First of all, a fresh diagnosis can feel like a lot to take in β and that's completely understandable. You're not alone in feeling overwhelmed.
PBC is an autoimmune condition, and it's actually quite common for people with PBC to also have other autoimmune conditions. Around 55% of people with PBC have at least one other Show Full Answer
First of all, a fresh diagnosis can feel like a lot to take in β and that's completely understandable. You're not alone in feeling overwhelmed.
PBC is an autoimmune condition, and it's actually quite common for people with PBC to also have other autoimmune conditions. Around 55% of people with PBC have at least one other autoimmune disorder alongside it.
CREST syndrome is one of the autoimmune conditions that can occur alongside PBC, so having both is something others in the PBC community have navigated too. A myPBCteam member shared something that might resonate with you:
*"At first, it was overwhelming and dooming. Getting diagnosed was a relief that validated my symptoms, but as time passed, I transformed into accepting my health issues."*
Some helpful things to keep in mind as you start this journey:
- Build a trusted medical team β a hepatologist (liver specialist) is especially important for managing PBC
- Advocate for yourself β ask questions and voice all your concerns
- Be gentle with yourself β as one person with PBC put it, "It's not your fault"
- Rest when you need to and listen to your body
There is support out there, and many people are living full lives with PBC. π
September 30