JudoMom Posted March 5, 2011 Share Posted March 5, 2011 I went back to the liver specialist yesterday. He's as close to sure as he can be that I have autoimmune hepatitis. This means that most likely I will be treated for life by taking low dose steroids and another medicine that will make it possible for me to take a lower dose of the steroids. The good news is that I felt better than I have in over 1.5 years on the trial dose. That dose was 20mg, and he hopes to get me down to 3 mg. I handled it well, and was able to manage the side effects. I do go back to the rheumatologist this month, but I don't expect I'll learn anything new from him. Thank you guys for all your prayers over the last several months. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katemary63 Posted March 5, 2011 Share Posted March 5, 2011 :grouphug: Glad you've found some answers and have a plan of action. Prayers for your quick return to full health! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JudoMom Posted March 5, 2011 Author Share Posted March 5, 2011 :grouphug: Glad you've found some answers and have a plan of action. Prayers for your quick return to full health! Thanks. I was thinking of you yesterday as I studied a display of hip replacements after my appointment with the doctor (he's located in a hospital, and the joint replacement office is right near his). Which is my weird way of asking--how's the recovery coming along? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3lilreds in NC Posted March 5, 2011 Share Posted March 5, 2011 I'm so glad you have a diagnosis and a plan! That's wonderful news! I hope you continue to feel better and better. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unicorn. Posted March 6, 2011 Share Posted March 6, 2011 I'm glad you finally have a diagnosis, and a treatment plan that sounds reasonable. I'm sorry it's a for life thing though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amydavis Posted March 6, 2011 Share Posted March 6, 2011 I'm glad you have a diagnosis and a plan of action. Also glad you're experiencing some relief from your symptoms. Hope it only continues to get better! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C_l_e_0..Q_c Posted March 6, 2011 Share Posted March 6, 2011 I'm glad you have a diagnosis. I'm also glad that I can now link you to your facebook account ;-) I had no idea you were you .... :grouphug: for your recovery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unsinkable Posted March 6, 2011 Share Posted March 6, 2011 I went back to the liver specialist yesterday. He's as close to sure as he can be that I have autoimmune hepatitis. This means that most likely I will be treated for life by taking low dose steroids and another medicine that will make it possible for me to take a lower dose of the steroids. The good news is that I felt better than I have in over 1.5 years on the trial dose. That dose was 20mg, and he hopes to get me down to 3 mg. I handled it well, and was able to manage the side effects. I do go back to the rheumatologist this month, but I don't expect I'll learn anything new from him. Thank you guys for all your prayers over the last several months. :grouphug: I am glad you're feeling better! Sorry it's going to mean meds for the rest of your life. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JudoMom Posted March 6, 2011 Author Share Posted March 6, 2011 I'm glad you have a diagnosis. I'm also glad that I can now link you to your facebook account ;-) I had no idea you were you .... :grouphug: for your recovery. :lol: (and thanks) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SusanK Posted March 6, 2011 Share Posted March 6, 2011 Now you can use your energy to get better instead of stressing and worrying! Good for you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted March 6, 2011 Share Posted March 6, 2011 I'm glad that you have a diagnosis and are feeling somewhat better. I hope the doctor's continue to have wisdom in treating you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AmeliaBinMO Posted March 6, 2011 Share Posted March 6, 2011 It is good to hear that you have some answers, and that treatment is helping you to feel better. Praying for God to take care of you as you move forward. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenL Posted March 6, 2011 Share Posted March 6, 2011 It must be such a relief to have an answer and a plan! So glad to hear you are on your way to becoming healthier! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted March 6, 2011 Share Posted March 6, 2011 Glad you have answers. :grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jen in PA Posted March 6, 2011 Share Posted March 6, 2011 :grouphug:I am so glad you have a diagnosis and I hope the treatment continues to go well for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tex-mex Posted March 6, 2011 Share Posted March 6, 2011 I'm so glad you have a diagnosis and a plan! That's wonderful news! I hope you continue to feel better and better. :grouphug: :iagree::grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denisemomof4 Posted March 6, 2011 Share Posted March 6, 2011 I'm SO glad that you're feeling better, but so sad for your diagnosis. Is there no test to confirm autoimmune hepatitis is a definite diagnosis? :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted March 6, 2011 Share Posted March 6, 2011 Now you have another starting point. That is always good. I'm very glad the meds seem to be working well. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plain jane Posted March 6, 2011 Share Posted March 6, 2011 It's late, been an exhausting day and I can't form a coherent thought but I wanted to log in to say that I'm so very glad for you that you've been able to find some answers. The unknown can be far more frightening that the truth sometimes. I truly hope that your health continues to improve. Here's a big for you and all you've been through. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JudoMom Posted March 6, 2011 Author Share Posted March 6, 2011 I'm SO glad that you're feeling better, but so sad for your diagnosis. Is there no test to confirm autoimmune hepatitis is a definite diagnosis?:grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: There are blood tests, but one can be negative and still have it. I'm negative. However, the scarring & inflammation they found on my liver biopsy, the joint pain, the dry eyes, the fatigue, the fact it can go along with hypothyroid, and the fact it responded to the trial dose of steroids points to it (pain, dry eyes, and fatigue all went away, and my elevated liver counts came down). Thanks for the hugs and well wishes, all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stacy in NJ Posted March 6, 2011 Share Posted March 6, 2011 This is excellent news. Hope you continue to feel better and that this is a managable situation for the longer term. Blessings, Stacy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kalanamak Posted March 7, 2011 Share Posted March 7, 2011 While I'm sure you're not having a party over this, it is nice to know what's what, and there are certainly worse liver problems to have. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MariannNOVA Posted March 7, 2011 Share Posted March 7, 2011 I am so glad you have a diagnosis.:grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nmoira Posted March 7, 2011 Share Posted March 7, 2011 :grouphug: It's such a relief to have a diagnosis, and it seems you're treatment is headed in the right direction. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MariannNOVA Posted March 7, 2011 Share Posted March 7, 2011 PM-ing you. I have a favor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LG Gone Wild Posted March 8, 2011 Share Posted March 8, 2011 Not sure how post without sounding idiotic, not exactly the thing to say, "Congratulations!" I am sorry you're ill but am glad that you have treatment options. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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