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Real members of myPBCteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Is it a benefit or hindrance to know what stage you are in?

A myPBCteam Member asked a question 💭
Los Angeles, CA

I was diagnosed in November 2025. It was the same time as a Hashimoto’s flare and Hemangioma.
I was never told what stage I’m in. Just know my bloodwork has been bad since at least 2012.
Currently have symptoms of fatigue and itching but no major liver damage.
So Do I really want to know? What’s your thoughts on this?

June 23
 · 
Reactions
A myPBCteam Member

I am definitely a want to know person. The more you know, the better you can prep, the easier you can cope, which leads to better physical and mental health.
Lew

October 17
myPBCteam

What a genuinely thoughtful question — and one that many people with PBC wrestle with. Knowing your stage is ultimately a personal decision, but there are real practical benefits to having that information.

Here's why knowing your stage can help:

- It helps guide your treatment plan and medication decisions
- It gives your Show Full Answer

What a genuinely thoughtful question — and one that many people with PBC wrestle with. Knowing your stage is ultimately a personal decision, but there are real practical benefits to having that information.

Here's why knowing your stage can help:

- It helps guide your treatment plan and medication decisions
- It gives your doctor a clearer picture of how to monitor your progression
- It helps set realistic expectations about symptoms and what to watch for
- It can motivate proactive lifestyle choices that support liver health
- It helps your care team catch complications earlier Given that your bloodwork has been abnormal since 2012 but you have no major liver damage yet, that's actually encouraging. Fatigue and itching are common PBC symptoms, and knowing your stage could help explain their severity and guide treatment for them specifically.

The emotional side is real too — some people find knowing empowering, others find it anxiety-inducing. Only you know which camp you fall into.

One myPBCteam member shared this advice: write down your questions before appointments and ask directly — "What stage am I in? What's my treatment? What can I do on my own?" Being your own advocate makes a real difference. Ultimately, asking your hepatologist for your stage is worth considering — not to frighten yourself, but to make more informed decisions about your care. Knowledge, in this case, tends to be a tool rather than a burden.

June 23
A myPBCteam Member

I wanted to know. In my case the signs were ignored for a long time. I complained of pain in the upper right rib area constantly. The itching was another symptom and last year a new pcp said why hasn't anyone follwed up on your liver enzymes. They have been trending high for several years and last year went way way up. MRI, and liver biopsy confirmed PBC stage 3.

October 18
A myPBCteam Member

Knowledge is power 💪 - the more informed you are the more engaged you can be, and it’s proven the more engaged you are the better care you will get!

October 17

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If you don’t have a liver biopsy how would you know what stage you are?

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