Diagnosis For My Elevated Liver Enzymes
I'm sorry to hear all that you're going thru!! I was wondering, given that you have now more than one autoimmune disorder, was your hepatologist considering injectables, like Remecade or Humira? I know they can be very expensive and need genetic testing to see if you're appropriate and reduce your overall immune response but I've heard good things from others with severe RA and IBD.
First ultra: Stone Mill 50 miler 11/15/14 13:44:38, First Full Marathon: Marine Corps 10/27/13 4:57:11, Half Marathon PR 2:04:43 at Shamrock VA Beach Half-Marathon, 12/2/12 First Half-Marathon 2:32:47, 5K PR Run Under the Lights 5K 27:23 on 11/23/13, 10K PR 52:53 Pike's Peek 10K 4/21/13, (1st timed run) Accumen 8K 51:09 10/14/12.
Thanks for your concern! 
I take Cimzia injections for RA but it does not help with this latest diagnosis for Autoimmune Hepatitis. 
I take Cimzia injections for RA but it does not help with this latest diagnosis for Autoimmune Hepatitis. Age at RNY: 55, Height: 5'4", Consultation Weight: 331 lbs-12/1/2009, RNY Surgery Weight: 281 lbs-3/22/2010, Goal Weight Reached: 141 lbs-6/23/2011, Lowest Weight: 126 lbs-12/11/2011,
Current Age: 61, Current Weight: 161 lbs-5/20/2016, Total Weight Loss Maintained: 170 lbs 
My husband has a yet to be determined form of liver disease. They've elminated Hep A, B, C, D, E, F, and G...as well as autoimmune hepatitis. His levels have gone into the 1500+ range (normal under 40). He's been on long-term steroids twice. For him, because his body needed the steroids so badly (I guess?), he did not have the increased appetite or weight gain. It was a long road to get him off them both times and he had horrible acne and a short temper. The first time around he was on steroids for 9 months and this last time he was on them for 4 months (we caught it super early this time around). Next time around they are going to try him on Imuron. My biggest concern with that is that it compromises an already compromised immune system and puts the patient at a greater risk of developing cancer among other things. It's something that has to be weighed carefully to determine what is right for you.
I wish you the best with your diagnosis. It's a tough road to be on. Hugs from Texas!
I wish you the best with your diagnosis. It's a tough road to be on. Hugs from Texas!
I am sorry he is going through this - I hope he is seeing a liver specialist? Did he have a liver biopsy? This is really the only true way to find the cause of such high enzymes - you can't always find it in blood work such as hepatitis as such. There are so many things that could cause it, a biopsy is usually the best way to go. He is very lucky that he didnt' gain weight and I dont' think it is because he really needed it, I think it is the opposite - I think whatever he has is causing weight loss and the 2 counter acted each other. My mom was on steroids for years for severe asthma and COPD and if anyone ever needed them, it was her - she couldnt' breath without them, could hardly even with them sometimes. She gained massive amounts of weight and develeoped all the side effects - cushings like, etc.
Please dont' put this off before things get even worse - leaving enzymes that high couldr really lead to damage - it could also be a severe pancreatic problem which can lead to high liver enzyme when the pancreatic duct is blocked. People with pancreatitis get levels like that.
Please dont' put this off before things get even worse - leaving enzymes that high couldr really lead to damage - it could also be a severe pancreatic problem which can lead to high liver enzyme when the pancreatic duct is blocked. People with pancreatitis get levels like that.
He's seen the top of the field, had biopsies, scans, you name it. They are all stumped. For now, they are treating with steroids because he responds to that therapy, but they are still trying to figure out the underlying cause. The first time around, he was in liver failure before we found out he was sick. This last time around, I noticed he was napping in the afternoon and going to bed early, so I suggested he call for labs. I'm so glad I did because we started the therapy before he went into failure and he responded well.
My daughter is on steroids as well for her severe asthma (among other therapies). For her, she has the same side effects has your mother. Severe weight gain, cushingoid features, etc and it barely holds it at bay. Investigating new treatments for asthma, given how widespread it is, really needs to move forward.
My daughter is on steroids as well for her severe asthma (among other therapies). For her, she has the same side effects has your mother. Severe weight gain, cushingoid features, etc and it barely holds it at bay. Investigating new treatments for asthma, given how widespread it is, really needs to move forward.
I do have quite a lot of experience with prednisone. Sometimes it's the drug you have to take. I have found if I take a very small dose of ativan twice a day with steroids that they are so much easier to handle. I don't get so cranky or shaky.
I am on a wean now but I'll only get as low as 5 mg /day. I will be on that dose for the rest of my life. Any dose under 10 doesn't really bother me.
Good luck with your biopsy and I hope for you a quick recovery.
Deb T.
I am on a wean now but I'll only get as low as 5 mg /day. I will be on that dose for the rest of my life. Any dose under 10 doesn't really bother me.
Good luck with your biopsy and I hope for you a quick recovery.
Deb T.
Most Active
Recent Topics