Lab results - looking for opinions [PLEASE READ 1ST POST]

This all sounds incredibly fascinating to me, but honestly, your feedback or any comments you might have would mean the world to me!

Hannah Davis10 said:While this all sounds quite fascinating, I find it incredibly important—your feedback or any comments you might have would truly mean the world to me!

The presence of white blood cells, epithelial cells, and bacteria in the urine, coupled with a slightly elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, points toward a bladder infection or, potentially, pyelonephritis. It’s like a warning light flickering on a dashboard before the engine actually smokes. You really ought to get a urine culture done; that will pinpoint exactly which strain of bacteria is causing the trouble so a doctor can prescribe the specific antibiotic needed. You might not be feeling anything right now, but the lab results suggest inflammation is present. If left unaddressed, the symptoms—which could strike at any moment—often include frequent trips to the restroom for tiny amounts of urine, traces of blood, pain or burning during urination, or that nagging, constant sensation that you need to go when there's nothing left to give.

Sandra Martin72 said:The presence of white blood cells, epithelial cells, and bacteria in your urine, along with a slightly elevated ESR, strongly suggests either a bladder infection or possibly pyelonephritis. It would be a good idea to get a urine culture done; that will identify the specific strain of bacteria so you can get the right antibiotic. Even if you aren't feeling anything right now, these results point toward an infection that could flare up later if left untreated. If it does progress, you might start experiencing things like frequent trips to the bathroom for very little output, blood in your urine, pain or burning during urination, or that constant, nagging feeling that you need to go when you actually can't.

You don't even realize what a wonderful thing you've done today. Thank you so much. I can finally head to bed with some peace of mind now that everything has been explained so clearly. Wishing you all the very best!

Just wanted to jump back in here. Last year, I ran into some trouble with my IBM levels—my first test showed 320, even though my ALT was perfectly fine at 42. I actually found out because I went to a dermatologist for a skin issue, and she started ordering every test under the sun. When I showed the results to my primary care doctor, she thought it might be a strep infection, so they put me on antibiotics. A month later, I went back for more blood work and, lo and behold, my IBM had jumped up to 450, while my ALT stayed totally normal. Seeing that was such a 😲 moment. My doctor told me I needed penicillin injections, so I went in once a month for the next five months. We monitored my levels every month, and eventually, everything settled back down to normal. Everything is fine now, but man, I was pretty freaked out when I started looking up what IBM actually meant. As soon as you Google it, you're hit with all these links about hepatitis, and you immediately start panicking, thinking, "Wait, why me?" I already eat pretty healthy, but this definitely made me pay closer attention to my wellness. Following what Mad Max mentioned about cutting out alcohol, soda, and sugar, I completely stopped eating those things and haven't touched them since.
Here is an interesting link if you want to check it out
http://www.hepatitis-central.com/hcv/labs/lft.html

Best,

I suspect there might be a slight misunderstanding regarding the distinction between AST and ASTO. It seems you were looking at ASTO levels, whereas AST is actually more closely tied to liver function; I believe the reason you were prescribed penicillin was because ASTO relates to certain bacterial inflammations.

wanderingdrifter46 said:uh. maybe a stupid question, but I'm asking anyway. Does elevated IBM and ALT have anything to do with thyroid issues? I mean, everything basically boils down to metabolism, right?
another thing— it’s wild how many people have elevated transaminases occasionally or more often without any clear cause. Both my GP and a hepatologist have mentioned this. Maybe those reference ranges need an update! 😁I’d widen them out a bit. 😁

Just joking, but I'm actually looking for reasons behind these "fluctuating" results. My last ones were IBM 34, ALT 62, GGT 54, ALP 130. But this happens to me several times a year—results just bounce between normal and these levels.
I've had a pregnancy recently, so I'm hoping all of this can be chalked up to that. 🙄

IBM and ALT don't have a direct link to thyroid disease. Liver function and thyroid function play very different roles in metabolism..

IBM, ALT levels.. they depend on various factors. For example, hemolysis during blood draws can spike ALT and IBM. They can also rise after a hit, physical trauma, or getting intramuscular injections—especially ALT. Stress, heavy drinking, or taking hepatotoxic drugs (which spikes IBM, ALT, and GGT) will do it too. Basically, these numbers can be high due to conditions that aren't actually liver disease.

They can go up with certain viruses, like Rotterdam, or mono.. pancreatitis.. sepsis from any cause.. IBM specifically rises during a heart attack or major burns.. so there are plenty of situations where the liver isn't the actual source.. but those usually come with specific clinical symptoms..

Obviously, they'll be elevated along with ALP in serious liver diseases.. hepatitis, cirrhosis, cancer..

So, don't sweat it if you're otherwise healthy and feeling fine.. if you have symptoms, even vague ones like abdominal pain, fever, or vomiting.. then yeah, we look at those results differently.

