Everest base camp with pbc

[pottery1]

Hi everyone,

Im in the very early stages of pbc and take urso. I am fortunate that i do not suffer ill health and i am super fit, as long as i have a very low fat diet. I am hiking to Everest base camp in March for charity and have been given the go ahead by my consultant. My question is, what insurence company will cover pbc and high altitude trecking ? Stay well people x

[butterflyEi]

Good luck with your endeavour. Perhaps an insurance broker could find you cover. I believe that Liver North also have a list of insurance companies that may be able to offer cover for you. Others will come along soon with some ideas I am sure.

best wishes

[pottery1 in reply to butterflyEi]

Thanks ever so much. I'll take a look at liver North.

[Groucho1]

I use World First for travel insurance as when you do their questionnaire it asks at what level your illness is, so you can quote at a low level/early stages. Other travel insurance companies don't offer this (you're classed as on the way to a liver transplant) and therefore quote high premiums. Hope this helps.

[pottery1 in reply to Groucho1]

Yes, this really helps. Thankyou

[Sandymh]

I think most companies will, but you definitely need to shop around as unfortunately, some of them charge double the price.

[Hidden]

Hi Pottery1

I've just come across your message and firstly want to wish you all the very best for your climb up Everest which I must say you've impressed me very much.

Hope you don't mind me asking but how was your PBC diagnosed ?

I'm currently being monitored due to a routine blood test last May which highlighted weak but positive for possible PBC. I've had various tests, MRI and CT Scans you name it which which so far have indicated a negative results except for some internal inflammation which I'm being treated for with daily medication for life!

I've never been drastically over weight but have managed to loose 2.5 stone since last year with a further stone to loose. I'm fairly fit and visit the gym more or less daily for a 2 hour workout plus I'm always on the go throughout the day too!

Since last May I've been having monthly blood tests which have improved since losing the weight. Can I ask, do you have any symptoms at all?

Since about April I've not been feeling 100 per cent, tiredness hits me from out of the blue, waking up extremely hot which only lasts for a moments or too, but with out a temperature, itchy at night time and now in the morning too plus pains in my shoulders and legs which I'm presuming is not related to possible PBC.

I'm seeing my GP on the 1st of July as I require written permission to carry out a SKY Dive to raise funds for the British Liver Foundation and the QE Hospital in Birmingham UK. I'm hoping that when I explain to my GP about these re-occurring symptoms that it doesn't deter him from signing me off on the Sky Dive! My next appointment to see my Liver Specialist is not until the 12th of September when I'll find out whether I'm still to be monitored or not due to the various blood tests improving.

If you or any others with PBC have similar symptoms would you let me know!

Regards

Trish

[pottery1 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Trish, it's a long story so barewith. About 3yrs ago I had a breast scan which picked up some unusual cells, I had a biopsy but they completely missed and hit the back of my breast where they found cancer ! The scan didn't pick this up as the cancer was so small. I had to have some of my breast removed but thankfully didn't need any treatment. Just before the operation the anethatist informed me I had an extremely low heart rate and asked if I was an athelete! No I said, I'm a smoker ! After the operation I started to have severe palpitations so I thought I had better get my heart checked via my GP, they decided to do full blood tests including the liver. The results showed I do have an atheletic heart (palpitations were down to caffeine) but my liver function wasn't good at all. About 18 months of blood test showed I had pbc and was refered to a liver specialist. My only symptom was some irritable bowel but now I don't even have that, mainly due to a very low fat diet, no sugar substitutes and very little alcohol. I have been itchy on a couple of occasions but nothing too severe. I was put on urso 2 months after diagnosis. I also had a fibroscan which was ok and had a bone dencity scan which showed I have osteopenia. I know things will probably get worse over time and this is why I'm doing Everest now, maybe I won't be able to next year. Who knows ! Live for today !

[Hidden in reply to pottery1]

Hi Pottery1

My you've been through the mill but at least your through it and now about to do that amazing climb. (Please keep in touch nearer to the time as I'd like to donate)

About a month ago I went on hols to Turkey and decided to tackle my demon fear of heights and water! I did my first parasailing, jet skiiing , kayaking every day for two weeks and had two goes at driving speed boat which I must admit was great fun!

Like you I have a low heart rate which my GP commented he's jealous of! 😁.

I think my previous sporty life style of playing footie, squash, hockey and 3 years of martial arts maybe contributing to helping me get back on track and become fit again, plus hopefully slowing down whatever medical condition I may have! My consultant thinks its early PBC but I guess I'll have to wait and see if it progresses.

Well take care my friend and yes live for today !