Itchy scalp and bitter mouth ?

Hello everyone,
just wondering if anyone has experienced the following symptoms:
1) the feeling of ants crawling on your head, itchy scalp
2) very bitter taste in mouth all day long
Anything I could do to treat these symptoms.
By the way, I am 1a and going in for my biopsy next week.
Viral load 1.3 million. Thank you.
God bless you all!

[jonihs]

I am assuming you are not doing treatment yet, and the only thing I have had any itching relief from are benadryl and Sarna lotion. If I am wrong and you are undergoing treatment, the others will have help for you. Sorry I couldn't give you more!    God Bless Joni

[viman]

correct, no treatment yet. I guess that will be discussed after biopsy results.

[Tosser]

Hey viman!
We need to know if you are on any of the combo treatments.
I know these are fairly common sides of Pegasys/Copegus, as well as just about anything else that might occur. I personally, didn't have any remarkable confirmed symptoms from the Hep-C virus itself, but have experienced almost all of the "standard" predicted side effects, and more since starting tx 12 weeks ago. There are lots of earlier posts here addressing what you might try to ease the sides. I'll see if I can get some help finding them from the other wonderful heppies whom grace this forum, and I wish to gratefully thank them for their time.
Tosser

[Tosser]

viman, I appologise for not being able to drum up more responce than that on your question.

I know some of the more experienced folks here may be able to suggest something to help you, but in my effort to show my compliments, and confidence in them, I guess I may have alienated us from further responces. That was the opposite of my goal.

So sue me for putting you guys here up on a pedestal, but some of us need to have some Hep-C Heros to look up to.


Please, guys and gals, don't be so modest, I've been reading your posts, and there are some very, very knowledgable people here.

               Don't make me name names!  ;-)

Well, viman, if all else fails, all of us here have had to consult with a nurse or a doctor about some of the symptoms we have gone, and are going through. I, personally, have gained way more information from the patients in this forum than all the doctors I've seen all together. Good luck to you, and let us all know how you're doing. Do try to read all the previous posts here. I am sure it will help you.
Tosser

[giddyup]

There are so many causes for an itchy scalp that it would be hard to say if it were from the hep. That sour taste in your mouth  could be from stress. If thats the case, try taking it easy. Let us know how your biopsy goes. I'm 1a third week of tx.

[Galen]

Florida State knocked 'em dead.  Will have to see how the Buc's do tomorrow.  Last week our offense really stunk.  
Tonight I focused on my last shot.  Just 6 more days of riba and I'm through.  I am looking forward to having a life outside work and tx ;-)

[Tosser]

Thanks for helping out guys...I was beginning to think I was all alone again. :-(  like Thurs. night...no one here...and I couldn't get into the Hepsongs group. Oh well, I can't think fast enough to keep up chit chat anyway.
Galen...how'd the football game go for you today? I hope okay!
You all be good! Talk to ya again L8r.
Tosser

[Galen]

The symptoms you asked about can be from many different things.  We all have a tendency to think that everything that happens is HCV related.  Some are, others are not.  Itchy scalp pre-tx could be everything from a mild allergy to your shampoo or conditioner or pruritus from advanced liver disease (which doesn't make just your scalp itch).  The taste in your mouth could be everything from a cavity in your teeth, to medicine or diet.
That is why hardly anyone responded, I think.  No one has an answer for you.  You should mention any side effects to your GI or Hepatologist and have them tell you what they think.

[MajNeni]

Good luck with the extra work.  It will be some marathon; maybe you can schedule it for a somewhat gradual buildup?  Do you have exercises that counterbalance some of the repetitive motion?  Relaxation techniques?  etc.  Easy for me to say...
Do you do both men's and women's hair?  I never asked.  
Well, now there's no worry about you keeping busy during the detox!  Best,
Maj Neni

[Galen]

I took great satisfaction in throwing away the very last box (Peg-Intron comes in a box with a vial of water, a vial of powdered interferon, two syringes and two alcohol pads.  How does Pegasys come?) in the trash. I actually get a cabinet in my kitchen back first, where I stored all the stuff.  Only wished I could have stopped a bit earlier.  One of the guys at work broke his hand last week and will be out for at least 6 weeks (he has to have surgery), so my work load just got a lot heavier.  I was looking forward to really working hard after tx to get the old bank account back up, but this is ridiculous!

[viman]

I appreciate all the comments.
I will keep you posted of my biopsy results.
Wishing everyone a great weekend!

[MajNeni]

So, Galen, the deed is done?  Drumroll... Congratulations on staying the course.  You can get rid of the sharps container now, either with some ceremony, or just deep-six it... those "little" capsules won't take much room for 6 days... you can start to take back all that space tx took up in your life and think of filling it with other, more pleasant things.  Keep in mind that your body won't realize you're off the shots until next Saturday, when suddenly it has to go without!  Maybe you can fool it then with a shot of distilled water... or not... LOL

Best,
Maj Neni

[Tosser]

Galen, I wanted to say congratulations also, to a hopefully sucessful trip down tx lane. Please tell me you defeated the dragon this time. Let us know your upcomimg test results.
I really wanted to make a big stink about your making it to the end, and I still think we should, even at the risk of making someone mad about using a thread, heaven forbid. You deserve a party and celebration, as well as do others that can make it this far. Thanks for being around here to help, and don't you leave!...we need you!
Tosser

[cindee]

hey i meant to comment earlier....sorry. itchy scalp? try to find an alcohol free shampoo and conditioner.....bitter mouth? my uncle has cancer and his wife told my to eat w/ plastic forks, spoons...helped me alot. best wishes and much love. hang in there!

[fridaynightlights]

Just received my box of pegintron and rebetol and just joined this forum. Have Drs. appointment next Fri, guess they'll show me what to do. From what I've read on the side effects doesn't sound like this will be much fun. Trying to stay positive. Does anyone know what percent of folks taking these meds are able to continue to work full time?
About the itchy scalp, I read somewhere to try Nioxin. (?)

[fashion345]

Hi all,

I am starting week 18 and I am experiencing a very bitter/sour taste all of the time in my mouth.
Has anyone else had these SX on treatment?
Do not enjoy eating, just eating to sustain, and for riba,,,,,,,,nothing tastes good.

Thank you!!

[brianmo]

I also have itchy scalp and bitter taste in mouth. I went to my skin doc who found nothing. Talked with my Hep  doctor and he said usually the itching is all over the body and was not sure about the bitter taste. I have tried all different shampoos and conditioners and what has worked for me is Scalpcion you can get in the drug store. Yes, I agree that every little symptom is not always related to Hep C but I thought this might help you. I am still looking for a treatment for the mouth issue. My mouth feels like I have drank hot coffee but it feels this way all the time. I am trying accupucture Friday. My dentist found no known cause.

Have not treated, 1A  Stage 1