Autoimmune Hepatitis

[jendgirl]

Hello.  I was diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis approximately 7 years ago.  Shortly after that, I was also told that I had Hepatitis C.  At that time, I was prescribed azathioprine (Imuran), and I took it for nearly two years which helped bring my ALT and AST levels down to normal levels.  Also in that time, my sed rate was high (in the 100's), my titrate was 1:640, positive, and homogenous (it may have been homogenous/speckled, but I don't remember).  Long story short, I lost my insurance and have only been able to see a doctor twice in the past five years.  Fast forward to today, I found out that my AST/ALT levels were within normal limits and my sed rate was 66 (still high, but lower than before), my titrate was 1:160 (still positive and homogenous).  I was surprised to see that results on all tests have lowered even though I have not had any treatment and have not been able to see my hepatologist.  I have noticed that I itch A LOT, and my stools have been a lot more loose in the past couple of years, so I expected my liver enzymes to be high.  My question is:  Do these levels mean my autoimmune hepatitis could be doing well despite my itching/loose stool symptoms?  Or do normal liver enzymes not necessarily mean my liver is doing well?  I guess I just need to know how much I should worry!  Thank you for your time!

[snickers01]

Hi,
my name is Sandy,
I was diagnosed with autoimmune hep. in 2003.{ Autoimmune Hepititus} I had a biopsy and was told that my liver was dying. He said that I was not healthy enough to get a transplant. Not an option, as he put it. He told me to go home and wait to die. I'm still alive and I can't seem to find an answer to my question. Can I pass this on to someone if I have sex? {protected or not protected.}  I have finally found someone I care for.
Thank you

[TheLightSeeker]

Hey jendgirl,
Welcome to the forum.

It's rather confusing, I must admit that the liver function tests (ALT and AST levels) are NOT very indicative of the functioning of the liver!
These tests only indicate the level of inflammation from injuries to the liver.
Even with Hep.C ALT and AST don't go up much necessarily.

The following tests are needed for liver function:
Coagulation panel, Bilirubin, Platelet count, Albumin levels.
You may want to do a search for those.

Meanwhile there are a lot of things that you could be doing, that conventional medicine, even if you were insured, wouldn't approach.

Stone-breaker and  picrorhiza root, are two herbs that are hepato-protective and anti-inflammatory, known and used for their benefits against
liver issues over the centuries.
A proper diet low in simple carbs, animal protein, fried and fatty foods and rich in vegetables and fibre would be advantageous.
Avoid wheat, simple sugars and alcohol consumption.

Please do your own research regarding these suggestions.
Take care.
Niko