Re: confused would like to thank you

[Guest guest]

Jerry, Heidi, gefox, flatcat, disher, christi, mareanne, and don

I would like to thank each of you for your time and interest in

responding to my problems. I have decided to have a consultation

with my 2nd physican.(i feel as though I can trust his judgment) I

listed the questioned that was brought up in all of your responses. I

need an answer to all the questions or I will find a doctor that will

have the answers. I have been lucky during my life not to have a lot

of illness, but than again , that can also make you very vulnerable.

Again thank you for your support and kindness it has really meant a

lot to me. I will keep you all posted on how things turn out at the

next appointment. I am also going to find a doctor (hepatolgists)

who has seen a lot of AIH.

Thank you sincerely, for your kindness

April

> Sounds like you live somewhere that is populated by those who

finished

> last in thier class in med school Where do you live? contact ALF for

> list of QUALIFIED

> hepatolgists in your area or go somewhere that has some. The biopsy

> should have given some clue as to what you have if it be liver

related.

> That 3rd doctor sounds like he got his degree from clown school.

> Remember AIH is CHRONIC, has no cure, and left untreated will

result

in

> cirrhosis, eventually to end stage. Celebrex?

> why don`t you just take Advil--- cost less.

> Not all liver disease is AIH and not all ailments are liver

diseases.

> Best find out what you have 1st so you can treat it..

> A positive ANA is an indication of lupus as well as other types of

> autoimmune ailments and not just AIH. I was under the immpression

that a

> biopsy can be SPECIFIC for whatever liver condition is suspected.

You

> haven`t mentioned joint pain or any other symptoms you may have--

what

> are they? As far as I know no one in this group is a medical doctor

and

> even if he/she were can`t (shouldn`t) diagnose via cyberspace.That

> being said....know that every one here wants to help you..and we

hope

> you stay around..

> I also hope you find a doctor who knows what he`s doing.

> What`s your name and where do you live... we have people here from

> around the country who can help recommend physicians and

specialists

in

> thier area.

> Good luck

> Jerry

> AIH

>

>

> This is my first time writing or viewing your support group web

site.

> I am completely overwhelmed with everything at this point. I have

> been suffering with server fatigue and general unwellness for 3

> months. I have been to several doctors, 1st. one (gastro)unsure if

I

> have Autoimmune hep, but thought that I might so he wanted to treat

> me with steriods. 2nd doctor (also gastro)thought yes, AIH at first

> thought, than not sure (my liver blood test are normal at this

time).

> He thought possible Lupus or MS. HE sent me to a 3rd doctor. He

> very quickly after no additional test, quick exam, no questions

asked

> told me I have AIH. He said to take Celebrex and in 3 months i

will

> be fine. (Ok now I have been doing a little reading and that just

> doesn't sound true.) He said that if I wanted to feel better in a

> week I could take steriods and I would be all well in a week.

> The only thing that I know is that sometimes I feel as though I am

> dying, as though I am crazy because there are times I feel like I

> could get up an dance and than I feel like I won't make it though

the

> new year. I am so confused I don't know if I should listen to any

of

> them are try to find a new doctor.

> First blood work show liver function at sgot 774 and sgpt 680

> bilirubin total 0.9

> after a few weeks liver functions went back down to normal

> I have had a biopsy no evidence of chronic hep. but told that it

was

> inconclusive because it showed some undetermined inflamation.

Blood

> work ANA is positive. Everything else is Neg.

> The last doctor said that because of the ANA positive (4 x normal

> range) that I have AIH. and because of the high liver functions.

He

> added that my I should restrict my intake of red meat, salt, sugar,

> and caffine. He took me off work for 3 months. He said that in 1

to

> 2 months if I am not feeling much better that he would start me on

> low

> amounts of steroids, than if that is doesn't help than he would use

> an

> additional med. (don't have the name with me)

>

> Is this illness so confusing, I know I am very confused at this

time.

> I am sorry if this is long and wordy. I think it has helped just

for

> me to write it out. If some one has the time to read all this and

> give me their view of this, I would be very greatful for the input.

> (Please forgive typo's I am not a typist for sure)

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

We'll be thinking of you.

Harper

[Guest guest]

April, Thank you for the kind words. I dont know how long the others have been ill, but Ive been ill off and on my whole life. And chronic illness has been in my life 6 years. It took me a long time to find doctors. it took me a long time to figure out a good doctor listens, and truly cares, and is knowledgable. dont settle dont settle dont settle. Merry Christmas!

Christi

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 12/18/00 4:52:52 PM Pacific Standard Time, christibro33@... writes:

April, Thank you for the kind words. I dont know how long the others have been ill, but Ive been ill off and on my whole life. And chronic illness has been in my life 6 years. It took me a long time to find doctors. it took me a long time to figure out a good doctor listens, and truly cares, and is knowledgable. dont settle dont settle dont settle. Merry Christmas!

I'd like to know about you, sometime when you are in the mood to write.

Harper (AIH 5/00, female, 57, San Francisco)