Fatty or autoimmune hepatitis

Miner · October 7, 2005, 1:40am

Hi, I am new to all of this. In June of this year I passed out and ended up going to the hospital. Apparently, it was a saving grace, because otherwise I would have never found out my liver enzymes were high, three times the level I was told. My dr. decided I had passed out from hypoglycemia (I didn't eat much that morning and got hot), so that wasn't related, but he felt that I had AIH and sent me to a specialist. The specialist now thinks I either have fatty or AIH, but my ultrasound was clear and there was no fat (steaosis?) found in my biopsy. My biopsy said Grade 2/4 Stage 2/4 Chronic Hepatitis. I'm not a big drinker (now I'm a no drinker) and have never really been too sick in my life. Most recently, the specialist had rerun all my tests and discovered a CMV reading of 2.54. My liver function tests were 56 and 127 (I am guessing AST and ALT respectively). I told him about some pain and discomfort I had recently and my regular doc prescribed me aciphex. The specialist prescribed my Urso, 500mg, twice daily. I had to come home and research what CMV was and what Urso was for. It scares me. Honestly, this whole situation does. I've been seeing the specialist for about 3 months now, once a month. I am concerned that I am not getting good care from him. He talked of sending me to Shands (teaching hospital) for possible experimental medicines, I think he said if Urso doesn't bring this down. I have expressed my concern about prednisone, but he doesn't seem as if he wants to put me on that anyway. I am just concerned all around. I don't know what is in store for me. I have read many of these forums and they seem to be the best way to find things out. I have had an ultrasound and it was fine (so no indications of fatty liver there either). I am also being sent for a Gastroscopy in November. My biopsy was done in the beginning of August, he had sent it out for a second opinion, but I don't know that he's got the results back yet.

Sorry this post has been so long. I do appreciate any input or advice that anyone can share or add to this new experience for me.

crashley

lerie · December 27, 2005, 3:36am

Hi crashly.None of us ever knows what the future holds or how long anything will last.They told me I had 2weeks to live with my liver disease .That was 9 years ago & am now in my 10th year. So hang in there & never give up.My thoughts & prayers are with you.

lerie

Miner · December 27, 2005, 7:01am

Thanks lerie for your reply. I am still in the same position. My gastroscopy has been rescheduled until the beginning of January now and I haven't seen the Doctor since the beginning of October. I was finally told that I was negative for CMV (I had a high level, so the Doc tested me for it.) I have just been taking my Urso and going about life. I have pains periodically, possibly liver pains and other digestive pains. Sometimes I suffer from heartburn and Urso says not to take Tums/Rolaids with that medication, so I suffer there. I did recently buy Prilosec, cause I was told it was comparable to Aciphex, which I was prescribed by my regular Doc, but used it up.

Anyway, I do appreciate your reply and you will definitely be in my thoughts. You keep strong and keep proving those Docs wrong. Take care.