Liver Biopsy Soon

[JillthePill77]

I am having a liver biopsy next week and I'm really worried about  what they'll find.  My ANA was 1:1280 with a centromere pattern.  I don't have any CREST symptoms, but I do have many of the symptoms for Autoimmune Hepatitus, which is what the doctor suspects.  Anyway, I am Bipolar and I have read that Cortisone can cause major problems for people who are prone to Psychotic Episodes.  My Psychiatrist doesn't seem to know much about liver diseases and my GI doesn't know much about Mental Health.  How do I help maintain a balance between the two health issues?  

[JillthePill77]

kaybe   I have a really good Psychatrist and a Psycholigist who are very informed and fairly informed on most things, but this is going to take major coordination with my GI and I don't know very well.  I'm not sure I need a Neurologist because my disorder is more of a blood chemistry issue than anything else.

chacha   No, I've never taken Nexium, but I'm going to read your posts about it.

[chacha717]

Are u on nexium

[kaybe237]

Hi.  I just had a liver biopsy last week and was diagnosed with Autoimmune Hepatitis.  I don't know how that would affect Bipolar, but I would recommend getting a good neurologist and working with them to figure this out. Also, if your GI Dr. knows you have bipolar and are on specific meds for it, he will have to figure out a medication regimen that will go along with that. I have been seeing a neurologist because of migraines, and after he found out I had AIH, he decided he would do and MRI because it can affect the blood vessels of the brain.  After you find a neurologist, insist that your GI doctor work along with the Neurologist to come up with the best plan for you.  Most physicians want what is best for you and want you to return to health in a way that is not going to compromise other areas of your life.  

I was really worried about my biopsy as well. I have never had a chronic illness in my life. I am still in shock and just started the treatment (only 3 days into taking prednisone). I am dreading the side effects, but I dread even more the horrible symptoms I was having.  I wish you luck. Be your own advocate. You know yourself best.