I got a call from my GI doctor about
an hour ago. I do not understand all he said but evidently I do have early stage primary biliary cirrhosis (which is just a name). I don't actually have cirrhosis yet and evidently there is a medication I can take that can either halt the disease in its present stage or slow down any progression. Supposedly this is an autoimmune disease (no surprise to me there). Some of the symptoms that I have experienced over the last year are so are classic PBC symptoms and others may be. So, called my Mom and she is like so sure this is now the "ANSWER" we have been waiting for and that now we have a name and will soon be on a medication and I'll just be my happy old self again. I, on the other hand, am not jumping up and down with joy and hopefulness. I told Mom after all these years of doctor to doctor to doctor and maybe it is this or maybe it is that or lets try this or that, I'm not getting my hopes up. It's been too long of not knowing anything definite. The GI doctor said it could be the lupus involving the liver and causing the PBC or it could be a separate disease on top of the lupus. There is just no knowing for sure. I understand my Mom's reaction - she just wants her daughter to be better. I also understand she is an optimist and I am a pessimist. I used to be much more optimistic but the last few years of disappointment and struggle have changed my outlook.
So, this could explain some of the odd symptoms I've had that aren't on the Lupus checklist.
As far as the biopsy goes, I am still experiencing discomfort from it and the GI doctor reiterated to me yet again to not exert myself and don't lift anything and rest. Other than working (which all I do is sit at my desk here at home and type), resting is all I have done.
I'm supposed to call the GI doc's office Monday and get an appointment with him the end of next week or the following week to go over everything.