Symptoms?

[Nome11]

Hi, first time posting here. Since having my first baby my LFTs have been higher than expected (not massively high but enough for concern). I am AMA negative (can this change? I was tested two years ago) but have periods of incredible claw-the-skin-off itch, and a general low lying itch a lot of the time. I am tired but I do have two young children. I have back, shoulder and neck pain but have put this down in the past to poor posture and constantly picking up kids. I had Obstetric Cholestasis in pregnancy and my Nanna had PBC and we have 3 generations of different autoimmune diseases in the family going back to my great grandmother. I have a GP appointment this week to try and get a blood test, but in the past my raised LFTs have been put down to breastfeeding, which can also cause this. I am still breast feeding but concerned that something may be missed because of this. Or am I just being paranoid and connecting dots where things can just be explained away? Just looking for reassurance that I'm not wasting the doctor's time really. Thanks for reading if you've got this far.

[ninjagirlwebb]

Any time you have concerns and want peace of mind, I wouldn't worry about wasting the doctor’s time. You should seek answers and any good doctor will assist you in this. They are there to help you and it is not like you are not paying for their services. Hope you find your answers!

[Nome11 in reply to ninjagirlwebb]

Thanks so much for your reply

[butterflyEi]

I echo the thoughts of ninjagirlwebb , also take a look at the PBC Foundations's website and you will find a leaflet for doctors. The information on the web site may also help you to clarify any other questions you may have - do write them down. The stress of the doctors appointment can make questions fly out of my head so I always write things down. Although the incidence of familial PBC is low it is a fact. There is nothing wrong with the doctor asking for a full blood test, as you are tired include a thyroid test request and if I may suggest do not be fobbed off with it being baby tired or lockdown depression.

The PBC Foundation has been holding regular Thursday Q&A with professors of PBC and other health professionals. If you are on facebook you can look back at some of the previous Q&A. There are also links to future presentations on the PBC Foundation's web site.

good luck and let us know how you get on. They also have a help line should you wish to have a chat.

best wishes

[Nome11 in reply to butterflyEi]

Thanks so much for your reply

[Antwerp]

Hi, I also had elevated bloodworks after first kid. Had my gallblader removed with stones. They believed everything would be OK after. No testing done. But then with my second child I also had pregnancy cholestase. 2 years further my bloodworks are still up on urso for over 2years now. It's still a bit too high but no symptoms or issues. I've had a liver punction also and there is an indication for pbc but they don't want to make it conclusive. So I have the mess and yearly checks... it worries me too that I don't have the official label. But since it doesn't change anything the specialist is waiting it out and is checking how I evolve. My gp is really good with it, they agree upon regular blood checks and they always keep in mind that my liver is a worry. So when they give meds they always check the options and see what's best. I would try to get a good understanding with your gp so he can assist and help!

[Nome11 in reply to Antwerp]

Thanks so much for your reply, I've got a liver blood test booked for next week so just have to see what that says and take it from there