Arthritis Pain

[cbee]

Hi all,

I will begin my 24 weeks of tx in February (I'm a 2).  

I have been living with chronic neck, tension headaches and back pain for several years.  Being worried about further liver damage I have lived with this pain on a daily basis without meds.  Unfortunately, my job as a legal assistant working at a computer all day doesn't help. It's so debilitating.

I recently had a CT Scan and MRI which determined I have arthritis and I tested positive for RA.  I'm wondering if the HepC causes the pain to be more severe and if tx may help this.  I also know that tx could make me feel worse too.  The hepatologist said I could take anti-inflamatories or muscle relaxers but I'm hesitant.  Anyway, what's left?  Certainly not Vioxx or Celebrex or Aleve . . . All thoughts are appreciated.

-cbee

[AK - Hepper]

More than likely the tx will make it worse.

I've got 2 new aches since, hip and shoulder.

[layla]

Before dx of HCV I had a lot of joint pain for about 7 years and tested positive RA factor around the time of dx. The pain completely stopped after a couple months on tx. At my 3 month post tx lab I was also normal levels on RA. I've seen other people have the same experience,. When I saw the RA doc he said he sees this with some HCV patients and my hepatologist said the same. Of coarse that may not be the case for you but I thought I would share this with you. Some of us are more prone than other to have autoimune problems with HCV and on tx. When I had the RA pain only aspirin helped. LL

[jonihs]

I had lots of joint pain and swelling prior to dx. and tx. I'm not sure when during tx. they went away, but they did. And now, 7 1/2 months post tx., they are still gone. I also wanted to let you know that further down, I answered another question you asked. Joni

[Tallblonde]

Have you tried SAM-e (S-Adenosylmethionine)?  I LOVE this product because it has completely alleviated my joint pain.  I have zero joint pain now.  It's also my understanding that this supplement is okay to take while you're on treatment.  And unlike a lot of other "alternative" medicines, this one has undergone extensive research.    There are lots of studies, dating back 20 years, that demonstrate it improves joint, liver and mood function.  Most folks with HCV need all three of those benefits.

Susan

[shamsan]

I GOT MANY PROBLEM IN MY LIVE I MEAN JOB PROBLEM COZ I WORK MOSTLY OUT SIDE MY COUNTRY . AFTER I STOP 2 YEAR WITHOUT JOB I RECIEVED LITTER FROM A COMPONY ALSO OUT SIDE MY COUNTRY . WHEN I START VISA PROSEDURE HOSPITAL WHICH I SHOULD BE MAKE MIDIC TEST FOR VISA GIVE ME REPORT WITH HEPATITIS POSATIV THAT MEANS NO JOB FOR ME
NOW FOR TOW YWAR AGAIN IM WAITING A RID FROM THAT VIRUS BUT EVRY 3 MONTH WHEN I REPEAT TEST ALL RESOULTS GIVE SAME POSATIVE . ANY BODY CAN TELL IF ANY SURE MEDICIN FOR THAT
THANK U

[cuteus]

what type of hepatitis do you have?