NEW and confused

[Guest guest]

Well I am not sure of whay genotype I am I don't

remember. I think that My VL was above 2 mil but not

sure once again......

thanks,

Kristan

--- Jackie on <redjaxjm@...> wrote:

> Well that IS awesome news,, now what is your

> genotype or do you know that yet? was your VL over 2

> million? that is the cutoff point to where the vl

> leaves the " low " levels,, so if you are under that 2

> mil,, you have low vl and that can work in your

> favor too!

>

> Kristan <kristancurtis@...> wrote:Well I got

> my biopsy, there was no damage, had blood tests

> taken not

> sure of the names though, found out what my viral

> load is and I dont

> remember what it was but I know that it was high.

> It is just hard for

> me to go to the dr. I cry everytime that i go in

> there cause I hate

> the fact that I have it. Not that anyone like it or

> anything. I just

> start thinking that my life couldn't possibly get

> any worse, although

> I know that it can, the Hep C can start damaging my

> liver so I know

> that I need to do something about it before it does.

> Thanks for the help.....

> Kristan

>

>

>

>

> > > Hi,

> > >

> > > My name is Kristan and I found out in 2003 that

> I had Hep C. I was

> > > 18, I am now 20 almost 21 and have done nothing

> to try and rid of it.

> > > I just moved to Wa and I don't really have

> anyone here. My dad, who

> > > lives in Tn, has it and has take the treatments

> he finished after I

> > > had already left and we don't keep in contact.

> > >

> > > I am really scared and I don't really know what

> to do if any one can

> > > help please do.

> > >

> > > Thanks in advance,

> > > Kristan

>

>

>

>

> It's a pleasure having you join in our

> conversations. We hope you have found the support

> you need with us.

>

> If you are using email for your posts, for easy

> access to our group, just click the link--

> Hepatitis C/

>

> Happy Posting

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Well I am not sure of whay genotype I am I don't

remember. I think that My VL was above 2 mil but not

sure once again......

thanks,

Kristan

--- Jackie on <redjaxjm@...> wrote:

> Well that IS awesome news,, now what is your

> genotype or do you know that yet? was your VL over 2

> million? that is the cutoff point to where the vl

> leaves the " low " levels,, so if you are under that 2

> mil,, you have low vl and that can work in your

> favor too!

>

> Kristan <kristancurtis@...> wrote:Well I got

> my biopsy, there was no damage, had blood tests

> taken not

> sure of the names though, found out what my viral

> load is and I dont

> remember what it was but I know that it was high.

> It is just hard for

> me to go to the dr. I cry everytime that i go in

> there cause I hate

> the fact that I have it. Not that anyone like it or

> anything. I just

> start thinking that my life couldn't possibly get

> any worse, although

> I know that it can, the Hep C can start damaging my

> liver so I know

> that I need to do something about it before it does.

> Thanks for the help.....

> Kristan

>

>

>

>

> > > Hi,

> > >

> > > My name is Kristan and I found out in 2003 that

> I had Hep C. I was

> > > 18, I am now 20 almost 21 and have done nothing

> to try and rid of it.

> > > I just moved to Wa and I don't really have

> anyone here. My dad, who

> > > lives in Tn, has it and has take the treatments

> he finished after I

> > > had already left and we don't keep in contact.

> > >

> > > I am really scared and I don't really know what

> to do if any one can

> > > help please do.

> > >

> > > Thanks in advance,

> > > Kristan

>

>

>

>

> It's a pleasure having you join in our

> conversations. We hope you have found the support

> you need with us.

>

> If you are using email for your posts, for easy

> access to our group, just click the link--

> Hepatitis C/

>

> Happy Posting

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Well its kind of hard to make a decision regarding treatment until you have all

the test results. What we all did was to get copies of EVERYTHING that is done,

all labs, ultrasounds etc and keep them in a file for your own personal

knowledge..

kristan curtis <kristancurtis@...> wrote:Well I am not sure of whay

genotype I am I don't

remember. I think that My VL was above 2 mil but not

sure once again......

thanks,

Kristan

--- Jackie on <redjaxjm@...> wrote:

> Well that IS awesome news,, now what is your

> genotype or do you know that yet? was your VL over 2

> million? that is the cutoff point to where the vl

> leaves the " low " levels,, so if you are under that 2

> mil,, you have low vl and that can work in your

> favor too!

>

> Kristan <kristancurtis@...> wrote:Well I got

> my biopsy, there was no damage, had blood tests

> taken not

> sure of the names though, found out what my viral

> load is and I dont

> remember what it was but I know that it was high.

> It is just hard for

> me to go to the dr. I cry everytime that i go in

> there cause I hate

> the fact that I have it. Not that anyone like it or

> anything. I just

> start thinking that my life couldn't possibly get

> any worse, although

> I know that it can, the Hep C can start damaging my

> liver so I know

> that I need to do something about it before it does.

> Thanks for the help.....

> Kristan

>

>

>

>

> > > Hi,

> > >

> > > My name is Kristan and I found out in 2003 that

> I had Hep C. I was

> > > 18, I am now 20 almost 21 and have done nothing

> to try and rid of it.