Every patient is different. No one is just a math equation made of lab results. 🙂

Sandra Baker35 said:My ALT and
IBM levels were high. Liver ultrasound looked fine, but my doctor wants me to get tested for Hepatitis C. I don't think I caught it through sex, but... could have gotten it at the dentist. Honestly, I'm terrified to go in for the screening. Going back for more bloodwork now. I used to be super thin, then suddenly gained 20 pounds in six months. I wonder if the sudden weight gain messed with my liver, since I was skinny for years... mostly, I'm just scared of any kind of diagnosis.

That’s what happens when you hit 40 without ever dealing with health issues...🙂 Let's hope it stays that way. Maybe the liver is acting up, but you just run the tests, see if everything's okay, fix the diet, and the liver will settle down.😉

fadedeagle39 said:IBM and ALT aren't directly linked to thyroid issues; the metabolic roles of the liver and the thyroid are worlds apart...

Look, AST and ALT levels fluctuate based on all sorts of variables. You can see spikes in ALT and AST simply from hemolysis during a blood draw. They can climb after a physical impact, trauma, or even just getting an intramuscular injection—ALT specifically tends to jump there. Stress, heavy alcohol consumption, or taking medications that are toxic to the liver will also drive up AST, ALT, and GGT. Bottom line: these numbers can be elevated due to conditions that have absolutely nothing to do with actual liver disease.

They can spike during certain viral infections—think Rotterdam virus or mono—as well as pancreatitis or sepsis of any kind. Even an MI or severe burns can cause AST to rise. There are plenty of scenarios where the origin isn't the liver itself, but those situations present with their own specific clinical pictures.

Of course, when you see them elevated alongside ALP in the context of serious liver pathology—like hepatitis, cirrhosis, or carcinoma—then we're talking about something significant.

So, if you’re otherwise healthy and feeling fine, don't lose sleep over it. But if you're dealing with vague symptoms like abdominal pain, fever, or vomiting, then yes, we interpret those lab results through a much different lens.

Every patient is an individual; nobody is just the mathematical sum of their lab results.🙂

I'm hearing all of this for the first time!😲 And honestly, I recognize quite a few of the things mentioned above!
For me, stress is basically my default setting, and I’ve been on anxiolytics for a while (which I assume aren't great for the liver🙄). I also caught the Rotterdam virus right after giving birth!

However, at my last ultrasound, the doctor concluded I have a "slightly fatty liver" and noted the possibility of NASH!😲 Having gone through two pregnancies, both of which resulted in significant weight gain, I wonder if it's possible to have a fatty liver because of that without it immediately progressing to NASH?

wanderingdrifter46 said:I've never heard any of this before!😲 but I definitely see myself in a lot of what was described above!
Stress is basically my default setting, and I've been on anxiolytics for a while (I'm guessing they aren't great for the liver🙄). I also caught the rotavirus right after giving birth!

But at my last ultrasound, the doctor concluded I have a "slightly fatty liver" and noted that NASH is possible!😲 I've had two pregnancies, and both came with a lot of extra weight, so I don't know if it's possible to have a fatty liver because of that without it automatically being NASH?

A slightly fatty liver is a warning sign. Period. If you don't stick to healthy eating habits—if you keep gaining weight, deal with stress, meds, alcohol, infections...—you can easily slide into NASH. You can have a fatty liver without it being NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis). Assuming you aren't drinking heavily, this sounds like NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease). Just a bunch of acronyms, really.😠 Basically, NASH happens if you ignore NAFLD and don't change your habits. It’s a warning we have to take seriously, but there's no reason to spiral or panic..

How's your blood sugar? Cholesterol levels? Coagulation panel? When did you get that ultrasound done?

In my opinion, losing weight is the key here. That'll help most, but don't do it fast and don't go on some crazy meat-only diet—don't be reckless. You need a lifestyle shift, but don't add more stress to your body. Vitamin B, clean eating, avoiding bad fats, minimizing meds where possible... and if you absolutely have to take them... whatever. And zero alcohol. Just focus on yourself as much as you can, under a doctor's supervision, obviously. You'll be fine. I'm sure of it.🙂

fadedeagle39 said:A fatty liver should be taken as a serious warning sign. If you don't fix your diet, keep gaining weight, deal with high stress, certain medications, alcohol, or infections... you can absolutely slide right into NASH. It is entirely possible to have a fatty liver without it being NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis). Assuming you aren't drinking significant amounts of alcohol, this looks more like NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) to me—damn all these acronyms. 😠 Essentially, NASH happens if we ignore NAFLD and refuse to change our habits. It’s a wake-up call we need to take seriously, but there is absolutely no reason to spiral into despair or panic.

What are your blood sugar levels? Cholesterol? How did the coagulation panel look? And when was that ultrasound actually performed?

