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High ALT while on IV rocephin

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Posted 9/29/2014 7:07 AM (GMT -5)
Hi guys
I am heading to the doc this morning and as usual, I want to be fully knowledgeable on everything before going in. I just got my latest Quest blood work back and the ALT is a bit high (top of norm is 29 and I scored a 40)

In your experience, is he going to stop the meds until it comes down or will he ask to pull the PICC? i waited so long for it i hate to have it taken out if i can get it going again later.

Also, what can i take or do to help to bring the number back down - meaning, how can i help improve liver function?

Any input is totally appreciated. Thanks!! :-)
Posted 9/29/2014 7:11 AM (GMT -5)
just updated my profile to say I am now on IV rocephin and no other meds
Posted 9/29/2014 9:09 AM (GMT -5)
My ALT went to 69 and my AST to 73. My doc cut my dose in half, which of course isn't as effective. Now I'm on 1 gram per day. This Thursday we will decide if it needs to come out or not, but I feel much better on the lower dose. As long as it's just the enzymes elevated, that means the function of the liver is most likely ok for now, but liver inflammation isn't good!

Make sure to drink plenty of water and try eating a bit of peanut butter with your dose, it helped me feel better.
Posted 9/29/2014 11:26 AM (GMT -5)
Hi Rachel, thanks for the input :-)

I am just leaving my doctors who is now saying that I should have the PICC line removed. I fought so hard for it and can't believe this is the end result! I was herxing like mad and I feel like it's all for nothing. I can finally drive comfortably and I am seeing a slight improvement in my speech. The vertigo/balance is still bad but in time I thought it would improve. I actually developed three bull's-eye rash is on my ankle when I started the Rocephin!!

What can I do if I have to have the line removed and cannot receive antibiotics? Are there herbal supplements that will help and not cause liver damage? Should I then bite the bullet and go to another specialist? Grrrr

Anyone, feel free to chime in with advice. Thanks!

Sorry about typos or grammatical errors as my handwriting has not come back so I'm still dependent on Siri...
Posted 9/29/2014 12:22 PM (GMT -5)
Oh no! I'm so sorry! I'm curious as to your next step since I'm guessing my doc might do the same thing.

Did your doc say anything about what to do now?
Posted 9/29/2014 3:05 PM (GMT -5)
I think your LLMD is being overly cautious. I would recommend that you just re-test in one or two weeks before making any rash decisions. Your 40 number is not that elevated. If it goes up then decide if you need to take a break and let numbers settle down.

October thru Nov 2011 I was on Zith Rif, and Doxy, and my Dec 1 2011 Labs had AST at 37 and ALT at 66. My LLMD called on 12/9 to stop ABX and retest in a week.

Retested 12/15 and AST increased to 52 and ALT up to 71. On 12/19/11 I had my PICC inserted and started IV Rocephin for next 14 months. 12/27/11 labs had AST at 16 and ALT down to 12 and I stayed within good range for next 13 months, before another spike to AST 63 and ALT 76. Go figure. Just keep an eye on it, maybe labs just mess up from time to time.
Posted 9/29/2014 3:55 PM (GMT -5)
Thanks tickbite. I just checked my online results again and they were actually higher, the AST was 56 and the ALT 89. Either way, I called my nurse care practitioner and she said to wait a week and check it again.

I am NOT having the PICC removed unless the levels just dont go down. So I will take a break from the meds for a tad. I will pay a nurse privately to maintain/change the bandage. I will have my nurse care practitioner monitor the liver levels.

I feel better knowing it's not the end of the line- PICC line that is :-)

Will keep you posted. Thanks guys!!
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