What is Lupus
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus) is a chronic, potentially debilitating or fatal autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the body's cells and tissue, resul...
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Hepatologist Appt
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Hello Everyone,
Just a quick note to see if anyone has seen a hepatologist before? My liver enzymes continue to climb so my rheumy and gp have set me up to see one. The immuran is working so well for me that they don't want to take me off and are hoping the hepatologist can tell us if my liver issues are due to my lupus or the med. My appt is Friday in San Antonio, which is a 3 hr drive for me. Friday happens to be the same day may sister is flying into SA from NY to spend a week with me (I'm so excited, I don't get to see her often). My daughter and I are going to head to SA tomorrow night because I'm worried getting up early enough to make my appt friday morning and then hanging out with my family the rest of the day will wipe me out. I haven't been nervous about the upcoming appt, but now that I'm packing to head down there and it's around the corner I am nervous. No one has told me, but I'm sure to differentiate what is affecting the liver is going to require a liver biopsy and this scares the crud out of me. Have any of you had a liver biopsy? I know many have had kidney biopsies, I'm sure it's simular wouldn't you? A couple of things have been bothering me that the doctors are associating with liver issues as well, so that has me worried. One being the severe itching I was experiening for so long and thank goodness only periodically now and secondly I have an extremely sharp and burning pain in my mid to upper right side. This pain is so bad sometimes it literally leaves me in the fetal position and at times gasping for air because it hurts so bad it almost takes my breathe away. I have had this pain for years and years, I have had many exploratory surgeries to try and locate the pain and still it remains. Had a section of my colon removed, galbladder and appendix removed and none of it has helped. Anyhow, if any of you have any input, any advice or what not, I would appreciate any info. Also, if you would also keep me in your prayers, I am hesitant to ask for this, because I truly believe it should be set aside for those that are truly struggling and never want to put myself in that position I guess, but really feel I need the extra support and guidance from our lord. I will not be back in town until Sunday, but will try to get online and update you all on my appt and what he has planned for me. Last thing I want to add is even with this pain, I am feeling better than I have in years, seriously, so I am also praying this doc does not suggest any of my meds need to be changed. If that happens my rheumy told me I would move to cellcept and essentially I'd be starting all over, so I'm bumbed. Hugs, Mel Posted on 11/04/09, 10:11 pm |
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I have never been to one of those before, but I too am on Imuran for my MG, 150 mg/day. I've only been on it for 6 weeks, so not feeling better as of yet and the 60 mg of prednisone just makes me feel sicker. This was confirmed by my neuro yesterday at the #1 MG clinic in the nation. We get to start tapering the prednisone now, but it is going to take awhile to get them completely out of my system. I do know that we have to be very careful with our livers and keep up with our bloodwork. I chose the Imuran over cellcept and hope that you are able to stay on the med that seems to work well for you. The cellcept seems like it comes with a lot more side effects and an increased risk of developing cancer, with a rare blood cancer, I don't need that. I hope that your biopsy goes well. That you are in and out with minimal pain. And I will send up a prayer for you, never feel bad asking for them. It is the easiest thing that we can do for each other and it has so much power, regardless of your belief system or how you pray. Love, Peace and Courage, Kim 
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Hi Mel. I have had no experience with this but will pray. Yes never be afraid to ask for prayer. So glad you are having a visit wityh sister. hugs marilyn
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