Whats going on w/me?

[Fisheress]

DAMMMMMMNNNNN, Went to Doc yesterday cause hair is falling out sooooo bad.  Ordered a complete blood workup.  I have 1/2 the hair I used to have.  Down to middle of back, going in an hour to get it all  cut off (BOOHOO).  The ironic thing is I have not even started treatment.  First appt is not until Oct.1.  He seems to think I am pre treatment depressed.  After test results he will decide if he is going to start AD's.  I have had liver pain ever since bx a lil over a year ago, just this week hands and feet have been retaining water, sleeping alot, no motivation, sounds as if I have already started treatmet!  Wus up with that?

[Fisheress]

Yes, they did carry me those 3 months and in that time found about the Hep C.  No insurance company is going to insu me now.  Like I said, Texas Risk pool is my only option.  Thanks though!

[jonihs]

The reason I asked was because in some states, when an insurance policy is cancelled, not because of non-payment, the company has to carry the person for 3 months to give them a chance to find new insurance. I don't know if Texas is like that, but it might be worth checking into if just to help w/ some bills. My husband used to work constuction in Montana, so it was seasonal, and when he would get laid off, we couldn't afford the premiums, but they had to cover us for 3 months. Of course when he went back to work in the spring we'd have to wait 3 months to be covered again. However, just thought you'd check w/ your states public service commision to see w/ info they have.    Joni

[Fisheress]

No problem, don't mind answering.  I was going through a divorce, husband cancelled it according to decree after divorce.  It was through his company therefore I was not able to retain it.  I can get insurance through the Texas Risk pool but that's almost 500.00!!!!!a month!  What's a girl to do?

[jonihs]

I hope you don't mind my asking, but I'm curious as to why you lost your insurance.   Joni

[Fisheress]

Wow!  What a great response from you all.  Here's the deal.  Lost my health insurance shortly after finding out I had Hep C.  I had already had all my BW done and bx.  The Doctor told me I was fine and did not require treatmnet.  He also did not tell me I was geno1 either.  Of couse I would have not know what all that meant anyway until now since I found this forum and wonderful people.  Therefore I have no clue what my bx results were or anything else.  I have requested my records (of course they want a fee)so that I can start treatment in a study at the Liver Foundation.  Suppose I will find out then how severe things really are once they compare test.  I am only seeing an internist right now (cash basis)and will have the results of all my bw by the end of the week. He is checking tyroid, hormone levels (had hytorectomy 20 years ago, no menapause here)and liver enzymes. I feel I am in a real pickle right now.  Just hope I can start treatment before something really does goes wrong.

Again thank you all for your support and comments.  I hope to be around here along time with you guys.  I get my coffee in the mornings and head to the computer to read everyones post to start my day.  Oh and LVDBYGOD, my boyfreind told me if I had alot of different colored wigs, he would have a different woman everyday!  Platiumn?  Sure why not??  Go for it and the mole too!  LOL    Have a WONDERFUL day everyone, I'm gonna try to!

[Califia]

I'm not recommending that others try this at home, but I've been taking 800 mg of selenium for years and I'm still alive and kicking.   (Not dealing with a cirrhotic liver, either, which would cause me to rethink all my strategies.)

[want2live]

Thank you for that link. Great info there, and I wanted to add that Selenium should be limited to a MAXIMUM of 400 mcgs/daily from ALL sources (some types of Milk Thistle contains some).
Any more than the 400 mcgs a day can cause liver failure.

[new-sojourn]

All those symptoms were present before my liver failed and the Doc's put it down to strees and menopause when really it was my liver failing.

Don't buy into that 'female hysteria, menopausal' nonsense.  W/that URQ pain and the ascitis and 'lack of motivation' and fatique, I would be very worried.

Just my thoughts

[Califia]

Oops,  I posted this in the wrong thread.  Let's try this again:

Hep C Caring Ambassadors has an amazing web site with a full range of detailed information. Excellent section on nutritional supplements for HCV: http://www.hepcchallenge.org/Manual/supplements_final.htm

[snook_man]

Have you had your thyriod tested?? Sometimes that causes hair loss. But yes, strees can cause havoc on the body!! Try to relax, read a book, lie in a hammock, sit outside and listen to nature..Get a massage, or just do whatever you need to do to relax.. It is hard, I know..I needed Effexor to get rid of the anxiety attacks, but feel alot better..
How long ago was your biopsy, as pain from it should only last a few days, and severe pain following the procedure usually means that there is internal bleeding..That is what I was told by my Dr..Also bloating or swelling of the abdomen..
Don't worry, you have lots of people cheering for you to feel better..

