Foot and Ankle Vasculitis and Hep C

[Dov Baer]

I am two years post liver xplant.

I have moderate to severe peripheral vessel vasculitis of my feet and lower leg related to my Hep C. For the vasculitis I am being dosed with methylprednisilone and colchicine. It is barely controlling the vasculitis. I will start pegalated interferon w/ribavivin therapy in a couple weeks.

Does anyone have experience with successfull treatment of vasculitis caused by Hep C?

[Dov Baer]

I am negative for cryoglobinemia. The vasculitis is a byproduct of the hep c.

The methyprednisone is only to treat the vasculitis. I didn't take any steroids post liver xplant.

I'm hoping the interferon will quickly cure the vasculitis and that I can tolerate the interferon enough to kill the hep c virus.

[LvdByGod]

my mom had lower leg vasculitis in association to liver damage but it was from alcohol not hepc... she never got a handle on her vasculitis...it was "really" bad for her... her lower legs were very bad...she later died of liver cancer from the cirhosis...i wonder if it's just the "damage" of the liver that predisposes some folks to the vasculitis instead of the hepc??? not sure on this...they told me she never had hepc only cirhosis from prior alchohol abuse.

the prednisone may make it more difficult to treat the hepc because it is a big hit on the immune system...but it can be done. mikesimon was successful at clearing hepc after his transplant...but i don't remember him mentioning vasculitis as one of his particular problems... not sure on that. i'm also not sure what meds he was on for his transplant...i wonder if your taking the pred for your liver or your vasculitis?

you could try this site too for more info...this is a great ESLD support group with a ton of info...they may have some good advise for you there too...

http://forums.delphiforums.com/liverfailure/messages

i am sending up a prayer for your liver and legs...hope you clear both!!!

sandi

[can-do-man]

Mikes the liver transplant expert here. Maybe he can help you. Good luck to you

[NYgirl]

When mikesimon comes on he will help you out for sure he is REALLY nice and has gone through all of it and is very well versed.

Just keep checking back. I'm sorry I don't know I haven't gotten to that point yet (and sure dont).  I watched a good friend go through it and it wasn't so easy.

Best of luck to you.