Travelling and Malaria

[Wispa123]

Hi, I am an 'asymptomatic PBC er' , so far! But do have PMR so am on steroids. we are planning a bucket list Holiday to India next year, if we can, and I want to know what advice you have been given, if anyone has, re Marlaria tablets? (Not Larium ) Is this a big NO no? any advice gratefully received.

[Gioielli]

Travelled to India in 2006 long before being diagnosed with PBC. Had to have many vaccinations including Hepatitis and Yellow Fever. Took malaria tablets before going during and after visit. It was after I came back that I went to docs as feeling tired and had adverse blood test result which eventually led to PBC diagnosis. I am still of belief that the vaccinations could have been the "trigger" for the PBC. I would definitely have a long chat with your GP about this trip.

I still travel as much as possible even though I have PBC.

Whatever you decide, have fun.

[Wispa123 in reply to Gioielli]

Thank you Gioielli, like you I suspect that my hep B vaccine ( I worked in NHS ) May have been trigger for PBC . I will call the foundation for advice.

[GrittyReads]

Sorry, I cannot advise on travel to India, but I'm curious as to what exactly you mean by 'asymptomatic PBC'. I was given a similar diagnosis - with just AMAs , but no symptoms or abnormal blood tests - but a later consultant overruled it. Do you have abnormal lfts and AMAs, but as yet have no symptoms?

Sorry if I seem nosy, but I'm on a bit of a crusade about more precise diagnostic terms and criteria from our medics.

Hope you get some more answers about India, sounds wonderful.

[Wispa123]

Hi gritty reads , yes I've clocked you as well as I realise we may be in similar situation. I was described as asyptatic as I have no symptoms or abnormal LFT s so far . The ama signifcence was discovered when doing tests for PMR which I do have ( but thankfully hopefully be clear of in a years time judging by progress)

I have just been in touch with the foundation who are SO helpful they tell me to ask for 2nd opinion and given me name of nearest specialist ( next county!)

GP does do regular LFT and I note the b levels are slowly creeping up from 9 to last test 16 , hence question on malaria . So I am On the alert for symptoms PMR symptoms do overlap with PBC such as fatigue , pain etc hence caution.

Well you did ask!

Will keep posted re malaria as it may be useful for others to know.

This site has been wonderful in reassuring me and making me and feeling Less alone.

When I was first diagnosed I thought the world had ended for me.it kept me going .

All the best to all.

[dawnc]

I have travelled to India and 5 nights in Goa, Vietnam and China /Hong kong since being diagnosed with PBC 4yrs ago. Then hypothyroidism 3yrs ago. I was vaccinated for all that was required and took the malaria tablets but cant remember the name with no ill effect. Apart from a bit of an upset tummy myself and my husband had an amazing time travelling the Golden Triangle in India.Sure you will too.

Take Care

[Kieraferret]

Hi I also went to Goa in March 2013 had all my vaccinations and was diagnosed with pbc in August that year , is it possible the injections triggered pbc?