Aa
Unexplained symptoms
Not sure if anyone remembers me. Came here and posted a question about eye problems after TX. Well I finally went to eye doctor and said absolutely nothing wrong with my eyes and suggest to see a doctor that specializes in allergies or ears, nose, and throat doctor. Went to hospital last week because of swollen red puffy eyelids and gave me drops and oral steroids. Not helping at all. Problem still continues and now getting pressure in my head, ears, and temples. I have no idea what is wrong with me. Three years now since last dose of treatment and it's one thing after another. Although somethings have cleared up but other problems just keep popping up. Getting really depressed here. As of right now my eye lids still red and puffy with grit through out the day, not just in the morning. These steroids called prednisone giving me bad side effects too. Only prescribed twelve and have three more to take. Can you have a sinus problem without nasal drip? Just my eyes are swollen, little itchy and bad gritty stuff through out the day. People tell me I look like I have a sinus problem and hard for me to go outside in the light without sunglasses. Has anyone ever experienced a chronic sinus problem and if so what tests need to be done and how is it treated. Appreciate if anyone could get back...Thanks...Trish
You made me think of something else that skepsis brought up a few threads back that is somehow comforting - I dont know why -
"with an abrupt end of therapy you are left with a tormented immune system, killed down bone marrow. It takes time to recover to produce sufficient levels of natural Interferons - this could be one cause of some relapses"
I too have frequent bouts of oral thrush along with everything else you mentioned. I have made progress for sure but these nagging issues do make it hard to appreciate. I think it is easy to underestimate how potent a cocktail we take to attempt to rid ourselves of this virus. I guess I interpret skepsis' commment to mean that we will have a normal system again at some point as the body recovers from the drugs. The waiting however is the hardest part.
"with an abrupt end of therapy you are left with a tormented immune system, killed down bone marrow. It takes time to recover to produce sufficient levels of natural Interferons - this could be one cause of some relapses"
I too have frequent bouts of oral thrush along with everything else you mentioned. I have made progress for sure but these nagging issues do make it hard to appreciate. I think it is easy to underestimate how potent a cocktail we take to attempt to rid ourselves of this virus. I guess I interpret skepsis' commment to mean that we will have a normal system again at some point as the body recovers from the drugs. The waiting however is the hardest part.
Wow thanks guys for the info. I've been going crazy looking at the net for diseases and conditions trying to figure out what is wrong with me. After awhile you start getting lost in the shuffle because alot of problems are close in symptoms. It could be this or no wait this is it and just goes on and on. I'm going to do blood work on Monday. I've kepted up with my blood work since TX and always comes back clean. You know you remember how glad you were after finishing TX and have yet been undetected. Virus gone. You want to do a victory dance but in reality it has been hell since. I can tell you what I've been through and what has subsided. Joint pain has disappeared totally. I did get recurrent yeast infections, twice a month. Aint that crazy and do not know why. So finally found a GYN that specializes in chronic infections and in past 4 months found nothing. Hurray after two and half years dealing with constant yeast infections this is the first time coming back negative. Hopefully that nightmare has passed. Knock on wood. Did have alot of stomach problems but that too has disappeared. But GI doctor did find ulcers and now taking medicine for that. I think I got ulcers stress related. So working on healing my ulcers. Okay now the brainfog is finally getting better. Notice I can think clearer now. Headaches aren't so bad, just minor and occasionally. No more migrains. Fatigue is definitely still with me and got to fight just to get motivated at times. Although the eye doctor said nothing was wrong with my eyes but did mention autoimmune disease. Something I rather not here but with unexplained symptoms it's very possible. So for right now going to find an ear, nose, and throat doctor. Keep doing my blood work. I've been dealing with doctors, hospitals, test after test for years and I almost feel doomed. I take absolutely no meds anymore due from TX and only thing I'm taking now is nexium for my ulcers which I just got diagnosed few months ago and GI wants to do another endoscopy to make sure they are healing in the next month or so. I do take premarin which is hormone replacement because a year after TX got a hysterectomy. So that's basically all I take as meds go. I hate pills to be honest. All those pills I took during TX I swore I would never want to take a pill again. I'm going to find a rheumatologist because I do have signs of some sort of Immune Deficiency. I guess that is a price you pay after doing TX and clearing up a deadly virus. I guess it effects everyone differently. Just when you thought you were out of the dark and I haven't yet seen what I'm looking for. Light of the tunnel and it's just been a nightmare since. I'll definitely keep you guys posted as I'm meeting up with each and every doctor and hopefully get some answers soon. Thanks again for your replies and I'll keep in touch...Trish
It sounds a lot of what my dad was experiencing with grit and itchy eyes he had to get a tube put in the corner of his eye they are small in fact he has already lost 2 of them, but they really work, he said the itchy feeling and the gritty went away ,before his eyes were a mess......
