Tummy ache or is it?

[Chazzy]

Hello,

Been feeling bit anxious about PBC and still waiting for liver biopsy, I'm finding everything I eat is giving my tummy ache. I don't know whether it's because I'm feeling worrried and therefore is it really there or that I do have tummy ache. Is it a common symptom? Dr said he thinks I'm very early stages.

[Hidden]

Hello Chazzy.

I presume you have been diagnosed with PBC. If so have you tried eating little and often as opposed to any main meals if that is your set pattern.

I started itching early 2010 and at the time had fatigue but I've never really encountered any stomach issues really. The urso gave me temporary stomach bloating in the early days and it has caused constipation.

I sometimes find I can feel a bit nauseous later in the day if I've not eaten or even if I've eaten a main meal that might have been a bit too big of a portion for me.

Have you tried eating as in probably a century gone by what was known as 'invalid food'. Lightly boiled eggs for eg are said to be good to digest as is rice.

If you continue to be concerned it might be best to speak with your doctor.

[GrittyReads]

Hi Chazzy,

I just reread through some of your past posts to re-remind myself what your history was.

[I'm the one who has had high AMAs (M2) for over 25(?) years, and yet still has perfect liver function tests and no symptoms of PBC. In the last year or so I've seen one of the country's leading PBC consultants, and he overruled my (non-existent!!! ) diagnosis of 'pre-symptomatic PBC', and said I don't have PBC and probably will never get it ... though I still have to have annual liver function tests. ]

When I was first waiting to see the PBC specialist, over a year ago now, I began to have all sorts of aches and pains, some to do with mysterious inflammations - even a bout of costochondritis - and in particular I had a racing heart, high blood pressure anytime anyone 'official' took my BP, and also all sorts of mad tummy pains. When it all 'magically' went away - after I saw the specialist - both I and my GP put it down to stress. I know people do have tummy pains with PBC (although I think it is low down the list of common PBC symptoms), but without wishing to belittle your pain, I cannot help suspecting that it may be worry, in your case, as I know you are so, so worried about the prospect of PBC.

So ... please do try to be good to yourself, treat yourself, coddle yourself and do everything within your power to help yourself to de-stress. I know that is easier said than done, but as well as bringing on other pains (as I myself found), stress is one of the worst things for any autoimmune condition! So, in the long wait for your liver biopsy, try to make a point of doing things you love: by yourself, with friends, with your family and with your lovely new baby - who must be much bigger now and appreciative of 'daddy'!! Have fun, treat yourself!!

Of course, it is also worth checking out the tummy pains: I managed to give myself bad gut pains when I was having injury pain and took far too many ibuprofen: my GP put me on Omeprazole to protect my gut until the pain eased, and my tummy pain vanished (and I'm now much more careful about taking ibuprofen stuff). It may also be worth having a Coeliac Test to see if you have gluten insensitivity. My PBC specialist included that in my tests, and my GP has repeated it since, and she tells me that people with one autoimmune condition often have others, but I was clear, and now back to toast and crumpets!!

But, it is good that you are having the biopsy, as it will put your mind at rest - one way or the other. Remember, the majority of people with PBC live to a ripe old age and almost all die of other things, plus ... there is new research all the time, and people in the States are already reporting favourably on the new drug.

So, remember: chill, relax, de-stress, have fun: do whatever you can to feel happy!!

Take care xx

[Chazzy in reply to GrittyReads]

Your post is amazing. I do think ur probably right I am still really worried and stressing myself out, and I guess these pains (in my head or not) are making it worse!

My latest appointment been cancelled too and feeling very frustrated with whole thing!