Sx's of hepatitis C?? And open thread..

I was wondering, and wanted to get everyones take on the sx's of HCV.I have had sort of like a smokers cough, since about 15 yrs. old.Also spit alot in the morning,and have stomach acid problems.Other than that, nothing else really. Well, actually I get itchy sometimes, and my joints hurt..But my questions is whether or not others have this coughing problem, and phlem in morning, or after eating especially..My mother also has a real bad cough, and same sort of problem..
Also, if anyone has suffered from anything like this, and reached SVR, did it go away??? People swear that I smoke, cause I'm always coughing, but I don't..Use too, but not for years..

[layla]

Yes, fortunately for me it was a very mild cough, more like a tickle and occasionally flem (phlegm) but not much of a problem and not consistent. I have read others have much more of a problem with this sx. I'm sure others will comment on this one. LL

[DoubleDose]

I have posted regarding the same issue in the past.  I have had post-nasal drip, throat clearing cough, and sinus congestion since my early twenties (now in mid-fifties, and SVR for 10 months)  I have noticed much less sinus and throat problems since end of tx, but throat clearing is still an issue, just less prominent.

My major concern is that my wife and sons seem to have developed sinus and throat clearing/ chronic cough over the years, and it seem to persist throughout the year.  They all test negative for HCV, BUT my bigger concern is that there may be some sort of HCV tissue-based infection, which remains outside of the bloodstream, but inhabits soft tissues like sinus tissue, throat, gastric lining, etc.  ALSO, we all (my family) seem to have more stomach noises, and acid reflux than one would expect, and my wife's symptoms have developed over the last ten years.

All the HCV docs 'blow off' any suggestion that these sx in family members may be HCV related, but I continue to be skeptical, and concerned.  I worry that people who sometimes seem to develop HCV, on blood tests' and have no possible risky behaviors in their past, could potentially have picked up HCV in casual contact over the years (kissing, sex, etc.) which may have introduced the virus into non-blood related tissues, and that slowly, and eventually the virus found it's way into the bloodstream.

The only way to really verify whether this is happening is to do HCV antibody testing, and HCV PCR testing on tissues outside the bloodstream:  gastric fluids, salivary tissues, glands, etc. ....specifically on those family members of known HCV infected persons.  I do not know if this has been done!  They only seem to do the standard blood drawn anti-HCV test.

This may SOUND preposterous, but my observations regarding those I have been close to, or had past relationships with, lead me to believe that something 'different' is going on.  My doc says that maybe 'other' common viruses are to blame for this familial similarity of symptoms, but my only problem over the years has been HCV.

Do any of our members see inter-familial symptoms that are chronic, or suspicious????  I feel a strong need to fully explore this issue, for the health and safety of my loved ones.
Do any of you feel that chronic cough, throat clearing, and sinus problems have been a chronic, HCV related symptom????  Anything similar going on within your families???
Thanks for any responses!

[DoubleDose]

An additonal comment pertaining to above thread:  My family members, and a previous partner also, seem to suffer from frequent eye irritations, and eye dryness, mild facial rashes from time to time, AND infrequent joint aches, especially neck related.  I have seen this in my spouse, and sons.
What do you think all of this might mean???  It sure is ODD, don't you think?  Any similarities out there???

[honey1616]

Sorry to hear you are still having some problems and I can certaintly understand your concerns.  I never had any of these sx's during all the years,,,,in fact a big shocker roo to find out I had it,,,My husband also,,,Nothing that we can pinpoint that we had hep.  Now of course,,,on treatment,,,I am experiencing alot of stuff you mentioned.  Now you got me to thinking about the rest of family,,,my 3 girls and my middle one has had problems with allergies all her life(only one) the other two,,,nothing but healthy and all have been tested for hep c and came up negative.  I do remember now for past year before starting tx,,,I had some stomach problems like you are describing and it was constantly feeling bubbly at times but now on tx,,,don't have that anymore.  I'm sorry I'm no help but hopefully others post will go more into their stories because after 10months,,,,You should be back to normal!!

[honey1616]

Just one more thought,,,could any of this be a coicidence and have something to do with where you live,,,environment I mean???

[snook_man]

I am constantly clearing my throat.. It is like sore or irritated alot..I mentioned before, that I had strep throat test, after being pulled off tx.. It came back negative, as it always does.. Right now, I have a white patch in the same spot in the back of my throat.. It itches, and aggrevates the hell out of me..
I cough alot after I eat also.. Just can't get my throat clear, but then it goes away..
Not sure about passing syptoms (symptoms) to family members, as wife has been tested, and no sign of HCV.. She has used my razors, toothbrushes, popped my pimples, cleaned my wounds, held turnicate to stop bleeding, and lots of freaky(risky) sex..Now we use caution of course, but we have been lucky..I have no allergies, as I have been tested, and actually had a Dr tell me cause of sinus problems was deviated septum.. Learned the hard way, that it wasn't that..
All my symptoms, came on about the age 15, when I started smoking and drinking..Most pamphlets on HCV, state abdominal pain, and fatigue for symptoms..Never had the pain yet, and don't really want it.. Best of luck..

