AMA positive?

I am in the process of trying to get a diagnosis. My AMA come back with a number of 5, the lab reference says "normal" is 0-20. My pcp and my endocrinologist both interpreted that as negative. But all the other AI diseases I was tested for (10 in total) the result simply said "negative". I have had intermittent itching for the past 11 months now, and debilitating fatigue/hypersomnia for the past 7. I am being successfully treated for mild OSA and still average 11-13 hrs. sleep per day, as much as 16 hrs. on a bad day. I can't walk for more than 30 minutes before my legs just basically stop working. Any type of physical movement exhausts me. I have pains in my central upper abdomen just below the sternum and occasionally upper right quadrant after eating. My liver enzymes 9 months ago only my ALT was slightly elevated, however both the ALP and the ALT had increased significantly from previous levels. I believe I am in the very early stages of the disease. What are your thoughts or experiences, is any level of AMA considered normal? Or does even a small level of AMA truly indicate possible disease? I'm tired of my doctor's treating me like I am a hypochondriac!

TIA

[Pinkcrush]

Ideally you need a biopsy to confirm if its pbc, my AMA was positive for ages before a new doctor thought to send me to gastrology

Either way try and not stress,as it makes anyone body act differently

Ann

[mrspeffer2]

Good Morning. I hope this day finds you well and safe. I was reading your post and noticed you mentioned an endocrinologist. Are you dealing with thyroid issues? I am AMA negative, diagnosed after LFT's very high for over 4 years. After many rule out tests, I was given a biopsy. I am considered AMA Neg. PBC. It sounds like your team of doctors have been rather thorough in testing. I'm not a doctor, so what I am going to say is personal experience only. My fatigue levels were horrible and I used to have intermittent itching. I finally realized a few things about myself. First, my thyroid meds were not right for me. I needed an addition of T3 to compliment my T4. Then I realized that whenever I was anxious or stressed, I would itch. I used to have that upper right quadrant pain too. It subsided when I changed my diet to mostly plant based foods. I actually had to go on a few cleanses too. I have also suffered from depression in the past which manifested with the heavy fatigue and mobility issues when not treated. I hope you find the answers you are looking for. High LFT's can be a result of many things. Be happy all your test are negative. Be well

[Hidden in reply to mrspeffer2]

I have Hashimoto's by virtue of extremely high (near 2000) thyroid antibodies, but as of yet I have a perfectly functioning thyroid. My numbers haven't fluctuated in years. I think I'm just one of those lucky people who is in-tuned with my inner-workings. I have found a couple good doctors for my team. I'm working on the right GI and hopefully a referral to the liver clinic at the research hospital. I'm just patiently waiting out Covid 19 until they are allowed to see patients again. Tentatively May 19 .... fingers crossed

[Michi1]

Don't let anyone let you think your symptoms are imagined. That happens to lots of women with autoimmune conditions, but you don't want to be either overly freaked out thinking you have something serious or worse, to be wrongly treated if you have something different that could be treated. I'm with Pinkcrush on the stress issue. It's very important to remain calm breathe, and live a healthy lifestyle. That will help you no matter what the problem may be. You don't meet the textbook criteria for diagnosis for PBC, which includes a certain pattern of significantly elevated AST, ALP and ALT + either elevated AMA or a biopsy or fibroscan finding. Perhaps you should find a hepatologist with experience in treating this disease. It may be that you have something else and they would have the awareness to point you in the right direction.

[mrspeffer2]

Where in the states are you?

[Hidden in reply to mrspeffer2]

Central Utah, we do have a liver clinic and another liver transplant center so I'm hopeful that eventually I'll get the care I need.

[mrspeffer2]

I'm next door in Arizona. I was just reading the symptoms of Hashimoto's. I'm sorry to hear you deal with this. I had a total thyroidectomy due to cancer in 2011. So hard to stay level on meds. Take care and write or private chat whenever. We are all in this madness together

[Hidden]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I can absolutely relate! The liver clinic actually has to accept me. They told me what tests to have done, and to have a referral sent to them. They are out of my network so I'll be happy if my insurance decides to pay for anything. I'm not counting on it, but I believe in getting the best care possible, regardless of insurance. Luckily, most of the lab work and testing can be done in network.

[ninjagirlwebb in reply to Hidden]

Yes...definitely go with a hepatologist. I had mildly elevated LFT’s on & off & I was seeing a primary care gastro who was monitoring. He was concerned after a while & told me I needed a liver biopsy. He recommended my current gastro who is also a hepatalogist to help diagnose me.

Now I only see the hepatologist every 3 months. This hepatologist is knowledgeable, readily answers my questions & is always accessible. So I am much calmer these days because of this.