On April 23, 2021, I was diagnosed with rare autoimmune liver disease: Autoimmune Hepatitis. Essentially my own immune system sees my liver cells as an enemy and is attacking the liver. This is not something I caught from someone else, nor can I spread it to anybody else. It is not from alcohol or my food intake. It is an autoimmune liver disease.
I was admitted to the hospital on 4/20/21 with several symptoms, and highly elevated liver enzymes and bilirubin. My IgG and liver biopsy and additional diagnostic work-ups confirmed the diagnosis.
My kidneys acted up while in the hospital. I now have steroid-induced diabetes (which is hopefully only temporary).
I am now at home after 7 days in the hospital.
I am taking high-dose steroids, still am jaundiced, my kidney function is getting better, my liver enzymes have gone up a bit since being home, but I am surrounded by my daughter and my dogs which is so helpful.
I have Type 1 Autoimmune Hepatitis with scarring of the liver at 2-3. The goal is to decrease my inflammation and stop, and if possible, reverse any scarring to avoid further damage to the liver. The goal is to decrease steroids after 2-8 weeks and as I decrease the steroids, begin an immunosuppressant.
This type of autoimmune disease is often associated with other autoimmune diseases, and thankfully I do not have any others at this time.
I would like to have this resource for a place to provide updates.
Please keep Amanda in your thoughts and well-wishes as this is hard on her. She is doing a great job trying to make me as comfortable as possible.
This is my go-to resource/information guide for this disease:
https://www.aihep.org/whatisaih. Thank you all for your love and support!!