In my opinion, the priority here is weight loss; that will offer the most relief, but please, don't go doing it too fast or jumping on some insane meat-only diet—don't be crazy! You need a lifestyle overhaul, but one that doesn't introduce even more stress to your body. Focus on B vitamins, eat whole foods, steer clear of those nasty trans fats, minimize unnecessary medications, and if you absolutely must drink... just don't. Take care of yourself as much as you can, under a doctor's supervision of course, and I am confident everything will turn out fine.🙂

The ultrasound and lab results were done just under a month ago (and I've lost 2 pounds in the meantime from pure anxiety😁).

At that time, the results were:
Ultrasound showed a liver of normal size with slightly increased echogenicity. Aside from mild hepatic steatosis, everything else looked okay.
Labs: IBM 34, ALT 62, GGT 54, AF 130, CRP 8.0, Total Cholesterol 5.3, LDL 3.10

Coagulation: all within normal limits.

Triglycerides were 1.40, so they are normal.

I think I read somewhere that NASH is linked to elevated triglycerides?

Just so we’re clear on my situation, I’m sticking to a strictly clean diet right now because I’m breastfeeding, so I don't touch any pills or alcohol at all.

wanderingdrifter46 said:Ultrasound results came back from less than a month ago (lost 2 lbs in the meantime just from pure anxiety😁)

Back then, findings were:
Ultrasound showed liver was normal size with slightly increased echogenicity. Aside from mild fatty liver, everything else looks okay.
Labs: IBM 34, ALT 62, GGT 54, AF 130, CRP 8.0, cholesterol 5.3, LDL 3.10

Coagulation—all within normal limits.

Triglycerides at 1.40, so they're fine.

I read somewhere that NASH is linked to high triglycerides?

Yeah, ALT and GGT are a little elevated. The liver is struggling, that much is obvious, and the ultrasound confirms it. At least the ultrasound only shows fatty changes, not fibrosis. LDL, triglycerides, and cholesterol are holding up pretty well... if the liver were actually failing, the coagulation numbers would be a disaster. Hope there's no swelling or anything like that.

I don't want anyone thinking I'm downplaying this. There is an issue here, and it could get serious if you aren't careful. Like I said, take this as a warning. If you ignore it, the liver could suffer, and that’s bad news. But hey, 2 lbs are already gone. Just stay strong, it'll be fine. You need to help the liver recover, but you also have to look out for yourself and be careful. I think royal jelly might actually help in a situation like this... along with the healthy habits you've already started.
Come on, you've got two kids to think about. It's tough, but they're the reason to stay healthy!!🙂

I don't know, maybe I'd ask for hepatitis serology too, if it hasn't been done yet... just in case.

Thanks a million!👍

I actually went ahead and got tested for hepatitis, and everything came back negative! Regardless, I'm going to give that royal jelly a shot—alongside the artichoke and aloe vera I’m already taking.

So, I spent ten days running a fever that just wouldn't budge. It left me feeling completely drained—to the point where I could barely stand up on my own. Once the fever finally broke, everything seemed to settle back to normal, but I decided to get some blood work done just to be safe. My initial results showed an IBM of 76 and an ALT of 87. My doctor initially suspected mononucleosis, but she ruled that out after looking at my ferritin levels🤷. I went back for a follow-up the day before yesterday, and the numbers have actually climbed: IBM is now 108, ALT is 161, and GGT is 26. I haven't been taking any medications other than a few Tylenols and Advil, I eat fairly well, I don't smoke, I don't drink, and I'm of average build
.
I honestly have no idea what's going on with my liver. I'm headed in to get tested for hepatitis markers now, but I can't help wondering if that’s actually what we're looking at😕

It seems somewhat unlikely that it was actually hepatitis; I suspect it might have been some kind of viral inflammation that resolved on its own without medication, though perhaps it left behind some lingering, temporary effects.

boldfox8 said:It’s unlikely to be hepatitis; it was more likely some viral inflammation that cleared up on its own without medication, though it might have left some lingering effects behind.

But those transaminase levels just keep climbing... and I don't drink... plus, I feel great, honestly, really great.🤷

I suppose you really should stay persistent and make sure to attend those follow-up appointments if the levels remain high like that

boldfox8 said:You really need to stay persistent and keep hitting those follow-up appointments if the levels stay elevated like this.

Yeah, I'm heading to the hospital tomorrow. Thanks.🙂

I went to see a hepatologist at a hospital that basically insists everything is fine, which is just great. First, he tells me to just come back in a month after doing some basic labs, but then he practically kicked me out the door while demanding a whole laundry list of tests: CMV, EBV, and autoimmune hepatitis antibodies including AMHA, LKM, ANA, and SLA on a rib biopsy 😲, plus serum copper, iron, and ferritin. 🤷

Looks like it’s mono again🤣...people just won't stay away😉