PBC

[Cass1]

I was diagnosed with pbc just over a year ago, after feeling awful for almost 2 years, it hit me like a ton a bricks as my mum died of it in 2001 only last week it came to a head and I broke down visited my Gp and have now been diagnosed with depression I have a fantastic young family and wife, but have no energy or want to do anything!

[butterflyEi]

Hi Cass1

I am sorry to read your post and to read of the passing of your mother. I am guessing you are one of the younger ones to be diagnosed but with medication, a good diet and some exercise you have every chance of enjoying a full and active life leaving you time to enjoy your young family.

Depression seems to come for quite a few of us with PBC although it is not recognised as a symptom (as far as I know) and I hope that the doctor is giving you some help with coping with the depression. I am guessing you will be working so you need to have some help to keep on top of the depression. Getting out in the fresh air for walks for many can be uplifting and there are motivational recordings on YouTube which may also help especially if you are not getting enough sleep. Oddly trying to get a bit of exercise helps with the lethargy. I am sure someone who knows more about the subject could explain why but I have found that if I can get out for a short or reasonable walk I do feel up to doing more. And from personal experience if it is at all possible avoid anything which is likely to be stressful for you.

If you have not yet joined the PBC Foundation (free to join through the logo above) the member's section has a wealth of information - especially their compendium - which is also now available via an app for mobile telephones. The PBC Foundation is also there for you if you need to speak to them or you can email them or find them on Face Book.

MIND is a well respected charity in the UK and I have copied a link which may be of interest to you.

mind.org.uk/information-sup...

When I was first diagnosed the best thing I read (or was told I cannot remember now) was that you are more likely to die with than because of PBC and for most of us this is the case.

There are a great bunch of people on here who are understanding and helpful and hopefully someone will come along soon with more help.

Come back to us and let us know how you are getting on

best wishes

[Ballymahon2 in reply to butterflyEi]

Thanks for advice cass

[swinstan]

Some good advice already given but the only thing I would add is don't feel guilty about how you feel. It's the early stages of coming to terms with this and there's a lot to absorb. I felt dreadful not being able to do as much as I had before; guilty that my family were also being affected, even though they were very supportive. Take your time and accept support wherever it comes from.

[Cass1]

Thanks guys for your advice I'm feeling really guilty especially for having to take time off work and I worried that il never be able to return to my job due to high demands at this stage of my life I can't handle it where I once thrived on it.

[Cass1]

Thanks guys for your support I do feel very guilty especially due to the fact that I've had to take time off work and I don't have the drive and energy that I once had I'm only off 1 week and it's all I can think about, but I know I have to take time for myself it's the only way I think? Butterfly I'm 43 by the way I'm not afraid of PBC its has just triggered something in me that I can't explain