The Right Doctor

[mamma261]

Hello,

I am seeing a gastroenterologist for my PBC and I do not think they are very experienced with PBC. I was wondering is there a different kind of specialist that would be more familiar with PBC that I should be seeing? any input would be appreciated .

[Ktltel]

Yes.. I see a Hepatologist. That's a doctor of the liver. But even then, some hepatologists aren't familiar with PBC. You need to ask them if they have experience with seeing patients and treating PBC. My hepatologist has a few other patients with PBC. He's all I got out here in Kansas... I share info. with him and he listens to me.

Stella ❤

[EileenUSA in reply to Ktltel]

Stella's right. A hepatologist is a sub-specialty that deals with liver. Even if you have to travel a bit to see one-- once you have done that you might be able to stay in touch electronically through the email system with the doctors PA (Physician Assistant) for question/concerns between appointments. Good luck to you, hope you find good help!

[mamma261 in reply to Ktltel]

thank you for your reply

[teddybear7]

There are hepthologists, ( excuse spelling) I've been seeing a gastro since diagnosis 4 years. I've no complaints. He follows the European treatment guidelines, should I develop cirrosis & I begin to have poor bloods he will refer me on. But as long as I'm going on like I am I see no reason to bother a more specialised person. X

[gwillistexas in reply to teddybear7]

Same here👍

[walker67]

hi i'm new on here just been diagnosed with PBC and coeliac disease two weeks ago ,just started on Ursodeoxycholic Acid 250mg , also on a gluton free diet now which is not to bad Having a liver scan in a few weeks time Im trying to get my head around it at the moment x its scary such a shock keep thinking why me!! x Linda x

[58goose]

I see a gastroenterologist and he is very knowledgable about PBC. It's probably more important that your consultant knows about the disease than what their specialism is. If you feel that your consultant doesn't have enough knowledge of the disease then you can ask to be referred elsewhere. The PBC Foundation can help with info about that.

[gwillistexas in reply to 58goose]

58goose...same here. My GI is very knowledgeable. A lady at my church is in late stage. When she asked which Dr I see, she said “oh, you need to see Hepatologist”. Well she’s been with hepatologist & something didn’t work in her favor, sad to say. Of course, I don’t know her health circumstances. My GI trained under a liver specialist so I’m ok with that😊

[kngerber]

I agree, it's no different than picking out any other kind of doctor i.e., a podiatrist, orthopedic, or family medicine. Doctors are humans too ...... so talk around and get referrals from friends and collegues. My gastro doctor is excellent and is very well versed on PBC. Good Luck!

[gwillistexas in reply to kngerber]

Thank you for that. Mine is well seasoned, if you will, lol! Good luck to you too!

[Hidden]

My primary doctor is a gastroenterologist & he referred me to a Hepatologist who I see regularly.