Has any one else had these symptoms?

[laurigirl63]

Wow,what a site after spending lots of time trying to figure out what was going on with me I came across this site. Almost every symptom touches on what I'm expeiencing. I am going to layout some history,symptoms,results of blood work. Hopefully I can better understand whats going on. From what I've read on here though I do agree that there is an underlying condition or disease.
I'm a 45yr old female who is recovery.....meth was my drug of chose. I contrated Hep C in 1997 or 1998. In June of 2008 I had been sober for a 1 1/2 yrs. My gastro Dr agreed to treat me. He perscibed the dual therapy of .05 mico gram of pegulated interferon once a week for 24 wks, also 1800 miligrams of ribaviren daily for 24 wks, later reduced to 1200 miligrams do to hemoglobin results. The first shot resulted in severe flu like syptoms and joint pain undescribeable. Finished treatments in Nov 2007. About 1 1/2 months after treatment noticed joint pain in one or two joints but could explain it away. I then noticed that it was affecting several joint pains(deep ache) changing joints daily then almost all joints........joints I didn't know I had(not really) All finger joints,wrist,elbow,shoulder blade,clavicle,neck,lower back,hips,knees,ankles, and toes. Also had hot flashes where I would actually sweat a little. I also started on sweating upon activity......never used to sweat.........The pain then moved to the area above or below the joint felt like extreme pressure. Incrediable pain at times, brain fog...forget how to spell words....where I put things and get up to get something and forget what I was going to get. I have severe itching in upper arms,lower legs and back on the sides. Finally wen to doctor too many symptoms.........he ran blood work results I'm listing the results so that maybe someone can suggest a test that wasn't done.

Rheumatoid Factor...55.1 High
Hemoglobin 14.0 Normal
Hemogram(blood count) Normal
Sed Rate 9 Normal
TSH(thyroid) 2.37 Normal
Vitamin D 9 Abnormal
ANA 0.42 Normal
Albumin 4.1 Normal
Alkaline Phosphatese 115 Normal
Alt 11 Normal
AST 15 Normal
Bilirubin-Direct 0.1 Normal
Bilirubin-Total 0.2 Normal
Total Protein 6.9 Normal
The doctor prescribed vitamin D2 50,000 I/U once a wk for 2 months and then vitamin D3 1,000 I/U daily for 3 months blood checked in 3-4 months. He also made appointment to see rhuematoligist. I've done a lot of reading in this community as well as Hep C community. I think the underlying condition is unknown. I also believe that the ribivirin and interferon could have contributed to my condition as well as the Hep C virus itself.........but then I found this community and there are so many more people who suffer from the same symptoms any imput is very welcome.

Thanks,
Laurigirl63

[laurigirl63]

Hey Babs,
Thank you so much for your concern.  As far as an expert I believe the people suffering are the ones who are experts.  We are the ones that go through the different doctor, diagnosis, and the symptons. So let me answer your questions. My treatment ended in Nov 2008. I had some symptoms during treatment but they increased after tx about 2 months after. During tx I had a large patch of dry skin on my lower back. I also have terrible itching on legs,arms and on the sides of my back. I'm not sure if the itch is from the winter I live in Minnesota. I see the Rheumatologist tomorrow. I sometimes think the pain is subsiding only to have a lot of pain later in the day. I will definetely let you know what the rheumy says. I will be gone this week-end so if I don't get time before I leave to post I'll do it Sunday evening.
Again Babs thank you so much the concern.
Peace
Laurigirl63

[Babs1469]

Hey, sorry to hear about all the pain, I'm curious, What did the Rheumatologist say? I think I read it right and you stopped interfuron in 2007 is that right? I can tell you from experience that that stuff can cause a lot of horrid symptoms but not this long after. Also, interfuron and riborviron can exaserbate some auto immune problems which could be why they wanted you to see the rhuematologist. Do you have any kind of skin Rash? Placques? Sorry for my horrible spelling. does the pain ever seem better, almost forgetable?? Listen, I'm no expert, I'm just trying to find my way on here too but we seem to have a lot of the same problems. I'm sure you would rather have had someone write back to you that had more answers then questions but for now you got me. Please write me back as to what the Rheumy said and we can go on from there if you like.