I am still trying to figure out if I have another overlapping condition, had a problem with a terrible rheumatologist on first appointment with him but did get a boat load of blood work. My PCP who I see next week is trying to help me find a new rheumatologist. My hepatologist recommended a group but they aren’t taking new patients but she also insists I establish a firm relationship with a rheumatologist because of overlap and some bad symptoms I have had to ensure we rule in or out any other condition,
Anyway I know some of you also have Sjogren’s, some RA, some polymyalgia rheumatica, some lupus, some other overlap diseases. Before I see the next rheumatologist I’d like to have some ideas to try to narrow down so isn’t a lot of wheel spinning. Though I have dry mouth and eyes, I tested negative ANA, SSA and SSB. My sed rate was high, my C4 low. There’s other stuff too, but anyway not only do I think this would help me but maybe others who are wondering “is all the symptoms I have just PBC or what other possible overlap AI condition could I have”? Thanks.
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CeeCee101
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Hi ceecee im wondering the same. I have muscle and bone aches I have never had before. This PBC is so crazy. I hope you get some answers keep us posted.
I would suggest you look at the lupus uk forum. As I think you will find all the answers to your question there. Not everyone on the forum has lupus, they have sjogrens, fibromyalgia amongst other things and we are a friendly bunch 😉
I have PBC with AIH overlap. I’d assumed my aches and pains were menopause, then linked to my liver. Turns out I’ve been overdosing on thyroxine for over a year. my levels changed and dympyoms got worse after the bivalent Covid vaccine but it wasn’t picked up. SoId suggest getting your thyroid levels checked. I didnt realise it could cause muscle and joint pain but it does.
Hello, I’m wondering more about your symptoms post COVID vaccine. I just got mine and got flooded with throat issues after salagen was making it better!
Hi, I didn’t have any throat symptoms following the vaccine, mine were arm ache which developed into a frozen shoulder, jaw ache, palpitations, fatigue and tingling hands and feet. All symptoms of too much thyroxine. Id been on the same dose for years with regular testing I was at the upper range of normal. These symptoms started 10 days after the vaccine. There do seem to be reports of the vaccine interacting with hormones and thyroxine is s hormone. Could just be coincidence and it won’t stop me having the next vaccine, but it is something to be aware of.
I hope you find a better Rheumatologist, I’m in the process of finding a new one as well as a new Gastro. I have RA and horrible dry mouth but tested negative SSB. Keep us posted please 💓
I have had pustular psoriasis affecting my left foot since 2010 and only in the last coupe of years or so I’ve developed joint pain in my feet, especially the joints of both big toes. I have wondered about psoriatic arthritis. I can get sharp pain when walking but only sometimes. I’ve also had pain in my thumb joints and lower back come and go. These joint pains have only happened since developing PBC, so I don’t know if it’s PBC or something else but it seems linked to autoimmunity generally. I have had dry scratchy eyes but it’s much improved and so far doesn’t seem to be Sjoegren’s. At one point I seemed to be developing symptoms of drug-induced Lupus linked to a blood pressure med. When I stopped the med the symptoms went away. I did not test positive for the ANAs that can be an indicator for Lupus. So it can all be quite confusing.
I’ve had fibromyalgia since I was 13 but the pain of that is quite different to joint pain. It feels more muscular and involves very tight fascia.
I have a feeling that there is almost like a spectrum of related autoimmune conditions that can link to similar processes in the body. Sometimes particular diagnoses fit and sometimes you can kind of have a bit of a few things without it being clearly diagnosable. I really hope you find a good rheumatologist who can help give some clarity.
Hi All, there seems to be a common theme here. From my regular blood tests and timings I am absolutely certain that the Covid vaccine (no 4, mrna spring 2022) caused me to contract polymyalgia with massive inflammation results, very high CRP and ESR as well as liver functions. The French research is also conclusive about this. Seeing a rheumatologist months later resulted in denial. However eventually I demanded steroids with immediate beneficial results.
There are clearly connections that often patients can see better than consultants. Conclusion - always challenge "professional " opinion if things don't make sense.
You’re certainly entitled to your view. However this thread was just meant to be a central list where people can post their overlap AI conditions. Thanks
Hi CeeCee101. You can add spondyloarthritis to your list. I think there are several forms of arthritis that fall under this diagnosis. My diagnosis is new so can't offer much yet.
BTW was just Dx with overlap RA. My hepatologist emphasized the importance of all of us having an established relationship with a rheumatologist. My rheumatologist said she rarely sees patients that only have PBC. Just FYI
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Liver Pain - Due to medications or is condition worsening?
Steroids for PBC/Hepatitis overlap syndrome
Hi, I have been told that raised ALT is associated with AIH/PBC overlap and not pure PBC.Does anyone have PBC and have raised ALT? Thanks 
Told I have pbc/aih overlap syndrome today!
