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How to Search on Connect - It can help you!
Just Want to Talk | Last Active: Oct 11 9:31am | Replies (82)Comment receiving replies
@loribtm
Fast forward to today, I had a visit with a Gastroenterologist who repeated the blood tests and ordered a transjugular biopsy. I am hesitant about jumping into such an invasive procedure without having an MRI or CT and ruling out an autoimmune disorder. I am thinking about it because of some blood tests and the relatively recent development of bizarre manifestations that may indicate an autoimmune disease that appeared a few months after taking the Covid vaccine ( Raynud's Syndrome, Livedo Reticularis, and random blood vessels bursting and pulling blood under my skin's surface creating bruises not caused by injury or impact ). I also have a family history of autoimmune disorders. My paternal grandmother was diagnosed with connective tissue disorder, possibly Lupus, and my son was diagnosed with Psoriasis. I am not sure if all of those symptoms may be connected. I do have an appointment scheduled with a Rheumatologist in a few days.
Please let me know if my thinking process is correct. I am trying to connect the dots, but the doctors are unconcerned about an autoimmune disorder. It is all very confusing.
Lori, please let me know if you have any suggestions on what I should do or what other doctor I should see; I would be grateful.
Thank you so much for your time and input. Below are some attachments of tests and pictures.
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Oh my goodness, @agnieszka, you’ve had quite a history being involved in the Chernobyl incident. That had to be terrifying for you and your family…and everyone else there! I know that’s huge understatement because the world-over was terrified.
I’m trying to condense everything I read through in your notes…and to clarify I am not a medical professional so I cannot offer any treatments or interpret the results of your labs.
Your liver sure took a hit in 2020 caused by Lo Loestrin. The numbers have dropped quite a bit since then but they are still very high so it’s good your doctor is continuing to investigate.
I know you’re concerned about having the transjugular biopsy. It sounds much worse than it is. It’s very safe and you won’t need to have an MRI first because the procedure is guided by an ultrasound. So the radiologist can see exactly where he/she needs to be. I’ve had this done and it’s painless. But the test allows the doctor to get a good sample of your liver to check for any cellular damage.
This may be way off base but since you’re having these weird liver numbers and also elevated autoimmune symptoms, I thought I’d toss these conversations into the mix about autoimmune hepatitis.
If there is any autoimmune condition that may be causing your continued liver issue, the liver biopsy your doctor ordered can also detect that.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/primay-biliary-cholagitis-and-autoimmune-hepattitis/
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https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/autoimmune-hepatitis-1/
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https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/aih-autoimmune-hepititus/
This all has to be very frustrating and frightening for you. I just feel you have a good team of doctors working with you from what I’m seeing. With your family history of autoimmune diseases and your new symptoms it’s good you’re seeing a rheumatologist. So that is a wise next step.
It will be interesting to see what the meeting with the rheumatologist will yield. Hopefully you find some answers. Will you let me know what you learn?