raised ALTs, and other bloods - is sqad about?

[redcrx]

I need one of sqad's "no big deal" replies.

Following numerous blood tests, and a scan for raised ALTs i have been told that i have fatty liver which ought to be helped by a diet.

BUT after the final blood tests i have had to do two more sets as i know had raised calcium showing, further test last week has shown PTH as high too or something (i see GP in a bit for his take on it). Now i havnt googled as i know it'd scare me but GP is already talking growths and tumours and i will admit that i am really really scared.

Could it be anything else causing it?

[Sqad]

Hi! red.

Now first of all LazyGun is the expert here but......my takings on it...


You first set of liver function tests in my opinion were normal.

From what you say the liver scan was also normal.

So we are left with a high PTH ( you haven't given me the figures) and a high blood calcium level of which there are various causes.

These are typical of hyperparathyroidism and need investigating.

An adenoma (benign tumour) is the likeliest cause.

If i were you i would like to see an Endocrinologist.

I will be interested in LazyGun's contribution.

[PringlesQueen]

Hi redcrx
Some long term prescribed medicines can cause raised PTH levels and a fatty liver.

squsal x

[redcrx]

ok. Seen GP now and been referred to hosp endocrinology dept, marked as urgent.
Only have calcium level which is 11.6
been told to drink lots and watch out for abdo pain which could indicate kidney issues.
:(

[redcrx]

squsal, only long term medication i use is ventolin and now another asthma preventative (sera-somethingorother)

[mrs_overall]

red, escuse me for being nosey, but do you know what your PTH level is?

[mrs_overall]

oh this dyslexic keyboard!

[redcrx]

i didnt get the figure, but result for hormone and serum (or are they the same) was high, doctor has said hyperparathyroidism

[mrs_overall]

Red, it may be nothing to worry about - calcium levels and PTH levels are linked. It could be that medication will solve the problem.
I'm awaiting an op for one of my parathyroid glands removing - it is a subject I know quite a lot about. Keep me posted and good luck xx

[redcrx]

oh sorry to hear you are having the op Mrs O. I have been told that once the op is done things should go back to normal so i hope yours goes well xx

[Sqad]

Going to the Club and on my way back, i have given your post more thought.........." no big deal".

You will need to see the Endocrinologist, to exclude a parathyroid adenoma....benign tumour which will have yo be confirmed by MRI scan.
Treatment will be ether removal OR a "wait and see" policy.

That is my bet...but definitely no malignant disease and definitely..."No big deal"

[redcrx]

thanks sqad.
a lovely fellow ABer has given me a link to a wonderful site that has explained a lot to me and also how simple it is to treat and how it should make me feel miles better about things after its dealt with.
Still scared of an op but hey to feel "normal" again would be great. I may even get back to coming on here like i used to.

[LazyGun]

Only just seen this post. High PTH and High Serum Calcium levels are indicative of hyperparathyroidism, a condition where at least one of the 4 of the bodies parathyroid glands is excreting greater than normal levels of PTH.

Sqads description of the potential severity and likely treatment and monitoring of the disease sounds right to me.

The vast majority of such cases of PTH are caused by a parathyroid adenoma, a benign tumour.Any treatment plan would include the need for various scans to determine the size of the parathyroid glands. There may be a need for a surgical intervention to remove an enlarged gland, should it be deemed necessary.

I think you have already mentioned that someone has offered you a link to a webpage that you have found useful, so i may be replicating the same link - but the link below offers good background information and reassurance about this issue.

http://www.parathyroi...rathyroid-disease.htm

[redcrx]

thank you lazygun. That is the same link, which does make interesting reading and is easy to understand.