Hep C, pitting edema and liver pain

[terea1]

I'm a 49 yr old female, diagnosed with chronic/active hep C Mar. 1991, contracted in July 1988. Participated in one of the first protocols using Interferon & Ribavirin for 11 months, with short-lived success (within 30 days of stopping meds the virus was detectable). The only recourse I have is indefinite use of Intron-A & Ribavirin. My quality of life when taking these meds is so poor that I've decided not to take them. In Dec. 2000 I developed pitting edema in my legs and feet. I still have pitting edema. I was diagnosed with Raynaud's syndrome and Fibromyalgia nearly 1 yr ago. My Dr of 12 yrs has pawned me off on a dr with little knowledge of ƒibromyalgia or hep c, because even tho I have a POS insurance, he is now considered my primary & is paid at HMO level. He didn't even refer me to this new doctor. Just gave me her # and told me to call her. She says the edema is due to my liver disease & my primary should prescribe a diuretic. He says she should. I'm in process of applying for long term disability with private policy. Since I have no recent bloodwork (my dr used to do complete liver panels every 4-5 weeks- for years! I haven't had bloodwork done since the HMO status kicked in- April  2001) I'm appealing. This appeal is the only reason I haven't dumped them both. I am insisting on a liver biopsy because now my liver is visibly enlarged & I have deep aching liver pain daily. Finally, my question is will a diuretic hurt my liver more? I am literally wearing one pair of sandals because nothing else fits (thank goodness I'm in S. Calif.) Any comments most appreciated.

[imkindly]

Diuretics can be hard on the kidneys.
You asked if a diuretic would hurt your liver more.....
I can tell you that people with edema caused by cirrhosis are treated with diuretics and a LOW SODIUM diet.

There are "loop diuretics" (example: Lasix; Furosemide). Loop diuretics cause potassium levels to drop (problem).

There are also "potassium sparing diuretics" (example: Spironolactone; Aldactone). These cause the body to retain potassium (potassium levels rise) (problem).

Usually a doctor will prescribe Lasix (and maybe a potassium supplement.)
Later---If you end up needing a higher dose of diuretics....they usually use a combination of Lasix and Aldactone (one lowers potassium, the other raises potassium).....that way they work together and potassium levels can stay around normal.

A good doctor will watch kidney (renal) function while your on diuretics.....just to make sure you're doing alright.

(In case you're curious, the reason that I know this is because my husband has hepatitis c and end stage cirrhosis. H's waiting for a liver transplant.)

The very first thing you should do to help get rid of your edema is go on a low sodium diet. Read food labels, avoid salty foods.
(We were first told to stay UNDER 2000 mg. sodium per day.....as edema got worse, we were told to stay UNDER 1000 mg. sodium per day.)  Read labels and avoid salty foods.
The second thing that you should do is to elevate your feet whenever possible. Use a footstool.
(And good luck with the doctor!)

[imkindly]

Diuretics can be hard on the kidneys.
You asked if a diuretic would hurt your liver more.....
I can tell you that people with edema caused by cirrhosis are treated with diuretics and a LOW SODIUM diet.

There are "loop diuretics" (example: Lasix; Furosemide). Loop diuretics cause potassium levels to drop (problem).

There are also "potassium sparing diuretics" (example: Spironolactone; Aldactone). These cause the body to retain potassium (potassium levels rise) (problem).

Usually a doctor will prescribe Lasix (and maybe a potassium supplement.)
Later---If you end up needing a higher dose of diuretics....they usually use a combination of Lasix and Aldactone (one lowers potassium, the other raises potassium).....that way they work together and potassium levels can stay around normal.

A good doctor will watch kidney (renal) function while your on diuretics.....just to make sure you're doing alright.

(In case you're curious, the reason that I know this is because my husband has hepatitis c and end stage cirrhosis. H's waiting for a liver transplant.)

The very first thing you should do to help get rid of your edema is go on a low sodium diet. Read food labels, avoid salty foods.
(We were first told to stay UNDER 2000 mg. sodium per day.....as edema got worse, we were told to stay UNDER 1000 mg. sodium per day.)  Read labels and avoid salty foods.
The second thing that you should do is to elevate your feet whenever possible. Use a footstool.
(And good luck with the doctor!)

[imkindly]

Diuretics can be hard on the kidneys.
You asked if a diuretic would hurt your liver more.....
I can tell you that people with edema caused by cirrhosis are treated with diuretics and a LOW SODIUM diet.

There are "loop diuretics" (example: Lasix; Furosemide). Loop diuretics cause potassium levels to drop (problem).

There are also "potassium sparing diuretics" (example: Spironolactone; Aldactone). These cause the body to retain potassium (potassium levels rise) (problem).

Usually a doctor will prescribe Lasix (and maybe a potassium supplement.)
Later---If you end up needing a higher dose of diuretics....they usually use a combination of Lasix and Aldactone (one lowers potassium, the other raises potassium).....that way they work together and potassium levels can stay around normal.

A good doctor will watch kidney (renal) function while your on diuretics.....just to make sure you're doing alright.

(In case you're curious, the reason that I know this is because my husband has hepatitis c and end stage cirrhosis. H's waiting for a liver transplant.)

The very first thing you should do to help get rid of your edema is go on a low sodium diet. Read food labels, avoid salty foods.
(We were first told to stay UNDER 2000 mg. sodium per day.....as edema got worse, we were told to stay UNDER 1000 mg. sodium per day.)  Read labels and avoid salty foods.
The second thing that you should do is to elevate your feet whenever possible. Use a footstool.
(And good luck with the doctor!)

[imkindly]

Diuretics can be hard on the kidneys.
You asked if a diuretic would hurt your liver more.....
I can tell you that people with edema caused by cirrhosis are treated with diuretics and a LOW SODIUM diet.

There are "loop diuretics" (example: Lasix; Furosemide). Loop diuretics cause potassium levels to drop (problem).

There are also "potassium sparing diuretics" (example: Spironolactone; Aldactone). These cause the body to retain potassium (potassium levels rise) (problem).

Usually a doctor will prescribe Lasix (and maybe a potassium supplement.)
Later---If you end up needing a higher dose of diuretics....they usually use a combination of Lasix and Aldactone (one lowers potassium, the other raises potassium).....that way they work together and potassium levels can stay around normal.

A good doctor will watch kidney (renal) function while your on diuretics.....just to make sure you're doing alright.

(In case you're curious, the reason that I know this is because my husband has hepatitis c and end stage cirrhosis. H's waiting for a liver transplant.)

The very first thing you should do to help get rid of your edema is go on a low sodium diet. Read food labels, avoid salty foods.
(We were first told to stay UNDER 2000 mg. sodium per day.....as edema got worse, we were told to stay UNDER 1000 mg. sodium per day.)  Read labels and avoid salty foods.
The second thing that you should do is to elevate your feet whenever possible. Use a footstool.
(And good luck with the doctor!)

[Philip1815]

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[Philip1815]

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[Philip1815]

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[Philip1815]

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