3 mos. post tx., is joint pain common?

[w.c. missy]

Hi all,

I completed my 3rd round of treatment 11 weeks ago, (48 weeks), and had been on treatment 2 times prior, every time I came very close to UND, but at the end of treatment my qual was still positive.

Question is, I am having horrible joint & muscle (primarily joint pain), and I don't remember it being this bad in previous post treatment.  Could it just be a side effect of the treatment?  Could I be stuck with this, or can it get better with time?

I would greatly appreciate any & all input.  

Thanks so much,
W.C. Missy

[bandman54]

"Bandman,  You gotta let me know if you find any relief from that stabbing hip pain. "

Well, it is getting a little better.   I have totally revamp my sups (with cs's help) and I am exercising more.  It  seems to be getting better.

I have had this for about 2.5 years, even pre-tx.  Like an ice pick or needle stapping into the ball and socket joint.  I mean, it hurts bad.  doc was no help...  but the diet and sups and exercise seem to be having an effect!  pretty cool.

j

[w.c. missy]

Thanks so much for your input, it really helped me a lot to know I'm not unique in this situation!
Peace,
W.C. Missy

[sunqueen]

I've got the whole "duck walk" thing going on and I hit 12 weeks post EOT just the other day. The pain in my hips and stiffness in my knees makes me stabby at the end of the day. About two weeks ago, the toe-curling-run-around-the-room-knocking-things-over-and-stepping-on-the-cat-at-3am leg cramps started again. I got some magnesium and am trying to eat more bananas now too. I take calcium & D supplements daily.

I don't think it was caused by treatment. I had joint pain and leg muscle cramps before tx. After tx, it feels way worse.

[GSDgirl]

I also take vit D, a calcium citrate w/ magnesium & vit D, B50 complex, acidopholis, coQ 10, and C & E gel cap.  Tested neg for rheumatoid  arthritis.  

Denise

[AnniePas]

I am 5 month pcr and und. I have been having joint pain also, I went to my family doctor and had them run a test for rhumatory arthritis and I tested high in the rhumatoid factor, now have an appointment with a rhumotogist. Seems I have read here in the forum other posters post treatment experiencing the same.

[Kristina538]

I'm taking prescribed calciferol (Vit D) supplement 10,000 IU per month.   I think I'm probably depleted in a few things, but cut down on my multi's when my thyoid acted up because they all had iodine in them.   I'm back taking them, and have always taken high B complex group, C and E.

[Kristina538]

I googled 'tendonitis/bursitis natural health' where magnesium, water, healthy food was recommended.  Also found a link between tendonitis and interferon but on a Health Page that I had to subscribe too.

My investigations didn't go too far, because I'm saving my hands for work!!  I have to say the 'healing korean massage' has really helped even though it hurts for a day afterwards, and I'm doing more exercise to keep the blood flow going.

My specialists ticked 'magnesium' on my 3 month blood tests (along with calcium, potassium, iron etc) for a full check up.  I haven't done them yet as my specialist postponed the appt for 3 weeks, (and I haven't bought my chicken suit yet).   I'm off on hols next week and really want a happy relaxing time, but will keep you all posted.

Also, another thread I found from a post tx'er mentioned adrenal exhaustion, which I know my naturopath had warned me about too.    mmmmm - still investigating and trying things.   I'll post more when I'm more comfortable surfing the net after working hours.

[R Glass]

“Question is, I am having horrible joint & muscle (primarily joint pain), and I don't remember it being this bad in previous post treatment.  Could it just be a side effect of the treatment?”  
Yes it most probably is tx related. I am surprised it took 3 times before it happened. I posted this question a few months ago and was amazed at how many of us have gone/going through this.

“Could I be stuck with this, or can it get better with time?”
It seems most eventually get over it but some of us are still dealing with it (one year post tx). It is a shame that most of us are just shoved out the door once we have completed tx. I was told to go to my PCP about my problems caused by tx. What an A-Hole.

[GreatBird]

Have any of you had your vitamin D levels checked? I had achy joints when mine was low which resolved with supplementation of D3.

Just wondering what tx does to ones stores of vit D and thinking that it might do something. (Think I read something somewhere about it, but don't recall where and can't find it.)

[GSDgirl]

Bandman,  You gotta let me know if you find any relief from that stabbing hip pain.  I had more muscle aches pre TX except for my neck, I could and can still feel when it pops out of place.  Now my ankles, knees, hips, (right hip more than left) hurt.. I had a stress fracture on my right foot about 3 / 4 years ago and that is what my left foot feels like.  I am 1 year post TX and clear of the hep.  

BTW I am not blaming this on the inf, I just don't know what is causing it.

Denise

[bandman54]

that is so weird!  as I too have a lump in the palm of my right hand!

I have also had joint pain and muscle aches before, during and after tx.

It pain seems to be getting somewhat better  (post tx 3 months) but some days are still bad.  The worst pain i have is in my ball and socked of my hip... feels like someone is jabbing an ice pick between the ball and joint, when I move) ouch!

But more annoying than pain, is just being able to get up from kneeling or working on the floor.  I am 54 but it is like I am 75, I usually have to grap something and pull myself up.

I read somewhere , and only one place, that lumps are a symptom of hcv.  wish I could find it.  
I also got a lump under my buttom gum, tongue side , under a molar.  Dentist and doc were unconcerned,
Both this lumps are staying the same size, and never hurt.  Just weird.

I would love to blame all of this on the interferon, but I kind of lean towards believing that these are the effect of hcv.
Wondering what would have happened if I had not treated, would i still be having these problems?
Any chronic hcv'ers having these problems and you have NOT treated????

j

[charm27]

Oh yes for me it was and still is. However it is better than it was. First of all let me say good luck in ending tx. I just finished 55 weeks of tx. Im 15 weeks post-up until 2-3 weeks ago I couldnt even turn over lying on the couch or in bed. My knees felt like they were permanently destroyed. Never had knee problems before. The good news is I do feel better -You must try to excercise, walk do squats, to get the body going again.
An important key for rehabilitating youself again I find anyway.
Sure it will get better too!
Again. good luck!
Charm27

[Kristina538]

Hey missy (et al :-)

I came on tonight to post a similar question.  From about 4 weeks after tx I started developing tendinitis-like pain in my arms and shoulders.

I started back at work 5 weeks post and the computer has made my right arm worse.   I've upped magnesium, Vit C and fish oil and water,  am getting 'korean massage' once a week.  Is there anything else I can do to assist?   I'm starting to look at whether I can continue working, and don't really want to go down the permanent disability track if I can do anything to  help it.

There are small lumps on my hand under my middle finger, more prominent in the right (mouse) hand, which were painful enough for me to splint my hand when I slept last week.   I have a week's holiday over Easter and am hoping the rest will assist.   I haven't posted as many PM's or been on the net as much because I'm saving myself for work :-(.....

Missy, I'm so sorry you've had to go through this with unsuccessful tx's;   I'm only 3 months post so waiting for results;  I hope the newer drugs are a little less harsh on everyone...