> > > I just moved to Wa and I don't really have

> anyone here. My dad, who

> > > lives in Tn, has it and has take the treatments

> he finished after I

> > > had already left and we don't keep in contact.

> > >

> > > I am really scared and I don't really know what

> to do if any one can

> > > help please do.

> > >

> > > Thanks in advance,

> > > Kristan

>

>

>

>

> It's a pleasure having you join in our

> conversations. We hope you have found the support

> you need with us.

>

> If you are using email for your posts, for easy

> access to our group, just click the link--

> Hepatitis C/

>

> Happy Posting

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Sounds quite alot like my 13 year old son who has Asperger's, he was diagnosed at age 11. Get some help from someone else, cause not every child with AS has all the same symptoms or characteristics. Like my son doesn't have alot of the sensory issues but is more socially handicapped and has alot of routines and focuses. He can be quite temperamental also. He is also clumsy and when seen by an OT they said he had low upper body tone, and his handwriting is awful. My son went to a few Phsycotherapist and doctors before he was diagnosed. Get a second opinion, there really isn't any certain blood test or other test to determine this disorder, they usually just go by symptoms. That's why I think some children at first are misdiagnosed. Keep us posted as to what happens, Hopefully you will find out soon. sMom1@... wrote:

Hi Everyone,

I am the mom to a 5 1/2 yr old boy who recently started kindergarten. He was in full time daycare receiving PT, OT and speech b/c of his slight delays and clumsiness. He started this at the age of 3 when one of the teachers noticed he was a little behind the other kids. We had him evaluated and he was approved for these services so why not?

Now that it was time for kindergarten, the school district came to evaluate him to see if these services should be continued. A psychologist came to see my son at daycare and decided he has Aspergers. I then brought him to a developmental pedicatrician who wasn't so certain. She said he definitely has some sort of "issue" with his low tone in his upper body, his clumsiness and he did have a few things in common with typical Asperger kids. She decdied to give him a "provisional diagnosis" so he could continue his services in the school district.

So, I'm confused. He doesn't meet a lot of the criteria that I read about (being a "mini expert" in some area, using very adult words, etc.). Is there some way I can know for sure? How did you all come to the conclusion that your children have Aspergers? If he does, I want to be sure he is getting everything he needs. But, if he doesn't, he shouldn't be in a special classroom. He often comes home and tells me about the other kids and the things they do (my son is a big tattle tale!) and reports that so and so does "tv talk" (?) and another one doesn't talk about anything but the solar system.

The things my son does do are: doesn't always make eye contact unless you grab his chin, overly interested in some television shows, not very social or outgoing, very clumsy and constanly falling, even out of his chair while seated, easily frustrated. I appreciate anyone's input as you guys are well educated and I have no clue!

Thanks,

JP

[Guest guest]

New

and Confused

So, I'm confused. He doesn't meet a lot of the criteria that I

read about (being a " mini expert " in some area, using very adult

words, etc.). Is there some way I can know for sure?

*************I could be way off on this

but possibly the adult words would be kids with a higher I.Q. as not all

Asperger kids are brains as portrayed. Again, that is my possible theory.

************Hi JP, welcome and yes there

is a lot to get confused about. My son is 13, Asperger’s

and fits a lot of the criteria. He is social however,

he is just apt to read people and situations wrong. My son would line up toys

from a very young age. If a single soldier was moved he would notice and

replace it to the original position. He didn’t play with the soldiers he

organized them into perfect battle scenes. He loved trains at a year, followed

by locks,keys,maps,globes, Solar System, Skeletal

system and I could go on.  He had many

interests but not all kids would necessarily have so many.

 How did you all come to the

conclusion that your children have Aspergers?

****My son was almost 10 before being

diagnosed and anxiety had set in big time. A learning specialist diagnosed him,

and when I read up I said that’s him. However 2 Psychologists and a

Psychiatrist had missed this completely.

If he does, I want to be sure he is getting everything he

needs. But, if he doesn't, he shouldn't be in a special classroom.

********At 5 ½ I’d

keep him where he is. I think the situation is too iffy.

He often comes home and tells me about the other kids and the

things they do (my son is a big tattle tale!)

*********My son was too until one day the

whole class was mad at him and he decided he’d keep his mouth shut the

next time…

 and

reports that so and so does " tv talk " (?) and another one doesn't

talk about anything but the solar system.

The things my son does do are: doesn't always make eye contact unless

you grab his chin, overly interested in some television shows, not very social

or outgoing, very clumsy and constanly falling, even out of his chair while

seated, easily frustrated.

**********************My son also fell out

of chairs and is still clumsy. It is a sensory issue, not knowing where your

body is in space. In 4th grade would stand at his desk and was

always being told to sit down. Those balls with the handle such as Hedstrom are

good for working on balance. You should be able to find one at a toy store just

don’t get one to big. He wants to be able to sit

on and bounce.

I appreciate anyone's input as you guys are well educated and I

have no clue!

****************Does he recognize faces of

people he should know? also had a number of fears like something coming

out of the toilet, clowns, dolls, monkeys….Also, cried at school,

only no one told us. Ask any other questions, Gail

[Guest guest]

Hi,

Thanks for the response. I thought afterwards that I needed to tape it all.

