PBC and rapid weight gain : Hi all. I was... - PBC Foundation

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PBC and rapid weight gain

Dibby1971 profile image
30 Replies

Hi all. I was diagnosed with PBC a year ago and take 1000mg Urso a day. I am gaining weight everyday and have put a stone on in a month but definitely not overeating,I was in fact loosing weight and have or had lost two stone since being diagnosed. I havnt had a blood test for around 6 months. Has anyone had this happen to them with there weight?. I also take ibroufren and codamol twice a day and have done for a year or more due to chronic back pain from surgery years ago. Wondering if this could be doing damage to my liver? My fibroscan scored 5 around 6 months ago.

Thanks all

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Dibby1971
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30 Replies
ninjagirlwebb profile image
ninjagirlwebb

Hi,

Do you feel sluggish? Have you ever had your thyroid tested via bloodwork for tsh levels? A lot of pbc patients also have thyroid issues. If you are hypo meaning your thyroid is not releasing enough tsh, then your metabolism will be sluggish, causing weight gain. That is the one thing I can think of for weight gain.

As for your question regarding the meds for the chronic back pain. If your hepatologist/doctors knows all the meds you are taking, he/she would alert you if there is an issue.

Definitely check in with one of your doctors about this.

Usually when I see my hepatologist, we go over the meds & supplements that I am taking every now & then. Also I am a bit paranoid, so any time I am prescribed meds by other doctors or take anything even if over the counter, I usually consult with the hepatologist before I take it. I also remind my other doctors that I have pbc.

Not to worry too much, if you are getting blood work done & it is causing liver issues, your LFTs & Alk phos will alert your doctor if something is awry.

I think 5 on a fibroscan is normal.

periwinkle88 profile image
periwinkle88

It might be the ursodiol causing the weight gain. I gained 35 pounds over the first two years on ursodiol. I've had a really hard time dropping any, but have finally managed to lose about five pounds in the past two months. I eat about half of what I used to, pre-ursodiol. And exercise more!

Wocket profile image
Wocket

Yes I did put weight on and as we speak I am on a diet and exercising more. My consultant told me I wasn’t to take ibroufren or aspirin and if I had to take anything I was to take paracetamol but your doctor might have a different opinion.

LorraineLouise profile image
LorraineLouise

I too am on 1000 mg a day of Ursodiol. Ive gained 30 lbs the first year. Diet and exercise have not helped. I can loose about 3-5 lbs but thats it. Just thought I would share, so yo know you are not alone. Stay safe !!!

Sona_akb profile image
Sona_akb

I am also on 1000 mg urso daily. I lost about 1 kg since 1.5 years on the drug. Mainly unchanged. I’m 122 lbs. I would appreciate any weight gain as a side effect but didn’t work 😂😂😂

strong genes for being skinny

Belgium22 profile image
Belgium22

I gained 3 kg since i am on urso. 10 month. I train every day and have very active job.

Jlruggie profile image
Jlruggie

Dibby

I’m diagnosed 20 years, on 1000 ursodoil 2x per day for 10 yrs, reduced to 740 per day. I’m fine if I do yoga classes 2x per day and take care of my skin. My enzymes are high but I’m trying low gluten, ovo pescatarian, Lowe’s additives organic diet. See what happens.

Jlruggie

lilygrower profile image
lilygrower

I have also gained weight since starting Ursodiol, about 5 pounds that just stays on even though I walk 2 miles per day 5 times per week. I mostly eat a healthy diet but I do have a weakness for dark chocolate (smile). I am watching my thyroid as ninja girl said, because tsh is borderline and higher than it was previously. Take care!

TOMOLLIE profile image
TOMOLLIE

Hi I had weight gain when pharmacy issued a different brand of Urso. I take Ursofalk and my Dr now states it my name on prescription so that pharmacy cannot change to cheaper alternative. It could be that the fillers used in the composition of your Urso are causing problem. As soon as I had usual brand, wight gain came off within 48chts and no problems since.. Hope this helps

Kakey profile image
Kakey in reply to TOMOLLIE

That's interesting.

TOMOLLIE profile image
TOMOLLIE

Sorry for typos.. Broke wrist last week.. Own fault 😂

Melani1 profile image
Melani1

Hi Dibby, went on Urso around 3.5 yrs ago & put on about a stone. I also have an under active thyroid but had that for years. Can’t lose the stone, diet & exercise makes no impact on the scales but do make me feel better physically & mentally x

gailann59 profile image
gailann59

YES! You are not alone in this ... weight gain is a given to a lot of us, not saying everyone. Will never forget these words my Gastro stated to me years ago...If you are losing weight, that is when we will worry, CANCER! I am a BCancer survivor 19 years and a PBC warrior eight years, taking 1500 Urso, never ever did I think I would weigh what I do, however, I am alone(Hub abandoned me) and I live the rest of my life, for the best of my life. Also, be your own best advocate. Stressed is desserts spelled backwards, treat thyself with love and care. Peace be with you all.... as always.

