Well- it's "D-day" for my blood tests. In the last four months, I have had to have blood tests every month and my liver enzymes have been up-down-up-up. If they are up again today, I will be referred to a heptologist. The most likely scenario is that they will take me off of all of my meds for a few months to see if my liver rebounds and possibly perform a liver biopsy to see if there is any permanent damage.
I am not showing any of the typical signs of liver damage. No pain (there) and no jaundice. Because of this I am not afraid of permanent damage. What I am afraid of is both giving up my methotrexate and the timing of this. MTX has been my minor miracle in terms of my treatment. And really, who wants to invite more pain and stiffness- especially in the winter when "normal" people feel it too. For "us"- the bitter cold can be just plain horrible.
On the bright side I start my final vacation of the year today. I am going in to work until about 10, off to my lab appointment and then home to pack and nap. I have a Christmas party at 6. I am going for an hour or two then home to grab my bags and my puppy and head to my folks. My honey has to work tomorrow, and most of next week so he will be joining us at some point on Christmas eve. I am very much looking forward to spending the next week with my parents.
In case I don't get the chance to blog while I am away- I hope that you all have a wonderful, safe, pain free holiday with your loved ones!
3 comments:
Please make sure to look at all your other medications and supplements and GERD meds. Adjustment in mtx downward for a while with a switch in other meds that might affect mtx absorption might be the culprit. Mine were up for a while some years ago but went back down. Could be nsaid or statin switch helped. I did not have to stop mtx for my liver elevations though it took several months for them to get back down. No liver biopsy either.
I hope your blood test comes out with good results, Jules, and that you don't have to stop MTX, since it's working for you. Fingers are crossed ...
Have a wonderful, restful vacation and a very merry Christmas! Stay warm and comfy!
-Wren
Thanks so much for the info Anonymous! It's nice to know that there is another option out there. It's just plain scary. I don't mind being taken off everything else- I just don't want to give up the MTX.
Wren-
Thank you so much. I hope you have a lovely, lovely holiday. Hugs my friend!
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