It is so hard to get an audience with a doctor. I'm very pro-active with my

health, always have been, but have just began to learn to deal with the

psoriatic arthritis and accept it.

I guess I just need to know in a few words what the heck he found out on the

liver biopsy.

and.. what to expect. He didn't talk about diet or the other medicines I am

on so I am not sure that I will continue to see him.

I'm on disability and only have medicare so I guess the bills will be piling

up. Thank God for Medicare D. At least I don't have to worry about trying

to go through programs that will pay for my meds.;

What is the medicine you mentioned? I am supposed to go on Enbrel for the

PA but don't know now because of being on the steroids.. I will have to talk

to my PCP about that and the skin doc.

Again, thanks for writing . I am feeling a little weird taking the

prednisone but I guess that will pass. I don't look forward to the long term

effects

and hope that I don't have to be on it for any length of time.

Judy

Have a Blessed Day!

Judy

[Guest guest]

Dear Judith,

I just looked it up and the first article is very informative. I'll email it to

you. Both sides of my family have a lot of autoimmue disease. I recently read

an article said all autoimmmue disease are the same but present differently in

each patient. I think because of all the advancements in other fields, and us

living longer, we are beginning to see, all sorts of autoimmune diseases. I

think all these specialist talk way over our heads. Next time bring a tape

recorder, or a list of questions. He might have not been that interested in you

because you won't be talking the high price peg-infron.

judith_annky <judyinkyjc@...> wrote: don't really know where to start. I

just found out that I have liver

disease..

The L enzymes have been high for several years and they went to

triple recently so my doctor had me check it out with the liver

specialist. I'm not at all satisfied with what the specialist told me

and should have called back right away to arrange another conference

with him. After all, it's my body.I have another auutoimmune disease,

Psoriatic Arthritis, which is something very close to RA.

I do see him in a month, but until then I don't really know where I

am. I am taking 20mg. of prednisone a day and another immune

suppressant, azathioprine (Imuran). Any information you can give me I

would appreciate. It seems that liver disease is very complicated

and I am having a real problem understanding all this.

He said I don't have any signs of hep C.,and that is is probably

autoimmune hepatitus and there is scarring of my liver with nogles

involved. I don't understand why he coudn't totally identify what it

was from the biopsy I had two weeks ago. He did say if we can't

supress it, that it will go into cirrohis

Does anyone understand this? IF so, can you help me to understand it.

Thanks,

Judy

[Guest guest]

Dear Judy the combo, that what it called for short, doesn't seem be for your

type of hep, from what I read. It's peg-interferon and Ribarivin. It an

enjection and a pill.

I was not a candiate for it because, I had history of depression and reading

about it. I had kind of made up my own mine, that at my age and disposition, it

was not for me. Everything wrong with me I got from the transfusions, or

medicine. The type of person I am anything I take, gets weird results. Water

pills, tried two types, one gave me horrible stomach cramps. The other didn't

work, in fact I stop going to the bathroom. I told my dentist once that I was

thinking about getting my ears pierced, he begged me not to he said with my

luck, my head would fall off. That was after a year working on two root canals.

Hope you are better and you head has stop swirling around. Don't forget to write

down you guestion, and keep repeating them in a calm voice until you get a

answer.

Kathleen

judyinkyjc@... wrote: Hi,

Thanks for the response. I thought afterwards that I needed to tape it all.

It is so hard to get an audience with a doctor. I'm very pro-active with my

health, always have been, but have just began to learn to deal with the

psoriatic arthritis and accept it.

I guess I just need to know in a few words what the heck he found out on the

liver biopsy.

and.. what to expect. He didn't talk about diet or the other medicines I am

on so I am not sure that I will continue to see him.

I'm on disability and only have medicare so I guess the bills will be piling

up. Thank God for Medicare D. At least I don't have to worry about trying

to go through programs that will pay for my meds.;

What is the medicine you mentioned? I am supposed to go on Enbrel for the

PA but don't know now because of being on the steroids.. I will have to talk

to my PCP about that and the skin doc.

Again, thanks for writing . I am feeling a little weird taking the

prednisone but I guess that will pass. I don't look forward to the long term

effects

and hope that I don't have to be on it for any length of time.

Judy

Have a Blessed Day!

Judy

[Guest guest]

Kathleen,

I can't remember if I replied to your email. I appreciate the sites. They

were very helpful. Thank you for responding to my post.

The last few days have been painful, ( legs, joints, and the diuretic

doesn't seem to be working to eliminate fluid retention. I am feeling bloated

,

legs heavy and cramping. I didn't take the diuretic today because of the

possibility of the electrolyte imbalance with the potassium levels. I need to

have

that checked out tomorrow. I have had low levels of potassium after

surgeries and needed to be given it through IV before leaving the hospital. I

have

had some P. pills in the past but cannot find them. I figure they have were

thrown out because of age. There are only so many bananas I can eat without

being sick of them so I I will research other ways to boost my potassium

levels. I have flu symptoms , achy, coughing, chills.and itching terribly.

I am numb, exhausted, hurting both physically and mentally as my body and

the medication does things I am not used to. I am angry and don't want to

accept this illness that has wracked my body. It seems that I have been

fatigued

forever..I guess I just don't know what to expect and I am in fear of the

outcome of the drug treatments as well as the disease. I know this is a

process and I will eventually accept things but it is hard in the mean time

adjusting to it all.

