Lupus/ Autoimmune Hepatitis.

Hello @atorset, Welcome to Mayo Connect. I am not familiar with Autoimmune Hepatitis but I found a good overview and other information on the following Mayo Clinic link - http://mayocl.in/2jPazof. Hopefully someone will be able to provide you with more details on getting an appointment with a specialist. There is also an overview of Lupus here - http://mayocl.in/1o2QJkY

John

Thank you John. All information is greatly appreciated

Hello @atorset,

I'm so glad that you've come to the Connect community to get some support for your niece; I see that @johnbishop had given you some good information regarding autoimmune hepatitis. Research shows that it is not the same as lupus, but certain autoimmune disease, like systemic lupus erythematodes can be associated with autoimmune hepatitis. Here is a paper explaining more: http://bit.ly/2jQSoPd

I would also like to introduce you to a few members who have discussed autoimmune hepatitis, and I hope they will return with more insight for you. Please meet @gretagean, @mommynumberone, @mrsdeecee, @avonlady38, @vmbreier, @eroch, @lady1994, @klisa24, @billylin.

@atorset, could you tell us a bit more about your niece's symptoms? How is she coping with it?

Thank you so much for all the information. I know she has told me her symptoms in the beginning and now. She said it started with dark urine and jaundice. I think it was diagnosed as autoimmune hepatitis about 8 years ago. She said that it was then described as lupus 2 years ago. She has joint pain, face rash, elevated liver enzymes, fatigue. She is on immuran and prednisone. She has been handling it pretty good until last year.

Good morning, @atorset. It is my pleasure to add my welcome to Connect. I am happy to see that your niece is currently receiving treatment with the meds. Is a doctor monitoring her progress? And what kind of a doctor or specialist is she seeing. That is where I would start as for whom/ what kind of specialist to see. Another option is to see a connect her to a primary care physician for a referral. Please have her bring copies of her medical record and any test results with her. I would have her get a treatment plan or referral from her current doctor.
I was once sent to a gastroenterologist after my primary care physician noticed unusual elevated liver function results in my routine labs. After what seemed to be many tests, I was finally diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). And also treated with prednisone and Imuran. But, the results were still questionable and my GI consulted with/and sent me to a liver specialist for further investigation. I did not have AIH. The reason I'm sharing this information is to point out that sometimes there might need to be multiple specialists involved.

Right now - Most important - She needs to see her doctor now, before she gets to CA. Sometimes there is a 3 month check-up and labs for this - but PLEASE don't hesitate to call the doctor NOW! Jaundice, dark urine...are not symptoms to take lightly.

You and your niece remain in my thoughts. I sincerely wish for her to receive the best of care.
Keep in touch. Let me know how this all works out for her.
Rosemary

@atorset, I hope that your niece is doing okay. Has she moved yet? Were you able to connect her to a medical provider?
Rosemary