She is a PBC patient,  diagnosed in May 2022. Her diagnosis came as a surprise. She had no symptoms other than some occasional itching, which she never would have associated with liver disease. Melissa initially saw a general practitioner for what she suspected was diabetes, since it is prevalent in her family. The diabetes diagnosis was confirmed, but in conducting the blood work, the GP noticed her liver enzymes were high, including ALP, and sent her to a GI specialty group, where she was fortunate that they had a hepatologist on staff. Many tests later, the hepatologist confirmed his suspicion and diagnosed Melissa with PBC. She started on ursodiol and made some positive diet changes. Thankfully, she continues to be a full responder. Her liver enzymes are all back in the normal range. While feeling especially blessed that she’s responding well, the mental aspect of having an incurable chronic condition weighs on her from time to time. She’s grateful for the PBC Community Cafe sessions, which help her so much in this aspect, and she wants to give back.

 

Melissa’s education background is in the sciences, specifically in cell and molecular biology (Ph.D.) and public health (MPH Epidemiology). She works as a mid-level administrator at a community college and is a tenured professor of Biology, where she has many years of experience teaching and communicating biology to students.