Sores in mouth

Hello, I am new to this site- so far it has been very comforting. I started tx 10 weeks ago and have experienced many side effects- fatigue, nasuea and flu like symptoms. Now I have sores in my mouth as well as a horrible taste- does anyone have any suggestions for a remedy? I saw the Dr. today and feel more confused after he said my viral load is decreasing but not at an acclerated rate and I felt hopeful that treatment was taking effect. His main focus seemed to be on liver cancer and I was under the impression that if the tx works then I will be "cured" of the virus. He said that just becuase tx may work I still have to worry about increased chances of liver cancer. I am genotype 1 and stage 4.

[newleaf09]

Both stage 3 and stage 4 are at risk for liver cancer.  It means after you are cured you will still be having ultrasounds to look for it every 6 mos. for a few years.  Your liver will repair if you remove the virus and take care of the liver, but it will take a little while before you can feel certain that you are out of the risk zone for HCC.  Lots of us are in your boat.

Look up mouth sores in the archives; there have been some good recommendations from other forum members.  I used a mouthwash several times a day to help them heal faster and an anesthetic swish to help relieve pain.  If you swish it all over your mouth you will be too numb to eat; I applied it pretty directly to the sores and that way worked pretty well for me.  I think the sores are related to either low neutrophils or low platelets, so they may not always be with you, but they will reappear at times when your bloodwork is at a low point.

[mikesimon]

"....but it will take a little while before you can feel certain that you are out of the risk zone for HCC"

I don't think you're ever out of risk for HCC. You should continue to monitor post SVR and not just for a year or 2 or 4.
Mike

[redrodeo]

Hey, I developed similiar sounding sores , they were feeling painful. Someone told me to get a prescription for Carafate Suspension and use it as needed. Just take one to two tablespoonfuls swish it in your mouth and then swallow. And in a few days they were gone. Which I was very happy about. Carafate is normaly used for stomach ulcers so your md might be reluctant to write for it. But its
cheap and harmless  Red  ps I've been SVR for about 18 months

[Bill1954]

Agreeing with others above, stage 3/4 will require long-term monitoring for primary liver cancer. There are more options for managing it if detected early.

Magic Mouthwash is an Rx swish and swallow containing lidocaine, Maalox, and benadryl (and sometimes Nystatin) that numbs on contact. It’s frequently prescribed for cancer Tx; you’re doctor should be aware of it. The stuff numbs on contact, and although it doesn’t last very long, it’s nice to get a respite. The directions will let you use it 5 or 6 times daily. Many of us will develop a fungal condition in the mouth like thrush; I got this hard white plaque on my tongue, others get mouth ulcers. It’s a bummer, but shouldn’t stop the treatment.

Foul taste, especially a metallic sensation is also common; it’s just another interferon joy, unfortunately.


Welcome to the discussion group, by the way—

Bill

[14cheri]

Hi, I take shot 11 tommorow. I just started more sx this week. I did make it a while sx free. I just got a mouth ulcer today. I have magic mouth it helps. For the sores in corner of mouth, use anti-fungal like monistat. I am G2 24 shots left. I also have the bad taste. Looks like alot of us are the same.

[nygirl7]

Unfortunately we are never out of the woods for HCC.

I had those mouth sores for almost all 72 weeks.  It was so miserable because they hurt and really ruinned the eating of certain foods.  The good news is.......two weeks after I stopped the interferon they were gone for good!

Just wanted to give you some hope.....it won't last forever even though it's miserable now once you are done - adios! (Unfortunately eating became REALLY enjoyable again so watch that...after not being able to gain weight for so long you'd be shocked how quickly that can change!)

[charm27]

I couldnt eat certian foods due to sores as well. Forget the pizza!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was given Magic Mouthwash by doctor its prescription only,. It did take the edge off.

Had to eat pretty much bland foods............
Drink lots of fluids...


Feel well.
Charm