Almost 3 years and not better???

[hepcatlover]

It's been almost 3 years since I finished 48 weeks of triple therapy and was 'cured'  I tried treatment prior for 4 months and that didn't work.  
     I too thought that any issues that I had would resolve themselves and I'd feel better with time.  That has not proven the be the case.
     I force myself to move.  I try to walk every day, but it's like walking through water.  My shorter treatment did this but it got better.  This is getting worse.
     One of my major problems now are my hips.  They hurt like crazy when I do any walking.  This occurred with the four month treatment too, but after a year the pain went away.
     This time it's not leaving.  Working through it doesn't work either.
     Exhaustion is another problem.  I'm so tired that I have to force myself to exercise.  My poor body just weeps instead of getting used to it.
     Then there's my lack of sleep.  I never have a problem falling asleep, but always wake up after 4 hours.  I might be lucky to get another hour on top of that , but it's highly unlikely.
     My 50 lb weight gain might be a result of the lack of sleep, and less exercise..  I'm just so tired..
     I have developed a rash on my arms and legs a little on my neck - not itchy just ugly.  It's been months.  My dermatologist said it's probably an auto-immune thing due to the treatment.  I think he just doesn't know.
     My heart always hurts.  Literally, it's getting worse, instead of better.  I just had an electrocardiogram and am hoping for an actual diagnosis so that I can, hopefully, get cured.  
     I'm hoping to travel and get my life back on track, but that's not happening.  We have tickets to Ireland and I'm worried that I'm not going to make it there, and if I do that I won't be able to play the tourist.  I don't want to sit in a hotel every day while everyone else is touring some castle...
     On a positive note - nightly playing POGO games, especially the word ones, has helped with my memory.  My family still gets shocked when I can now remember a name.  Unfortunately, after 3:00  each day I'm too tired to remember anything!
     Best of luck one and all and hopefully we'll all have better news next time!

[otterwatcher]

you are not alone. pacing yourself might help.

[pooh55811]

I am sorry you are having all of these problems.

Both Hepatitis C and Interferon treatment can trigger Autoimmune Diseases.

I would suggest seeing a Rheumatologist at a university affiliated medical center. A Rheumatologist can examine you and test you for Autoimmune Diseases. Not all Autoimmune diseases have blood markers, but many do. However, a good Rheumatologist will be able to recognize if you have symptoms of an Autoimmune Disease and treat you for it or refer you to the correct specialist for treatment.

[Idyllic]

I can so relate to much of what you said.

All I can say is keep addressing each symptom or condition as it crops up.
If your Derm can't give you a diagnosis or treat your rash I would see a different one.

Not sure what you mean about your heart hurting. Do you mean chest pain? Either way I know it feels like a merry-go-round you will never get off but I don't see what other choice there is other than giving up.

I would be torn about international travel so I see what you mean. At one time it would have been exciting and now I go back and forth between feeling like it is a hassle and wanting to go.  I think you will like Ireland though. I think it would be ideal to go in the fall. There are less tourists and crowds.

I desperately do not want to be a burden or a drag to all the folks who supported me from the time I was diagnosed to when I cleared the virus and I feel like if I mention even one physical complaint that is what I am being. I am discovering there is no blanket solution. I mean it could be aging or it could be post-HCV or whatever but either way I encourage you to keep going forward.  

[Dee1956]

Hi I found an article on calcium deficiency, I am sure there are others, this is just one.  Also many of us are deficient in Vitamin D.  That would be something to check out.

http://www.freefrompaintoday.com/understanding-pain-caused-by-calcium-deficiency/

[Dee1956]

Hi there! I am very sorry to hear of the awful pain you are experiencing.  I read a book years ago by Adelle Davis, she was a nutritionist and said that hip pain can be a sign of a calcium deficiency.
I am always searching for  things to make me feel better, thinking that the tx may have caused a deficiency.  Just my thought, of course doctors have no input.  I now have a book called Prescription for Nutritional Healing, you look up your problem and it gives suggestions of supplements you might be deficient in.  When I was having bad leg cramps after tx, I took calcium, magnesium, potassium and zinc.  It helped.  As time when on I found that taking probiotics helped me quite a bi with stomach issues as well as brain fog.. I have read that our health begins in our gut and acidolphilus/probiotics are good for the body.
I am suffering with my second frozen shoulder in less than a year.  I am taking a supplement called Serraapeptase and it seems to be helping the pain. It is a natural anti inflamatory reduces swelling and is said to be safer thatn NSAIDS.   Since then I had an MRI and have much more wrong with my shoulder than frozen shoulder, tendonitis, bursitis, AC joint hypertrophy

Have you gone to your GP with the hip pain?  I would hope he would try to help you.  I had to go to an orthopedic doctor that specialized in shoulder joints and hip joints before I was able to get an MRI to pin point the problem.

Good luck, take care, Dee

[Frank J. Perrotta]

Sorry to hear of your lingering issues. According to The Mayo Clinic you would be defined as having Post-Interferon Syndrome (if you had interferon as a third part of your treatment *there are so many tx out there these days).

It will be my 10th year (plus 6 to 9 months to clear the meds) and things have just gone down hill after "curing"! even though I wasn't sick at all... NOW I am pretty crazy sick as you. I can't stay asleep - insomnia + can't stay awake = chronic fatigue + ... many of the same issues you are going thru.

I gained 70 lbs during my 72 weeks of old school treatment even with daily road bike cycling and jogging, careful diet etc. even fasting and still gaining weight... Just madness!

I had so much success in many fields around the world but couldn't imagine doing anything - even paying monthly bills. So you are not alone.

As with any syndrome one can hope to find a medication to help with each issue of the syndrome.

Just know that you are far from alone.

Best of luck to you as well, frank