Palmar Erythema

[gg11]

Does having red palms if you have PBC mean you have cirrhosis?

[Candy12]

I’ve had red palms since I was diagnosed 12 years ago, and I don’t have any cirrhosis or any significant fibrosis. So I don’t think it correlates. It’s not something I’ve asked or worried about.

[gg11 in reply to Candy12]

Thank you for your response. I was diagnosed with pbc in March 2021. Had biopsy, stage 2/3. Noticed the red palms in late December. Also having on and off pain in right shoulder, and right side of middle and lower back. Liver enzymes have normalized since starting urso. My hepatologist is sending me for an ultrasound. I'll try not to worry so much.

[Watchingtv2]

I have had red palms for years before diagnoses of PBC. My consultant asked how long my palms had been red. As it was a sign of liver disease. I don’t have scissors and my fibroscan didn’t show any fibrosis. I was diagnosed in December 2020.

[gg11 in reply to Watchingtv2]

Thank you for replying. It eases my mind a bit. I get sucked into the internet abyss sometimes. Will have to wait and see what ultrasound shows and what my hepatologist has to say at my next appt.

[IAmTheGlue]

I’m in early cirrhosis and I do not have red palms.

[gg11 in reply to IAmTheGlue]

Do you have any symptoms?

[IAmTheGlue in reply to gg11]

I have thought about how to answer this for a couple of days. I was diagnosed after having my last child and quite honestly I did not believe that either of us would survive the pregnancy. He has a global development delay that could be related to my poor health during the pregnancy. I was absolutely yellow when I had him. I had a c-section, my uterus was yellow. My amniotic fluid was yellow. I was very, very sick.

So... from that point, already in early cirrhosis, I am much, much better. I used to swell up like I was 6 months pregnant and like I said, absolutely lemon yellow.

Currently, I am okay. I have a beautiful life and I'm beyond grateful for every single day I am given.

I think what you are asking is "do you have symptoms I can look for?" as in to know if your disease is progressing or "what will cirrhosis look like for me in the future if I get to that point?" I don't know.

I don't want to discourage you. As I said, it's a beautiful life. I do have symptoms. I'm tired. All my teeth started breaking off. Literally just crumbling. Ugh. I ended up getting them all pulled and getting dentures. My eyes and mouth are extremely dry so I take Salagen 3 times a day and use daily disposable contacts as a moisture barrier. My hair is thin and brittle. My fingernails are brittle. I bruise easy and if I get cut it sucks to try to stop the bleeding. I have edema. I have bone, joint and muscle pain. BUT.... I manage. I eat healthy food. I drink tons of water. I try to exercise .

It's a beautiful, wonderful life. I never try to focus on what's bad. I focus on the good. I have been doing this for four years and I'm holding my own. I have know people who have had this disease for many, many years and not progressed. Other people who speed through the stages like it's a race.

Stay strong. 🌸

[gg11 in reply to IAmTheGlue]

Thank you for your thoughtful and honest response. It's unfortunate that you're going through this ordeal. You seem to have a positive yet realistic attitude about your pbc. I don't want to let worries about this disease's progression consume my thoughts. Hopefully someday I'll be able to deal with whatever comes my way with the kind of grace and gratitude you have. Best of luck to you!

[21parker in reply to IAmTheGlue]

Thank you for sharing. You are incredibly strong and positive - and your an inspiration . Continue to be strong.