HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Would A Liver Cleanse Taken Before Blood Test Disguise Liver Damage?

Posted on Sat, 25 Jul 2015

Question: Hello. My question is.... Would a liver cleanse taken two/three weeks prior to blood work disguise any liver issues?

also, how would someone differentiate Liver pain vs intercoastal cartilage/muscle pain. Would liver pain be tender to the touch on the top of the ribs, on the Coastal cartilage part of the ribs where the 7,8 ribs connect on the front right side? Or is that considered some like costochondritis?

tenderness has been noticed after a sinus infection where a lot of coughing and sneezing happened. Soreness throughout both sides were felt for a day or two, but some slight pain on that right side described above was felt for a few days afterwards and then became sore for another few days before now feeling better. Noticed some swelling in the rib area on the intercoastals or cartilage area.

Also just below the ribs after palpating the area a lot it feels puffy and has a slight ache to it. I believe I may have aggravated the area. Is that possible?

Answered by Dr. Ajit Naniksingh Kukreja (19 hours later)

Brief Answer:
More Of Costochondritis

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing in

Reply to your first query : How do you cleanse your Liver ? Any damage to liver is irreversible so most liver functions will remain static

As mentioned you had sinusitis and lot of coughing so it is very likely that you have costochondritis and as it is tender it adds to the confirmation

Puffy subcostal area can be due to soft tissue inflammation secondary to coughing

Apply ice pack in the tender area and take some good analgesic and antiinflammatory agent

Hope this helps
Do write back in case of concern

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Ajit Naniksingh Kukreja (3 hours later)

I used the puristat liver cleanse before. I have now understood that it wouldn't mask any problems if that is correct? .

Answered by Dr. Ajit Naniksingh Kukreja (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
RIght

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for your followup query

Puristat will relieve your symptoms but will not mask any of the liver functions

Hope clear
Do write back in case you need further clarification

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar

Follow up: Dr. Ajit Naniksingh Kukreja (12 minutes later)

Thanks for the information doc. So if my alt/sat levels were good then the puristat cleanse wouldn't have brought enzyme levels down to normal range correct?

Last question, the area I palapated on the on to the ribs can assumed to be costicondritis or injury and the area below the rib is inflammation from ribs?

Answered by Dr. Ajit Naniksingh Kukreja (18 hours later)

Brief Answer:
More of cartilage attaching ribs

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing in again

Normal liver functions do not need any management

Abnormal liver function will not be affected by puristat

It is more of costal cartilage than the ribs

As suggested local application of ice pack helps

Hope all clear
Wishing you a healthy life ahead

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Ajit Naniksingh Kukreja (11 hours later)

Doc I uploaded a photo circled in red ink of the area I have the slight pain and tenderness just to make sure you understand where I am talking about. I am taking ibuprofen and applying ice and it seems to be getting better. I do have some weird sensations in there from time to time but otherwise it's better and i do not have any trouble bending or turning .I appreciate your response.

Answered by Dr. Ajit Naniksingh Kukreja (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Apparently CostoChondritis

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for your followup

The area encircled red is typically the subcostal area where the inflammation of the cartilage occurs

Please go ahead with the treatment you are taking an I am sure it should help

Regards
Get Well Soon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Ajit Naniksingh Kukreja (33 hours later)

Doc I uploaded one last image. The lower circle is were I have some inflammation/very light tenderness too, would the costochindritis possibly make that area feel some pain as Well? The ibuprofen has helped a lot as most of my discomforts has gone

Doc it's not quite as low in the second lower circle I made it too big

The last image I uploaded is correct with the red area of question

Answered by Dr. Ajit Naniksingh Kukreja (31 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes the area could be affected by costochondritis

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for your followup

I have seen the images and I am of the opinion that costochondritis can cause pain there

Apart from the fact that Ibuprofen has responded you should relax

If it reoccurs please go for an ultrasound

Hope all clear
Do not hesitate to write back

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Ajit Naniksingh Kukreja (5 hours later)

Thanks doc all in all it's slowly gotten better. I appreciate your assistance.

Answered by Dr. Ajit Naniksingh Kukreja (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Thanks for the kind words

Detailed Answer:
Hi

I am sure the things will improve slow but steady

In case you need any assistance please do not hesitate to call back

Also do not forget to rate the reply

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Ajit Naniksingh Kukreja (7 hours later)

Also doc can being overweight cause a lot of indigestion? Ive noticed since Ive gained some weight in the past year, the past three or so months my indigestion, acid reflux is more pronounced. Especially when eating right before I lay down at night.

would the costochondrist also flare up during exercise or heavy lifting? can I feel in on the right side (flank) and sometimes through the back also?

Answered by Dr. Ajit Naniksingh Kukreja (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Obesity is a real issue

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for your followup

Yes obesity increases the reflux symptoms, so as a protocol we advice weight management in patients with GERD and ask them to raise the head end of the bed while lying down

Costochondritis does flare uo with weight lifting but if it is going to the flank and back I would suggest you go for an abdominal ultrasound

Hope this helps
Do write back in case of concern

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Ajit Naniksingh Kukreja (10 hours later)

Thanks doc I did have a mid back injury that is what my chiropractor says is bothering my back and flank. Last question and I will rate you five stars. With the costochondritis, will some days be worst then others as far as the discomfort hand how long does it take to heal. The only spot still bothering me is the red circle below the ribs, as my ribs feel good

Answered by Dr. Ajit Naniksingh Kukreja (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Maximum six weeks

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for your followup

It feels good when a patient is satisfied with our reply, so the rating

Yes costochondritis has ups and downs some time it will make you feel completely relieved and at times it will give you bad discomfort

Any time between three to six weeks it will wane off

Hope this helps
Please do not hesitate to write back

Regards
Wishing you a healthy life ahead

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Ajit Naniksingh Kukreja (4 hours later)

Doc I uploaded one final photo. This is the final area I find tenderness or slight pain in. The rib and at the lower edge of the circle I believe it to be same almost as the others with the inflamation areas pertains to costochondrtris but wanted you to see it before I close the discussion.

