Blood test advise

[LemonMeringue15]

Hello everyone

I have posted about my ex a few times since last year and appreciate the support you've given me, especially after his death in June.

This is a question about my own health that I'd appreciate advice on, if that's OK.

I take Methotrexate and have regular bloods done including LFTs. I saw my consultant in February and mentioned that I was aware mtx can badly affect the liver and wanted to ensure I was being fully monitored (yes I know I'm hyper aware of it since losing the ex to liver disease).

Consultant agreed to do PIIINP tests every 4 months. The first one showed 6.1, so ever so slightly out of range. But my LFTs are always within range and fine. So my dermatology team are now saying just have the PIIINP tests annually as any liver issues would always show on the LFT first.

I don't want to be obsessive about it, so am wondering if that sounds reasonable. I don't drink, but my diet has been fairly poor since my ex died, as we've struggled as a family to deal with the loss of my children's dad.

Does anyone have a view on this?

Thanks

[BritishLiverTrust3 Administrator British Liver Trust]

Dear LemonMeringue15,

If you would find it useful to talk things over, our nurse-led helpline is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm on 0800 652 7330 (excluding bank holidays)

Best wishes

British Liver Trust

[Readlots]

Hi, I’m sorry but not surprised to hear that you’re struggling. It’s so hard losing someone snd this time of year is really tough.

Personally I’d be happy with annual checks - the fewer needles the better, but if more regular monitoring is going to give you reassurance then ask for it. If the doctors really don’t think it’s necessary then ask them to explain in more detail so that you are comfortable with that. I have a friend on Methotrexate and I know she is monitored regularly but I don’t know how often so I’m sure there will be NICE protocols.

Wishing you and the kids happiness and good health. You deserve it

[LemonMeringue15 in reply to Readlots]

Thank you. Appreciate your reply. I'm regularly monitored for other bloods anyway so not worried about the needles! I'm going to call the helpline tomorrow

[Fibro2021]

Hello,Unfortunately, this is not always clear. There is information that long-term use of methotrexate can possibly lead to nodular regenerative liver hyperplasia and non-cirrhotic portal hypertension. This condition is very poorly diagnosed in the early stages of the disease and should be suspected with any abnormal biochemical LFT tests especially with a combination of signs of portal hypertension on ultrasound or CT scans. I think it's better to know about the possibility of such a development of events and have a certain alertness.