Iam new, Ihave lupus

 Hi,

Iwas diagnosed with lupus in july 2007. I have auto immune hepitis, fibro. SLE, RA. I take praqinal, predizone, cellcept, vit.d 50,000 units per month. and a few more. I was in 3rd semester nursing when I got really sick. My liver enzymes were 1298. I was in liver failure and was going to have to have a liver transplant if my liver enzymes didnt stabilize. they did thank God, I still have elevated liver enzymes but there slowly going down.

Right now the fibro is acting up. this is a new diagnosis. can anybody tell me what they take for meds for fibro.?

Hi Louisiana.  Welcome to our forum.  I'm sorry your diagnosis placed your nursing degree on hold.  Many of us on the forum are educated women who had lots of ambition (too much?) and developed lupus during stressful times.  I also have fibro, but I know you have to be extremely careful not to use drugs metabolized in the liver.  I take arthritis tylenol, but I know you can't.  The other drug I take is neurontin aka gabapentin.  It's my favorite PRN drug for pain. I know Lyrica is FDA approved for fibro, so that may be a choice too.  I hope your liver enzymes get back to normal quickly.  You're also going through a rough time mentally because your whole life has changed!  Please feel free to vent or cry with us any time and keep us updated. Take care Sweetie.  Love, Butterflake

Hello Louisiana,

 

Welcome to the forum. I'm sorry about your diagnosis. I have lupus and fibro as well.  I take a low dose of Amitriptyline (Elavil) for my fibro.  Helps me to sleep and takes the edge off the pain. Doesn't work for everyone, but many of us take it.  Another new drug that is looking positive is Lyrica.  The gals in the Fibromyalgia forum talk about it a lot.  I'm curious myself and will be discussing it with my rheumy next week.

 

I know exactly what you're dealing with in regards to the high liver enzymes.  I had a medication allergy this past June and the rash attacked my liver.  My enzymes were over 1000 as well.  The liver is an amazing organ!  Within 2 months, the enzymes were back to normal, and actually better than before the allergy happened! Isn't that something!  So have great hope in that your liver will normalize as well.  Even with autoimmune hep, once you're getting the right treatment, your liver should respond well.  I found that drinking LOTS of water really helped in getting those numbers down.

 

How are you toleratiing your medications?  Has the plaquenil kicked in yet?  How much prednisone are you on?  We're here to support you and answer any questions you have okay.  You won't be going through this alone.  The beginning stages of your diagnosis are the hardest.  Please lean on us for any support you need okay!

 

Blessings,

Ginny