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@geedle12, My elevated liver functions alerted my PCP to refer me to a Gastroenterologist (GI) to establish a cause. After checking/ruling out - medicines (RX and, over the counter ), alcohol or illegal substances, hepatitis, HIV,..... My GI thought that AIH was a possibility due to some autoimmune family history. So he started to treat me with prednisone. I don't remember how long, but when there was no improvement in my liver function labs, he contacted a liver specialist and the next step, based on the pattern of my lab numbers, was that I should be tested for rare disease called Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) which might have autoimmune properties. The diagnosis was made with ERCP, dye, and images. After this diagnosis, my labs were stabilized to every 3 months.
Do you have any other autoimmune conditions?
Your doctor is doing monthly blood tests and this will allow him to see right away whether you are out of remission. Has he provided any health information such as healthy eating, physical activity, avoidance/limiting alcohol, avoiding over the counter medications...?
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Hello, Yes I have had every test under the sun, including liver biopsy. I also have Hashimoto's under active thyroid. My gastroenterologist couldn't figure out why my AST and ALT levels were high. I endured tests for 3 years. After testing for 3 years my gastroenterologist referred me to a doctor who specializes in autoimmune hepatitis at University of Colorado Hepatology Department. She started me on Budesonide which has brought my AST and ALT levels down to normal. I get blood test 1x a month, eat healthy, exercise, no alcohol. The only OTC drugs I take are calcium. I have never had overt symptoms i.e. feeling ill at all.