Just wondering how long after starting steriods did your ALT begin to drop?

[KarenRL]

I've been taking prednisone, cellcept and urso (I have AIH/PBC Overlap) for two months and my ALT is rising. Is this typical or is the treatment not working?

[AnAn]

Hi KarenRL,

It took a couple of months for my ALT and ALP to start to drop. Im on Prednisolone and also now Azathioprine. For last 4 weeks i think it is i have had almost normal results. My specialist advised me at the start that it takes a different amount of time for everyone as we all respond differently, perhaps ive been lucky as i was on the pred only a few months before for my AIHA!

I'd say if you are concerned speak to your specialist!

Best of luck.

Ax

[KarenRL]

Thanks Ax. I thought it was supposed to happen quicker -- as that is what my doctor had indicated. Based upon what you say above, it sounds like I could still start to see favorable results soon - so, thanks for sharing that.

At my visit last week, he said that if I didn't start to respond soon, he would probably take me off of the steroids. That had me concerned, of course, because I think that's the only treatment, other than the other drugs I am currently taking.

Anyway, I'm hopeful that my labs will look better in a couple of weeks!

Thanks again,

Karen

[AnAn]

Hey Karen,

When I first started taking the Prednisolone my specialist said there were other avenues if the side effects got to bad. I think it is the first and most common path that is followed and one that work often but he has said there are other drugs so hopefully thats the case and is it doesnt work for you they can try something else also they often have to look at other drug interactions that can slow things down or change things.

I really hope you start to see some changes soon, remember to look after yourself as well as possible as i have found the better i looked after me (even if its frustrating when i means resting or something i dont like) the easier it is for my body to respond and stress always makes things worse.

My fingers are crossed for you.

A

[KarenRL]

Thank you for the response AnAn. I have a 16 month old and am finding that I can't rest as I should. I take care of her 24/7, run my own business (working when she is napping and/or at night), take care of the household (cleaning, meal planning, grocery shopping, bill paying, most cooking, all laundry, etc) I do worry that the lack of proper rest and the high amount of stress in my life is worsening my condition. But, I'm really not sure what to do about it.

My boyfriend is not as supportive as I wish he was. He says things like "I need to help out more around here.", etc. - but then, he seldom does. Which only frustrates me more, as he is acknowledging what he should be doing, but apparently, choosing not to do so. He sleeps in, finds time to nap during the day or go off and do something he enjoys.....which just ticks me off. Of course, it wouldn't IF he was doing his fair share around here. But, if anyone should be napping or sleeping in -- it seems it should be me.

And, of course, having just been diagnosed fairly recently (after feeling bad for over a year) - I'm still dealing with the mental stress of coming to terms with the diagnosis and worrying about whether or not I will respond to treatment and the depression brought about by the drugs and worrying about the future.

Not the ideal scenario for healing, huh?

Again, thank you for your response. Sorry for my rant. I've got a lot of pent up frustration apparently.

It's nice to hear that I may have other options if these steroids don't do the trick.

Karen

[olliesmum]

HI Karen, I have just joined, hence the late reply but just wanted to let you know that I completely sympathise with your situation at home - I could have written this message about my life too, only difference is that I work 4 days a week out of the house. I hope you are getting more support now and that you are feeling better too

Becky

[KarenRL]

Hi Becky! Sorry for my delay in responding, but I just saw this. I'm sorry that you aren't getting more support as well. It can be very upsetting....makes you feel even more alone at times. I hope things get better for you also! Take care and keep in touch!

Karen