[Jody Blonde]

Prior to my treatment with prednisone & imuran for the autoimmune hepatitis I lost gobs of hair everyday in the shower, (however I have more than enough to lose.) since treatment the hair my hair does not fall out.  I take a multiple vitamin every day in addition to 500 ml of vit C, and a milk thistle with every meal.  This is all with doctor approval, as a matter of fact he highly endorsed the milk thistle saying it does cleanse the liver.  My thoughts are also continually on this disease, and what I am facing in the future should the hep C become more active.  I haven't worked in 3 wks, nerves are shot, but I keep plugging in there, not giving into this stuff.  Good luck to you and yours. Jody

[LvdByGod]

thyroid and liver damage can cause hair loss as well as stress...what did your biopsy tell you? what stage/grade are you?...

i'm breaking down and getting a wig...i just need to look normal once in a while...i'm sick of the ponytail look...my hair loss began years before tx and really took of after being on tx for a few months...but, after tx peoples hair usually does grow back...unless it's genetic...

i looked at it as a chance to go blonde...always wanted to be blonde...finally all that brown hair is falling out :O}... i think a medium sandy blonde highlighted wig...not plantinim or anything like that...if i went plantinim i'd have to get a mole inplant above my lips or something!!!

[Fubarcat]

Don't know if this will apply to you, but I know someone who recently started menopause and she started losing her hair.  The more she stressed about it, the more she lost.  Hair loss can be attributable to both menopause and stress.  As for the other symptoms, other than pain from your biopsy, I think they could also be attributable to menopause, but also could be related to HCV.  Wait for your blood results and go from there.  Try not to stress about your hair.  When I started losing mine on treatment, I went and had it all cut off.  I get more compliments now that my hair looks a lot better short than long, so I guess it worked out to be a good thing.  But I feel for you, 'cause I know losing your hair is stressful.

[Fisheress]

LOL!  Wish I did have more fish just lying around, although Rosie's fish market keeps me in a good fresh supply, it's on my way home.  I do beleive it is stress related.  Now that I think about it, this Hep C has completly consumed my thoughts!  I think about it all the time!  Wish I could get over it but I have that nagging pain in my side which is always a reminder.  Now with the water retention and my calves hurting just makes me wonder more!  So low in protein diet huh?  Loves my steaks although if cutting out red meat will help, I am all for it.  I have not taken any vitamins due to the fact (in my own mind)the less my liver has to work on additonal stuff the better.  I just have not had any edcucation on liver health except no drinking.  Any diet plans or links to any would be greatly appreciated.  Just want to stay as healthy as possible and be all I can be before treatment.

THANKS ALL!  Best to you!

Oh and I went and had 6inches!!! cut off my hair.  It is now not Long and blonde, just blonde..........LOL!  It does look fuller though and I bought some Nioxin hair shampoo & conditioner.

[Califia]

Sounds like a heavy stress response,  but would it be possible to check your nutritional status and make sure you're not showing any deficiencies?   Part of my pre-Tx strategy was to triple the amount of B-complex I've been taking--this in addition to the B's in the multi I already take.   Increasing essential fatty acid intake could help with the stress, too.  But it sounds like you've got a good supply of fish oil lying around!  Best of luck to you.

[Amerabrit]

Sounds really rough for you, I'm so sorry.  tell your DR. ALL of your symptoms no matter how long the list.  If you need AD's please don't be afriad to take them, if prescribed, just do whatever you need to in order to take care of yourself.

[jonihs]

I don't know what, other than stress, could cause the hair loss, but the others are all symptoms of liver damage. Before my liver failed I had those same symptoms. You should really bring these things to your doctors attention. A diuretic such as Aldactate or Lasix will take care of the water retention, also eating liver friendly, limiting protien, lots of fruit and veggies, and limited fluid intake, can also help. Also a multi-vitamin for seniors that has no iron, can help. But please discuss these things w/ your doc.   Joni