Normal LFTs as a sign of progress?

December 20, 2004

Long time no post but always read everyones!

Fred (dx 3/04 with stage 2 PSC, no accompanying UC or bowel disorder

that we know of) saw Dr. Gitlin, his hepatologist, this past Friday.

Dr. Gitlin was thrilled with Fred's liver function tests. They're all

normal. (Takes high dose Actigal.)A month ago Fred had a physical and

one or two LFTs was slightly elevated.

I told Dr. Gitlin I read that normal LFTs in PSC don't necessarily

mean the disease has stopped progressing. He said " Where do you get

your information from? " So I told him " various research studies. " He

didn't offer to lead me to any of his own research studies that

proved otherwise.

He also said that because Fred has no symptoms of bowel disease, he

does not need to have a colonoscopy for that reason alone, and that

even if UC, for example, did show up, it's dormant and he wouldn't

treat it.

Said he treats about 150 PSC patients from all over the state of

Georgia and beyond. Even has one PSC patient who has run the Boston

Marathon the last twenty years.

Also said Fred's PSC may never progress. The fact that he's never had

a cholangitis attack is a good sign. Said if I wanted to get rid of

Fred I'd have to " shoot him. " (Couldn't believe the dr. was reading

my mind. Fred's retired and I work out of the home - we tend

to " clash " from time to time. )

He also recommended Fred see a good internist about his high blood

pressure - which I brought to the dr.'s attention. It's been as high

as 160/98. Told him to quit using salt, and exercise. (He quit, and

he does.)

I'm sure the doctor finds a positive attitude critical, as do I, but

I'm wondering if he is tending to minimize things compared to

everyone else's experience?

For the most part, Fred's only PSC symptom is more fatigue -but

because he's retired, that's not much of a factor. He would however,

have a VERY difficult time working if he had to. The last 18 months

before retirement were AWFUL! (Fred retired at 55.)

And Happy Holidays to everyone - I miss Shauna's presence terribly

and pray a special blessing on her family this Christmas.

Wife of Fred, PSC, 3/04, Orneriness, 1/16/48

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