Aching & Brain fog in PBC

[Willow1050]

Hi, I was diagnosed with PBC in October last year through routine blood tests due to fatigue and was started on Urso 500mg twice daily. However just wanted to ask if anybody else suffers with a feeling of heavy aching arms it’s not constant but suffering more up at the top of my arms and lower back ache. also is there any suggestions for the brain fog seem to be suffering with this a lot not sure if it’s the condition or the menopause ?

[butterflyEi]

Might be worth asking the GP to get your thyroid checked we can all to often blame everything on PBC. Some PBC sufferers with near-normal liver function tests can have quite severe brain fog. Recent studies at the University of Newcastle show that some patients may develop changes on MRI brain scans suggesting structural changes in the brain may be causing the fatigue and other neurological symptoms that may occur in PBC patients but I don't think any medication has been developed to help.

[Keep-smiling]

HI Willow1050,

Since being diagnosed in 2016 and starting Urso my PBC is under control but I still get fatigue and the brain fog. I am also going through the menopause and on HRT patches which help with the flushes etc but not the brain fog associated with both. I manage mine by trying not to do too much in one go, fresh air (walk the dog) and by lots of brain food (oily fish etc). Both my GP and the many doctors I see for PBC say there is nothing medically they can give for either problem.

Good luck

[Cathycomehome]

Hi ,

I was diagnosed last October through routine blood test but still not on medication yet ... I have had normal ultrasound and fibroscan tests and waiting for mri results , now 4 weeks ago !!!!

I have the heavy arms and legs but going back to the gym after 3 months of anxiety and housebound ,has made me stronger ...

I think brain fog comes to us all at any age ... could be worry

Take care xx

[atmn2g]

I had almost forgotten about the heavy aching arms I used to suffer from. It was awful. Felt like a huge weight had been placed on my shoulders. Since I have been on Urso that has gone as well as the sweats night and day. No problem with brain fog although I think that was something that I used to have too, not sure if it was due to the illness or stress but l can say Urso has made a difference. It took a little while to work so I would say about a year before I felt better. Hope it works for you Willow

[Willow1050]

Thank you for your comments, I have only been on Urso since December so maybe I need to give it some time.