Periphrial neuropathy and Hep C

[fuzzybunnie]

Hello,

What does anyone know about Hep C, Interferon and Periphrial Neuropathy as an afteraffect of Interferon treatment?  My partner has been post tx for over a year now and he is experiencing weakness in his leg, an exploding kind of pain from his bones out, swelling, etc.  The Drs have done nerve conduction studies, MRIs, CATs and X-rays.  They found that everything appears to be normal and now tells him that his pain and weakness are psychosymptomatic (which really pissed him off-since he's extremely independent and doesn't want anyone to do anything for him).  Does anyone know of a doctor on-line who knows more about the connection between the three?  Thanks for your feedback on the last question!

[hippygem]

Neuropathy is a medical term for any disease of the nerves.  There are four major forms of neuropathy – polyneuropathy, autonomic neuropathy, mononeuropathy and the most common form, peripheral polyneuropathy – more commonly called peripheral neuropathy (PN).  Peripheral neuropathy damages the nerves in the legs and arms.  Usually the first area that PN affects are the feet and legs before the hands and arms.

This article will discuss the HCV-related form of peripheral neuropathy including the cause, symptoms, and treatments. (See below for a related article on PN.)

Cause
The exact cause of HCV-related PN is not completely understood, but there is some speculation that it could be caused by HCV RNA deposits in blood vessels that supply oxygen to the nerves, HCV infection of the nerves, an inflammation process in the nerves, and/or an HCV-related immune disorder.  In the past it was believed that only people with cryoglobulinemia developed HCV-related PN but it has been proven that HCV-related PN can occur even in the absence of cryoglobulinemia.  Studies have found that up to 15.3% of the HCV population has PN.  The most common cause of PN is diabetes – in fact it is estimated that 34% of the diabetic population has PN.  This compares to the prevalence of 2.4-8% in the general population.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of PN are numbness, tingling, sharp pain or cramps, loss of balance and coordination, and pain.  The pain is usually perceived as a steady burning, ‘pins and needles’, and/or like an electric shock. The symptoms of PN are usually worse at night.  PN can also cause muscle weakness, loss of reflexes (especially in the ankles), and foot problems including sores and blisters that could potentially lead to infections of the skin and bone.  PN doesn’t always progress or become worse; so just because a person develops symptoms of PN it doesn’t mean that it is going to become worse.
go to this link to read the rest:
http://www.hepcaustralia.com.au/symptoms-news/extrahepatic-manifestations-peripheral-neuropath.html

[Xenigma]

A good rheumatologist should be able to help.

I actually I am RA+ (Rheumatoid arthritis) and had a lot of symptoms before starting tx.
My joint pain is better on tx.  I hope it stays that way.  

Lyrica is a great drug for fibromyalgia and Peripheral neuropathy.  Beacause it makes me a little "loopy" I can't take it - I drive all day, but most who have taken it swear by it.

It also helps you to gain weight (Which is good for those on tx)

Anyhow, find a good Rheumy to help.  
They know about HCV and all the extrahepatic manifistations
that go along with it.  (even post tx)

enigma

[anita48367]

hello fuzzy bunnie
First, i'm sorry that your partner is experiencing such troubles and to put the topping on the cake a doctor that instead of saying "i dont know" whats going on but we'll try and find out they instead they pass the buck and let's blame it on the mind.
I personally do not know anything about Periphrial Neuropathy, but your question does interest me, so now i'm curious, too.
I do not know HOW your partner developed Hep c, but I have seen many times individuals that have a past of IV drug abuse, even if it was 10 years prior, that develop the swelling and weakness your describing and have been told several times that no matter where a person injects, it still runs it's course through your entire body, and if a person injected in the lower extremities, this could be his past catching up with him. Not to be gross, just blunt and too the point, people shooting in there legs, groin, and feet experience very similar symptoms as too what your describing. I'm not a dr. Just passing along alittle bit of info.
My husband of 20 years was co infected with hiv and hep c... he passed away in 2002, hiv was not a factor in his death, but the hep c got him, causing end stages of cirrhosis, which took his life at 42 years of age. PLEASE, if your not satisfied with one doctor's opinion, especially in this critical matter, i highly suggest seeking a second even perhaps a third opinion. MAYBE it's psychosymptomatic, but i never heard of psychosymptomatic issues causing weakness in legs, and exploding pain as you've described it. Just for all safety sake, again, i'd seek a second opinion.
Good luck and best wish's too both of you.
Anita
Detroit