What are your most frustrating symptoms of PBC?
PBC can cause symptoms like fatigue and itching that are difficult to manage. What are your most frustrating symptoms, and how do they affect you?
Itching every night
I imagine dealing with that every night can be really frustrating. Does it ever get bad enough to keep you awake or make it hard to get back to sleep? -Latoya (Team Member)
Fatigue and brain fig
These are certainly the top two symptoms that affect so many people. How are you doing currently? -Latoya (Team Member) same for me
I don’t really know if I have symptoms. I’m 66 years old and was diagnosed Jan of this year. So I’m old. I have noticed that I get tired easily now and I do have brain fog at times , but I figured it’s just a normal part of aging. And I’m still working as a server and walk 3 miles a shift 4 days a week. I blamed my tiredness on that. I get aggravated easily and don’t have the patience I use to have. But I’m on steroids and Ursodiol bc I have the overlap AIH/PBC , I’ve considered quitting my job but I’m afraid if I do , I’ll sit down and not get back up. And that’s scary for me.
It sounds like staying active is really important to you, so I can understand why the thought of giving that up would be scary. With everything you have going on, I can also understand why it would be hard to know what’s causing certain things, whether it’s just aging, your job, something related to PBC or AIH, or a combination of it all. It may take some time to figure out what your body is telling you and what changes might help you feel your best. But in the meantime, I hope you give yourself permission to slow down when you need to. Taking a break or making adjustments doesn’t mean you’re giving up. It just means you’re taking care of yourself along the way. All the best, Latoya (Team Member)
Brain fog, SEVERE itching from torso and up, CONSTANTLY FATIGUED, (not like feeling tired because I OVER did it, more like someone took a suringe with a needle, stuck it in me and sucked EVEY last ounce of energy out of me!!!)
That description of your energy being completely drained really puts into perspective how different this is from ordinary tiredness. I hope you’re able to find something that brings you some relief, especially from the itching and fatigue. You shouldn’t have to feel this completely wiped out, and I really hope things get a little easier for you soon. Hang in there, Latoya (Team Member)