[louisep]

I had no symptoms of hep c what so ever before tx but I sure as hell have got some weird ones now after finishing tx in May, especially sinus problems!  Haven't stopped sneezing since finishing & the congestion is now unbearable.....it really is driving me insane!  Decided to fly back to England in November to get my 6 month test etc.  Will keep you all informed.

Hey Vicki.....glad to see you still hanging tough girlie....will e mail in the next few days....."HOPE THIS HELPS"!!  Ha ha!

[DoubleDose]

Thank you all for the quick and specific feedback!  You are right, some days I think I am just driving myself crazy with paranoia over the family sx issues, and that it is ridiculous to suspect HCV,... then I read again things that others have experienced with HCV, and with close family members, and my antenna, and the red flags go right up again.  I will be seeing a salivary gland specialist who apparently has dealt with many post tx and pre tx HCV patients, so it will be a good opportunity for me to review all of these concerns with someone who is not in the mainstream hepatologist community.  He also is supposed to do quite a lot of tissue biopsy and testing...so this might be a chance to get some things sorted out.  If there is any ambivalence on his part, I will push for viral RNA testing of specific tissues for myself and wife.  If all is neg. after that, I will completely drop the subject from the anxiety filled recesses of my hyper-vigilant mind.  
Cuteus: I also tend to believe that there would eventually be some sort of antibody produced on a system-wide basis, IF there were virus hidden in extra-hepatic, non-serum tissues of family members.  Hopefully the NEG. test results for my family members means just that:  NO VIRUS. ...BUT,  I will continue to ask questions of the medical community until my concerns are 100% alleviated.  Maybe the symptoms my family and I share ARE due to some other chronic virus, or bacteria, or even environmental cause, etc.  Maybe, with some pushing, I can even find a good diagnostician who can identify what the heck all these symptoms are really caused by.

Snook:  I clear my throat all day long, and it is embarrassing
when I am dealing with clients.  Now my wife and son do the same, regularly!  Makes me feel kind of guilty, and helpless.
Eventually we will all get answers to our questions.  Maybe even why GT,1-B is so difficult, and different from the other genotypes, etc.  Let's keep pushing the medical community to do  the research, and find the answers.  For the future wellbeing of all of us, and our loved ones!  Thanks again for all the input!

[cuteus]

If your family has been tested for airborne allergen sensitivity such as dust mites, molds, including toxic molds, pollen, etc., and have no allergies, no predisposition for asthma, reactive airways, sinusitis and such, I would then worry about the possibility you've mentioned. My 15yr has inherited the tendency to have allergies, asthma,and obesity. If she wasn't breastfed I hate to think how much worse she would have been. She must use Nasalcrom daily to remain symptom free.
I think It is unlikey for a virus to remain in a tissue/organ without causing some activity by the inmune system, some type of white cell would be reacting to the invasion, esp since it is causing outward symptoms.  If you are concerned,  suggest to  your wife  a tissue biopsy to ease your fears. Have them tested for the HLA-b27 ( i think that is the genetic marker for arthritis like illnesses.  I would suspect a reaction to an External source first.
I have a feeling that nothing anybody says will take this fear from you, so I guess you must find the level to what you are going to allow the fear to influence your life.
wish you the best

[cindee]

snook-man, Hi! I am a "smoker" and I NEVER had a cough until I was on tx. My voice was almost NOT there sometimes...I was always clearing my throat and coughing up. As soon as I finished tx. it went away. I do have to "clear" my throat sometimes still. I start trial in Oct. and I wonder if it will start (the coughing...no voice...etc. again. I will keep you posted. I wish ya the best and am sending warm thoughts your way! Love @ prayers, Cindee

louisep...hey woman! Good to see your post! I want to wish you the best too and I hope your test come back GREAT!!!!! Much love @ many prayers, Cindee ((((HUGS)))))

[louisep]

Hey Cindee,
Still catching up on posts but just read about your friend Betty.  Give her my best wishes.
And best wishes to you my friend for starting tx again in October, I admire you tremendously & YOU WILL BEAT IT THIS TIME!  You're an inspiration, Cindee, always there with a cheery word despite what life throws your way.
Love & hugs
Louise

[Dorothy and Toto]

Clearing my throat in the morning has been a regular thing and drives my husband up the wall!  I thought it was related to a certain food but no, it always happens and disappears after a while and the rest of the day its OK.  I had a very sore throat 3 months ago that went away like many of the sides.  But the phlegm in the throat is here to stay and like you, hope it goes away after treatment.  Cough cough.