Here's the date and title of the thread dealing with allergies and TX with TONS of good advice.
2/06
Allergy Shots and TX
2/06
Allergy Shots and TX
Not sure if anyone remembers me. Came here and posted a question about eye problems after TX. Problem still continues and now getting pressure in my head, ears, and temples. These steroids called prednisone giving me bad side effects too. Only prescribed twelve and have three more to take. Can you have a sinus problem without nasal drip? Just my eyes are swollen, little itchy and bad gritty stuff through out the day. Has anyone ever experienced a chronic sinus problem and if so what tests need to be done and how is it treated.
So sorry, Trish, about post TX problems.
As a long time allergy and sinus sufferer who has had sinus surgery, etc: I believe the answer is yes, you can have sinus problems without post nasal drip.
(Although my current problem is all about that)
Prednisone is rough but it's used to reduce inflamation and that often relieves symptoms.
Itching, gritty eyes can definitely be allergy/sinus related.
Someone on the forum, I think it was MR.Meet, responded to my post "Allergy Shots and TX" (scroll down to check it), by saying he thought TX can aggravate allergy problems as both are immune system issues.
All I can say is my allergy symtoms are much worse now that I'm on TX so would imagine that it could cause flare up of symptoms in others.
Chronic sinus problems are diagnosed with an ENT. The Dr. usually does a nasal endoscopy to check for polys, inflamation, etc. It's down in the office with local nasal anesthesia. Doesn't hurt.
The ENT may refer you to an allergist for skin and/or blood tests.
Sinus problems are often caused by infections and antibiotics are sometimes prescribed, along with decongestents, topical nasal sprays, etc.
You can help symptoms by usin a saline solution, like Ocean, or getting a neti pot and doing irrigation several times per day.
You can also get OTC nasal sprays like Flonase, I believe, which are steroidal topical meds that don't enter the blood stream.
DON'T use AFRIN. It's addictive and causes rebound congestion.
And from what I've learned about allergies, they can occur at any stage of life.
And the number one reason for doctor visits in the USA is sinus problems. I'll copy the allergy and TX thread for you.
Take care.
So sorry, Trish, about post TX problems.
As a long time allergy and sinus sufferer who has had sinus surgery, etc: I believe the answer is yes, you can have sinus problems without post nasal drip.
(Although my current problem is all about that)
Prednisone is rough but it's used to reduce inflamation and that often relieves symptoms.
Itching, gritty eyes can definitely be allergy/sinus related.
Someone on the forum, I think it was MR.Meet, responded to my post "Allergy Shots and TX" (scroll down to check it), by saying he thought TX can aggravate allergy problems as both are immune system issues.
All I can say is my allergy symtoms are much worse now that I'm on TX so would imagine that it could cause flare up of symptoms in others.
Chronic sinus problems are diagnosed with an ENT. The Dr. usually does a nasal endoscopy to check for polys, inflamation, etc. It's down in the office with local nasal anesthesia. Doesn't hurt.
The ENT may refer you to an allergist for skin and/or blood tests.
Sinus problems are often caused by infections and antibiotics are sometimes prescribed, along with decongestents, topical nasal sprays, etc.
You can help symptoms by usin a saline solution, like Ocean, or getting a neti pot and doing irrigation several times per day.
You can also get OTC nasal sprays like Flonase, I believe, which are steroidal topical meds that don't enter the blood stream.
DON'T use AFRIN. It's addictive and causes rebound congestion.
And from what I've learned about allergies, they can occur at any stage of life.
And the number one reason for doctor visits in the USA is sinus problems. I'll copy the allergy and TX thread for you.
