Around this time last year, I didn’t really think anything of it when my GP said that my liver levels were higher than they should be. She started talking about jaundice and that if I felt really unwell with yellowing of the eyes I should go to a&e.
I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in 2008 and have had several operations because of it and so am no stranger to hospitals and tests. I just thought that it was something to so with my IBD and continued on my way.
After several tests and a liver biopsy I was diagnosed with AIH in July 2015 and still didn’t think anything of it.
My hepatologist wanted to put me on steroids and I refused. I had been on them long enough with UC and I really didn’t want to go back there.
September I had a run in with Jaundice and was in hospital for a week. I was swiftly put on steriods and immunosuppressants and have been monitored carefully.
My bloods have slowly been returning to normal and I’ve been able to start tapering with my medication and hopefully soon I’ll be able to get back to work.
I was working full time and I even managed a stint of travelling whilst I had IBD but everything became extremely overwhelming and after my short stay in hospital I haven’t been able to return back to work due to exhaustion and side effects from my medication such as shakes and dizzyness.
Slowly things are improving and I hope to be back at work early in the new year.
I’ve been trying to do as much research as possible about the Liver and trying to help it as much as I can so I have a chance of eventually coming off medication but I know the reality is that I could be on medication for life.