Elevated Liver enzymes?

[jellygirl]

For the past year, I have been suffering from Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria.  At first, the hives were quite sporadic, occurring once or twice a month, but since December 09, they've been occurring daily.  They appear at different areas on my body (including my palms), but rarely on my face, and usually last 2-3 hours.  I've been tested for allergies, both food and environmental, and the only positives were certain molds, trees, and grasses.  Thyroid hormones/antibodies are within range (other than 1 slightly elevated free T4), but right lobe of thyroid gland was found to be enlarged on ultrasound (endocrinologist does not believe that to be the cause).  Liver enzymes originally checked in December and found to be on high end of normal.  Retested in March '10 and found to be slightly elevated.  Retested again in April '10 and found to be increasing slowly.  Cannot get an appointment with gastroenterologist until May 27 (Allergist is currently coordinating treatment).  Currently on Allegra, Zyrtec, Singulair, Doxepin, and Colchicine for hives, Wellbutrin & Topamax for bipolar disorder.  Previously on prednisone, up to 80mg/day for 2 weeks, with no relief in symptoms.  Also since December, significant weight gain despite increased activity and low calorie intake(25 lbs-primarily in stomach area), recurrent bouts of diarrhea, fatigue/loss of energy/sleep issues (have been going on for years), pain in both knees.  Also have a history of liver disease/cancer (mother and maternal grandfather--unsure if primary or metastatic), diabetes (mother), and heart disease (both parents).  Any idea what could be causing these symptoms?

[KYCNT]

I have Chronic Idiopathic Uticaria for 18months. Similiar to you. It started sporadically and is now constant. I am currently on Doxepin plus a list of antihistamines. Also using the Cortisone cream at the moment when I need to go out. Driving me insane. I am beside myself and the doctors don't seem to be able to help. I have tried everything

[jul96]

I have been suffering with chronic hives for over a year.  I have noticed lately severe liver pain? What did you find out? What help/advice can you give me? Thanks, Julie

[nbhort]

I have most of the same symptoms you are experiencing.  I've had chronic urticaria for 3 years now, pretty much every day, sometimes worse than others.  Taking Xyzal, Singulair, Doxepin and supplementing with Benadryl when necessary.  I took Prednisone for over a year and have sworn off that stuff.  I have had allergy testing twice and the same results as you, mold, some trees and weeds.  Been to 5 different docs who have all been baffled.  I've even had endoscopy to check for some sort of stomach issue.  My liver enzymes came back mildly elevated last month.  2 docs have suspected lupus, but this is a difficult diagnosis to make.

[jellygirl]

I should have mentioned that they've also done a biopsy and determined that they definitely ARE hives (due to the presence of IgE) and there are also neutrophils present in the hives.  Also, I was on a "food elimination diet" when they did the allergy testing (nothing but plain chicken breasts, rice, and water, morning, noon, and night for 3 weeks-BORING!!!) so anything food-related has been ruled out.  I was also taken off all other medications so side-effects from those are not the cause, either.  I'm just getting so frustrated because, just when we think we're on the right track, we find out we're wrong :(

[CalGal]

You may want to consider being checked for celiac disease - intolerance to gluten (wheat, rye, barley and sometimes oats). Celiac can cause a 'hive-like' condition. It can also cause problems with the gallbladder. The blood tests for celiac are often inaccurate. You may want to consider being tested by via fecal antibody testing. Check into Enterolab.com. Also consider checking for cross-reactivity to casein the major protein in diary. Many celiacs do cross-react.