Sovaldi/Ribo Week 8 Blood Results - Liver Enzymes UP! Eeek.

[Pelham123]

I got my week 8 blood results and most of my numbers are lower.  Except my liver enzymes went up! Ugh. 

HGB    12.3 lowest it's been
Platelet   178 low end of normal (feeling tired)
Neutrophil   1.3 (below normal - advised to stay away from sick people, bacteria)
ALT   up from 17 to 43 (eek!)
AST   up from 23 to 39 (eek!)

I've lost weight because nothing sounds good, and I feel nauseas after I eat.  But, I have been able to keep ice cream down.   Maybe the saturated fat is pulling my ALT/AST up?   The doctor is going to order something for the nausea. 

[rainbowray]

The alt\ast still looks in range. You need to eat better. Try steamed artichokes, I dip in melted raw butter or by themselves. If you can hold down, cause they are the best thing you can eat for the liver. Find some good healthy  foods instead of just ice cream. Yogurt??
Your immune system is taxed with the battle going on, take care of yourself.

[Pelham123]

Thank you Ray, I'm eating yogurt even as I write this.  And I'll get artichokes.  I had heard that they give liver bliss.   I wasn't too worried about losing a few pounds because my BMI is well within range, but I've been reckless about what I eat.  I'm going to do better.

[willie g]

Pelham, it is easy to get off course, ive done it and I did notice the difference,,, those darn TOPS doughnuts are so good but also full of sugar,  you end up paying in the end especially with nerves and sleep,, good reminder for us all!  ''just''willie g

[Mike]

Hi Pelham,

I drank protein shacks while on treatment, for those days when I had no appetite. I drank Glucerna shakes, as they are balanced with slow-burning carbs - not like the others which are loaded up with sugars.

Best wishes, Mike

[Pelham123]

Thank you, Mike!  I watched that documentary "Fed Up" last night, about the amount of sugar food manufacturers are putting in food.  I went thru my refrigerator;  It's scary how much sugar I've been eating.  25 grams of sugar in yogurt is 6 teaspoons!!  Who eats 6 teaspoons of sugar at one sitting   Evidently, I do.  Good grief! 

[Mike]

Sugar is in everything. I also watch  carbohydrate content, which are complex sugars that your body breaks down to glucose (sugar). Because sugar is so expensive, manufacturers  started using fructose, which is essentially liquid corn sugar, though it does have a lower glycemic index when compared to cane or beet sugar.

My feelings are: sugar is sugar when your body metabolizes it.

What I've found useful is to watch the carb content in a product - the lower the carb count, the less the sugar, etc.

Best wishes, Mike

[virgha828]

This could also be your body making adjustments. Our bodies are at war. I'm sure it is nothing you have done. I know what we put into or bodies especially while treating is important but physiologically our bodies are changing.  I Hope you are not blaming yourself for your labs.  Keep us updated on your progress. When are you getting you next labs done?

[Mike]

Pelham,

Your liver enzymes are still within the normal range and I wouldn't read to much in to this, as the numbers can wax-and-wane (this is why they are reported in ranges e.g., 10-55 and so on).

Mike

[Pelham123]

Virginia, when the nurse gave me the numbers she asked if I had taken any Advil, or had any alcohol.  (I haven't had either one since my liver enzymes originally went high and I was diagnosed). So, yes, it sounded like she thought maybe I had contributed to it.  My next lab is Oct. 15th. 

I wasn't expecting the enzymes to go up during treatment, even tho they are still within normal, so it was a shock.  I was undetected at 4 weeks, and thinking my body was healing. 

[virgha828]

Your body is healing and mike is right they are still in normal range. Keep doing the best for your self and body.  you are in the process of beating this!! Let us know how you doing and keep fighting!