What bloods to request?

[Lauralee851]

Hello all,

I have had AMA M2 positive in a titre of 160 since 2015 and was the same in May. I’m exhausted and have had ‘flu’ for about a month now. I also have arthritis which has always been queried rheumatoid but never diagnosed. I tested positive and negative for ANA at different points in the past. I am fed up now as I feel so poorly. my GP is taking my bloods this week in preparation for seeing my liver dr on Dec 5th and I want to make sure I ask for the right things. I’m very fatigued and I am getting one illness after another without breaks.

They will do full blood count, renal, AMA, ANA... what else do I need to make sure they are doing? Vitamin d, IG’s, iron stores I will ask them to check as they’ve been off in the past. Anything else?

Thanks,

Laura

[Hidden]

Hi

How are you feeling today?

Ifts, GGT, I'm not sure of anything else unless you just ask for a complete full blood count. Hope your appointment goes well. . Love and hugs Lynne xxxx

[Lauralee851 in reply to Hidden]

Feeling rotten, I just feel fluey and achey every day. Drs given me low dose diazepam so at least I’m getting better sleep, Thank you for asking!

They will do LFT’s and GGT in renal. Usually my GGT’s are off. I will also get a full blood count. Thank you for that.

Hope you are well and have a good day xxx

[Lauralee851]

Sorry I forgot to say-I’m not diagnosed with PBC at this point. I don’t really know why.

[butterflyEi]

youtube.com/watch?v=UO83trY...(Not working as expected?)

If you take a look at this video (link above) it will give you an idea of how a consultation may progress. It is a bit of an older recording but still valid. Professor Jones is a well known well respected source of all things PBC.

There are quite a few presentations on You Tube relative to PBC and the following link is a good example. youtube.com/watch?v=v1Ml1dj...(Not working as expected?)

The PBC Foundation has a lay guide to the EASL Guidelines on PBC and there is a good deal of other information to be found on their web site and also on their PBC App.

I am sorry that you are struggling and hope that the GP and the specialist can get you back on the road to recovery.

[Lauralee851]

Thank you very much but I’ve been in the process with my specialist for 4 years now :/

[Candy12]

If you’ve been having tests for four years, and no formal diagnosis of anything , if it were me I’d be asking for a second opinion to find out what is wrong, especially as you feel so unwell .

I would also suggest , although you've not had a diagnosis of PBC, I would contact the PBC foundation their contact details are on this page under the tab (about). They will be able to help you get the best from your appointment. I hope everything goes well.

[Lauralee851 in reply to Candy12]

ThNk you for your reply. I do really like my specialist and he does seem

Very knowledgeable but I think he’s taking a watch and wait approach. I think it’s because most of my LFT’s are usually good.

I’ve been having problems with my eyes now and so I went to ‘minor ailments’ appointment at the optician and she said it’s all due to dry eye.

I am going to call today and see if they can speed up my appointment.

Thanks

[Skypony]

Hi, so sorry to hear about your troubles.

In addition to GGT, a raised IgM is part of the typical profile for PBC, so ask for Immunoglobulins to be included in your test. Is your ALP in normal range? It’d be unusual for a PBC diagnosis to be made if it is, but you should still be monitored regularly.

Best wishes

[Lauralee851 in reply to Skypony]

Hi there,

Yes IGM ad GGT are on my list of things that are usually off so I will get those checked. I’m having bloods done today. Yes my ALP is always fine and I think that is a reason for the continued watch and wait from my specialist. Thank you for your reply! Laura x

[Lauralee851]

Had them all done today and waiting for the results, then I see the specialist again on the 5th xx

[Skypony]

Do let us know how you get on x