Progression Questions

[cousinmag]

Hello.  I am a 47 year old female and have been pos for hep c for many years (probably about 30) with no symptoms, normal liver enzymes, but increasing VL. I have resisted treatment because I have always been chemically sensitive and react to antibiotics and most other pharmaceuticals, cleaning products and many other things.  Also have had high cholesterol for years, but HDL was high (over 90) I was told not to worry about it. Last cholesterol test was still high (259) but LDL had sharply risen and HDL fallen (to about 60).  3 months ago, after the cholesterol test, I dramatically changed my diet - cutting out almost all dairy, red meat, simple carbs, etc.  Added fruits and more vegetables, more fatty fish.  About a month ago my abdomen started itching horribly.  3 weeks ago I got a common cold which seemed to clear up completely without even cough settling in my chest (long time smoker, have cut down considerably and trying to quit).  But, I've been very tired, slight sore throat and feeling "not quite right" ever since.  At the same time I started breaking out in hives, just a few, on my stomach, hands, chest, back of wrists mostly.  Also, these weird round puffs that seem like swollen parts of a vein.  (The hives are occuring every time I eat anything and more of them, doesn't seem to matter if the food has fat or not.  Palms of my hands itch terribly.  Also, self-treated for a minor UTI which seems ok now, no discomfort.  My vision has deteriorated (reading) a great deal in only a couple of years.  Color of my urine is clear, I do drink alot of water.  Occasional discomfort right upper quadrant, but nothing much.  I've taken an herbal supplement OPC-3 daily (grapeseed extract, bilberry, pinebark, bioflavoids) and it has made me feel more energetic for years.  Always had normal, but very heavy menstrual periods.  In Dec 2004 and Jan 2005 I had two 3 week episodes of very heavy (even for me) bleeding followed by several months of much easier ones - lighter than normal and a day shorter.  My internist tells me this is likely the beginning of menopause.  I have decided that it's about time to consult a liver specialist (duh).  After all this background, my questions are:  (1) are these hives/itching likely connected with the hep c virus?  Why do I get them from virtually everything (possibly even soaps and products I've been using for years)?  (2) I'm terrified that I've gone from pretty healthy to advanced liver disease without knowing.  Is this likely?  I believe I must be my own advocate, but feel very scared and paralyzed by the fear and finally, wishful thinking perhaps (3) could these symptoms be the viruses (cold, UTI, etc.) leaving my system and not the hep c at all?  I apologize for the length and scattered presentation (my mind has gotten a little fuzzy too). I have felt very isolated in my situation and am relieved to have found a site like this.  I eagerly await your reply.  Thank you so much.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

To answer your questions:
1) It is possible that the itching may be related to hepatitis C.  An allergic reaction is possible - and a referral to an allergist can be considered for further evaluation.

2) Itching can be indicative of liver diseases like primary biliary cirrhosis.  Discussion of evaluating this can be done with your personal physician.

3) It is also possible that the symptoms may not be related to the hepatitis C and could be a URI virus in nature.  

It is difficult to say for sure - but discussion of tests for primary biliary cirrhosis and a referral to an allergist should all be considered.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
http://www.straightfromthedoc.com