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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
Help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by PCoe, Jun 26, 2006 12:00AM
I am a 34 year old thin, non-drinking female. I have been feeling sick for 9 months. I am fatigued, get headaches, feel unsteady, and suffer from Polyneuropathy (diagnosed by two different Neurologists from an EMG). I have elevated liver enzymes - at first they were mildly elevated - ALT and AST never greater than 80. AT times, the liver enzymes are normal and currently, the AST is at 130 down from 180 last week. All of my other bloodwork is normal. I am currently treating with the chief of Hepatology at Temple, so I've had all of the requisite blood work and it is all normal. I also had a normal liver biopsy, but my enzymes were normal the day of the biopsy. Seven years ago, I suffered from similar symptoms and the elevated enzymes disappeared. I am also treating with an Infectious Disease Doc who has obviously tested me for Hep and all of the other IDs. I am so tired and feel so bad all of the time. I have had a spinal, which was negative; a Pet Scan, which was negative and every other scan you could think of. I am about to have a biopsy tomorrow b/c my enzymes are high so maybe it will show damage. Any thoughts???????? Can liver disease cause polyneuropathy????????? HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Jun 27, 2006 12:00AM
, Jun 27, 2006 12:00AM
It is possible for advanced liver disease to lead to polyneuropathy.
However, with all the tests you have had - including a liver biopsy as well as other imaging studies, this is not a likely possibility.
I agree with the neurology referrals. I would also ensure that basic tests like B-12 deficiency and thyroid function was tested for.
If the neurology approach is not helping, a rheumatology referral can be considered, looking for diseases like myositis or lupus.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
However, with all the tests you have had - including a liver biopsy as well as other imaging studies, this is not a likely possibility.
I agree with the neurology referrals. I would also ensure that basic tests like B-12 deficiency and thyroid function was tested for.
If the neurology approach is not helping, a rheumatology referral can be considered, looking for diseases like myositis or lupus.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
Member Comments (1)
by PCoe, Jun 27, 2006 12:00AM
I've already had an extensive work up with the rheum. with no results. Any other ideas?
