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[paulineemily]

I have had pbc since 1998. I am medically retired. I am a first timer here. I always managed to stay cheerful, but find it quite difficult since my husband died. Not wanting to become a miserable old biddy, I decided to look on line for some moral support, sounds as though I have found the right place.

[zipitydoo]

Hi and welcome.

Its really useful to be able to talk and ask questions to others that are going through the same things.

[spoul]

hello and welcome i've been diagnosed 14 yrs and i too am medicallly retired, in my head i can still do my job but the body is unwilling..haha. I too only joined this site recently and have found some interesting topics, most i knew already but theres always subjects and comments that you'll hopefullt fiind helpful

take good care of yourself and hope to chat again sometime

[Val02]

Hi Glad you have joined our little community. I have had PBC for 4years and only joined recently. Its nice to have a place where you can talk about PBC whenever you want and reassuring that people actually know what you are talking about!

Take Care

[HelenTM]

Hi I was diagnosed last year. Initially I felt dreadful but through reading comments from others I became more hopeful and am now feeling a lot more optomistic. My PBC is quite advanced but the Urso has brought my bloods to within a normal range.This is the first time I've written anything on a website but your comment touched me and I want you to know that you are not alone and others do understand. Keep your spirits up as I am sure your husband would not want you to feel sad. Take care.

[Jtxx in reply to HelenTM]

Can I ask you what your ALT and AST levels were before you started Urso? X

[HelenTM in reply to Jtxx]

Not sure. Consultant not the best communicator in the world. And to be honest I didn't really want to know then. When I asked about staging he said my liver alredy had signs of cirrhosis. I think I stopped listening then. However after a year on Urso I feel a hundred times better, I work full time as a teacher and have few symptoms apart from tiredness. I just want to live life to the full and will worry if and when difficulties arise.

[Jtxx in reply to HelenTM]

That's a great outlook to have and one I tend to adhere to as well although I need to know my bloods are ok and then I can file it in the brain and get on with it. Mine are controlled at the moment. I was just curious as I also have AIH. They call it a crossover syndrome. On steroids and autoimmune tabs as well as Urso and doing ok. Deal with symptoms and side effects as and when. Glad to know that Urso is working. Take care. X

[Jtxx]

Hi Paulineemily, sorry to hear you've lost your husband. As HelenTM rightly says, he would want you to be positive. At the end of the day we all need to try and lead as normal and healthy a life as we possibly can. We all have our moments but I feel that a positive attitude goes a long way. Take it you are a member of the PBC Foundation in Edinburgh? If not you should join. Great organisation for support and information . Take care. X

[TerrieLee]

Welcome Paulineemily, I only joined a month or so ago and was so relieved that I'm not in this alone. I always feel better after I get on the website and read comments. Was diagnosed a couple years ago and symptoms wax and wane. Just went through a really bad spell and now all of a sudden I feel great okay again. The tiredness always seems to be there, but I can live with that. Sorry about your husband. That would be very hard, mine is very supportive for the most part, although I think he tires of it also.

[EAJSWW]

Hi and Welcome....

I am a miserable old biddy most of the time lol

As other have said, it's great to find some others to chat to... As well as being a member of the foundation, get in touch with your local volunteer, they might have local meetings that you can meet others in person.

[Maddieroo]

From one miserable biddy to another, I am sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. Unfortunately grief and loss can make those of us with autoimmune diseases have flare ups. But, maintaining a generally positive attitude with a large dose of humor helps a great deal. I have been feeling sorry for myself because in addition to lupus, fibromyalgia and a whole host of other syndromes and diseases I have just learned I have AIH and PBC. Finding this website has been very helpful. I hope you too find comfort by sharing your feelings with others.