Lifestyle changes won't cure PBC, but they may help improve some of the symptoms, like fatigue and itching. They can also give you the skills you need to manage it better. I'm here to guide you through this doctor visit.

“Don't ask a vague question like, 'What should I do at home for lifestyle?' It may get you a vague response.”

The following advice will prepare you for your visit and give your doctor plenty of information so they can suggest lifestyle changes that will work for you.

You want to leave this appointment with a good grasp of how lifestyle may impact your PBC symptoms. Here are some questions for your doctor and some things they may ask you:

Remember, you are in charge of your own health care. If you feel like your needs aren't being met, you should speak up.

Make small changes. If you try to overhaul your lifestyle all at once, you'll get overwhelmed. You already have a lot to deal with when you live with PBC. Set yourself up for success by picking one thing to work on, and make it a habit, like fitting in short bursts of exercise during your day. Once you've achieved your goal, move on to the next change.

If you struggle with any step, reach out to your care team. They may have suggestions for things that can help, such as referring you to a nutritionist to discuss your diet.

Check in with yourself. Take some time to ask yourself how you feel, mentally and emotionally. It's normal to feel moments of depression and anxiety when you have PBC. But if these feelings aren't going away, you may benefit by talking to a therapist. Your care team may have recommendations for specific therapists who specialize in chronic disease patients. They'll be able to help you figure out ways to better cope with your PBC.

Seek out support groups. PBC is a relatively rare disease, so it may not be easy to connect with people locally. There is an annual PBC conference you can go to, where you'll find other patients to connect with. There are also support groups online. You can find a directory at the website for the American Liver Foundation. But you don't always have to reach out to other people who live with PBC. If you have a friend or neighbor that you feel comfortable confiding in, talk to them, too.

Take some time for yourself. You spend so much time focused on PBC, it can be hard to focus on you. Try to do something that you enjoy. It can be as simple as taking your dog for a walk, reading a good book, or watching your favorite TV show. All these activities help with stress, which will help you manage better.