Test results

[Ellyne]

Saw the hepatologist today and my test results were posted on the portal. Everything looks pretty good except direct bilirubin went from .2 to .3. I know this is still ok but if everything else is fine then why did this one go up? Ellyne

[ninjagirlwebb]

Wow. I am most impressed that they posted the results the same day. What is the reference range of the direct bilirubin? I don’t think you need to be concerned especially if it is within normal range. Labs usually fluctuate.

Happy that the urso is working for you! You need to celebrate!!!

[Ellyne in reply to ninjagirlwebb]

Goes to show how quickly it comes back. I looked at all my records today and I had .2 for a couple of years prior to that .1 Now .3. I listened to a YouTube by Dr Gish and he said .3 or less so I am at the end of a good score.

[ninjagirlwebb in reply to Ellyne]

Still in a good place. Hopefully it will fluctuate back to < .3.

[Ellyne in reply to ninjagirlwebb]

I asked if I would be getting another biopsy down the road to see the progression and the dr said no reason to do anything of the kind if the blood work comes in fine.

[ninjagirlwebb in reply to Ellyne]

They use fibroscans to check progression. My hepatologist said we do that & a sonogram every few years.

[Ellyne in reply to ninjagirlwebb]

I had a Fibroscan this past January and dr didn’t say anything about a sonogram but maybe she will in 6 months. If not, i’ll Ask. As an aside, it turns out that I do not have antibodies against hep A or Hep B. Got 2 shots today!

[ninjagirlwebb in reply to Ellyne]

Make a note of this: you will need another dose of Hep A in a year & that should give you immunity. For B, you need a 2nd dose in one month & 3rd dose in another year. That should be good for a while.

I had to re-do the B series because the immunity wore out. When we were first investigating possibility of pbc, I had immunity. But then I didn’t a few months later.

[Ellyne in reply to ninjagirlwebb]

Yes I made the appointments but the 3rd dose of hep B and 2 nd dose of Hep A is scheduled for 6 months not one year.

[ninjagirlwebb in reply to Ellyne]

Yes...my memory might be faulty or they changed the protocol.

[ninjagirlwebb in reply to Ellyne]

Thanks for posting this about the vaccines. I have to ask my doctor how long is the Hep A good for. I had the 2 shots but it was like 20 years ago. It was still good 4 years ago.

For some reason my primary doctor didn’t test me for Hep A antibodies at my annual physical but she did test the B.

[ninjagirlwebb in reply to Ellyne]

Also if you haven’t done a bone density test, ask for one as well. PBC patients are more suspectible to osteoporosis.

[Ellyne in reply to ninjagirlwebb]

I have been dealing with osteoporosis for 20 years. I have been taking prolia for 3 years and it has improved my bones and I am now in osteopenia. I get a scan every year. But I don’t know if that will continue

[ninjagirlwebb in reply to Ellyne]

I have osteopenia...I have to up my calcium intake either through food or supplements. Hepatologist said to talk to my endocrinologist about bone health because endo’s are expert at that. So she told me her guidelines, which reminds me I should ask her how often I need the bone density test. My hepatologist says every few years.

[Ellyne in reply to ninjagirlwebb]

If you don’t already, do weight bearing Exercises. Also I found vitamin D 3 very important for bone health

[ninjagirlwebb in reply to Ellyne]

Yes Thank You! I was low on vitamin D so now I am on supplements. Yes I try to do strength training 2-3X a week. I do full body push ups.

[Ellyne in reply to ninjagirlwebb]

Walking is very good too.

[Yankeerose3 in reply to ninjagirlwebb]

I was told the plan for me is US every 6 months and fibroscan once a year.. my blood work is all in normal range so other Drs question if I have liver issues. However, mri, US, CT and fibroscan all indicate otherwise. Actually, shows I'm at stage 3 fibrosis. Dr is looking forward to US next month to compare past results