What is a cholangitis flare up?

[Guest guest]

Apologies if this is already on the site somewhere. I am a new member and this is my first on line group. I am due to have a liver biopsy tomorrow after having abnormal liver blood tests (alarmingly high particularly ggt & alp). First time I have ever had a blood test in memory, my GP/doc was very thorough at my recent consultation for depression. I now recommend anyone to get one done regularly, even if they feel well. My 'Gastro' thinks I may have PSC or SC (I think he said MRI was clear so maybe I am the in the 5% with the small duct version?). Anyway this made me think back over previous problems.

I have had Pan Ulcerative Colitis since about 1995/6, fairly mild although it flared up recently with stress/depression. In 97 or 98 I had some really bad pains in the middle of my back slightly to the right. Felt like I had been punched in the kidney and/or broken a rib. Lasted about three days and did not respond to any painkillers (paracetamol - which usually works wonders for me). Was impossible to get comfortable. I remember sleeping and even breathing twinged. I thought it was UC ulcers or a sports injury, and never thought much of it afterwards. Did not go to the doc as I thought I would be wasting their time. Are these symptoms of a colangitis flare up?

Would be grateful to hear from anyone who can share there experience. May help me stage my condition if it is PSC. Anyway thanks for reading, (37).