Update on my health

[Terri-Lynn]

After being diagnosed with PBC I felt unsure of my fate. But after much research and reading blogs and post I decided I discovered my destiny was up to me and only me. I started changing my eating habits and began walking more. I then asked for my primary physician for assistance and monitoring support to guide me in a healthy way. She recommended adding 10 mg of Phentermine to assist with cravings and keep me on my path. I kept a daily log of what I ate, type & length of time for exercise (now incorporated Pilates & Peloton Bike), BP readings, and how I felt that day. I've done this for a year and have lost 43 lbs/19.5 kg. Still on this journey and trust me when I say, 'I fall off the wagon regularly' but has learned to get right back to healthier choices the next day or two so I get back to where I was.

I started by learning to read labels to reduce sugar and other words I don't even understand. Most everything I eat comes fresh or frozen (fruits & veggies) for ease of sustainability. I reduced the amount of butter and added more olive oil. The use of non-stick pans assist with this change. I'm not much for dairy since it upsets my tummy but a small amount enhances taste and flavor on food such as chicken parmesan without pasta but use spiraled zucchini (sometimes include some pasta because I miss it) instead as an example. I love cooking and eating so continue to figure out how to make healthier swaps without losing taste. Trust me, have had numerous failures along the way while laughing at myself.

I hope this post give you hope knowing changes can be done as long as you have patience with yourself. Much success to all.

[Catlady415]

That’s encouraging to hear, thanks! I’m brand new to PBC (still waiting to get confirmation from hepatologist) and I’ve been wondering if diet and medicine like phentermine and incretins(ozempic, mounjaro) are safe and effective for PBC. It sounds like you’re doing well on it!

[Terri-Lynn in reply to Catlady415]

Catlady415,

I'm doing very well on Urso and also take Phentermine to reduce my cravings for food and Metformin to increase my metabolism. I do moderate exercises weekly 4 - 5 days and have lost 43 lbs so far. Still have a long way to go but willing to try daily but sometimes I do fall off my plan. However, the next day start fresh. For me, movement is important or every muscle becomes stiff and painful. I have bone-on-bone on my left knee with upcoming surgery in May-June timeframe (Orthopedics are back logged still from CoV). Will probably need the other knee done too shortly afterwards as long as I have my strength back from the initial surgery. I live in a 3-level townhome which keeps me moving whether I like it of not. I also adopted a puppy in December and he keeps me active walking daily.

Ask your physician to refer you to a nutritionist for assistance with the proper diet for you. Everyone is different so one diet does not fit everyone.

Good luck!

Terri