Small update after liver biopsy and blood work

[alx24]

Just wanted to make a follow up post. I mentioned in my first post my hesitation to get a liver biopsy. I went through with it and along with my blood work the results still seem inconclusive. My doctor said biopsy showed some fatty liver, no fibrosis but some bile injury. I plan to make a new appointment just to make sure I understand everything correctly. He also said my blood work showed elevated liver enzyme. He mentioned possibility of having something called PBC. I honestly haven't looked into that because I don't want to stress myself out over something that may not be a definitive diagnosis. He wants me to take Ursodiol 3 times a day and return for blood work in a month.

I have digestive issues. Almost certain it's IBS. I hate taking medication for fear of possible side effects because it seems almost all drugs have digestive related side effects. So because of the uncertainty of a diagnosis and apprehension towards taking medication I am lost and unsure what to do.

[Hidden]

Hi alx24,

I have pbc/aih overlap and take urso. Take the meds the doctor has prescribed, if it is pbc then it is the go to medicine and if it isnt then it wont cause you any harm.

I know its scary,the pbc foundation is great source of information and they have a page on here.

Hope you feel better soon.

Take care

Angela x

[alx24 in reply to Hidden]

Sorry for the late reply. I have picked up the medication from my pharmacy and will start to take it. Because the doctor said it could be early indication of PBC is it possible I may not have it? would it be ok to seek a second opinion?

Thank you for the reply as well.

[Hidden in reply to alx24]

Hi ,better to talk more to your doctor. What tests have they done?

[alx24 in reply to Hidden]

Other than liver biopsy I had blood tests done and had a fibroscan as well

[Hidden in reply to alx24]

Think if biopsy and bloods show PBC then i think that you have to accept that you have it. It won't go away but may be controlled some with meds, good thing is by sounds of it they have caught it early.

Wishing you all the best

Angela x

[Huggy7614]

Hi, I have had PBC, past tense as I’ve now had a liver transplant, and the jury is out as to whether it can return.

Re Urso, as Angela said, do take it. It is the main course of treatment for pbc. It can’t be cured, but it can be prolonged, and many people die with pbc rather than of it!! Urso will help to slow its progression, as long as you are responsive to Urso. If you aren’t, then another drug can come into play.

I had absolutely no side affects from taking Urso, originally I was taking it 3 times a day but after a year I was able to take it in one hit. I was on 1250 mg, the dose is based on your weight.

Good luck.

Andy

[alx24 in reply to Huggy7614]

picked up the medication and will be taking it. hoping for the best

[Hidden]

Hi alx24

We do have information on primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) if needed;

britishlivertrust.org.uk/li...

If you are in the UK and wanted to have a general chat, the helpline is open Monday to Friday 10am to 14.45 on 0800 652 7330

You are not alone and we hope you find our forum a supportive place to visit.

Warm wishes

Trust1

[Maximillano]

I hope you will be very healthy. I use ursodiol for my Gallbladder stone about 7 months. No side affects. Also good for stomach and Digestion