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Gastroenterology  (Expert Forum)
 | 
Declined for Life Insurance ?? I thought I was in perfect Health !
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin, M.D. Boston - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.

Declined for Life Insurance ?? I thought I was in perfect Health !

by bsantantonio, Mar 17, 2004 12:00AM
Hi - I am a 39-year-old female 120 pounds 4’11. My insurance company declined me for life insurance.  I am do not take any medication, nor do I smoke or drink.  My blood work came back with the following results



SGPT = 68

SGOT = 27

CHOLESTERAL = 259

GGTP = 92

HDL = 71

LDL = 174

APTT = 20.7

INR = .80



I followed up with a physician and ran additional blood work and pretty much the same results came back.  I had a sonogram and it showed that I have gallstones. I went to a surgeon and he said just because you have gall stones does not mean that is the reason why you have elevated liver enzymes. The gallstones have not bothered me to the extent that I would complain about them. I do have a family history of both high cholesterol and gallstones. Should I wait a few months and go back for additional blood work?   What other causes are there for elevated liver enzymes? What would you suggest my next step would be?  Thanks.

by Kevin Pho, MD, Mar 18, 2004 12:00AM
There are many causes for elevated liver enzymes.  This can include side effects of medication, alcohol, gall bladder disease, hereditary liver diseases (i.e. hemochromatosis) and hepatitis to name just a few.  You note that an ultrasound showed gallstones.  



I would suggest abstaining from alcohol (if you drink) and repeat the liver tests.  I would also be tested for hepatitis (via a blood test), as well as obtaining an ANA level and iron studies (looking for autoimmune causes and hemochromatosis as possible causes).  If the enzymes remain elevated, you can consider a liver biopsy to completely exclude liver disease, or you can consider treating the gallstones.  



Followup with your personal physician is essential.



This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.



Thanks,

Kevin, M.D.
Member Comments

by Greenville, Mar 27, 2004 12:00AM
The same thing happened to my uncle and it was because he had been taking some creatine supplement for working out.  Just a thought.

by StillWaters, Apr 27, 2004 12:00AM
<<<<<< My insurance company declined me for life insurance. I am do not take any medication, nor do I smoke or drink. My blood work came back with the following results... What would you suggest my next step would be? >>>>>>



Hi bsantantonio,



Sorry to hear about your declination.  Don't give up, because there are definitely brokers out there who know what they're doing!



Make sure your next broker will prequalify you with the underwriter, BEFORE submitting a formal application.  One declination is already one too many on your life insurance application history.



I suggest you use any major search engine and look for:  "life insurance prequalification".





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