Liver enzymes: At the start my liver enzymes (which is NOT a liver function test) were elevated some 7-8 times that of normal, depending on which end of normal you do the math from. Considered by the doctors I saw these were considered "significantly elevated." Some people have way more elevation than that, but apparently research says that the actual numbers don't always indicate prognosis or how significant the disease is at the time of diagnosis. But today, thankfully, I'm told that the one enzyme that is still elevated is only elevated by a little now and "Much better than where it was before." YAY!! That's good news!
While I have to wait to get the labs actually in my hand to SEE them, I was also told that some tests came back showing mild muscle inflammation. Not sure which test that was, but it doesn't really surprise me. I have labs rechecked next Monday also in order to make sure the Azathioprine is helping, and not hurting things.
Good news, right!? :D And hey, as long as those numbers go down and into the normal range, I can deal with some side effects from Azathioprine. I mean, as we go along this journey the prednisone will be tapered... and THAT is DEFINITELY a good thing! Not treating AIH means possible progression to cirrhosis. Only thing statistics say about this that I don't like much is that 80% of people who go OFF medication to control AIH have a flare up within 1-2 years, and it often comes with the nasty addition of fibrosis or cirrhosis. Yeah, I'm okay with medication inconveniences over death, thank you. ;)
So what's the deal with muscle inflammation? I've no idea. Guess that may be addressed next... we'll see.
How's that for some good news? :D
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