Anyone experience weight gain?

[Not 4 Gotn]

I am at a loss.  All I read and research says you loose weight when you have HepC.  In 6 months, I gained 24 pounds and am miserable.  My docs don't really comment, except to say don't worry.  And, I am unable to really excersize much due to the AVN and other complications.  I have never been "thin" and I am short, but there are those who love me the way I am.  However, I have never weighed this much in my entire life.  Any suggestions on what to ask my docs?  I have had a colonoscopy, removed a couple polups (sp), but my GI doc just says to stay away from dairy products and splenda, which he says can bloat you beyone belief.  I've tried that, and still very little relief.

Anyhow, I really can't tell you all how much information I have gotten here.  I wish I had found this forum in the beginning, but better late than never.  Hope I am not too anxious or inquisitive, but you guys are great!

[EvanBlue14]

I weighed 219-222 for 2years I go to doctor and weigh 238.18pounds in a month someone plz. tell me what's wrong and Medicaid denied the harvoni treatment

[hepcandme]

oh, I just realized this is a Very old post. Hope things have resolved by now, you are treated and cured and your weight is exactly where you feel most comfortable

[hepcandme]

hmmm, I think everyone is different but I lost weight and now am 135 lbs on a 5'9" frame. It worries me sometimes too that I actually am still sick. Have you reached SVR? The meds will def screw with your appetite. The best advice I can give is to give up red meat and to drink lots of water. Those 2 things will lead to weight loss. And try to make exercise a daily part of your routine. I hike with my hound but shelters absolutely love it when volunteers come to take the dogs out for a little walk. Very rewarding for both pooch and patient

[Toster1]

Same here. I think it is because immune system is in overdrive. Never get sick. I have also had annoying weight gain despite exercise and healthy eating.

[suezeeque]

I gained weight over the past 10 years that I couldn't get off, no matter what I tried.  About a year ago I lost 30 lbs which brought on my HCV diagnosis.

I've lost another 10 lbs since mid-September.  :(  Had my week 10 shot on Friday.  I just don't feel like eating.

On colds: My husband and daughter get colds and I don't, ever.  However, having started tx, I HAVE A COLD NOW!  Grr.

[dixiechicdana]

I was diagnosed in 1999 because I gained weight I couldn't get off. I went for thyroid test and they saw the liver enzymes were elevated. I have exercised constantly through the years so much that people comment on how much I exercise and I never drop a pound...very frustrating all the way around. I did lose weight on treatment last time with the peg and riba. I got hyperthroidism...well for me that is a bonus. Hoping to go hyper this time too :)

[Not 4 Gotn]

Wow!  Thanks for the info.  I guess we all have "similar but different" symptoms.  At least I have someone I can relate to.  I gained the weight fairly fast, just a couple months, and I eat small meals, no breakfast, lunch at my desk, and pretty much fish, chicken, veggies and pork.  I don't overinduldge much, sometimes I have to have the dreaded sugar fix (could be hormones from aging), but then I crash.  My doctors don't even seem to listen, most will hardly look at me while they are talking.  They just read their "notes" from my last visit, read any new test results, and the dreaded "ahhhh, this is your problem, and here is the answer".  At least I am being empowered with education!  And, by the way, some of you are very funny!  It's nice to hear a sense of humor (even if it is dry humor, no disrespect).  My health insurance company is starting to deny certain tests.  I am going CRAZZZZY!  But, that's ok, at least I know I am alive.

LOL to all!

[GoofyDad]

N4G who complains about gaining 24 pounds says: I have had a colonoscopy, removed a couple polups.

That's a good start N4G, but with 24 pounds it's really hardly a drop in the bucket. I'd say you'll have to go for a whole leg to acheive the goals you're looking for....  

Just kidding of course. Seems like some people gain and some loose. People have commented that those who want to loose gain, and those who want to gain loose. My guess is that if you have a predisposition one way or the other, TX is probably going to magnify it. Also, as long as I'm raining on parades, be on the watch for an upward spike when you go off the drugs.... happens alot.   Be well.

[Forseegood]

there was a regular who used to post here, due to a "senior moment" I can't recall who exactly, but he said since he had been symptomatic with the hep, he never, ever got a cold or flu or anything like that...he thought that in his particular case, his immune system had been "revved up" fighting the virus, so it fought off any smaller, inferior bugs trying to get to his system....

Oddly enough, I haven't had a cold or flu in 4 years now...I used to get sick with maybe a cold a winter, every two years or so, maybe the flu, so this isn't typical for me at all...I know this is trivial, but I'm up late and just wondering if maybe anyone else out there who hasn't treated yet, or before they did treat, experienced this phenomenon...exuse this silly post, but it does baffle me a little bit...and then again, I'm on a pretty good vitamin/herb regimen...you immune theorists out there?...course, watch me get it this winter, he he...

Also, do most people get flus and colds on treatment I wonder? I guess it would be hard to tell in some cases...

[wagerwitch]

Don't laugh - ok...

Here is a theory I have...

All ten years before I finally got diagnosed I was gaining weight. Little by little.

Partially because I was feeling fatigued and thought I was just being lazy... But also because I hungered... LOL. I didn't ever feel full - and I couldn't find "THAT" taste I was looking for.

