primary billiary cirrhosis and blood tests

Hi

Wondered if anyone could answer this question for me.

I’ve been diagnosed with primary billary cirrhosis. Is that different to any other type of cirrhosis or is that the same ? I’m wondering if this is why they have prescribed me URSO acid.

thank you

[AyrshireK]

PBC is no longer usually called Primary Biliary Cirrhosis and has been renamed Primary Biliary Cholangitis reflecting it being principally an illness affecting the bile ducts. (This is why URSO is prescribed).Having PBC doesn't necessarily mean you have cirrhosis at all so you may wish to clarify your diagnosis with doctors. i.e. has your PBC also caused you to have cirrhosis or has it not.

The BLT has a good page about Primary Biliary Cholangitis at:- britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

You may also find good help at the PBC Foundation who have both a website and also their own forum here on Healthunlocked.

pbcfoundation.org.uk/newly-...

healthunlocked.com/pbc-foun...

Katie

[Hidden in reply to AyrshireK]

thank you so very much

[Readlots]

Hi Annie, yes the Urso is to treat PBC, but as Katie has said, a PBC diagnosis does not necessarily mean that you’ve got cirrhosis. Write yourself a list of questions to ask your consultant at your next clinic appointment. Being newly diagnosed you’ll have lots. Lots of support on here too

[hells456]

When you have PBC your immune system attacks the lining of your bile ducts. When this lining is weakened the bile can leak out and into the tissue of your liver, causing more damage. Over a long time, usually many years without treatment this damage can lead to scarring. Only when this scarring is bad is it cirrhosis. The Urso dilutes your bile so it passes through your ducts easier.

Most people with PBC never progress to cirrhosis if it's caught early. Mine had already progressed to cirrhosis when I was diagnosed by accident, but taking the Urso has stopped it advancing at all in the last 4 years.

[Hidden in reply to hells456]

It has gone to cirrhosis unfortunately. Hopefully the meds will work for me fingers crossed. Thank you for your reply