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Hepatologist needed...
I have not been to a doctor in 3 years; at this point I am looking for a new one, perferably a Hepatologist in the Plano, Allen, McKinney, Frisco, Texas area. I would appreciate any help locating a good one in any of these 4 areas.
For the past year, I have been having problems with stiff fingers and pain. Has anyone been experiencing this too being a Hep. C patient. I have been doing some reading from Melissa Palmer's book "Hepatitis & Liver Disease". There is a short article about Cryoglobulinemia. Is anyone familiar with this? Has anyone had the blood test, cryoglobulin? How long did it take and was it painful? Was it accurate?
Would appreciate a response if you can be helpful.
Thanks!
Evon
For the past year, I have been having problems with stiff fingers and pain. Has anyone been experiencing this too being a Hep. C patient. I have been doing some reading from Melissa Palmer's book "Hepatitis & Liver Disease". There is a short article about Cryoglobulinemia. Is anyone familiar with this? Has anyone had the blood test, cryoglobulin? How long did it take and was it painful? Was it accurate?
Would appreciate a response if you can be helpful.
Thanks!
Evon
well done for nearly finnishing. i'm e-mailing from london.Finnished this time last year...over here.
The rash thing isn't very nice is it? Like skin that's dried itself out too much was how it was for me. But it goes after a few weeks.
The rash thing isn't very nice is it? Like skin that's dried itself out too much was how it was for me. But it goes after a few weeks.
Evon,
Hi ! I have been seeing Dr Jason Edling @ Tx Digestive Disease Consultants 972-943-8440 at 6124 w. parker in Plano. ( in presby hosp bldng ) - Im on week 19/48 geno 1a - I tell ya, the staff, the Dr, etc etc have been great with a great careing attitude ! - good luck !
Hi ! I have been seeing Dr Jason Edling @ Tx Digestive Disease Consultants 972-943-8440 at 6124 w. parker in Plano. ( in presby hosp bldng ) - Im on week 19/48 geno 1a - I tell ya, the staff, the Dr, etc etc have been great with a great careing attitude ! - good luck !
MyThoughts,,,You test postive for hep B/C but don't show antibodies??? That puzzles me because I have been told even with clearing,,,,the antibodies will always show up in our bodies so not sure why you are not showing them. Hopefully someone will come along and answer that for us...
Fsplink,,,Thanks so much for just being here and I know I will get through and finish....Ugghhh Right now,,,I hate Interferon LOL but sure I will love it on clearing this mess!! How you and hubby doing? You don't have much longer do you?
Debbiedo & Cuteus,,,,I'm so glad to hear you both are doing good and feeling good and actually through!!Thanks and I am praying for both of you "SVR"!!
Layla,,,You know,,,That has been in back of my mind about getting off and afraid of it cropping up again. Also,,,originally my dr did 6 months post just so you had time to feel good again and of course,,,he said if done early,,,re treating wouldn't happen before 6 month mark anyways. Well that was kinda my safe haven until June of 2005,,,,Just living and not thinking about HCV for awhile. Then 2 days ago,,,Dr has stated he will do 4 weeks post and that totally freaked me out. I just don't know if I'm up to getting off meds and slowly starting to come out of fog,,,,to be retested so quickly. I will deal with it of course,,,,But the retesting after tx,,,I think can be the worst part! I'm so glad your joint pain is gone!! That is definitely Great News!!
Thanks to All for your responses!!
Fsplink,,,Thanks so much for just being here and I know I will get through and finish....Ugghhh Right now,,,I hate Interferon LOL but sure I will love it on clearing this mess!! How you and hubby doing? You don't have much longer do you?
Debbiedo & Cuteus,,,,I'm so glad to hear you both are doing good and feeling good and actually through!!Thanks and I am praying for both of you "SVR"!!
Layla,,,You know,,,That has been in back of my mind about getting off and afraid of it cropping up again. Also,,,originally my dr did 6 months post just so you had time to feel good again and of course,,,he said if done early,,,re treating wouldn't happen before 6 month mark anyways. Well that was kinda my safe haven until June of 2005,,,,Just living and not thinking about HCV for awhile. Then 2 days ago,,,Dr has stated he will do 4 weeks post and that totally freaked me out. I just don't know if I'm up to getting off meds and slowly starting to come out of fog,,,,to be retested so quickly. I will deal with it of course,,,,But the retesting after tx,,,I think can be the worst part! I'm so glad your joint pain is gone!! That is definitely Great News!!
Thanks to All for your responses!!
my practice does 4 wk post also, I guess the recent research and their own experience shows this to be a better standard. I could know before the holidays, but I will wait until the end of this month to do it.
ODD, I was thinking about writing you a note of encouragement because I have not seen you in a while, and here you are!
AH! the apathy, yes, very disturbing, but it does go away and quickly after stopping the meds, so did my tummy woes(I can drink my latte again!), winter is always bad for the skin, so I just put a lot of U-lactin lotion on and vaseline in the bad areas, or skin repair gel, whatever works. YOU ARE ALMOST THERE!