Kakey profile image
Kakey

I've just started Urso, and I've read it causes weight gain. Does anybody know why? Increased appetite, or anything else I can look out for?

liver-bird profile image
liver-bird

Hello suggest you get your thyroid checked as underactive thyroid can cause weight gain. It is another autoimmune condition. Dont stop taking Urso, its unlikely to cause the type of weight gain you describe. Good luck

Dibby1971 profile image
Dibby1971

Thank you all so much have only just had time to read as my mum has been admitted to hospital.

The weird thing is Iv been on Urso for just under a year or so yet this last month the weight has gone on yet no different eating habits. Iv since called my Gp yesterday and have had bloods took as I’m bloated as well. Also noticing I’m loosing hair ( more than normal)which is a side effect also so wondering if Urso is now kicking in properly and showing the side effects? Interesting to read maybe a change of brand may be doing it. It’s making me want to stop taking it but know that would be very silly.

I do appreciate the feed back and makes you realise I’m not alone with this xx

ninjagirlwebb profile image
ninjagirlwebb in reply to Dibby1971

Speedy recovery for your mom.

Geordielasstx profile image
Geordielasstx

I gained so much weight also and hep dr said it’s the urso. I was taking ibroufren as chronic back problems and had a bleed recently and they said a bleeding ulcer caused by these. Please be careful on these. I take hydromorphone now as it doesn’t go through the liver.

Try not to worry and mention it to your dr. Hugs xxx

rubberglove profile image
rubberglove in reply to Geordielasstx

Hi I've also been stopped from taking ibufron as I have a cyst on my kidney now

Geordielasstx profile image
Geordielasstx in reply to rubberglove

Aww, so sorry to read this, sending a virtual hug xxx

rubberglove profile image
rubberglove in reply to Geordielasstx

Thank you. Are you a geordie. I live in Newcastle area

Geordielasstx profile image
Geordielasstx in reply to rubberglove

I am pet, born in Newcastle and brought up in South Shields. I married an American airman and now in Texas and due to move to Iowa soon. Miss home and the weather, very hot here. Hugs and love, Anne xxx

rubberglove profile image
rubberglove in reply to Geordielasstx

I'm in Wallsend. My sister married a marine she's lived in the states 61 year now. Nice to chat to you take x

Geordielasstx profile image
Geordielasstx in reply to rubberglove

Awww love wallsend, took my husband there to see the Roman had a lovely day out. Your sister has been in USA a long time, I’ve been gone since 1994 but was fortunate to live back there from 2013/16 miss it, gave me a taste of home again. My husband and I are moving to Iowa soon, his last tour before retiring. Won’t miss the Texas heat but will miss my daughters. Hugs lovely and take care pet xxx

rubberglove profile image
rubberglove in reply to Geordielasstx

My sister lives in Idaho. She visits us about once a year said it was her ladt visit when she was here in November. I also have a brother in California. He's been there 42 year. I hope you like where your moving to and your keeping well x

Geordielasstx profile image
Geordielasstx in reply to rubberglove

Hello lass, awww that must be really hard for you and your sister. I haven’t been home in 3 years and was due to come home in sept and all cancelled. Oh well, next year 🙂...we are moving to Iowa it’s north central (mid west) my husband is from Minnesota and closer to his family. Our daughters are staying here in San Antonio, big change for me as never been without them. It’s not forever (what I’m telling myself) how did you brother end up there? Did he marry a yank also? Hugs and love and stay safe, Annie xxx

rubberglove profile image
rubberglove

Hi Yes I have also put weight on with urso. I've been on them nearly 8 year. I don't over eat. I excersice regular but can't shift it. I've put 3 stone on

Dibby1971 profile image
Dibby1971

Thank you for these comments. It’s weird as I get a pain in the top of my stomach in the middle, feels I guess like indigestion but lower down so I guess the ibrufren could be affecting my stomach. I take tablets for acid reflux so that helps but need to be careful.

Geordielasstx profile image
Geordielasstx in reply to Dibby1971

This is what I was getting and a burning feeling and was a bleeding ulcer and they said the meds were probably the major cause. Since stopping and they upped my acid reflex med to twice a day to help heal it and starting to feel better. Hugs xxx

hotlips profile image
hotlips

Don’t take ibuprofen they course bleeding I had a bad bleed with varies had to have banding done to stop bleeding and 2 pints of blood

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