Living with PBC for 16 years.

[Gioielli5]

Still going strong after 16 years. First abnormal blood test in Australia in 2006 although not diagnosed until I returned to the U.K. in 2010. I have been on Ursodeoxycholic Acid since then. I get tired but try to go to bed early and as now retired have the benefit of being able to get up when I like. I am a vegetarian and have been lucky enough not to suffer from the ‘itch’ although find that if I get stressed then I do get it in my back for awhile. I turn 68 in June, keep fit (Zumba twice a week) and lead a normal life. Planning to go back to Australia in March to see my Mum before she passes away, so may be a bit of a challenge.

So, for all you ‘newbies’ out there - please don’t despair, living with P B C is not so bad. Take care of yourselves but don’t stress and keep fit. Xx

[butterflyEi]

Great to read you are keeping so well, sorry to read though that your Mum is poorly, I remember you had hoped to bring her back to the UK. Enjoy your trip back to Australia, safe journey.

[Gioielli5 in reply to butterflyEi]

Thank you. Hope you are keeping ok. Doubt if I will get to see my mum. Australia now reintroduced 14 day quarantine in hotel, which we cannot afford to do, sadly not an International tennis player who don’t seem to have to adhere to these rules, so won’t be able to go. Anyway will keep trying. Keep well. Xx

[Turquoise2075]

Thank you for your encouraging post. I'm just past a year since diagnosis and it is great to hear how you are going after 16 years. I just get the itch from time to time and have noticed it does arise during periods of stress which is interesting. My goal is to reduce stress as much as possible and live as healthily as I can and, if anything, PBC has been a wake up call to do this.

I hope you can make it to Australia to see your Mum but realise it could be difficult. I'm in Western Australia and we've been very fortunate with Covid but it will likely change soon. All the best!