Is this normal?

[Ochredreams]

I hope you are all well ☺️

I've not had an official diagnosis of PBC as my ALP is normal and the drs are looking to do more blood tests before they do a biopsy etc.

I'm wondering if it's normal to feel run down most of the time? It feels like I have a good week or 2 and then all of a sudden I get run down and tired and I get breathless and lack energy to do my normal cleaning routines etc.

I also have a loose stool (sorry for the info here!) Every day and hardly have a normal passing. Is this part of the condition?

I've managed to loose over a stone so far and continuing to manage my weight loss but just at a loose end.

Thank you for your time all and have a wonderful day! 💖

[Sheanmckay]

I was diagnosed as having PBC @ 8 years ago, taking Urso since then and have had very loose stools all this time.

[Ochredreams in reply to Sheanmckay]

How interesting, I'm not taking any liver related meds and I have a varied diet making sure I get all my nutrients in but still I have issues with loose stool. Hopefully I will get it sorted soon 😁

[butterflyEi]

When your doctors check your bloods ask them about thyroid, vitamin D and B12 as deficiency in these can have an impact on fatigue however fatigue is a symptom of PBC. I have never suffered with loose stools, I used to suffer with anal discharge but I seem to manage that now with a daily tablet of Psyllium which is a natural solution. I assume the doctors have also requested a faecal immunochemical test (FIT) or a sygmoidoscopy/colonoscopy to identify the cause of loose stools. There is something called the Bristol Stool Chart that may be helpful to you when talking to the doctor, link here

nice.org.uk/guidance/cg99/r...

While you are waiting for your results a way to manage your fatigue is to do a little but often, a walk in the fresh air daily will help your mood and stamina however the fatigue of PBC can be difficult to manage.

If your condition is diagnosed as PBC in the end I strongly recommend joining the PBC Foundation and buying Professor Jones's book which can be found on Amazon in hard back or on kindle.

PBC: The Definitive Guide for Patients with Primary Biliary Cholangitis, make sure to get the second edition.

best wishes

[Ochredreams in reply to butterflyEi]

Thank you for your lengthy reply!I have yet more blood tests due but I think it's the standard liver checks and cholesterol they are looking for next so I will enquire about the things you said here.

I manage to do my daily whizz around with the hoover and mopping as I have a dog who sheds so that keeps me busy and sometimes I'm breathless at the end but I enjoy it.

I used to walk 8 miles a day but then I got sciatica a few years ago and I've never gotten over it despite doing physio and my lowe back hurts when I lay on the floor so that has stopped me from doing pilates. Sorry I sound like I'm moaning but I'm just having a rant 😁

I will have a look at that book as it's always worth keeping ahead of medical information like PBC!

Thank you again and hope you keep yourself well ☺️

[butterflyEi]

Never think of it as moaning, we are all challenged by daily trials and tribulations and I am sure your dogs will give you loads if love which always helps😊

[Ochredreams in reply to butterflyEi]

Oh yes, I get daily slobby kisses from my dog and he cheers me up when the days are dark. It's hard work sometimes looking after a pup but it keeps me moving on a daily basis so I can't complain 💖