allergic gall bladder reaction to interferon or ribavirin

[phtby]

after starting a six month treatment for hep c with peg interferon and ribavirin I started having EXCRUCIATING attacks with stomach pains, nausea,consistent vomiting, a high sensitivity to touch and constant body writhing.Even without a full blown attack I was waking almost every morning feeling like I was fighting one off, and if the vomiting started i knew I was in for an agonizing day. I went to the ER approx. a dozen times over the 6 month treatment. each visit the doctors thought i was having gall bladder problems but after x rays,ct scans and other tests they found no gallstones,duct blockage or liver swelling  and no evident reason for the attacks.The doctors would give me a shot of dilaudid,within thirty seconds I got complete relief, and would send me home with no one truly diagnosing what caused the attacks.after the third attack I was literally begging for them to do something ,like go in and take a look but was told by my primary physician that they did not want to do that due to low immune system from interferon treatment.They did find a cyst on one of my ducts and drained it to no avail. after 9 more visits to the er (one time three days in a row)and finishing treatment they finally went in to take a look and said that my gallbladder had shown signs of swelling by adhesions or something and removed my gallbladder laproscopically.I dont drink or take any street drugs.my question is: is this coincidental or is there any evidence of a gall bladder reaction due to interferon or ribavirin? 6 month retest shows hep free and no more attacks.thanks in advance
garrett

[Honey15637]

Garrett,,,Sorry you haven't gotten any responses. It sounds like you definitely had a reaction to the interferon.  I have heard that alot of people that have hep c,,,have gallstones but not familiar enough to help you out.  This would probably be a great question to ask Dr. Cecil,,,,He has a web site and does answer questions but sometimes it does take a while for his response but well worth the wait.  Good Luck to you!

[phtby]

Thanks for your response. I will check out dr cecil.If this is the case I think people should be aware before going into treatment and physicians should also be aware and ready to do something if any symptoms arise. I would hate to see anyone go thru these attacks.maybe something can be done before treatment to stop or alleviate these attacks because they are excruciatingly painful. I had no gallstones so it was tough to dx but if more awareness is made maybe i can help stop someone else from going thru what i did.