I meant to qualify my statement with ‘it is probably the culprit.’
My liver numbers were bumping the top when I was first diagnosed. For that reason, doc said no to MTX and put me on Otezla. I stopped a med that was raising my liver numbers and they have come down some. He still says no to MTX, but it looks like I am going to go to Enbrel next because I am still in a lot of pain and he has had to add prednisone.
Hi zinnia, over exerting yourself is not good.you need to tell the personal trainer to knock it down few levels.You will know your sick though when you can’t get out of bed.This is the reality:up and down.Up ND down .Only you , not your Trainor knows how u feel.Im kind of flabbergasted that we rely on them tool much.You got a chronic condition…they are not in control.Theybcan only guide you by what your really telling them.Also they may never understand s the frustrating problem with psa is clearly you can walk in fine and have them give u am exercise and 10 minutes, 2 minutes 30 second after saying your fine …well your not.So how does one del with that in a facility like that?
My personal trainer takes how I feel into consideration, creativefluff. He has researched my PsA and has done a lot to make sure I am doing what is best for me. It is amazing how much my joint swelling and pain levels are down–due in large part to him. He is part of my PsA “team” that consists of my very supportive husband, my rheumy, my personal trainer, and my physical therapist. There are times when I am inflamed that he mostly just stretches me out and we don’t work out much. When I feel better he really works to strengthen the muscles around the joints that affect me. Of course, my PsA then decides to attack a different area and we adjust. My husband and I have considered moving closer to my parents and the rest of my family since my parents are getting older, but we really don’t want to leave my team of support. The beach and warmer weather is a great reason to stay as well 
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Its virtually impossible to over exercise (unless you are a runner) but its very easy to underdo…If I miss a day myself I’m screwed…
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My ALT was over 70 on Sulfasalazine and nobody batted an eyelid.
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I agree, no matter how badly I may be feeling I make myself do some kind of exercise everyday. Just feel worse if I don’t
I have had blood work twice since November and been completely off methotrexate and my liver numbers haven’t changed at all. Not one single bit. I had an ultrasound of my liver and thank goodness no fatty liver! But we still don’t know what is causing the elevated levels. I go back to the rheumy in a month. I gave him a list of the supplements I am on and he doesn’t think any of them would cause the elevation in liver enzyme levels. He also knows I am going through the change.
As a side note, I have also had routine hand and feet ultrasounds since I posted last and there is still no damage at all. Carpal tunnel inflammation is even lessened.
Really trying to eat clean—I can really feel it when I don’t now—and focus on what I put on my skin as well. I don’t even color my hair anymore. Trying everything I can think of to reduce inflammation. I just turned 50 a couple of days ago and want to enjoy life more. The temporary joy from eating sweets/processed foods/etc is way less important than being able to do what I love in the long run. Of course it makes it hard in social situations. I really feel it the next day when I have a drink or eat things that I am not supposed to eat.
Thinking about trying milk thistle—but would like to know what is causing the elevated numbers in the first place.
My stress level is higher this time of year, but just knowing that I am taking a year off teaching is helping me get through it.
Hi Zinnia,
Must be so frustrating when you are putting so much effort in to still have elevated liver numbers!
But I really do think you and the Rheumy need to sort out what the causes are, or at least you really need to have a serious conversation with him, before taking the milk thistle or anything else complementary that has a demonstrated effect. Cause if it has an effect, then it’s also likely to have the potential for side effects, and I wouldn’t want to add that to an unknown situation.
Jen75,
It is a little frustrating but I am confident it will be resolved. I am encouraged that I have no damage yet—especially because so many wonderful people I’ve met here had damage before they were diagnosed. I am extremely fortunate.
I agree—I don’t need to add anything else into the equation before things are resolved.
I am excited to be starting a new chapter in my life. I just turned 50 and I am increasing/renewing my efforts to fight this disease through diet, exercise, skincare, and stress reduction. I am so fortunate to have support system to help me cope. And I like my rheumy—he will figure this out.
Hi Zinnia,
I hope they figure out your enzyme issue! You got me thinking that I hope mine get better.
I just had a dr. appt. yesterday. I started MTX 7 weeks ago, and this was my first blood test re-check.
I have to say, after having Plaque Psoriasis (mostly scalp) and PsA for 7 years now, I did not wanted to go on the “heavy” meds for a variety of reasons. (One being my brother got lymphoma from biologics, so I’ve stayed away.) So, they finally talked me into MTX. I did have some side effects (terrible stomach cramps that did not go away), but my scalp and face was completely clear - NO PLAQUES for the first time in years. And the PsA pain was half of what it has been only after 7 weeks!
So, got my blood test results yesterday, liver enzymes had TRIPLED in only 7 weeks. Doc said you need to go off immediately, it’s going to kill your liver.
I’m disappointed, but guess I’d rather have a liver. He wanted me to go to a biologic, but with my family history and very high deductible health plan, I simply cannot afford them. So, back to square one.
You got me thinking I should get a blood re-test in a couple of months to make sure my enzymes go back in the normal range too.
Thanks for letting me rant and I wish you the best!
Lainee B.