Recent Diagnosis. What tests should I ask for?

[sjt58]

I was recently diagnosed with PBC with a positive AMA and elevated liver enzymes. Are there other tests I should request to better understand my condition? Is it important to know what stage you are? My GI doctor seems knowledgable and put me on URSO right away but should I see a specialist? Is there anything else I should know or do at this early stage? I am grateful for this forum.

[ninjagirlwebb]

My GI didn't know much about liver conditions so he recommended my hepatologist to me.

I think you can only stage with a biopsy. I was diagnosed with a biopsy because my blood tests were ambiguous/inconclusive. Chances are if your GI didn't suggest one, you don't need it as it is somewhat invasive.

Here is a list of what my hepatologist has tested for me in addition to the liver panel & other regular bloodwork

1) hep a, b immunity, if the immunity wears off, you have to get the vaccines again

2) vitamin D levels

3) Abdomen sonogram

4) Fibroscan (measures liver elasticity)

5) thyroid tsh

6) bone density scan

7) cholesterol panel

That’s about it. Your doctor should know what tests to order. You probably don't need a fibroscan. I only got them because I requested them for peace of mind.

My doctor never mentioned it to me. He said I don't really need one, but he didn't want me to stress. So he said, sure we can do it. Even went over the results with me right after. Explained how it works and what the results mean, etc very thorough and educational.

Hope this helps.

[Joel31]

I had a fibroscan . Neg result. I started URSO having had acute hepatitis caused by the drug hydoxychloroquine. All bloods now normal despite having AMA. Haven’t seen a hepatologist just general surgeon