hep c and cirrohsis and methadone

[TRC2]

I am a 58yr. old male. I have hep c genotype 3 and cirrhosis. I have been on methadone maint. and clean for over 15yrs. Alot of the time I fell as if I'm going thru withdrawal, it's AWFUL. My clinic swears they are not detoxing me, and my liver Dr. says I MUST be stable to start treatment. So why do I feel as though I don't have any methadone in my system, or very little. I just don't understand, Is it because of my liver?
                  Thank-You

[fretboard]

I am not currently on methadone maint but I am prescribed methadone for pain.  I think it's more likely that the HepC is the problem.  If you mean you don't have any energy and you always feel run down that could definitely be your HepC.  I think that would be happening even without the methadone.  I do know that being cirrhotic may bring on nausea, loss of appetite and other symptoms.  When you add that to not having energy and feeling run down it could feel a bit ugly and may even resemble withdrawl in some ways.  If you've already tried a dose increase and you didn't notice an increase in more energy then it could be that you will get everything back after treatment.  Are you going thru a clinical trial or are you going thru the SOC treatment.?  good luck

[nygirl7]

I am not on methadone but the very simlar medication suboxone.  I treated for 72 weeks because I was already stage 3 and didn't respond right away and honestly I didn't notice any difference at all really.  I can only surmise that the liver damage is somehow now inhibiting the meds from working properly.....I don't know if meth is processed in the kidneys or the liver but that would be something to ask the doc. If it's the liver then that might be what it is and you might need a higher dosage. I'm sorry I don't know I just wanted to encourage you not to give up. Being cirrhotic you do need treatment - as unpleasant as it is.....it's definitely time for you to do that.

[TRC2]

I'm not going thru a clinical trial, I have Ins. I have one of the best liver Dr.s in San Deigo,
So everyone tells me. He transferred me over to the liver clinic at UCSD, and I'm
supposed to start my treatment this month, on the 28th of May.It's not just that I'm
tired and run down,I feel like s----t!!! I also am going to be put on a transplant list,
after a consultation.... so we will see. Thanks, So we will see what happens at the end of May, I know I've been waiting ALONG TIME for the treatment. Lots of tests, CT scans,
Endoscopy, I have varis veins they put 6 bands on the first time and 7 6 weeks later. I have to go back in about 3 weeks. I really am ready ... so like I said we will see
                    Thank Again