About Us

Helping People with Functional Biliary Disorders Feel Heard, Understood, and Supported.

Living with a functional biliary disorder can be a long and difficult journey.

For many people, symptoms can be persistent, painful and debilitating, while finding answers can take time. The complexity of these conditions can leave patients facing uncertainty, repeated investigations and appointments, and sometimes feeling that nobody truly understands what they are going through.

The Functional Biliary Disorder Foundation UK was created to change that.

We are a patient-led charity dedicated to supporting people and families affected by functional biliary disorders, including Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction (SOD) and related conditions.

Our aim is simple: to make sure people affected by these conditions do not have to navigate their journey alone.

Why We Exist

Functional biliary disorders are often poorly understood, both by the wider public and, in some cases, within healthcare settings.

When a condition is complex or difficult to diagnose, patients can find themselves searching for answers, trying to understand medical information and looking for others who have experienced something similar. We understand how important it is to have somewhere to turn.

The Foundation was established to provide a safe, supportive community where people affected by functional biliary disorders can find the information, understanding and support they need to navigate their journey.

Reliable Information

Clear, accessible information to help you understand functional biliary disorders and make sense of your diagnosis.

Understand Your Condition

Learn about symptoms, treatments and medical terminology in straightforward, easy-to-understand language.

Connect With Others

Connect with people who understand what it’s like to live with a functional biliary disorder.

Real Patient Stories

Read real experiences from people living with these conditions — and share your own story if you wish.

Support & Resources

Find practical resources, guidance and support to help you navigate life with your condition.

A Stronger Voice

Help raise awareness and advocate for better recognition, understanding and care for people with functional biliary disorders.

Our Mission

Our mission is to improve understanding, recognition and support for people affected by functional biliary disorders across the UK.

We work towards this by:

Raising awareness

We want to increase understanding of functional biliary disorders and the impact they can have on patients and their families.

Providing information and support

We provide accessible resources to help patients and families understand functional biliary disorders and navigate their experiences with greater confidence.

Building community

Living with a chronic or poorly understood condition can be incredibly isolating. We aim to connect people with others who understand what they are going through.

Sharing patient experiences

Every person’s experience is different. By sharing real patient stories, we can help others feel understood while highlighting the realities of living with these conditions.

Advocating for better care

We believe people affected by functional biliary disorders deserve to be listened to, taken seriously and treated with compassion. We advocate for greater recognition, improved understanding and better care pathways.

Supporting greater understanding among healthcare professionals

Better outcomes begin with better understanding. We want to help improve awareness and knowledge of functional biliary disorders among healthcare professionals so that patients can receive appropriate support and care.

What We Hope To Change

We believe that nobody should feel forgotten because their condition is complex, poorly understood or difficult to diagnose.

We want to help create a future where functional biliary disorders are better recognised, patients have access to appropriate information and support, and healthcare professionals have a greater understanding of these conditions.

Most importantly, we want people living with functional biliary disorders to know that their experiences matter and their voices deserve to be heard.

Our Community

The Foundation is here for everyone affected by functional biliary disorders.

Whether you are living with a condition yourself, supporting a family member, looking for information, or simply trying to understand what you or someone you care about is experiencing, we want to provide a place where you can find information, connection and support.

You can explore our resources, learn more about functional biliary disorders and Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction, read patient stories and become part of our growing community.

Be Part Of The Change

There is still much to do to improve awareness and understanding of functional biliary disorders. By coming together, patients, families, healthcare professionals, and organisations, we can help ensure these conditions receive the recognition they deserve.

Together, we can raise awareness, share experiences and work towards better care for everyone affected by functional biliary disorders.