Re: Liver Biopsy w/Autoimmune Hepatitis/How often should it be done?

Posted By Patrice on June 14, 1999 at 22:44:09
Hi Doctor,
I am 33yrs old I have 3young children.  I was diagnosed with automimmune hepatitis with "early cirrhosis" in October,1991.  I have since been on prednisone.  But I havent had a liver biopsy since.  I deal with a lot of side effects, such as bruising, extreme nausea, diarrhea, mild itching, severe fatigue etc.  I was just diagnosed with osteoporosis of the spine and right hip.
But its going on eight years now and every story that Ive read about has had a repeated biopsy within a couple of years.  I cannot figure out why my doctor has not requested another biopsy to be performed to see what stage the cirrhosis is in now.  I really want to know.  I feel so blind about my disease.  I have been diagnosed with gallstones, and bacteria in my stomach or g.i. tract which I had to take a load of antibiotics twice a day.  I think that if I wasnt suffering from so many side effects it wouldnt make too much difference to me to have another biopsy, but because I am, and a lot of doctors have never heard of autoimmune hepatitis. Lately Ive been very lightheaded also.  Please send any info.  Thanks a bunch.

[Lisa__0__0]

Posted By Lisa on June 21, 1999 at 16:46:34
Hi Patrice,
I am also a 30 year old mother of three littles ones and am currently being considered as having autoimmune hepatitis.  A few months back after having my gallbladder removed for stones, I had some follow-up bloodwork done to check the levels of my liver enzymes.  All of the enzyme readings came back mildly, but significantly high, so I was sent for Hep A,B,C screens as well as a battery of other tests.  Everything came back normal except for a weak positive ASMA.  My specialist said that I might now be a candidate for autoimmune hepatitis, so I just had a liver biopsy done last week.  I am still waiting for the results.  I was just wondering though, when you were diagnosed many years ago, did you have any symptoms at that time?  Currently I have no sysmptons that fit the description of autoimmune hepatitis.
In regards to your question about having another biopsy, I would think that it is time to have another one done.  My biopsy procedure went really well with minimal pain and I was back on my feet the next day.  The only rotten thing about it is that I can't lift my kids for the next 2-4 weeks which is pretty hard since one of them is only 9 months old.
Take care,
Lisa











Follow Ups:


Liver Biopsy w/Autoimmune Hepatitis/How often should it be done? Patrice 6/23/1999
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Re: Liver Biopsy w/Autoimmune Hepatitis/How often should it be done? Nellie 6/29/1999
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