Also doc as I told you before I really appreciate your attention and wish we had more doctors here like you.

Answered by Dr. Ajit Naniksingh Kukreja (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes it is the same region

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for the kind words

I have had a look at the images I miss to recollect which one is the latest but the area marked in all of them, bigger or smaller is the area of costochondritis

Wishing you a very speedy recovery
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Ajit Naniksingh Kukreja (10 hours later)

THanks doc, is it also possible for it to move to another area of the ribs

also doc, I have some Lortab that I had from a previous injury and I tried last night and the pain pretty much went away . Should I use that instead of the Ibuprofen?

Answered by Dr. Ajit Naniksingh Kukreja (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Referred pain

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for your followup

Yes any pain can be referred to the area supplied by the same nerve

Lortab is equally a good analgesic so no problem if you can tolerate it well

If it causes gastritis, take some antacid with it

Hope this clears your doubts
Get well soon

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar

Follow up: Dr. Ajit Naniksingh Kukreja (50 minutes later)

Thanks doc it has since moved a few inches to the on the same ribs. I will be closing discussion after your next reply and I appreciate it

Answered by Dr. Ajit Naniksingh Kukreja (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No Issues

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Do not hesitate to write in again in case of concern

It can shift a bit here and there depending on the tissue oedema

Wishing you a healthy life ahead

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Ajit Naniksingh Kukreja (44 hours later)

Doc it was pretty aggravating yesterday and I tried a muscle relaxer around lunch time and it eased off for a few hours and came back later in the evening and I took another relaxer and today I feel 70% better overall. Its not gone but its so much better. muscle relaxant wouldn't help liver pain correct?

Answered by Dr. Ajit Naniksingh Kukreja (13 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Very True

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing in again

Very true a muscle relaxant can not relieve the pain of liver pathology except if it is having a combination of pain killer along with it

If it is giving you good relief you can take it every eight hours

Hope this helps
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Ajit Naniksingh Kukreja (9 hours later)

Thanks doc. The muscle relaxant I use is Carisoprodol (soma) 350mg. The only area that has any discomfort his this last picture. If it is still your opinion of costochondrtris, I am closing the tread. Thanks for your help as the last two days of taking so a has helped a lot.

Answered by Dr. Ajit Naniksingh Kukreja (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Take it for 5 to 7 days

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for your followup query

It seems a localised condition may be costchondritis or a muscle pull

If XXXXXXX is helping take it for 5 to 7 days and then get back to me for further evaluation

Wishing you a healthy life ahead
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Ajit Naniksingh Kukreja (54 minutes later)

Thanks doc will do. Its great getting reassurance of pulled muscle or costochondrtis

Answered by Dr. Ajit Naniksingh Kukreja (56 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Get Well Soon

Detailed Answer:
Hi

It is nice to hear you are satisfied

Get well soon
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar

Follow up: Dr. Ajit Naniksingh Kukreja (28 hours later)

Hey doc I took a lortab last night and the pain was gone this morning. Throughout the day it flared slightly but has been way better. I have one small area that had some slight pain and tenderness just a inch or two north of the belly button in the right side. Overall I think it's healing. I really didn't realize how many muscles I had pulled, is it out of the ordinary to pull them down that low also?

Doc it almost seems I strained my abdominal on the right side from the rib to the lower part

Answered by Dr. Ajit Naniksingh Kukreja (30 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Matter Of time only

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for your followup

It seems the recovery is on its way
It is matter of time only, the more rest you give to your inflammed part, better and faster is the healing

Continue the pain killer which gives best relief till 24 hours of pain free period
Apply ice and take rest

Get well soon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Ajit Naniksingh Kukreja (14 hours later)

Doc the last image I uploaded I noticed some tenderness to the touch in the rib area here and also some swelling. Is this still consistent with costochondrtris or intercostal muscles?

I added one more image of the area again. It's more in the lower half of the circle right below where the rib begins and ends kinda below the line. palpating to that area is still sore butnthe rib seems to feel better. I notice I don't have any issues while sleeping, most of the pain and aches are throughout the day when I'm active and after I have been moving. If this is still costochondrtris i will close this thread and rate you.

Answered by Dr. Ajit Naniksingh Kukreja (19 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Seems you have missed uploading the image

Detailed Answer:
Hi

I did go through all the images uploaded and it seems I have seen all these earlier

Either you have missed uploading the images or they have got mixed up

Can you reupload the image with the date and time tag ?

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar

Follow up: Dr. Ajit Naniksingh Kukreja (3 hours later)

Doc it should be the one with the circle and line through it.

Also I visited my gp today and he confirmed your diagnosis of costochondrtris. He did a abdominal exam with percussion of liver and palpation. He said that it felt normal and he did a exam on my costal cartilage but I didn't feel much pain at all. I can feel it when I press certain areas but he maybe grazed the area. My question is is it possible he didn't press the right areas of the cartridge and if my liver felt normal that is a good thing right? I read that most all of the time if you have a issue with liver it can be felt upon exam.

He said that blood work was not recommended because he felt no reason to have it done at this time so insurance wouldn't cover it unless he had a reason to request it done.

Answered by Dr. Ajit Naniksingh Kukreja (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Very unlikely

Detailed Answer:
Hi

It is good you got yourself examined

A clinical examination is always better in our scenario

It is very unlikely that the clinician will miss the affected area

It is very true that the blood reports are not needed

I am sure by now you would have been reassured

Wishing you a healthy life ahead
Regards

Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E