Has anyone ever tried a bile extract along with the Urso?
I was told by someone that they were able to bring their labs to normal and eventually get off Urso by using a bile extract.
I’m very reluctant to try.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Hope everyone is doing as best they can with this ugly disease.
Lorraine
You do know Urso is derived from bear bile?
No I didn’t know that. I just know how expensive it is. I pay $184.00 for a months supply.
Yes, I had heard it but I watched the American Liver Foundations Pacific Coast Division Roundtable Discussion. Dr Robert Gish, Liver Expert explained it. They tested the bile of bears in hibernation & found it to be thin. So from that, they felt they could formulate a drug for PBC, to help thin the bile. From that discoveryUrso was developed. Very interest video. It is on you tube. They provide a wealth of information on PBC. 😊
Thank you. I will look for that sounds interesting.
Try express care. Check with ur insurance and ask about the mail order for 3 mo. I pay 150.00 every 3 mo. My ins. Changed in jan, so im wondering what its going to be now.
Tbh. I think if the scientists and consultants wanted us to have more they would tell us. When my numbers relaxed a bit I asked if I could reduce or stop taking Urso. The answer was a definitive no. Perhaps the person who told you this may not have a correct diagnosis of PBC.
They do have PBC but I’m just going to stick with the Urso. Thank you.
June9961...is your post for me?
Hi Lorraine,
I wonder which extract your friend is talking about. I know a lot of alternative and/or traditional chinese medicine folks (I've used acupuncture over the years for different problems) and the extraction of bile from animals for TCM (traditional chinese medicine) had become a very very big issue in China. Personally I am wary of extracts or herbs because it can be difficult to confirm "what" exactly is in it- Without regulation it's hard for me to trust. So I understand your hesitations and concerns before jumping in to taking some other extracts.
I also want to say that I am open minded regarding alternative approaches AND I know that there can be good results from non-Western medicine approaches. Each of us must find our trusted sources and decide on course of action.
Anyway, I do know that there were a couple threads on this site that referenced the "traditional" older methods of Bear farms (especially in China and other Asian countries) where bears were captive for extraction of their bile. I think some of those older threads are still out there- If you search up in the search box under bear bile. Pharmaceutical UDCA can now be chemically synthesized. Hugs to all,
Eileen
Eileen,
Thank you. No I do not know the extract other than a bile extract.
However I do know that she sees a Chinese Doctor. So I think you might be right on.
Although I’m happy it is working for her and her numbers reflect that it definitely working, I am very reluctant to try.
Thank you and hope that you are doing well!!!
Lorraine
Hi LorraineLouise,
Since diagnosis, I've worked with Western Medicine, Chinese medicine and western supplementation and acupuncture. I refused a biopsy at diagnosis because i was concerned about the risks of damaging my liver further, so I don't know the stage at that time. I was diagnosed at stage 4/cirrhosis at 6 1/12 years from diagnosis and feel that my wrap around care has been the reason I've had a good quality of life (with my young kids, etc.). It's been very costly, however.
All that said, I've taken Urso tabs 500 2x a day for years. Tried upping to 1250 recently and became very nauseous. And I've taken an ox bile extract called Ichol plus for about 5 years too. It helps keep everything moving and I notice when I don't take it. I'm under the care of an amazing naturopath, here in Portland Oregon. He specializes in autoimmune conditions. I feel very blessed.
I wish you well on your journey.
Hi Lorraine. I have been on Urso since diagnosed with PBC nearly 9 years ago. I was told that originally bear bile duct was used from farms especially used for the extradition of bile but Urso is a alternative synthetic which I hope is true. My last visit at the beginning of February to see my hepatologist told me that the Urso was doing a good job at holding/blocking:stopping the progression of PBC so I would suggest to keep with it if it is working well for you some PBCers do not tolerate it. Not sure yet another bile product is necessary maybe check your dose is correct when you next see your GP. Good luck
Thank you. I appreciate your input. It makes sense.
After reading your post, im curious. You were dx with pbc, then 6 years later with cihorris? How did u know u have cihorris without a biopsy? That seemed that happenwd awful quick. Is it because we are all different. Not to sound stuiped, but i read all the feedbacks and they say its slow moving. I was dx in 2015 with stage 2 and been on meds, but havent been checked thourly sine, other than lab wk.
Could high AMA be something else? 
Has anyone achieved any improvement in any of their symptoms by anything they've done/tried?
PBC Diet and Multivitamins
Bezafibrate combined with Urso 
