AUTOIMMUNE HEPATITIS

hello, I was diagnosed with Adult Onset Stills Disease aged 17 which for me manifests as rheumatoid Disease. I was drug free except pain relief (not NSIAD) by the age of 22 and I’m now 60. I have AI related conditions such as Lichen Sclerosis, Interstitial Cystitis and early stage Depuytrens Contracture.

I drank very heavily in my 30s and 40s, slightly less in my 50s and in the last few weeks illness has reduce me to zero. GP is investigating raised amalyse blood results although liver function is normal in the same test. I am unwell, scared and worried that over 20 years of 70 units of alcohol a week has damaged crucial organs but also wonder if the liver /amalyse issue could be autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). Does anyone have experience, help or advice on this topic please.

I should add that I don’t eat meat, love fruit and veg but dairy is my downfall, I eat well and swim when well, am 5’1” and now weigh 8 stone 13 having dropped from 9 stone 11 in three weeks since symptoms. I have lived a very stressful live and in the last two months have lost my dad, my step Dad and my ex husband and have two sad sons and two grieving widows to deal with.

Thank you for reading.

[Readlots]

Goodness, you poor thing! You’ve certainly got a lot on your plate. I can understand you wanting to know what’s causing your illness, and it’s normal to look for answers while you’re waiting for answers but you could go down a wormhole of worry that way. Your doctor is on the case so I think you’ve just got to see what they find.

Grief can cause physical illness, and you’ve got it threefold so it’s no wonder that your body has said ‘enough’. Make sure you give yourself time to grieve while you’re supporting your sons and Mums. It’s a horrible time for all of you so be kind to yourself and have a virtual hug from me x

[Hidden in reply to Readlots]

thank you for your thoughtful reply.

[BritishLiverTrust8 Moderator British Liver Trust]

Dear stillsdisease

We're so sad and sorry to read about you losing your Dad, step-Dad and ex husband.

If you [are in the UK and] would find it useful to talk things over, our nurse-led helpline is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm on 0800 652 7330 (excluding bank holidays)

Take Care

With best wishes from all at the British Liver Trust

[Hidden in reply to BritishLiverTrust8]

thank you getting in touch and for your kind word. I’m still in the test stage but have raised amalyse and Dr takes about liver cancer hence my interest here looking for answers. I hope to get some more results mid next week and hopefully a definitive diagnosis so I know the best subjects to read up on here, thanks again.