Hi Freelee, I do have a liver problem. Liver problems might be medications or disease related. In my case, it is my autoantibody that gives the liver a problem.

If your GI doctor has ruled out the gallbladder which has similar symptoms to the liver, then it might be liver issues.

The Imuran is a consideration too. If you do have liver issues then the doctor needs to determine if it is the Imuran or the disease is bothering the liver. I take Cellcept at a lower dosage 750mg since I have liver issues. My Cellcept has been wonderful in slowing down my liver problems. I will get nausea on occasion too.

Watch your blood sugars carefully and blood pressures too. Liver issues might cause a higher or lower blood sugar. I drink my favorite Gatoraid drink to help bring up a lower blood sugar. Some people will have a rise in blood sugar, so be watching to try and avoid diabetes. I eat a lot of leafy green veggies to keep my sugars from a rise. Do discuss with the doctor what to do with diet that will be helpful for you.

If your urine turns orange then check kidneys. My urine is a nice burnt orange due to liver and kidney issues. The complete metabolic panel blood test that is run by the rheumy is a good check for both liver and kidney issues. I watch my scores closely.

I hope you find out soon the cause of your symptoms. I will put in some prayers for you. Best Wishes.

So great to hear from you about this.
I have been of Imuran since January but was taking it for a few years.
The doctor said my cholestoral was up. (is that blood sugars)
I tried to discuss diet but got no help. I am living on banana, bread, pumpkin and stewed apple as stomach seems so inflammed and i am a bit scared to eat. No dark urine. I have been told in past I am pre diabetic??
Thank you.

Hi Freelee, Cholesterol is not the same thing as blood sugar scores. I bought a blood sugar test kit at the pharmacy. I prick my finger which brings forth a drop of blood. The drop of blood goes onto a test strip and then after a few seconds the blood sugar score comes up.

A normal fasting blood sugar (fasting means a score without eating) is between 75 to 105. If a fasting blood sugar begins to rise above 105 then it is time to talk to the doctor and monitor.

Diabetes is when a fasting blood sugar is high all the time. A diabetic must take insulin daily to keep blood sugars in normal range. I could go into a detailed discussion here, but it is better that you hear about diabetes from the doctor.

A doctor will show you how to use the blood sugar test kit. You will learn how to set up the kit. The doctor will discuss all the details.

I am not a diabetic. I use the blood sugar test kit to monitor my scores to avoid diabetes. I also will have low blood sugars due to my liver/ kidneys so I must watch the scores periodically.

I hope this helps. Best Wishes.

Hi Freelee. I am sorry you are having this worry. I too take Imuran and certainly had liver issues at the beginning. My Rheumatologist stopped and started it twice to get the dise right and I have had no problems with it in the last two years. There is always something with this disease, for me now it's high creatinine ( kidney) and raised Haemoglobin levels. I hope all goes well with the liver specialist and you get some answers. Best wishes. Autumm

hey, im sorry you have to deal with this :(
i have IBS and last appt they told me they could feel the edge of my liver but its NOT enlarged... O.o and my liver tests are slightly elevated.
The cleveland Clinic told me not to worry and that it is indeed from my DM. Im going to ask many more questions my next appt which is Nov 4th.

autumn, there certainly is ALWAYS something with this disease, a bit over it lately... but we continue on.
angelamichelle, interesting they said raised liver was from myositis. let us know hoe you go at clinic.
trpt1 thanks again for all your info.

Immuran made my liver go crazy. I had to stop after about 3 weeks do to the liver issues.