Question of diet and exercise with early PSC

[Guest guest]

I originally went to my primary doc for epigastric pain, which I

thougt may have been a hernia or ulcer. After ultrasound, the

gastroeneterologist found I had moderate hiatal hernia, and

suggested endoscopy. On that, they found Barrett's esophagus. I

returned to the gastroenterologist because the pain was still

there. He thought it might be gallbladder so I had ERCP. Turns

out, there were no stones, but there was a lot of scarring and

inflammation throughout the bile ducts and into the liver. Liver

biopsy confirmed PSC, though very early, since I have none of the

usual symptoms of itching, jaundice, fever, etc.

My question is, I want to start a diet and exercise program to lose

weight (at least 50 lbs) and recondition myself after " letting

myself go " for 3 years after total hysterectomy (2003) for cervical

cancer. I know that diet and exercise will lessen the effects of

many conditions, such as hypertension, depression, etc., but I

wonder how much of an effect it will have on PSC, especially at

this " early " stage.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

MJL