Does stress affect pbc?

[Jackie07123]

My question is because my husband is currently in intensive care after serious urine infection causing kidney injury and pneumonia and wonder if the stress will affect me. I have has pbc for 4 years. Liver tests normal. Only symptom tiredness

[sistergoldenhair]

Hi babe, I have had PBC 18 years and it is in stage 4. Stress does affect alot in our lives depending how we deal with it. I was terrible when it came to my children or family, I have learned that getting all 'stressed out and upset' doesn't change anything and only hurts you, so I try to deal with things in a calmer way and I say alot of prayers. I noticed the change in my mom years ago, and she would really stress out and then I finally asked her and she told me, and it really is so much nicer and just a feeling I can't really express, I just feel it. Thoughts and prayers, cyndy

[sap7649 in reply to sistergoldenhair]

I have had Pbc for 13 years and yes I agree stress Plays a Hugh part. The first dr I saw in 2000 told that stress triggers a lot. I recently was told that my Pbc has gone into early cirrhosis I'm only 52 so I tell be grateful for each day that I can have. I'm free of any symptoms and folks tell me I look fine so looks can be deceiving. With this illness u have to take the approach that each time something comes up I meditate and do breathing exercises. It is so easy to stress because the people around friends, love ones don't quite understand what we r experiencing.

Pray. And yes stay calm the best u can!

Peace

S

[Mimigal in reply to sap7649]

Are you taking any meds? I have had PBC for 2 years. Liver biopsy , I have no symptoms yet. My husband wants me to start taking urso, but I want to wait until I have symptoms. what are your thoughts and what symptoms do you have? I'm 65, and healthy, active.

[sistergoldenhair in reply to Mimigal]

Hi Mimigal, I guess I am confused on what led to the liver biopsy if you had no symptoms. I am 54 and was diagnosed 18yrs ago and probably had it for a few years before. But uncontrolable itching was what led me to the doctor and they did several tests. The liver biopsy was to confirm the PBC. I even had other symptoms before the itching I just attributed to something else. Tiredness and fatigue was one of the biggest but I was a single mom of six working two jobs so naturally I figured it was that. I have always been active even outside of working and always very healthy except for PBC. I still try to stay active it just hurts alot to do so but you just can't lay in a heap

[Mimigal in reply to sistergoldenhair]

Hi Sistergoldenhair, I went for a complete check up. My insurance pays for an annual check up. I had not gone for 3 years. The CBC showed a liver infection, my numbers were very high. I was refered to a specialist and ultra sound, and liver biopsy. The liver biopsy showed PBC. The specialist wanted to start my on urso, I told him I wanted until I had symptons. So, itching is one of the first symptoms?

[Ballymahon2 in reply to Mimigal]

I would take the advice of your specialist

[Ballymahon2 in reply to Mimigal]

I have no symptoms tests inconclusive for pbc

However my liver doctor has started me on urso to see if lfts come down

[Mimigal in reply to sap7649]

Sap7649' hi I am 65 and was diagnosed just 2 yrs ago. I have no symptoms yet. are you taking any meds I have not started on urso yet. I don't know if I should wait or start taking it. I take nothing not even aspirin.

[AngelaGM]

Hi Jackie,

When I become stressed over anything it really affects me. I find that I get extra tired, my whole body seems to shut down. I know it's hard not to worry and get stressed about something - as i've lost two special people over the last 12 and a half months and I felt like i'd been hit by a truck. Please try not to stress yourself and i'm sure you Husband will be fine. God bless you both x

[mulberry in reply to AngelaGM]

Hi Jackie, Stress is not good for PBC sufferers and can make one more fatigued which is debilitating. Try to find some me time (not easy) as I find that helps.

I hope your husband's health will improve. I have had PBC for over 20 years and I am aged 65.

[Hidden]

As others before me have said, stress isn't good for anyone, not just people with PBC. Stress will for most people exacerbate symptoms they already experience.When I feel overwhelmed by the chaos around me, I remind myself that what is happening on the outside does not have to affect my inner calm or peace. I sit quietly and breathe, listen to soothing music or soundscapes, or follow a guided meditation. When you feel stressed take a moment to inhale slowly and deeply, hold for a moment and then exhale slowly. Try that a few times and I can almost guarantee you will feel calmer. I hope your husband has a speedy and total recovery. Blessings, Judii

[vicw]

I know of no scientific evidence to suggest that stress will make your pbc worse.

[dlahullier0305]

Stress will definitely trigger symptoms and elevated readings. Must make your peace your primary goal. I recommend no daiey and no red meat. 1000 mg. Of milk thistle and vitaminE as well. May God be with you on your journey.