Take care.
Funny you should mention sjogren's syndrome. I just recently googled the lingering symptoms after my 48 weeks of treatment - dizziness, dryness, headaches, weakness etc and - whatta you know - sjogren's syndrome! Autoimmune problem - who woulda thunk it? Just like one doesnt expect SVR, one doesnt expect some stupidass autoimmune problem after treatment either.
I guess I got the whole package this time around. This is some really annoying sheet. Just kinda comes and goes and comes back and goes again like some bad houseguest. Looks like each one of these problems has to be addressed on its own as well. This is one frustrating deal this is. The idea of having this **** for a couple of years is really not appealing at all. I just keep hoping it will go away eventually. Doesnt seem to be happening though. At any rate, if you discover some other tips for dealing with this let me know. Thanks.
I guess I got the whole package this time around. This is some really annoying sheet. Just kinda comes and goes and comes back and goes again like some bad houseguest. Looks like each one of these problems has to be addressed on its own as well. This is one frustrating deal this is. The idea of having this **** for a couple of years is really not appealing at all. I just keep hoping it will go away eventually. Doesnt seem to be happening though. At any rate, if you discover some other tips for dealing with this let me know. Thanks.
Hey, I am also more than three years post-tx, have been SVR all the way, and have the same problem with my eyes that you do. It is most probably an autoimmune manifestation generated by the interferon, and it presents in a similar way to sicca syndrome, or sjogren's syndrome. Look up both on the net, and you will find the likely profile for your post-tx issues.
Interferon frequently stirs up the immune system on a long term basis, and can cause the development of, or the exacerbation of, a variety of autoimmune problems. I just finished a year on Restasis (eye drops), and it seems to have quelled the inflammatory process to a large extent. I have discontinued the drops for now, to see if the changes are lasting. They are different from and better than Steroids. The side effects are uncomfortable for a few weeks to months though. You may want to consult a rheumatologist, and an opthomologist both familiar with HCV, and the after effects of tx.
Some of my post-tx autoimmune issues include eye inflammation and puffiness, with heavy grit, swollen Parotid glands, facial 'Malar' rash after stress, or too much sunlight, joint aches, and gastro problems. There are also many other manifestations that I will not even bother to list at this point. Will they go away? No one knows, and for each person it is probably different. I fear that some of this post-tx autoimmunity may be more or less permanent. Sometimes there is a price to pay, in order to get rid of the virus. Some people get away after tx with little or no problems. Others have lots of problems, and they last a long time.
Good luck with your sx. I also know what you mean about the head, ear, and neck pressure. Sometimes my head feels like it is going to explode! Check the various sysmtoms for Lupus. Some of these after effects mimic mild Lupus, in many people.
Good Luck.
DoubleDose
Interferon frequently stirs up the immune system on a long term basis, and can cause the development of, or the exacerbation of, a variety of autoimmune problems. I just finished a year on Restasis (eye drops), and it seems to have quelled the inflammatory process to a large extent. I have discontinued the drops for now, to see if the changes are lasting. They are different from and better than Steroids. The side effects are uncomfortable for a few weeks to months though. You may want to consult a rheumatologist, and an opthomologist both familiar with HCV, and the after effects of tx.
Some of my post-tx autoimmune issues include eye inflammation and puffiness, with heavy grit, swollen Parotid glands, facial 'Malar' rash after stress, or too much sunlight, joint aches, and gastro problems. There are also many other manifestations that I will not even bother to list at this point. Will they go away? No one knows, and for each person it is probably different. I fear that some of this post-tx autoimmunity may be more or less permanent. Sometimes there is a price to pay, in order to get rid of the virus. Some people get away after tx with little or no problems. Others have lots of problems, and they last a long time.
Good luck with your sx. I also know what you mean about the head, ear, and neck pressure. Sometimes my head feels like it is going to explode! Check the various sysmtoms for Lupus. Some of these after effects mimic mild Lupus, in many people.
Good Luck.
DoubleDose
Trish I'm no expert here but I'm think you can have sinus problems wo drip.I always need my Raybans also. Not such a bad thing as long as you have them with you.I hope that you make an appointment with an ear nose and throat doctor asap and he helps diognose and cure your problem.-giddy
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