Water Retention

Does anyone suffer from water retention because of Hep C (pre tx)? I am Stage 1, grade 1  1b. It's mainly around my ankles.

The doctor said it might be my age (41) or could be the virus changing my enzymes.

[hepc_avenger]

I had edema (water retention) early in TX.  I found that my blood pressure was elevated, causing the edema.  I was put on Toprol XL 25mg (a beta blocker).   This has helped immensely.  Have you had your blood pressure taken?  This might be a good place to begin.
hepC_avenger

[jonihs]

I have had water retention problems and been on lasix for over a year. But I had liver failure. They also gave me aldactate at first because it keeps the potassium in body, not in urine. If you take lasix, you have to take pottasium chloride. I think it depends on how much liver damage you have, what would cause the problem, but there are solutions that don't hurt your liver.   Joni

[Steve']

I've had fluid on my lower legs for a few years now, I'm into week 3 of Tx now & its still same... Its a Hep-C thing retaining fluid especialy ankles .....

[GI.PA]

I would be hesitant to blame this on your Hep C.  You have only minimal disease and this should not be affecting your water balance (such as one with Liver failure).  Talk to your doc, dont let them put this off on Hep C.

GI.PA

[oldhippiechick67]

I would agree with Erin PA that this ankle swelling shouldnt be blamed on HepC... 99% of the time it is due to heart/circulatory/blood pressure probs.  Get it checked out with a good doc.   OHC67

[hepc_avenger]

I agree that it (edema/water retention) shouldn't be blamed on the HepC.  I also found that I couldn't blame my edema on the meds, which I initially tried to do.  I thought the high blood pressure and swelling were a side effect of the Pegasys or Copegus.  I found out that the treatment doesn't cause the problem of high blood pressure unless there is an underlying circulatory or heart problem, most likely a hereditary thing, as in my case.  I'm just glad to know there are drugs available to help.  
hepC_avenger