Had my first Appointment with Hepatologist...

[PBCTracy]

Went to Cleveland Clinic on Thursday.Everybody is so welcoming and caring there.Anyways,we talked a lot about PBC and basic questions plus new blood work.Dr.O'Shea is very thorough and we understood a lot more by talking to him then my local Docs.I started Urso in May and was diagnosed also.I had more blood work done in October.My ALT& AST & Aklaline were all slowly declining.He was very encouraging and brought up a possible Liver Biopsy if numbers got to high.I got all my Test Results today.In October they were ALT 83,AST 46 and Alkaline 154.Today ALT 91,AST 48 & Alkaline 166.Is it normal for these to fluctuate like this?I am going back in 6 months for a check up also.My Vitamin D was slightly low at a 27.4.Thanks!

[EileenUSA]

Hi,

From all the posts I have seen on the forum it's not unusual for numbers to fluctuate and yours aren't very much out of range. Good that you connected with a knowledgeable dr. So much of this disease seems unpredictable in a way-- and we can only control what we can control..

I try to "forget" I have it (easier at times than others) I was just dx'd 2 years ago right when I retired. Well, kind of a buzzkill 🙁 But at least I found out I wasn't "imagining" the horrible fatigue I was having. Lots of supportive folks here on the forum. Join the PBC foundation too- they have fantastic resource material on PBC diagnosis and treatment. (Including interpretation of blood labs)

I'm sure others will be responding too-- sometimes it's quiet here on the weekends. Take care.

[Teri1755]

Hi Tracy.. I've just read your story and I hope all is well with you.

I'm writing bc of your post about going to Cleveland clinic. Everyone jets telling me to go to Cleveland clinic bc I am not getting anywhere with my doctors here.

I just had a liver biopsy 3 days ago and I'm waiting for my results. I am worried and only seem to be getting worse.

At my last blood panel my ALT...74, AST....92 AND ALKALITE...810! I also have very high cholesterol and very low vitamin D levels.

Do you feel it benefited you going to Cleveland clinic for more answers?

Hope your doing well and I really hope to hear from you soon.

Take care,

Teri

[PBCTracy in reply to Teri1755]

Yes!Dr.Oshea is super great!He spent a hour with us.He explained a lot about my numbers,PBC & any questions he did answer.He is very thorough.His staff are very warm & caring.I go back in June for 6 month check up.I feel more comfortable going there than my local GI Doctor.

[Teri1755 in reply to PBCTracy]

Thank you Tracy... I am going to get a referral from my PCP as soon as possible to go to Cleveland clinic. For a second opinion to ease my mind.

I went there as a kid for my blooddisorder and I remember them being very informative in making a prognosis.

Thank you Tracy for the information and best of luck to you and your health. Please keep me posted if that's ok.. its nice to know I'm nor along in this fight.