Raised PIIINP?

[vickifairywings]

Morning ladies and gents!

Just thought id pop on here and see if anyone can shed any light on my situation!

Doc has finally decided for me to go on MTX (after 12 years!). I have had my chest xray and had my bloods taken which I heard nothing about. Then I get a letter saying I need to see the GP which turns out was only about rechecking contraception before starting. I also got an appt for a liver ultrasound. I thought this was odd as I didnt think that everyone got this before MTX? I asked the docs about my blood results and she said they were fine except my PIIINP level was raised slightly and it was being sent to manchester. I have not a clue what that is although I think its related to liver disease? I thought that this was only monitored after you started the MTX. And if its raised before hand, will they even let me go on it? So many questions and not enough answers haha! Not had anything from the derm about the ultrasound so no idea why im needing one!

anyone had similar?

v x

[TrishR]

I have to have a PIIINP every three months on mtx.  I was told it would monitor my liver and reduce the chance of me having to have a liver biopsy whilst on mtx. 

If it's high before you even start the meds, they may not want to chance you taking them.  On the other hand they may decide your normal levels are higher than the norm and let you start the mtx and just monitor the levels more closely than they usually would.