I have some questions regarding my husbands AIH. Before he started this prednisone treatment I could hardly get him off the couch. Now his ankles arnt so swollen and his rashes are going away but his behavior is totally bazar. Is this normal?
I have some questions regarding my husbands AIH. Before he started this prednisone treatment I could hardly get him off the couch. Now his ankles arnt so swollen and his rashes are going away but his behavior is totally bazar. Is this normal?
Welcome back, rider.
Sounds like things aren't much better than they were in July.
Corticosteroids have a very definite affect on moods. There have been a few posts from caregivers who are ready to scream from dealing with these side-effects. After Mark's transplant, they had him on prednisone and he was 'HyperMan.' He started 50 different projects, all over our small apartment and just hopped from one to the other. I'm still finding things he 'fixed,' over a year later!
As I understand it, as the hepatitis responds, the dosage is reduced. This helps with the mood swings. In our case, transplant patients with HepC who don't show any signs of rejection, are apparently taken off steroids after the first few weeks. So, I don't have to hang Mark from the ceiling by his thumbs anymore! 
It's always a good idea to make some time for yourself. Take a walk, wander the mall, have coffee with a friend. That's one mistake that I've made, not getting away often enough, and the stress will get to you after a while.
Jennifer and I have posted a link to some really good information on the NIDDK website. I know it's in a couple of threads, but I'll re-post it here, so you don't have to try to find it: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/autoimmunehep/index.htm .
If you feel like reading some of the other 'Autoimmune Hepatitis' threads, you'll see that this is common and perhaps meeting some of the other people who are going through this will help.
I'm not really 'up-to-speed' on AIH, but if you have questions, I, or someone here, will try to help you with them.
God bless you and keep you strong.
DJ
Fiance had HCV, cirrhosis, ESLD, ascites, and portal hypertension. Was transplanted June 2004. Now, on interferon and ribavirin. Hepatitis C is back.
If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.
desertjules@healingwell.net
Post Edited (DesertJules) : 9/13/2005 10:28:20 PM (GMT-6)
Hi AIH sufferers, this is my first post here. I have had AIH for nearly two years. I was just like your husband when I commenced Prednisone. Started so many projects, stayed up all night, had so much energy after having so little for about two months prior to diagnosis. My Prednisone doses have fluctuated as my liver function varies. Twice i have relapsed, though not to the original state as I have had blood tests weekly at first, then bi-weekly and now each month. I took Imuran as well for the first twelve months but it didn't work. they couldn't get the Prednisone low enough. I am now on CellCept and so far things are going OK. Down to 15mg Prednisone per day and blood tests improving each time. I can't wait to get to 5mg. Doctors tell me I will always need some Prednisone. It's just a case of how low i can go. the advantage (if there is one) for me is iI no longer wheeze. I was regularly using asthma medication prior to diagnosis.
Rider,
I read your question about your husband behavior and it is normal. My family can tell you I was like a yo-yo. And I felt like one. I would be crying one minute and telling one off the next for no reason. You have to understand it is the medication. I hate prednisone for that reason, for many reasons but that is one.
Nicole