P.S.  There is a terrible rumor that I now snore too!

[cindee]

Hi girl, You are so sweet! We did have a lot of FUN last nite on the forum. It's great to get off the hep subject for a little while sometimes...I just wonder what all the "newbies" think about us????? LOL and I am posting to ........

Indy...please come on and tell honey, chev and all what YOU are going to do w/ the girls @ work and the "moon, moon story"...you told at work today!!!!!!! Indy you are one "great guy"!!!!!!

I love ya all and you are always in my prayers!!!!! I don't know what I would do w/o you ALL!!!!!!!! sweet dreams to all tonite...I'm going to bed by 11pm!!!!!! ( LOL, I guess I should say..."i'm going to sofa" by 11pm!!!!

But I do have an apptmt w/ my back surgeon this coming Thurs. I called today and they got me in quick! Thank goodness!!!! I'll let ya know how it goes! I sure hope and pray he will order a MRI immediately!!!!!!!! Sending you all ((((HUGS @ KISSES))))) prayers too, Cindee

[honey1616]

Dorothy,,,That rumor about snoring has been going on now for along time for me,,,,And I just know there all making it up LOL

Amerabrit,,,It is confusing at times what each dr tells us and we compare notes especially the tylenol vs ibuprofen..That one drives me crazy LOL  However,,,I would think the iron thingy is more a concern for men and we should be fine since women need the iron more so..

Indy,,,haha I thought you were joking about "blue moon" until last night on news,,,,Won't have another until 2007 so last night was our night!! LOL

Cindee,,,That story is so funny!! If anyone tuned into Medhelp last night,,,they would have had us all ready to go in strait jackets!!  Some crazy woman with her purse howling at the moon!!  Two other women totally captive to Indy.....Tick,Tock,,, Tick Tock,,,,  Ok,,,so we all know where we are going to be 2007 right??  hahaha

[newbie2003]

Hi everyone, I have not posted for a long time, as you can see from my name!  (Does anyone know how to change your nickname on this board?).

I was compelled to tell snookman that I understand his questioning what he sees happening to his family, and wondering if it is related to HCV.  I also am "paranoid" of this type of thing, but I feel with good reason.  There is still not much known about this virus, and nothing would surprise me.  

I feel that my doctor dismisses any question I have of signs/symptoms that aren't the usual fatigue or tiredness.  Thanks to all of you on this forum, I know that alot of my symptoms are not all in my head.  I have constant sinus, dry mouth, fatigue, intermittent tingling, palpatations:  the list goes on.  I don't bother to complain about them, I just know they are there.  At times, I see weird symptoms in my daughter, and can't help but wonder also about her having something connected with the virus.  

I have had problems with what feels like a lymph node in my neck for years, and it has worsened with pain going down either a lymph vessel or a muscle (or tendon or something)  and my doctors just look at me like I am nuts.  It gets very sore when i am having sinus problems/congestion.  I now see there is some suspected links to lymphocytic something or other and I for one am not surprised.  

Sorry this is so long, but I have one more thing I want to share.
I drink alot of diet pepsi because my mouth is dry all the time (I know, very bad for me) but lo and behold, I actually found an article that claimed that in a study or something they did, it appeared that artificial sweetner may have an affect that prevents liver damage from hepatitis.  Please don't quote me as it's been quite awhile since I read it (and did I mention memory problems?), but I am too tired to look it up and give a link for proof.  I will though, because I am going to give it to my doctor and let him tell me how he wouldn't count on it.  I have had hepatitis 2b for 30+ years, found out 5 years ago, and am still wondering if I should do treatment, as I don't know if the side effects and/or damage from treatment is worth the small chance I may clear for a short time.  My liver biopsy 2 years ago showed Stage I, either 0 or 1 on the scarring.  I did have at risk behavior that could qualify as the reason I aquired the virus, but I think it was from a gammaglobulin I was given in the 70's to prevent me from getting Hep B from my husband.  (Tell that to your doctor and bet me he won't laugh at the silliness of that statement).  But I read that there was a huge batch of this gammaglobulin that was infected way before they even knoew Hep C existed.

Okay, I am sorry to take up so much space with my banter.  But I am highly pessamistic about what they think they know in a large part of the medical community.  Thanks for listening and God bless all of you!