Anyone have high liver numbers in bloodwork after Whipple?

Posted by crickard70 @crickard70, Apr 20, 2023

Wondering if anyone has high liver tests after the Whipple? I am 2 years with high numbers and get a pain in my right side, under ribs. My gastrointestinal said is because I had the Whipple? I am talking about AST,ALT and Alkaline Phosphatase. Thinking about seeing another gastroenterologist and liver specialist. Thank you

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sloped483 | @sloped483 | Apr 21, 2023

Yes, either completely switch from your gastroenterologist or the bare minimum get a second opinion. But if you can find a hepatologist that would even be better.

I had a GP over two decades ago tell me that pain isn't normal so I always heed that advice to this day so please get your pain checked out asap considering you've had major surgery (Whipple) on your pancreas.

krfinlayson | @krfinlayson | Apr 21, 2023

My liver enzymes were high at time of Whipple and very slowly improved (although still remained above normal limits) over the two years since. They have started to climb again (last three tests) and dr is watching closely for any sign of liver metastasis. So far nothing. Discomfort may be related to surgery but continue to let dr know of any issue. I have complete confidence in my dr - he has referred me to others for follow up when warranted. If in doubt, ask for a second opinion. It is your life at stake. Best wishes!

crickard70 | @crickard70 | Apr 21, 2023

Thank you, I am making appointments today.

gamaryanne | @gamaryanne | Apr 22, 2023

I would see a liver specialist. I am fortunate to have an experienced liver and pancreas specialist since liver is the number 1 place for metastases. If a surgeon, they are used to looking at this area in detail.

asingh90 | @asingh90 | Apr 23, 2023

Hello, my Mom had high liver enzyme numbers following the Whipple that continued to increase for a year and a half. All the scans at this time were clean as well. They even did an MRCP and a endoscopy to be doubly sure. A doctor who we consulted as a second opinion prescribed her ursodiol and it brought her liver numbers down significantly within a couple months of having the medicine daily. The medicine is simple and does not have any side effects. Basically, the Whipple had caused the buildup of microscopic sludge in and around the liver, and the medicine cleaned it out to promote better biliary flow. Please ask your doctor about putting you on the medicine for a few months to see if it helps bring the numbers down. It really helped my Mom's numbers a lot. Hope this helps!

crickard70 | @crickard70 | Apr 24, 2023

Thank all of you I am making notes for the doctor, something is off but won’t give up!!

lvtexas | @lvtexas | Aug 9, 2023

@crickard70 Can you share what you found out? How high was your ALP? ALT? AST? My ALP is 178, ALT 53, AST normal. And @asingh90 what were your mom’s levels before ursodiol? And who prescribed it? Thank you all!

asingh90 | @asingh90 | Aug 9, 2023

In reply to @lvtexas "@crickard70 Can you share what you found out? How high was your ALP? ALT? AST? My..." + (show)

Hello, my mom’s AST and ALT were well within the hundreds and her ALP ranged from 300-400 generally, but at one point went into the 600s. Ursodial brought everything to a normal range within a few months. Her second opinion oncologist prescribed it and then her regular oncologist continued the prescription