GASTROENTEROLOGY / DIGESTIVE DISORDERS EXPERT FORUM
Joint pain and elevated alk phos, ALT

Joint pain and elevated alk phos, ALT

I am 32, female and have been experiencing swollen and painful joints for 13+ years on and off.  The only abnormal bloodwork is an elevated Alk Phos and ALTs.  Four picture perfect pregnancies, during which I had no pains or abnormal LFTs.  Ultrasound negative, biopsy showed "rare foci", but pain and abnormal LFTs continue.  (painful areas change with each flare and have begun to be chronic and not acute anymore)  PBC suggested through my own research and by directly questioning the doctor but who knows???

Actigall recommended but I am still nursing and not sure of implications for baby.  ERCP a possibility, but might show nothing.  No other bowel problems, ever.  However one paternal aunt who died of Chron's complications.  No other autoimmune in family.  Treating the pain with celebrex.

Questions:
1.  If I do nothing and LFTs continue to be elevated what will happen?

2.  Actigall will help if this is PBC, but if it is not will it harm and how will we know?

3.  Does anyone have any clinical research re: actigall and nursing?

4.  Why do I feel great when I am pregnant?  How do we mimic the conditions in pregnancy, if possible?

5.  Does pregnancy have a suppressive effect on autoimmune and is there a "rebound" effect post-partum?

Any comments, suggestions will be appreciated.  Thanks.
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