Thank God for Will, he is very good to me, even when I am at my worst.

Have a Blessed Day!

Judy

[Guest guest]

I've read that potatoes have more potassium than bananas - try eating some

baked potatoes. If you watch the toppings, they are low fat. I love the

baked potatoes from 's!

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the tip about the potatoes. I had a large baked potato last

night. with my meal. I love the 's ones too. :-)

.. The cramping in my legs seem to be under control. Actually I felt better

yesterday as I got moving. than I have in a long time. I have been having flu

like symptoms for several days.. chills body aches, etc.

I had an appt. with my PCP today. . My white blood count was a little low.

I have an ear ache and URI so she put me on anti-biotic.med.

I think the AS medicines have taken hold. It's only been a week but I can

feel a difference in the joint pain I was having ,as well as the psoriasis

(seems to be drying up) The liver doctor told me that we could kill 3 birds

with two stones hopefully if the auto suppressant will control the PA too..

(Psoriatic Arthritis.). I just don't feel so inflamed all over.

But. It's still one day at a time.

Oh, the doc explained that I do not have A,B, or C hep. I have autoimmune

Hep.

But hope I can stay in this group. I enjoy getting all the support I can and

hope to be be a support myself as I learn.

If anyone likes I can post something about Autoimmune Hep., although many of

you may be familiar with it. Let me know.

Blessing,

Judy

I must admit that I personally measure success in terms of the contributions

an individual makes to her or his fellow human beings.

Margaret Mead

[Guest guest]

Judy - I'd like the information on autoimmune hepatitis as I also have

rheumatoid arthritis.

Thanks.

Re: New and confused

Thanks for the tip about the potatoes. I had a large baked potato last

night. with my meal. I love the 's ones too. :-)

.. The cramping in my legs seem to be under control. Actually I felt better

yesterday as I got moving. than I have in a long time. I have been having

flu

like symptoms for several days.. chills body aches, etc.

I had an appt. with my PCP today. . My white blood count was a little low.

I have an ear ache and URI so she put me on anti-biotic.med.

I think the AS medicines have taken hold. It's only been a week but I can

feel a difference in the joint pain I was having ,as well as the psoriasis

(seems to be drying up) The liver doctor told me that we could kill 3

birds

with two stones hopefully if the auto suppressant will control the PA too..

(Psoriatic Arthritis.). I just don't feel so inflamed all over.

But. It's still one day at a time.

Oh, the doc explained that I do not have A,B, or C hep. I have autoimmune

Hep.

But hope I can stay in this group. I enjoy getting all the support I can

and

hope to be be a support myself as I learn.

If anyone likes I can post something about Autoimmune Hep., although many

of

you may be familiar with it. Let me know.

Blessing,

Judy

I must admit that I personally measure success in terms of the

contributions

an individual makes to her or his fellow human beings.

Margaret Mead

[Guest guest]

(http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/autoimmunehep/index.htm#content)

(http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/index.htm)

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Diseases A-Z List of Topics and Titles_

(http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/a-z.asp) : Autoimmune Hepatitis

Autoimmune Hepatitis

On this page:

* _Autoimmune Disease_

(http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/autoimmunehep/index.htm#2)

* _Symptoms_

(http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/autoimmunehep/index.htm#1)

* _Diagnosis_

(http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/autoimmunehep/index.htm#3)

* _Treatment_

(http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/autoimmunehep/index.htm#4)

* _Side Effects_

(http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/autoimmunehep/index.htm#5)

* _Other Treatments_

(http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/autoimmunehep/index.htm#6)

* _Hope Through Research_

(http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/autoimmunehep/index.htm#7)

* _Points to Remember_

(http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/autoimmunehep/index.htm#8)

* _For More Information_ (htt

p://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/autoimmunehep/index.htm#9)

Autoimmune hepatitis affects

the liver.

Autoimmune hepatitis is a disease in which the body's immune system attacks

liver cells. This causes the liver to become inflamed (hepatitis).

Researchers think a genetic factor may predispose some people to autoimmune

diseases.

About 70 percent of those with autoimmune hepatitis are women, most between

the ages of 15 and 40.

The disease is usually quite serious and, if not treated, gets worse over

time. It's usually chronic, meaning it can last for years, and can lead to

cirrhosis (scarring and hardening) of the liver and eventually liver failure.

Autoimmune hepatitis is classified as either type I or II. Type I is the

most common form in North America. It occurs at any age and is more common

among

women than men. About half of those with type I have other autoimmune

disorders, such as type 1 diabetes, proliferative glomerulonephritis,

thyroiditis,

Graves' disease, Sjögren's syndrome, autoimmune anemia, and ulcerative

colitis. Type II autoimmune hepatitis is less common, typically affecting girls

ages 2 to 14, although adults can have it too.

[_Top_

(http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/autoimmunehep/index.htm#top) ]

Autoimmune Disease

One job of the immune system is to protect the body from viruses, bacteria,

and other living organisms. Usually, the immune system does not react against

the body's own cells. However, sometimes it mistakenly attacks the cells it

is supposed to protect. This response is called autoimmunity. Researchers

speculate that certain bacteria, viruses, toxins, and drugs trigger an

autoimmune response in people who are genetically susceptible to developing an

autoimmune disorder.

