Symptoms of PK deficiency
How does PK deficiency affect everyday life?
Signs and symptoms of PK deficiency are different for
everyone and can change over time
Common symptoms
- Debilitating fatigue
- Exercise intolerance
- Jaundice
- Scleral icterus
Some symptoms are cognitive
- Difficulty concentrating
- Brain fog
- Memory loss
PK deficiency and fatigue
Your doctor may not understand what you mean when you say you're tired or feeling fatigued. More vivid examples may help. Some descriptions others with PK deficiency have used with their doctors include:
- Sometimes I’m so tired I feel like I’m 80 years old
- Brain fog reduces my ability to do simple math
Additional signs and symptoms
Which of these symptoms do you have and which bother you the most? Are there any you’re just starting to notice, or that you didn’t think could be related to your PK deficiency?
Select your symptoms and download a list to share with your doctor:
Bilirubin: A substance created from hemoglobin when RBCs break down, which can cause jaundice and scleral icterus
Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin caused by high levels of bilirubin in the body
Scleral icterus: Yellowing of the whites of the eyes caused by high levels of bilirubin in the body
Cognitive difficulties: Problems associated with memory, language, thinking, and judgment
DID YOU KNOW?
PK deficiency affects more than just the body. In a survey, people with PK deficiency reported feeling anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and social isolation. It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider if you experience any of these mental health challenges.
Be your own advocate…find
somebody willing to listen to you.
Be your own advocate…find
somebody willing to listen to you.
Being proactive is key to understanding PK deficiency
Understand what to look for to help
keep your doctor informed