As mentioned before, there are few norms for this disease, some people show no symptoms and others show many symptoms. As well as indirect symptoms linked to PBC - such as gallbladder problems, there are some symptoms that are specific to PBC itself. We need to be aware of these symptoms so that a sufferer can be diagnosed correctly. Many medical professionals are still overlooking PBC and therefore, if we can make the general public and the medical world more aware of these symptoms, perhaps sufferers will get the help that they need earlier. This article will look at symptoms specifically due to PBC itself.
Fatigue - Many people with PBC feel fatigued. The fatigue may come and go, but you will feel extremely tired, even if you have done little to cause that tiredness. The fatigue can be difficult to describe. Imagine having wooden limbs that you drag around constantly or as some sufferers describe it - it's like having cement for blood. The fatigue is also different in that it doesn't matter how much sleep you get, sleep doesn't relieve it. In fact, I can sleep 12 hours and upon arising, I feel like I've run a marathon in my sleep.
Aches and Pains - Oh this one is a dandy! Not only are you fatigued but your bones can ache terribly. This is because PBC sufferers are prone to osteoporosis and soft bones. Pain can be in the pelvis, legs, hips or spine. It's a deep ache not easily relieved.
Hyperpigmentation - As the bile from the liver is blocked, hyperpigmentation can occur. With this the skin darkens due to an increase of melanin, a dark pigment. Hyperpigmentation can be made worse, if a sufferer has intense itching and scratches to relieve it.
Itching - A great many PBC sufferers also experience itching. Usually early on in the disease, the itching begins on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet before spreading elsewhere. The itching is intense and often worse at night, which in turn disrupts sleep.
Cholesterol Deposits - Cholesterol levels rise in people with PBC and can result in deposits within the skin itself. These can usually be seen within skin creases or even around the eyes.
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