Autoimmune hepatitis??

[loryrae114]

I have been dealing with elevated liver functions and and enlarged liver for at least 15 years. I have a general ill feeling, fullness in the RUQ. I went and had more labs done. asma the smooth muscle antibody came back 1:80 high positive chronic active autoimmune hepatitis. I have almost all symptoms except jaundice. I had a liver biopsy last friday, and the result for that and pbc were negative. How is this possible. So my GI  Doc discharged me as being fine. I'm getting a 2nd opinion. Why would on say positive and one say negative. I'm so frustrated, the fatique and lack of energy are overwhelming. please help!!! thank you

[loryrae114]

It is an autoimmune disorder in which the body attacks itself. It thinks the liver cells are foreign. It can eventually lead to cirrhosis and possibly liver failure.

[sfwandwow]

what is autimunne hep ?

[loryrae114]

thanks for responding. I too have alot of the symptoms of AIH ALMOST EVERYONE. I 'm going for a second opinion on aug 1 i'll let you know what they say. I am just so frustrated with feeling so horrible and being shuffled around by drs.I've been told oh its just a fatty liver. But when they blood tests show Aih. I was almost thankful I had a diagnosis, though not a good one. Then the biopsy showed fatty liver. I think something should be redone, so I'll start with the blood.good luck with your third opinion. Did you ever have a smooth muscle antibody  blood test done??  

[desrt]

I can see how you might sometimes get the idea this is a Hepatitis C site, or a Vertex Pharmaceuticals site, or one long running advertisement for Procrit - but it's not.

It's a Hepatitis site. That includes A,B,C, D,E,...and AIH. Most of the knowledge and opinions are in reference to HCV but the archives are excellent and as you can see, there is usually someone around to give you additional direction.
Good Luck.

[NClady43]

I truly appreciate the info on the website, I have looked at that and had no luck, I believe the site is having some trouble.  However, I did notice a few people on this site in regards to AIH.  I realize this site is for persons with Hepatitis C, at this point I would talk to even 1 person with similiar symtoms and hoping we could encourage each other. There were 2 persons in particular that I responded to and I was hoping to make contact with them for the most part.

Thank you,

[Bill1954]

Most of us in here are patients dealing with Hepatitis C. While you’re always welcome to visit and participate here, the majority of us probably won’t respond to AIH posts due to lack of knowledge about the subject, not lack of interest. You might receive better response here:
http://www.autoimmunehepatitis.co.uk/AIHforum.htm

This is a site I bookmarked that has been recommended by other AIH patients in here. I know little about Auto Immune Hep, but I hear it’s difficult to accurately diagnose; more of a process of elimination? In any event, take a look at the UK forum, and get back to us if it helps.

Take care,

Bill

[NClady43]

I was diagnosed with having a fatty liver 3 years ago.  Recently was diagnosed with having enlarged liver and AIH, stage 2. I also feel bloated and RUQ is almost double in size to my left. I look pregnant, but I'm not! I had all kinds of labs done and biopsy. Went to the Mayo Clinic and they told me my test showed more fatty liver because I did'nt have the jaundice symtoms. My biopsy did show liver damage... This has been so very frustrating for me. So, here I am going to the Lahey Clinic in MA for a 3rd opinion next month. I am also experiencing some memory delay and confusion at times. Since I've been off the pred, I am in constant pain, it feels like someone took a 2x4 and hit me as hard as they could. I also get leg and joint pain. As you can tell I can't sleep either!!!
Hope we can help each other...