[_Top_

(http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/autoimmunehep/index.htm#top) ]

Symptoms

Fatigue is probably the most common symptom of autoimmune hepatitis. Other

symptoms include

* enlarged liver

* jaundice

* itching

* skin rashes

* joint pain

* abdominal discomfort

* fatigue

* spider angiomas (abnormal blood vessels) on the skin

* nausea

* vomiting

* loss of appetite

* dark urine

* pale or gray colored stools

People in advanced stages of the disease are more likely to have symptoms

such as fluid in the abdomen (ascites) or mental confusion. Women may stop

having menstrual periods.

Symptoms of autoimmune hepatitis range from mild to severe. Because severe

viral hepatitis or hepatitis caused by a drug—for example, certain

antibiotics—

has the same symptoms, tests may be needed for an exact diagnosis. Your

doctor should also review and rule out all your medicines before diagnosing

autoimmune hepatitis.

[_Top_

(http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/autoimmunehep/index.htm#top) ]

Diagnosis

Your doctor will make a diagnosis based on your symptoms, blood tests, and

liver biopsy.

* Blood tests. A routine blood test for liver enzymes can help reveal

a pattern typical of hepatitis, but further tests, especially for

autoantibodies, are needed to diagnose autoimmune hepatitis. Antibodies are

proteins

made by the immune system to fight off bacteria and viruses. In autoimmune

hepatitis, the immune system makes antinuclear antibodies (ANA), antibodies

against smooth muscle cells (SMA), or liver and kidney microsomes (anti-LKM).

The

pattern and level of these antibodies help define the type of autoimmune

hepatitis (type I or type II).

Blood tests also help distinguish autoimmune hepatitis from viral hepatitis

(such as hepatitis B or C) or a metabolic disease (such as 's disease).

* Liver biopsy. A tiny sample of your liver tissue, examined under a

microscope, can help your doctor accurately diagnose autoimmune hepatitis and

tell how serious it is. You will go to a hospital or outpatient surgical

facility for this procedure.

[_Top_ (http://digestiv

e.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/autoimmunehep/index.htm#top) ]

Treatment

Treatment works best when autoimmune hepatitis is diagnosed early. With

proper treatment, autoimmune hepatitis can usually be controlled. In fact,

recent

studies show that sustained response to treatment not only stops the disease

from getting worse, but also may actually reverse some of the damage.

The primary treatment is medicine to suppress (slow down) an overactive

immune system.

Both types of autoimmune hepatitis are treated with daily doses of a

corticosteroid called prednisone. Your doctor may start you on a high dose (20

to 60

mg per day) and lower the dose to 5 to 15 mg/day as the disease is

controlled. The goal is to find the lowest possible dose that will control your

disease.

Another medicine, azathioprine (Imuran) is also used to treat autoimmune

hepatitis. Like prednisone, azathioprine suppresses the immune system, but in a

different way. It helps lower the dose of prednisone needed, thereby reducing

its side effects. Your doctor may prescribe azathioprine, in addition to

prednisone, once your disease is under control.

Most people will need to take prednisone, with or without azathioprine, for

years. Some people take it for life. Corticosteroids may slow down the

disease, but everyone is different. In about one out of every three people,

treatment can eventually be stopped. After stopping, it is important to

carefully

monitor your condition and promptly report any new symptoms to your doctor

because the disease may return and be even more severe, especially during the

first few months after stopping treatment.

In about 7 out of 10 people, the disease goes into remission, with a

lessening of severity of symptoms, within 2 years of starting treatment. A

portion

of persons with a remission will see the disease return within 3 years, so

treatment may be necessary on and off for years, if not for life.

[_Top_

(http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/autoimmunehep/index.htm#top) ]

Side Effects

Both prednisone and azathioprine have side effects. Because high doses of

prednisone are needed to control autoimmune hepatitis, managing side effects is

very important. However, most side effects appear only after a long period

of time.

Some possible side effects of prednisone are

* weight gain

* anxiety and confusion

* thinning of the bones (osteoporosis)

* thinning of the hair and skin

* diabetes

* high blood pressure

* cataracts

* glaucoma

Azathioprine can lower your white blood cell count and sometimes causes

nausea and poor appetite. Rare side effects are allergic reaction, liver

damage,

and pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas gland with severe stomach

pain).

[_Top_

(http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/autoimmunehep/index.htm#top) ]

Other Treatments

People who do not respond to standard immune therapy or who have severe side

effects may benefit from other immunosuppressive agents like mycophenylate

mofetil, cyclosporine or tacrolimus. People who progress to end stage liver

disease (liver failure) and/or cirrhosis may need a liver transplant.

Transplantation has a 1-year survival rate of 90 percent and a 5-year survival

rate of

70 to 80 percent.

[_Top_

(http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/autoimmunehep/index.htm#top) ]

Hope Through Research

Scientists are studying various aspects of autoimmune hepatitis to find out

who gets it and why and to discover better ways to treat it. Basic research

on the immune system will expand knowledge of autoimmune diseases in general.

