I got the results of my liver biopsy and am still trying to digest the bad news. I have Autoimmune Hepatitis and probably also have Primary Biliary Cirrhosis. The hepatologist said that I have both of these diseases and that he would speak to the pathologist to determine which one is the primary process, whatever that means. Does anyone know why is it so important to know which one is dominant?
The report states that I have grade 2 of 4 chronic hepatitis with rosetting, focal plasmacytosis and rare focus of lymphocytic cholangitis. Stage 0 or no fibrosis. No stainable iron, copper or a1at globules. The histological features are suggestive of autoimmune hepatitis. With focal lymphasitic cholangitis, there is a potential component of PBC. However, this needs, serological, clinical and LFT correlation.
The hepatologist said that the course of action is to watch my liver enzymes, testing every 3 months. If my AST or ALT rise to the 200 level, he would put me on Predisone and another drug.
Also, now that I have been off my statin for a couple of months, my cholesterol is in the mid 300s. He said that I don't need to restart my statin because these higher cholesterol levels do not contribute to heart disease in someone who has these two liver diseases. Does anyone here have high cholesterol along with liver disease and not taking a statin?
Lastly, I was told that I should drink a lot of coffee and give milk thistle a try.
I am making an appointment to see a doctor for a second opinion at the Hepatobiliary clinic at Mayo in MN. Until then, any suggestions? Is there a good book out there that will help me learn about these diseases? I have been reading a lot lately, but just pieces here and there. I would be great to find a good resource in one spot.
Oh, I guess its time to move to a different forum, I will post this in the cirrhosis forum as well.
Thanks so much!
Lisa