Question
Is there a connection between RA(the disease,not the medication to treat it) and liver disease? I ask because my father has liver disease and may need a transplant. I have considered being a living donor, but I have come across some studies that appear to show a link between rheumatoid arthritis and liver disease. I would also like to point out that my RA is at the beginning stages and has been diagnosed clinically. None of my blood tests have supported the diagnosis. I took Plaquenil for about 1 year, and then slowly stopped the med. when my symptoms improved. I currently am able to manage the disease with ibuprofen or Mobic at times. I have also been diagnosed with Raynaud's Syndrome for which I am able to deal with w/o medication. Thank you for your time.

Answer
Jo-Ann,

RA is an auto-immune disease that can effect not only joints but almost any organ in the body. The liver is no exception to this but it is seldom that the liver is affected and this does not usually occur in the early years of the disease. Your doctor will be able to run tests to see how well your liver is functioning.

I am sorry that you have to make this decision. I know it can not be an easy one. My nieces have had to struggle with this decision. On of the sisters has sever lever disease. The other was looking into becoming a live donor but decided against it because of the risk to the donor.

Rusty
http://arthritis-symptom.com/Rheumatoid-arthritis-symptoms/index.htm