Epidemiologic research will help doctors understand what triggers autoimmune

hepatitis in some people. Research on different steroids, alternatives to

steroids, and other immunosuppressants will eventually lead to more effective

treatments.

[_Top_

(http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/autoimmunehep/index.htm#top) ]

Points to Remember

* Autoimmune hepatitis is a long-term disease in which your body's

immune system attacks liver cells.

* The disease is diagnosed using various blood tests and a liver

biopsy.

* With proper treatment, autoimmune hepatitis can usually be

controlled. The main treatment is medicine that suppresses the body's

overactive

immune system.

[_Top_

(http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/autoimmunehep/index.htm#top) ]

For More Information

American Liver Foundation (ALF)

75 Maiden Lane, Suite 603

New York, NY 10038–4810

Phone: 1–800–GO–LIVER (465–4837),

1–888–4HEP–USA (443–7872),

or 212–668–1000

Fax: 212–483–8179

Email: _info@..._ (mailto:info@...)

Internet: _www.liverfoundation.org_ (http://www.liverfoundation.org/)

[_Top_

(http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/autoimmunehep/index.htm#top) ]

The U.S. Government does not endorse or favor any specific commercial

product or company. Trade, proprietary, or company names appearing in this

document

are used only because they are considered necessary in the context of the

information provided. If a product is not mentioned, this does not mean or

imply that the product is unsatisfactory.

____________________________________

National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse

2 Information Way

Bethesda, MD 20892–3570

Email: _nddic@..._

(http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/about/contact.htm)

The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC) is a

service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

(NIDDK). The NIDDK is part of the National Institutes of Health under the U.S.

Department of Health and Human Services. Established in 1980, the

Clearinghouse provides information about digestive diseases to people with

digestive

disorders and to their families, health care professionals, and the public. The

NDDIC answers inquiries, develops and distributes publications, and works

closely with professional and patient organizations and Government agencies to

coordinate resources about digestive diseases.

Publications produced by the Clearinghouse are carefully reviewed by both

NIDDK scientists and outside experts. This publication was reviewed by Willis

Maddrey, M.D., University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas; and

Krawitt, M.D., University of Vermont College of Medicine.

This publication is not copyrighted. The Clearinghouse encourages users of

this publication to duplicate and distribute as many copies as desired.

____________________________________

NIH Publication No. 04–4761

March 2004

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Judy

I must admit that I personally measure success in terms of the contributions

an individual makes to her or his fellow human beings.

Margaret Mead

[Guest guest]

Judy:

After a biopsy there is a standard grading system that show level and scarring

and if it is fibrosis or cirosis ( I can't spell from Tennessee you know). That

would be the critical information about the livers condition. Mine was in mid

range of fibrosis so not so bad. Janis and friends has a definition and show the

grading sysems so I refer to that site a lot. Dale

judith_annky <judyinkyjc@...> wrote:

don't really know where to start. I just found out that I have liver

disease..

The L enzymes have been high for several years and they went to

triple recently so my doctor had me check it out with the liver

specialist. I'm not at all satisfied with what the specialist told me

and should have called back right away to arrange another conference

with him. After all, it's my body.I have another auutoimmune disease,

Psoriatic Arthritis, which is something very close to RA.

I do see him in a month, but until then I don't really know where I

am. I am taking 20mg. of prednisone a day and another immune

suppressant, azathioprine (Imuran). Any information you can give me I

would appreciate. It seems that liver disease is very complicated

and I am having a real problem understanding all this.

He said I don't have any signs of hep C.,and that is is probably

autoimmune hepatitus and there is scarring of my liver with nogles

involved. I don't understand why he coudn't totally identify what it

was from the biopsy I had two weeks ago. He did say if we can't

supress it, that it will go into cirrohis

Does anyone understand this? IF so, can you help me to understand it.

Thanks,

Judy

[Guest guest]

I can't speak about your doc specifically, but I'd never trust a

doc who wanted me to stop vitamins and fish oil. I sure weould not

take meds until I had done my own research to determine if there was

another way of handling the problem.

Alobar

On 6/13/06, dottie yee <sbelle2@...> wrote:

> Hi,

> I'm new to the group and totally confused. I have a diffffuse goiter with

nodules and my endo

> wants to give me a med to stop it's growth. I would have to take the med

forever. It was not

> armour but a drug that start s with a L something. Sorry to be so vague but I

have been in

> total shock over this and today I found out I have an abnormal mamogram, so as

you can

> imagine I'm pretty upset.

>

> My question to the group is would a synthetic medication she is suggesting be

the way to go

> or could armour help? Also, would seaweed be a good source of iodine for me,

or would it

> only cause the thyroid to enlarge more?

>

> I'm just a little reluctant to follow my endos advice as she is trying to

dissuade me from

> taking fish oil and all vitamins except for a One A DAY ! The vitamins and

fish oil have

> helped tremendously with my menopausal symptoms and general health, so I'm not

sure

> where she is coming from. Does this make sense to anyone? Never had a Dr. tell

me to stop

> taking fish oil and viamins.

