Is edema in arms, hands, legs and hands related to Hep C

[scared22367]

For the past 1 1/2 months, I have been dealing with major water retention in my hands, arms, legs & feet.  I was put on Lasix 40 mg.2x a day and was on it for 2 1/2 weeks.  I then was put on Methylpredisone 4 mg. dspk 21 which I finished 5 days ago.  It seemed to help a bit, but I am still swelling in my legs, hands and geet which causes alot of pain.  I was diagnosed with Hep C around 5 years ago and they tried tx with Interferon and Rebatol (spelling?) and after 3 weeks, I turned suicidal and turned into someone I did not recognize..so off the tx I went.  My liver enzymes seem to be fine..a bit above normal at the moment (we just drew them again today), but the virus I have//type 1A is still replecating.  My platlet levels have been very low for quite a while now.  I had a biopsy 5 years ago and it showed cirossis.  I haven't had one since.  I went to a Rheumatologist because all this edema and joint pain I thought was Rheumatoid Arthritis..which it turns out I have.  My RH was positive.  Now x-rays are showing bone infarcts in both knees and both ankles.  I have to have MRI's on all 4 areas.
I also have Multiple Sclerosis as well.  Talk about problems and I am only 52 years young. Dx with MS at age 16, but didn't manifeste major symtpms until 54 years ago which required treatment...Copaxone 20 mg inj everyday.  I cannot take anything else because they have Interferon in itl....tried Tysabri for 4 months, but had unwanted side effects..besides the deaths they have had on patients on Tysabri.
My question is...is the edem that won't go away, bone infarcts, low protrombin time and everything else I mentioned related to my Hep C getting worse despite the liver enzyme readings (remember the virus I have is 1A aND IT IS STILL REPLICATING).
I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO AND I AM VERY VERY AFRAID!!!

Can you provide me some information on all these symptoms and do you think I should have had another biospy since I was first diagnosed?  Is the edema related?  Are the other symtoms I am hafving related to Hep C?  I don't know where to turn and what to do.  And what about these bone infarcts in my knees and ankles.  I am only 5'4" and 123 pounds and petite in build.

PLEASE HELP ME WITH SOME OF THESE QUESTIONS!  I AM REALLY SCARED NOW.

Thank you, Scared22367

[scared22367]

Thank you so much for your reply to my scared post.  I haven't ever seen a hepatologist and only have dealt with gasgtroenteroligists.  I last had a biopsy at least 5 years ago and nothing since then because they say "because your enzymes are somewhat within normal range, there is no need for a biopsy".  I disagree, epecially since these other weird symptoms are now occuring.  I went to a Rheumatrologist and he said that all these symptoms are related to Hep C..now I have Rheumatoid Arthritis as well.  Joints hurt aaalong with the edma.  No more water pills for me and NO they did not give me potassium suppliments being on 40 mg of Lasix.  He is definately on the right track and I am going to seek out a good HEPATOLOGIST, how, I am not sure at the moment. but Iwill probably call the hospital who has a MD referral line.  Good idea, huh?  
Thank you wso very very much for your reply to my post and you can be sure, I will be back again!  '''''''thank you Alagirl!

Much health to us all,

Scared22367  or pam-***@****  

[alagirl]

You always say things so much better and more concisely than I do ;)  

[fretboard]

"I was put on Lasix 40 mg.2x a day and was on it for 2 1/2 weeks".  

It's interesting that you were put on such a high dose of lasix, were you given a potassium supplement to take with it?  I took Lasix for quite awhile, but you were on a massive amount.  I was never prescribed more than one 40mg. tablet a day, and I split those in half, and of course my potassium supplement.  My ankles and my hands swell, but it's not much.  My legs and my arms don't swell.  The reason doctors will prescribe a potassium supplement is b/c lasix is a very powerful diuretic and it robs your system of certain elements you need, like potassium.  Plus the potassium makes you drink more water thereby going to throw your water more etc. etc. till the swelling gets under control.  Two weeks and that's it?, are you still on it?  Lasix used to be used to tx horses and I'm sure you've noticed how them big suckers pee.  lol  You really need to see a very good Heptologist.  I hope you find someone who can help you.  Good luck and God Bless

[HCA]

Fluid retention is associated with liver disease.I think you mean high prothrombin time rather than low.
Because of your complications it is not possible to be certain of anything here.
Are you seeing a hepatologist? You should be.
You need to have the histology (health) of your liver checked.
Have you had a biopsy in recent times?
Also abdominal ultrasound.
The oedema (fluid retention) needs to be evaluated in the context of your chronic Hep C status.The low platelets are consistent with Hep C,i.e enlarged spleen.
Specialist diagnostic work required.
You are obviously very upset,so use this forum to post more news and interact with people who are helpful and understanding

[alagirl]

I was diagnosed with Hep C around 5 years ago and they tried tx with Interferon and Rebatol (spelling?) and after 3 weeks, I turned suicidal and turned into someone I did not recognize..so off the tx I went.
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A couple of things.  1st, everyone's virus is still replicating if they have untreated hep c, but the amount of actual liver damage varies vastly from person to person, with some people being able to go years and years with more minimal damage and others progressing more quickly.  To that end, I am wondering if you have had a recent liver biopsy and I'd suggest that as your next move (along with getting yourself to a very good hepatologist in your area - as opposed to just a gastro.  I am forever finding out how little the gastros know comparitively).

Second, it is sometimes helpful to begin to pre-treat with antidepressants prior to beginning tx.  I tend towards depression but was already on ad's when I began tx, and  I think that helped me endure the tx fairly well.  You can get up to a pretty high dose of ad's ahead of time and I think that might be something to consider if and when you and your physician decide you are ready to try tx again.  

Last, hep c does sometimes worsen autoimmune diseases, but on the other hand, so does having hep c.  You have major health issues and would really do well with a consult with a good hepatologist and a more recent biopsy (unless you've already done the biopsy just recently).  That way, instead of worrying about the rate of your viral replication, you can know specifically the amount of damage you do or don't have.  For me, the easiest way to combat fear is to get some specifics on exactly where I am medically.  Hopefully that might be helpful for you too.

On the edema, hep c can cause damage to the kidneys which could cause edema, it wouldn't hurt to have bloodwork to rule that out.  Damage to the liver can also cause edema.  All of that said, there are many other things that can cause edema that have nothing to do with hep c.  This is why you really need a good consult to get all of this worked out and to discuss the stage of your liver and whether or when you should try treatment again.