And it was very strange. Food would affect me. Like some things would make me feel better for a little while (Not emotionally, but like I would get a boost of energy.)

Anyhow - I THINK because the immune system is on overdrive, it needs specific nutrients in specific doses (but who the heck knows what those are?) to keep working.

I think you eat more - trying to get that/those nutrient(s) and because you are fatigued with symptoms, so your body is trying to keep itself going. But the fat multiplies - because you have calories - but not the specific nutrients your body needs.

I know that sounds strange - but now that I'm on TX, I'm losing weight (because I am having horrid side effects) - But I'm finding food is starting to taste different. Some things are better - some are worse.

Not a lot of weight mind you - but 8 pounds in 9 weeks - and I haven't been able to get a pound off in 10 years. LOL!

Good Luck - either way - and know this - your body somehow knows what it needs... Hoping you feel better - and know that no matter what your weight is - there are people here to support you.

Yeah - I lurk a LOT - and comment once in awhile (because when I do comment - it's a mile long... LOL)

Wager Witch

[Forseegood]

did your weight gain happen really gast? just wondering...thanks!

[NYgirl]

Please make sure that the doctor is monitoring your thyroid levels.  Unexpected weight gain could be a sign of HYPO thyroid.

I had the opposite problem and no matter how many calories I ate I lost POUNDS every other day = it was really scary.

But now that I'm on the thyroid med (IFN can kill the thyroid) I'm level.

It's just another thing to keep in mind and not necessarily a problem foryou but I wanted you to be aware it CAN be a cause.

[Drarig]

I was the opposite & always had probs prior tx.  As far as getting colds/flu during tx, I haven't had any since starting in March.  I used to get chronic sinusitis (even had 2 surgeries) and bronchial asthma all the time.  I could never figure out why when I would never just get a cold, it would always go into a major full-blown sinus infection & then the bronchial asthma would start up.  I'd have to go on antibiotics, inhalers, prednisone, mucous thinners, etc.  I guess my immune system was somehow becoming compromised from the hepc, but since I'm on tx, I haven't had any colds or sinus probs.  I don't know if it's better because of the tx or because I'm undetectible, but either way, it's great to be rid of it.  Hope I'm not jinxing myself talking about it!  I do have to ask my doc today if I can get a flu shot while on this ****. I used to get one every year.

[Penelope1911]

I lost some in the beginning of tx, but somewhere in the last few weeks, I have actually GAINED!!! I think it may be fluid retention. Even my eyes/face and fingers are very swollen. Cant wear my rings, can't wear socks, ankles "pitting". I see the doc tomorrow, so I am going to ask him about this. I feel like a marshmellow...LOL

[susan400]

I never had a weight problem on treatment, but this last time since I've come off of my last treatment, I've gained like 15-20 lbs. back in the 14 weeks since I stopped treatment.  A lot of my pants don't fit.  My metabolism could be changing, too.  Also, I know that food has tasted a lot better and I'm eating a lot more than when I was on treatment.  So, go figure (which speaking of figures...I don't think I have one!)....   Oh well, more important things to worry with.

Susan

[Not 4 Gotn]

Thanks, I guess I should read more instead of just ask.  It's all still a mystery to me.  I think the people on this forum know more than all of my docs combined.  Knowledge is power!

[Myown]

I definitely see a shifting of weight. I never had a weight problem, nor do I have now, but I have gained weight in places I never had the extra thickness. Definitely think its tied into the hormonal change, the liver has a big role in hormones and if its not up to par, as with all of our livers, I would think this could be reason. Change of life for me also, but not all the gals on board are going through change and some have mentioned the same problem with weight. Check out the archives, I've seen postings in there on weight also.

Its annoying if you are eating healthy and normal and this happens, but Hep c seems to affect people in alot of different ways. We just have to convince our doctors of this.

[Forseegood]

I've read that you can have rapid weight gain with hep C and/or menopause...add to that metabolism slowing down with age, and not being able to exercise, etc. - many people lose weight with treatment, but some even gain...this disease is all over the place to me...

[Not 4 Gotn]

I was taken off tx.  Since then, and even before that, I gained weight, and had so many problems physically and am overwhelmed with doctors, tests, etc.  I so wish I could re-start tx.  I hope I am not in the wrong place to be asking questions for someone who is not on tx.  I am sooo confused.  I have not heard of anyone on this forum taken off tx.  I had all the same symptoms as most of you explain.  I have received some great advice and trying to put into action.  Guess I am having a hard time with the reality of what the docs have told me.  They say I cannot have any tx with Peg-Intron or Interferon, but, I think it was the Ribavirin that gave he the bad reactions, but he said I cannot continue one drug without the other.  I live in a small town, and I have never heard of a hepatologist?  Ergo, the confusion and lack of knowledge.  Since I found the forum, I have at least been able to have a release and correspond with people that have similar experiences, fears, and hopes.  I am, and always have tried to be, a "people pleaser", guess that's why I ended up in rehab twice.  With that behind me, I just don't understand my doctors and why they won't let me continue tx.  I haven't heard any symptoms here that were cause for stopping tx, and mine were much less.  Oh well, tomorrow is another beautiful day, and a new start!  God Bless and Good Night!!!:)

[PasoPerson]

See the post, about 12 down from here, about losing weight.  

(I gained weight before treatment, never lost it & still have it!)