I felt like I could not ever do this tx again if I relapsed, and now post tx, I can't remember why I thought THAT! brainfog will be your best friend post tx.
2005,new year, will be the best as you eliminate all those toxins from your system, and achieve svr.
AH! the apathy, yes, very disturbing, but it does go away and quickly after stopping the meds, so did my tummy woes(I can drink my latte again!), winter is always bad for the skin, so I just put a lot of U-lactin lotion on and vaseline in the bad areas, or skin repair gel, whatever works. YOU ARE ALMOST THERE!
I felt like I could not ever do this tx again if I relapsed, and now post tx, I can't remember why I thought THAT! brainfog will be your best friend post tx.
2005,new year, will be the best as you eliminate all those toxins from your system, and achieve svr.
Evon. I had finger joint pain for about 7 years prior to dx and tx of HCV. It eventually spread to other joints and the pain increased. During this time I tested with a positive RA factor but the RA doc said I definately did not have arthritis and he has seen this before with HCV patients. The good news is the pain is now completely gone in all joints for me. I am now 6 months post tx. My lasst labs showed normal RA levels. HCV affects our autoimmune system, much for for some of us than others as some of us are just more prone to it. Getting a hepatologist is a good idea. I'm glad I did. I wish you the best. LL
Honey. Getting to the end of tx for me was very difficult and the last month went very slowly. I was extrememly moody. I think for me it had something to do with not having the control of the tx. As long as I was on tx I knew I would be undetectable and that mentally was a safety net. Being off tx left me open to once again having HCV and scared me. I was not actually aware of this at the time but it is very clear to me npow in hindsight. It's scary being off tx and waiting for the 3 post tx lab results. It was toture. I am now getting quite anxious again as I need to go for my 6 month post tx labs this month. One other thing, I did not feel any better off tx for a month and was very dissapointed in this but after that It started to happen very fast and was wonderful even with some lingering sx. Hope this helps some. Hang in there. LL
Honey. Getting to the end of tx for me was very difficult and the last month went very slowly. I was extrememly moody. I think for me it had something to do with not having the control of the tx. As long as I was on tx I knew I would be undetectable and that mentally was a safety net. Being off tx left me open to once again having HCV and scared me. I was not actually aware of this at the time but it is very clear to me npow in hindsight. It's scary being off tx and waiting for the 3 post tx lab results. It was toture. I am now getting quite anxious again as I need to go for my 6 month post tx labs this month. One other thing, I did not feel any better off tx for a month and was very dissapointed in this but after that It started to happen very fast and was wonderful even with some lingering sx. Hope this helps some. Hang in there. LL
Butting in here.............when I got my qualitive PCR I came up Hep B & C pos. No gentyping done or viral load yet. I came up neg for B or C antibodies. I know that means that my body isn't fighting it, but does that mean the virus is being held back on it's own? Good or bad? Thanks!
O, I can truely relate to how you are feeling.....especially the rash. I finish tx Nov 22 and almost immediately after finishing I got the rash really bad on my face. Its exactly how you discribed yours.....i havent used any soap on my face, just water.I have put neosporin and johnston first aid cream on it and it seems to be sort of drying up ( Peeling )and it itches so bad and burns.....i stopped itching alot about 3 months ago, and now its worse than ever. As far as my fatigue goes, its pretty much history. Things will get better. In due time......
Deb
Deb
I'm so sorry you're feeling so rough. I can't really offer any more than what has been said I just wanted you to know I am thinking about you. It's not much longer now. Just try to hang in there and tell everyone just to back and let you be for a while. Email me if you need to talk.
Yeah, that joint stiffness is all part of the hep c. don't just think of hep c as a liver disease. it's a blood virus that causes damage to other parts of your body-not just the liver.
I couldn't open a door or hold a pen or a toothbrush before tx. i was a crippled up old lady. that is all gone. just gone. ditto w/the depression. confusion, and tempers, bad. bad tempers. all gone, just gone. I cl'd 2 1/2 yrs ago, after 37yrs of mysterious and baffling symptoms and personality changes.
I drove across a mt range to get a good doctor. and I cl'd in 18 days. and all those baffling and worrisome symptoms just went away. Its hard to beleive that I ever had them now.
I couldn't open a door or hold a pen or a toothbrush before tx. i was a crippled up old lady. that is all gone. just gone. ditto w/the depression. confusion, and tempers, bad. bad tempers. all gone, just gone. I cl'd 2 1/2 yrs ago, after 37yrs of mysterious and baffling symptoms and personality changes.
I drove across a mt range to get a good doctor. and I cl'd in 18 days. and all those baffling and worrisome symptoms just went away. Its hard to beleive that I ever had them now.
