So, after my last Bloods showed elevated Serum Alkaline Phosphatase and Serum ALT levels, an Ultrasound showed I had NASH.

Now, with deeper tests, it is found my Inflammatory Markers are elevated. My GP gave no explanation except to request another test in a month, but my usual GP asked whether my Oncologist was checking on me regularly.

Should I be concerned?

Most of the time, I don't worry about things until I am told it is time to worry when it comes to medical/health issues. I did say "most" of the time. I just figure that worrying isn't going to change anything and if there was nothing to worry about, then I wasted a lot of time and energy worrying for nothing. It is also my way of coping and denial is my first choice until I am ready to cope.

All that being said, I have inflammatory markers frequently and have never been diagnosed with any type of cancer as of yet. I would be more concerned about being asked by your GP if your oncologist is still following you and checking on you.

Inflammatory markers is a vague statement and could be anything or nothing of concern.

I just got some blood results and for the FIRST time in over 30 years, my white blood cell count is actually within the normal range. Yes, my WBC count has been elevated for years and years.

I have also been told many times about having inflammatory markers.

I seem to worry more about what they (doctors) are going to do to me than the conditions that may present. I was very apprehensive about my eye doctor appt. today but it was the fear of what he might "do" during the appt. today.

If I sound like a "chicken", you got the right picture, especially when it comes to eye docs. I don't like anything near my eyes and they come at me with all kinds of machines, instruments, drops, etc. They poke and prod my eyes like a squishing ball.

See, I got so rattled today that I can't even respond properly to your post, Dave. I am going off topic.

NO, I don't think you need to be concerned (yet) but I do think you need to follow-up and get more information from your GP. Can you get him to be more specific and detailed?

PS I am scheduled for an eye surgery in 3 weeks. Not sure if I will show up. Already thinking about cancelling and it hasn't been 12 hours since I scheduled it.

Dave, I would not be unduly concerned.

Elevated serum levels of AP and ALT can be a marker of liver disease.

This fits with the ultra-sound and NASH diagnosis.

NASH usually has an inflammatory component which could explain the elevated inflammatory marker levels.

There is some general information about NASH here; http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-info...ges/facts.aspx .

Hi Dave,

I'm a medical writer, which means I see lab results from thousands of clinical trials patients. There so many reasons that you can have elevated ALP or ALT levels that you shouldn't necessarily worry.

One of the more common causes of NASH is metabolic syndrome. How are your glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride numbers?

Hi Dave,

I think "concern" is normal, all things considered. You are a very reasonable guy and you will likely temper your concern with reason.

I am saddened tonight about your having to even think about possibly dealing with more of anything medical.

You are a strong man, on many levels. I believe you can cope with whatever you decide you want to take on. My concern isn't about your ability to endure. My concern is more about the many ongoing challenges and how these challenges may affect your quality of life and your everyday sense of joy.

You aren't these conditions and you are very skilled at transcending these immense physical challenges.

Even so, you deserve a break.

I am praying for your healing.

Warmly,
DejaVu

Hi madisongrrl,

HbA1c is 44 mmol/mol, down greatly in 8 weeks.

I do not have my cholesterol or triglyceride numbers for this year, all I was told was that they were in range. Last year

Serum cholesterol 4.1 mmol/L. HDL Ratio 3.7
Serum triglycerides 1.9 mmol/L

Over here, NASH is called stage 2 steatosis, and I have been put in this category because I am symptomatic - pain under ribs (no Gall Bladder, had a tumour)


Dave.

Just phoned Drs.

Cholesterol/HDL ratio 3.8
No Triglycerides test taken.

Thanks everyone,

When you have had 2 rare Cancers, the mention of Oncologists gets you worked up a little. Perhaps it is all coming from the damage from my latest falls.

I will try not to worry for a month - until my next tests.

Dave.

I hope things work out for you Dave.

Liver functions can elevate from viruses. Simple ones and the usual hepatitis ones.

Mild elevations are usually not considered important. But when my son had Mono, his were really high. It took six months for them to come down.

Some drugs may do this too... so your doctor should evaluate all your medications.

NASH is very common in this country. I've seen stats estimating it at 30% of people here. As you proceed with your new lifestyle changes in diet, you may see that regress some.

Me, that does not worry until a brick wall falls on me, would be freaked out about the mention of "is your oncologist following you" if I had your past history of 2 rare cancers.

I count my blessings that I have all sorts of "chronic" illnesses that kill you very slowly over LONG time frames, or have no fatality involvement at all, just pain. Maybe that is why I don't worry so much about the illness as I do about the "treatments and testing" for various conditions.

Inflammatory markers does NOT necessarily take you down the road of looking for cancer. All sorts of benign things will cause inflammation in the body and possibly show in blood work.

When you have diabetes, you can have all sorts of lab values affected.

Hope your next labs will be less concerning to you.

Hope

Hi Dave,

I guess I could try and look it up, but I am being lazy and asking you to translate your values to United States numbers so I can understand what they are in "my" head.

What is the corresponding US value for your 44 A1C?
Serum cholesterol?
Serum triglycerides?

OK, showed my stupidity, but I need help in translating values to what I know.