Routine blood test revealed rare liver disease masked by fatigue
Routine blood tests revealed primary biliary cholangitis, an autoimmune disease of the liver. Everyday fatigue had hidden the condition.
Linda Holdaway went to her regular doctor in 2023 for a script renewal. The doctor ordered some blood tests because she did not often visit.
Shortly after, tests showed liver function that was not normal. Further testing revealed primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), an autoimmune condition where the body attacks its own liver.
PBC mostly affects middle-aged women. About 95 per cent of people diagnosed were born female.
Before, PBC caused about 20 per cent of all liver transplants. New medicines now make it typically something you can manage.
Holdaway said symptoms like fatigue are easily blamed on busy weeks, hormones, or lack of exercise. Living with PBC feels isolating because few people understand the constant tiredness.
She cannot drink alcohol due to her medicine and her need to protect her liver.
- 2023
- Year diagnosed
- 95 per cent
- Percentage of diagnoses in people born
- About 20 per cent of all liver transplants
- Historical transplant rate
Why it mattersSerious conditions often hide behind everyday symptoms like fatigue. Regular health checks can catch them early when they are most treatable.
AustraliaAustralians with PBC now manage it through medication rather than needing transplants; the disease primarily affects middle-aged women.
Corroborated bytheadvocate.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