I guess we posted at same time but thank you for your kindness! I read you are through and thought you were still going to continue for awhile longer on some extra meds in the fridge or am I dreaming that?? Well,,,I do hope this sees you feeling better and SVR for your last round! You have been a great friend through tx and I'm so glad I got to meet you!
Chev,,,,haha Okkk,,,Now you got me laughing! That is so funny because that is exactly way it is,,,I'm mean with the red ring to prove it LOL I'm now wearing high collars lol,,,,I guess I could be a nun... Thanks for the rope and great advice! I know I will get to that side but you are right,,,time is lingering! LOL
Thanks for being a good friend!
Gail,,,Can't believe you are already through now and ready for the test....I guess time is moving haha Good Luck and let us know! Thanks for the reply as it is always nice to know that others are going through it! This rash had me kinda scared because its nothing like beginning tx so I'm looking up pictures of rashes and autoimmune diseases....Ughhh Well you know,,,,Kinda scary! Thanks so much!!
Thanks for being a good friend!
Gail,,,Can't believe you are already through now and ready for the test....I guess time is moving haha Good Luck and let us know! Thanks for the reply as it is always nice to know that others are going through it! This rash had me kinda scared because its nothing like beginning tx so I'm looking up pictures of rashes and autoimmune diseases....Ughhh Well you know,,,,Kinda scary! Thanks so much!!
Hi there.
I know how tough things can get, but you done so good and gone so far!
I wish there was something I could do to ease your suffering. All I can do, is let you know that I really care! :-)
You Friend and more.
TonyZ
Week 49? You're almost there!!!!!! I can totally relate to THE RASH. I'm now 7 weeks post tx (48/48) and the itching / redness started getting much better about 2 weeks post tx. Still a little itchy now, but rash is gone. For me, the last month was really tough. Thought it would never end...BUT IT DOES!!!!!!
Take it easy through the holidays. Once you're on the other side and finished, the past year seems surreal. In a way that's a good thing. It's the most amazing feeling when you start coming back mentally to friends and family. Hang in there!
I go in for my first post tx blood test tomorrow. Instead of the 1/3/6 month and 1 year tests, my GI ordered viral load tests via TMA every 2 mos for one year. I'm so nervous!
Gail
Take it easy through the holidays. Once you're on the other side and finished, the past year seems surreal. In a way that's a good thing. It's the most amazing feeling when you start coming back mentally to friends and family. Hang in there!
I go in for my first post tx blood test tomorrow. Instead of the 1/3/6 month and 1 year tests, my GI ordered viral load tests via TMA every 2 mos for one year. I'm so nervous!
Gail
Evon,,,Yes stiff fingers and joint pain seem to go hand and hand with hep c. Good Luck on finding a dr in your area.
Everyone,,,Just coming up this week #49 and will finish up after Christmas. I have been so very,,,Extremely tired lately, All my blood work seems to run about same and not too low so don't know why these last few weeks have been like this. Also,,,the rash. I have patches of rash on inside elbows, back of knees, and ring around my neck. LOL Sounds funny,,,but itches like crazy and burns when I put anything on it. The rash makes the skin look like a flaming red piece of leather and kinda crusty feeling. Has anyone experienced this? I have also gotten so awful lately to everyone,,,,,I know I am very depressed feeling and just flat don't seem to care who I **** off anymore. I know the end is so close but almost seems at this point that someone is going to have to just throw me a rope and pull me over the cross line. I know many had a hard time at end....Any comments or advice welcome and the rash also,,,Anything,,,Thanks everyone,,,,You are the greatest!
Everyone,,,Just coming up this week #49 and will finish up after Christmas. I have been so very,,,Extremely tired lately, All my blood work seems to run about same and not too low so don't know why these last few weeks have been like this. Also,,,the rash. I have patches of rash on inside elbows, back of knees, and ring around my neck. LOL Sounds funny,,,but itches like crazy and burns when I put anything on it. The rash makes the skin look like a flaming red piece of leather and kinda crusty feeling. Has anyone experienced this? I have also gotten so awful lately to everyone,,,,,I know I am very depressed feeling and just flat don't seem to care who I **** off anymore. I know the end is so close but almost seems at this point that someone is going to have to just throw me a rope and pull me over the cross line. I know many had a hard time at end....Any comments or advice welcome and the rash also,,,Anything,,,Thanks everyone,,,,You are the greatest!
If you are already diagnosed with HCV, are you currently on treatment? If not, I ued a Gastrointerologist in Tyler for my tx.
He and his staff are wonderful plus he was one of the first in the country to perform clinical trials of interferon. Don't know if you are interested in driving to Tyler but I did and I live outside of Austin. This guy is the real deal. If you want his name, e-mail me at ***@**** and I'll pass on his contact info. Neal
He and his staff are wonderful plus he was one of the first in the country to perform clinical trials of interferon. Don't know if you are interested in driving to Tyler but I did and I live outside of Austin. This guy is the real deal. If you want his name, e-mail me at ***@**** and I'll pass on his contact info. Neal
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