Hi Star,
Thanks so much for posting, I am really excited to find others who have been diagnosed with this disease. My dr said it is pretty rare, and I was beginning to feel like I was the only one. The meds are really kicking my but right now, I am always nauseated, dizzy and just feel horrible. My dr keeps prescribing more meds to couteract the side effects of the AIH meds (currently taking 10mg prednisone and 50mg Imuran). I have had a hard time with work because I am a trainer for a large corporation, and just can't stand up in front of a class all day. How did you handle the medication/reations to it?
Rebecca
I was just generally not feeling well, always tired, exhausted in fact. Then I had other illnesses, gallstones, kidney stones, etc. I think they just did the liver function tests as a shot in the dark. I don't think these things are related, but it certainly made me go to the dr more often. They say there are no symptoms per say, but I think fatigue would be a good one. The only problems I have now is dealing with the meds they have me on to treat it, and not being able to enjoy my rum and coke coctails!
I would recommend you go ahead and find out, better to catch it early. My liver enzymes first showed elevated in Jan 2007, they didn't officially diagnosis me until 2/14/2008 (happy valentines day) and I am already at stage 3 out of 4.
The liver biopsy didn't hurt a bit, I didn't even know it happened.
Good Luck, I may be new at this, but I may be able to share my recent experiences
I've had slightly elevated liver enzymes for 15 years and positive ANA. One doctor 15 years ago thought I had it, and then it got better. Lately I have terrible muscle pain, and I'm afraid to go to liver specialist and/or get an biopsy. I'm going to have to get to the bottom of this, but the good news is, I'm STILL HERE :)
We're not alone (at least!)
How did you both find out you had it?
Hi, my name is Star. I was diagnosed almost a yr ago. If u have any questios let me know.