Tuesday's Tips

[DonnaBoll]

Going on a vacation can be worrisome for someone with PBC.

If you are responding well to Urso, early stages of the disease, or are non cirrhotic then the risk of any untoward event happening is very low. Considerations are how much medical attention could potentially cost and whether medical care would even be available to you.

So what can you do to reduce the risk?

1. Make sure your PBC is well controlled.

If you have just been diagnosed and beginning treatment, then Dr Jones' suggestion is you postpone the travel if possible.

2.Make sure where you are going has medical facilities that can help, especially if you have had problems in the past with your PBC i.e. varicies. Cruises can be popular since they offer great medical care right on the ship.

3. Make sure your insurance provides you with medical transport should it be necessary for you to return to your home. Contacting The PBC Foundation can be helpful in finding insurance companies (in the UK). pbcfoundation.org.uk

[Giraffe44]

Hi Donna

Thanks for the tips re travel. Despite the low risk of problems with well controlled pbc I have found that travel insurance is still very expensive, even the companies recommended on liver disease organisations; adding a considerable cost to a holiday. I am reluctant to exclude the condition, just in case ! Has anyone else found this to be so?

[DonnaBoll Administrator in reply to Giraffe44]

yes, this subject has come up here a couple of times. Seems to be a real problem. I wonder if the PBC Foundation has any suggestions if your live in the UK? pbcfoundation.org.uk Let us know if you find any place to give it to you.