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I just went and got blood work done and noticed that under lab tests ordered it includes “PSC specimen”. Does anyone know what this means?  I attached an image.  I had elevated liver enzymes when I had my surgery way back but was never diagnosed with PSC as I can remember.  Is this normal ?

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I think it means they want  you to have a liver biopsy to check for Primary sclerosing cholangitis or PSC. It is where there is inflammation and/or scarring of the bile ducts of the liver.  Unfortunately, it is common with those of us who have had UC or Crohns.  

I have it.  My Doctor watches the liver enzymes by blood work every three months.  I've had two biopsies of the liver to make sure things aren't getting worse.  My liver enzymes were also high at surgery, but have remained normal for the past several years.  

Not to scare you, but it is something to be aware of.  My brother ultimately died from it.  (He got an infection following heart surgery and his liver was so sick from the PSC he couldn't fight it off.)  Make sure you keep up with blood work to watch your enzymes.  Get the biopsy done if ordered. Do what your doctor suggests to help keep your liver healthy.  

Even if it is common for us with inflammatory bowel disease, it doesn't mean we can't do things to keep our livers functioning so we can fight another day.  Don't panic about having a test for it.  Just think of it as a check to keep you in the best shape possible.

Thank you for e reply.  So the attached image is relating to the blood work I had today.  I have not heard anything from my GI about a liver biopsy.  I know they monitored my liver before I had the jpouch surgery 9 years ago.  I have not seen my surgeon or a GI since then and just had a pouchoscopy last week.  The “PSC specimen” was listed on the quest diagnostics bloodwork.  

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