>

> She said the vitamins made her feel " funny " and i might be better off with out

them. I might

> add that the Dr. , though she was very nice and spent plenty of time with me,

didn't appear

> to be the picture of health, herself. Any feedback greatly apreciated.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Welcome Dottie. I am guessing your drug is Levoxyl. That's a T4 only med. Your thyroid produces T4, T3, T2 & T1. Armour is a better choice becuase it supports your entire thyroid and body! Iodine will help you too because if you have a goiter that means your thyroid is struggling to make hormones and odds are you are iodine deficient. The abnormal breast mammogram is also an indication of an imbalance. Many women have noticed reduces or disappearing lumps in their breasts. I am actually one who has had an ovarian cyste disappear.

I recommend that you read the files on this site along with checking out www.iodine4health.com . You can also read Dr. Brownstein's book on Iodine www.drbrownstein.com . He is my doctor and treating me with iodine therapy for thyroid cancer. I am seeing my cancer markers go down under his care.

That should get you started. Just keep asking questions!

---- Original Message -----

From: dottie yee

iodine

Sent: Tuesday, June 13, 2006 1:10 PM

Subject: New and confused

Hi, I'm new to the group and totally confused. I have a diffffuse goiter with nodules and my endo wants to give me a med to stop it's growth. I would have to take the med forever. It was not armour but a drug that start s with a L something. Sorry to be so vague but I have been in total shock over this and today I found out I have an abnormal mamogram, so as you can imagine I'm pretty upset. My question to the group is would a synthetic medication she is suggesting be the way to go or could armour help? Also, would seaweed be a good source of iodine for me, or would it only cause the thyroid to enlarge more? I'm just a little reluctant to follow my endos advice as she is trying to dissuade me from taking fish oil and all vitamins except for a One A DAY ! The vitamins and fish oil have helped tremendously with my menopausal symptoms and general health, so I'm not sure where she is coming from. Does this make sense to anyone? Never had a Dr. tell me to stop taking fish oil and viamins. She said the vitamins made her feel "funny" and i might be better off with out them. I might add that the Dr. , though she was very nice and spent plenty of time with me, didn't appear to be the picture of health, herself. Any feedback greatly apreciated.

[Guest guest]

, Thanks so much for your reply. Does the fact that the Dr. says my labs are normal mean anything? Also, I should let you know the goiter was brought on as a result of taking Lithium. I was misdiagnosed bipolar and rediagnosed as menopausal and hypolglycemic- don't get me started. Would the lithium causing the egoiter effect my treatment of it in any way ? Thanks so much, I'm lucky I found this site. Dottie .On Jun 13, 2006, at 10:33 AM, ladybugsandbees wrote:Welcome Dottie.  I am guessing your drug is Levoxyl.  That's a T4 only med.  Your thyroid produces T4, T3, T2 & T1.  Armour is a better choice becuase it supports your entire thyroid and body!  Iodine will help you too because if you have a goiter that means your thyroid is struggling to make hormones and odds are you are iodine deficient.  The abnormal breast mammogram is also an indication of an imbalance.  Many women have noticed reduces or disappearing lumps in their breasts.  I am actually one who has had an ovarian cyste disappear.  I recommend that you read the files on this site along with checking outwww.iodine4health.com .  You can also read Dr. Brownstein's book on Iodine www.drbrownstein.com .  He is my doctor and treating me with iodine therapy for thyroid cancer.  I am seeing my cancer markers go down under his care. That should get you started.  Just keep asking questions!  ---- Original Message -----From: dottie yeeiodine Sent: Tuesday, June 13, 2006 1:10 PMSubject: New and confusedHi, I'm new to the group and totally confused. I have a diffffuse goiter with nodules and my endo wants to give me a med to stop it's growth. I would have to take the med forever. It was not armour but a drug that start s with a L something. Sorry to be so vague but I have been in total shock over this and today I found out I have an abnormal mamogram, so as you can imagine I'm pretty upset. My question to the group is would a synthetic medication she is suggesting be the way to go or could armour help? Also, would seaweed be a good source of iodine for me, or would it only cause the thyroid to enlarge more? I'm just a little reluctant to follow my endos advice as she is trying to dissuade me from taking fish oil and all vitamins except for a One A DAY ! The vitamins and fish oil have helped tremendously with my menopausal symptoms and general health, so I'm not sure where she is coming from. Does this make sense to anyone? Never had a Dr. tell me to stop taking fish oil and viamins. She said the vitamins made her feel "funny" and i might be better off with out them. I might add that the Dr. , though she was very nice and spent plenty of time with me, didn't appear to be the picture of health, herself. Any feedback greatly apreciated. =

[Guest guest]

I don't know about Lithium. Hypoglycemia is classic Hypothyroid. Do you have current thyroid labs. TSH is not a good indicator. You will need to look at Free T3 & Free T4. You want your numbers in the upper 1/3 of the range. TSH is a pituitary hormone and means nothing. If I can suggest that you take a peek at www.stopthethyroidmadness.com for thyroid info. Also the Natural Thyroid Hormone group on is a great group for info and dxing problems with thyroid / adrenals / low ferritin. We have resources for ordering your own labs too.

I have been through the mill with my docs too. It's been 6 1/2 years and they almost killed me. I know have an ND, Holistic Doc and Holistic dentist and they are all cleaning my body up.

