Pre-Tx Neck and joint problems: question

[DoubleDose]

Prior to tx I suffered from years of neck problems, including stiff neck, pinched nerves in neck and shoulder, and a variety of other joint related aches, ranging from mid-back, to lower back to hips.  Often I experienced a deep, burning pain lasting sometimes for weeks on end, but the neck was the most frequent location, and the most painfully affected.

Since ending tx, and becoming SVR, my neck problems are much less severe, and the back and hip problems are mostly gone (except for a frequent pinching feeling between ribs in my upper back).

My question to our members, both pre-tx, and post-tx, is this:
How would you describe your HCV symptoms as they might relate to the neck or spine?

How many of you experienced or experience significant neck/shoulder/back problems, that interfere with your normal functioning.  I am curious as to how much of my past problems were a direct result of HCV, and am watching closely to see how much these issues change or resolve as a result of tx and SVR status.  I often think that the tx itself created quite a few problems with ongoing joint aches and pains, but it is hard to sort out what might be a result of:
TX,  or Prior HCV infection, or other causes, OR, possibly localized/compartmentalized HCV infection AFTER SVR, or from existing liver damage, etc.

I would very much like to hear responses from any of our members, as relates to the neck and joints.

ALSO, does anyone else in your families seem to have similar problems????

Thanks for your interest!   DoubleDose

My question to

[rearfang]

I have not yet tx (still a week to go before my first appointment with the gastro. I am not good at waiting, so it's driving me nuts!). Anyway, I have experienced a lot of different joint type problems in the past few years ( I have likely had HCV for about 20 years). My wrists, knees, elbows and hips have occasional pain--it comes and goes in a matter of a few hours sometimes, and seems to jump back and forth (One hip, both knees, both wrists, one knee, etc..). I have had problems with my back off and on for about 4 years now. It becomes very stiff-to the point of pain- and the feeling is as if my vertebrae were fused together. the pain is in the mid to upper back area. I thoght I was just getting old, but now I think the virus may be the cause. I injured my left elbow (tendonitis) a year and a half ago, and it took until just a few months ago to completely stop hurting.

[cuteus]

I mentioned some of the problems in the thread above, MRIs showed  degeneration in the cervical area and L5 herniated disc, also bursitis, CTS and basal joint(thumb) pain.
Orthopeadist claims degeneration is normal for my age, CTS could not be traced to typing or repetetive motions, so HCV maybe?
How much was the body's reaction to HCV, aging or the damn cold no one can tell.
Family shows no symptoms.

[miked]

For as long as I can remember I've always had a really stiff, sore neck and also pain in my ankles.  Before tx I ran 3-4 times/week and wrote it off to that.

Now 36 weeks into tx, the base of my neck is constantly achy and my spine has become pronounced.  Massage therapy has really helped, however the downside is $50/session.  

Three months ago I bought a "Deep Knead Shiatsu Massager" from Brookstone for $60(sku # 374850).  Awesome device that I use almost nightly.  I couldn't remember how to say Shiatsu so my kids knicknamed it (her) "Yoko".  It doesn't produce SVR but highly recommend it for the sore neck and back.

Desription:  Acupressure “thumbs” simulate the kneading hands of a professional masseuse, reaching deeply into knotted muscles to release tension, work away stiffness and help you truly relax. Massage nodes are designed to work all major muscle groups: neck/ shoulders, arms, lower back, legs or feet

[3wheelin]

Re: Back pain.
I don't know whats up but I havn't gone through treatment, was diagnosed w HCV about 3 years ago & was in hospital last April for a week w/pancreatis attack  & since then my back has been KILLING me.  Its mid - upper back and its a deep burning pain.  Been treating it w/hydrocodone but when I get insurance, I'll go to a regular dr. for x-ray. I also developed rash on belly at that time and can not get rid of it- some times it goes down but it flares up often (itchy like heck - I can relate with the scratching through the clothes.)  Can your liver make your back hurt? I'm only 42 and am even a little underweight for size & I know I didn't injure it.  I thought it was atrophy at first but I started walking and it still won't go away.

[moonbaby]

Prior to tx, I was diagnosed with Brachial Plexus injury L. shoulder, pulled muscle, arthritis, carpal tunnel. Pain was burning and localized about mid-scapula. All of the above was on the left side. I had no right side pain until I started tx.Also, lower thoracic herniation(can't remember exact vertebra), and 3 dessicated disks lower lumbar spine. I am 35 y/o, 1a, II/II, 310,000, undetectable 3 months post tx, 6 month Heptimax drawn tomorrow(fingers crossed). I am feeling much better. The only pain that remains is occasional right sided pain and back pain. I guess the other stuff was HCV related. Glad to be rid of it.
Best of luck.

[KICKED]

Taking the meds have sent my head & neck pain out of control. Massage therapy and a chiropractor puts thing ok for a few days.  Hoping when this is all done the pain will stop.