to working in the ED), but an accurate diagnosis does not occur not as often as it should! Your posting presents a lot of information. But a couple of things I can respond to. One, celiac disease is diagnosed by endoscopy and biopsy of the duodenum. So, pathology will need to weigh in. It's not diagnosed on gastroscopy. (At least, not as far as I know). Two, did you get blood tests for celiac disease? You will need to be eating gluten in order for those to be accurate. Three, where was the CT angiogram (of what)? I could go on and on, but thought I'd start there.
    • trents
      Lots of tests

      By trents · Posted

      Was a biopsy done when you had your gastroscopy? Concerning your anemia, are you B12 deficient? It's nearly impossible to get sufficient B12 if you are a vegetarian unless you take supplements.
    • Suzi374
      Lots of tests

      By Suzi374 · Posted

      And I’m anaemic, however I’m also female and vegetarian. I had an iron trans a couple of years ago however it’s starting to dwindle and taking supplements doesn’t seem to work. I can’t seem to absorb it. 
    • Suzi374
      Lots of tests

      By Suzi374 · Posted

      Hi, I attended a neurologist appt last Tuesday, which I nearly cancelled, due to ongoing numbness and tingling in toes to mid foot. One of the first things he asked was ‘are you celiac’. I’m not. He thought all reflexes were ok but at the last minute decided on nerve conduction tests which were low normal. He was a little confused as he felt they should be better and tried a new set of probs, all the time, giving me multiple shocks which were not enjoyable lol. Anyway, he’s now ordered tests for myeloma, and all the vitaminy things that so many of you mention on here, also tests looking for autoimmune responses. I already have Hashimotos. Interestingly, to me, but maybe someone out there can relate or knows more than i do, although I was a nurse, but ED not ‘weird symptoms’  nurse. Anyway back to the interesting thing, I took duramine in 2013 to lose weight which caused a massive panic attack when I stopped taking it and half my hair fell out. I only took it for a week but it was horrible and I regret it. It triggered ongoing panic attacks which are horrendous. So I feel like I’m a bit crazy. Then in 2020 I had this sudden onset of horrible pain when trying to eat a cinnamon roll. It continued and I lost around 20 kgs. I had two gastroscopes and a colonoscopy and they were all normal. I scored a barium swallow and CT angiogram. All normal. The pain subsided a little but I was left with reflux and an awful feeling that I couldn’t get air when I ate some foods. This was not anxiety.  The anxiety was separate and I still maintain this. This was something to do with eating. It was like the air was thick but I wasn’t short of breath. I just had the sensation I was, then it triggered anxiety. Anyway, I had other weird things- couldn’t bend knees to shave legs in shower lol. Knees felt stiff and swollen but they weren’t. Knee WOUld swell up randomly but mri showed minimal issues. A bit of a meniscus degeneration but insignificant. Then the buzzing sensations in my head, the feeling like someone was stabbing me with something sharp. So now, I pre empted his tests, although I don’t think I’m celiac because it should have come up on gastroscopy, I’ve gone off gluten. Since Tuesday last week so 9 days. Since then I don’t appear to be as constipated, I realised I got through today without a nap and I’m not tired, maybe it’s just today and not related but I get very tired normally and sleep straight after work often, I can bend my knees and shave my legs lol, the buzzing vibrating has gone from my head, I had to call and ambulance as my heart decided we were off on a run, but we weren’t running and I’ve been a bit twitchy at bed time when trying to sleep, reflux is improving, I did get the weird suffocating feeling a bit when eating today but not as bad normall. Tingling and numbness still present and I felt like it moved up my legs a bit today but I’m a bit jittery. So I don’t know if it’s celiac disease or a gluten intolerance but I think, and it may be wishful thinking because my symptoms do make life a bit challenging, but maybe I’m feeling better. I don’t feel as cloudy. My thinking feels crisper. Like there’s no buzzing and I’m not fighting to break through the cloudiness now. I hope so much that this may help me feel a bit better moving forward. It would be a miracle as I really have struggled to work and parent and keep the house clean and I’m always anxious and exhausted.  If you get this far, please tell me if you you can relate to any of the above. Oh and tonsils out 5 years ago but before that antibiotics multiple times a year, sometimes intramuscular because they were so bad.  Op was meant to take 30 mins, it took 1.5 hours due to size of them. 
    • Peace lily
      Would like to gain weight

      By Peace lily · Posted

      Im still not gaining weight I’m on a gluten free diet . And still having issues with constapation started priobiocs figured it would help been over two weeks . I guess it’s going to be a long road for me .
×
×
  • Create New...