just diagnosed with high cholesterol. Healthy weight and blood pressure. Could pbc be a factor

[Dragon6556]

Diagnosed with PBC 20 years ago which is !O3IS34zum=& well to OCA. But I have very painful legs particularly when resting . And a recent worrying symptom is breathlessness.. I had previously blamed my MS for this but wonder if PBC could be a factor? Would really appreciate any thoughts on this. Thank you

[DonnaBoll Administrator]

I am so sorry to read that you are experiencing some different symptoms. Just the nature of PBC, as you well know, can leave us very fatigued for seemingly no reason. Having MS, though, I would think the fatigue can just be even worse. As far as the breathlessness, I would really suggest that whomever is treating you for your MS knows about this development. I can't see this as related to PBC but your doctor is obviously aware of your medical history. Let us know what you found out. Shortness of breath needs to be addressed for sure.

[Dragon6556 in reply to DonnaBoll]

Thanks for this Donna. I’m booked in with my GP in the morning so should learn more then. X

[DonnaBoll Administrator in reply to Dragon6556]

With the time change, I'm not sure when your appt is -or was - but please let me know what he said.

[Michi1]

On the cholesterol front, lots of us with PBC have high cholesterol with no apparent cardiac impact. I just had my cardiac calcium score checked to be sure and it was zero. I've had high cholesterol, both HDL and LDL, for years.

[Dragon6556 in reply to Michi1]

Aww thanks Michi. I’ve now simply got to get my Specialist to agree to me taking statins and all will be good. Thanks for this message - sometimes the world can seem to be a lonely place and you’ve really helped me x

[Michi1 in reply to Dragon6556]

You probably won’t need statins. That’s what I’m telling you. Lots of us have high cholesterol but we’re not told to take statins because we don’t need them.

[Dragon6556 in reply to Michi1]

Ahhh! Ok - thanks! I’ll take that up with her on my next visit.

[Michi1 in reply to Dragon6556]

I had the cardiac calcium score done at my primary care doc’s recommendation, and it proved I’m fine without statins.

[234WARD03]

I have been told by specialist that statins are a no no with the medication I take for the PBC itch, Bezalip Bezifibrate. Fortunately I checked with them as the surgery wanted to start me on them.

[Candy12 in reply to 234WARD03]

Bezafibrate was the drug for cholesterol before statins. That could be why you were advised not to take both. )You'd be doubling up so to speak. )

It’s taken off label in PBC. For you it hopefully helps your itch. For me it is used to lower my ALP. ( which returned to normal taking it with my URSO) My cholesterol is a little high but my consultant said just don’t worry about it , she said just let Bezafibrate slowly do it’s work.