Re: New and confused

,

Thanks so much for your reply. Does the fact that the Dr. says my labs are normal mean anything? Also, I should let you know the goiter was brought on as a result of taking Lithium. I was misdiagnosed bipolar and rediagnosed as menopausal and hypolglycemic- don't get me started. Would the lithium causing the egoiter effect my treatment of it in any way ? Thanks so much, I'm lucky I found this site. Dottie .

[Guest guest]

does a doctor have to prescribe the Armour, in other words, is it a prescription drug? If it is, is there anything similar to it that one can get and take ? I've been reading over the symptoms of hypothyroidism, and goodness, I have EVERY symptom.

..

[Guest guest]

Yes it is prescription but if you join the Natural Thyroid Hormone group they can send you a list of where to buy it w/o a prescription on the internet. You will also get more info on hypo.

Steph

Re: New and confused

does a doctor have to prescribe the Armour, in other words, is it a prescription drug? If it is, is there anything similar to it that one can get and take ? I've been reading over the symptoms of hypothyroidism, and goodness, I have EVERY symptom.

..

[Guest guest]

Though I think it is great to be able to buy Armour on the internet

without a prescription, I don't think it is safe to take without proper

dosage guidelines based on bloodwork results. As we know, excess thyroid hormone

can cause weak bones and heart problems and more, and not enough of it...

well we all know those problems.

I think recommending anyone to buy it without a prescription may

make it seem easy to self-administer in the correct dose which it is definitely not.

I would recommend finding a good alternative MD who works with Armour,

since majority of allopathic docs don't, and go from there.

Karin

GUHDO USA Inc. 1135 JVL Court Marietta, GA 30066 770-592-4766 (phone) 770-592-1714 (fax) www.guhdo.com

-----Original Message-----From: iodine [mailto:iodine ]On Behalf Of ladybugsandbeesSent: Tuesday, June 13, 2006 3:14 PMiodine Subject: Re: New and confused

Yes it is prescription but if you join the Natural Thyroid Hormone group they can send you a list of where to buy it w/o a prescription on the internet. You will also get more info on hypo.

Steph

Re: New and confused

does a doctor have to prescribe the Armour, in other words, is it a prescription drug? If it is, is there anything similar to it that one can get and take ? I've been reading over the symptoms of hypothyroidism, and goodness, I have EVERY symptom.

..

[Guest guest]

To be clear I was not telling her to do it but merely stating that she has a choice to do so. I personally would not do that but there are people who cannot pay for doctors and are literally dying. Spend some time on the natural thyroid hormone group and you will see this. My parents are one of these. Their alt doc who cannot prescribe is helping them but their DO won't prescribe what they need. They are waiting for an appt but could not get in for 3 mos. I agree that it is dangerous if you do not know what you need. I still think she should join the group to learn more about it. You would be shocked how many people are actually "self medicating". Again not saying they should.

Steph

RE: New and confused

Though I think it is great to be able to buy Armour on the internet

without a prescription, I don't think it is safe to take without proper

dosage guidelines based on bloodwork results. As we know, excess thyroid hormone

can cause weak bones and heart problems and more, and not enough of it...

well we all know those problems.

I think recommending anyone to buy it without a prescription may

make it seem easy to self-administer in the correct dose which it is definitely not.

I would recommend finding a good alternative MD who works with Armour,

since majority of allopathic docs don't, and go from there.

Karin

Messages in this topic (8) Reply (via web post) | Start a new topic

..

[Guest guest]

Dottie,

I am pretty sure that Lithium is a goitrogen, that is, it interferes with the absorption of Iodine. Thus, it tends to cause goiter and hypothyroid conditions.

Here is a page that talks about Lithium and thyroid problems:

http://www.merck.com/mrkshared/mmanual/section2/chapter8/8b.jsp

Moreover, fibrocystic breast disease (lumpy breasts) are also associated with low iodine. And lumpy breasts can result in an abnormal mammogram.

Based on what you have told us so far, sounds very likely that iodine would be helpful for you. Where do you live? If you live near one of the good iodine docs, it would be worth consulting with one.

Zoe

,

Thanks so much for your reply. Does the fact that the Dr. says my labs are normal mean anything? Also, I should let you know the goiter was brought on as a result of taking Lithium. I was misdiagnosed bipolar and rediagnosed as menopausal and hypolglycemic- don't get me started. Would the lithium causing the egoiter effect my treatment of it in any way ? Thanks so much, I'm lucky I found this site. Dottie .

[Guest guest]

I am new here too. And I just had to say that I am still chuckling about the doctor's comment about your vitamin and fish oil supplements making her feel 'funny'.....I guess then 'she' shouldn't take them if they make her feel funny--- or at least that was my thought on the matter.

I hope whatever you end up doing that you get the help you need to return to feeling healthy.

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[Guest guest]

>----- Original Message -----

Posted by: "ladybugsandbees" Tue Jun 13, 2006 11:22 am (PST)

>Also the Natural Thyroid Hormone group on is a great group for info and dxing problems with >thyroid / adrenals / low ferritin.

Hi ,

I'm not a member of the nth group on ...I'm intrigued by the possible connection alluded to in your statement about "thyroid/adrenals/low ferritin". Are you suggesting these conditions are related? Any info would be greatly appreciated. (or do you think I should join the group to get this info?)

Many thanks,

Dahlia