Just Been Diagnosed

  I just found out yesterday that I have a low level hep c.  What lead me to the Dr was swollen legs, feet, and hands, tired all the time and a pain in my right side.  Blood work was done and I was tested positive for hep b and c.  My primary care physician sent me to a Gastroenterologist.  It took about a month to see him and on my initial visit and examination he told me I probably had liver disease.  He said that he could feel a swollen spleen and bumps on the liver.  My side is tender to the touch. I also have red palms, spider veins on my chest, diarrhea, light colored stools, swollen abdomen, aches in my joints, bleed easily and bruise easily.  He had blood work done and an abdominal cat scan.  I got a call from him yesterday and he told me the cat scan came back normal.  That my kidneys look good, spleen good and liver good.  (Prior to this I had my gall bladder checked with and ultra sound and those tests were good.) He infomed me that I have low level hep c.  Can all these symptoms be caused by the hepatitis?  If I start on the interferon will this help the swelling go down?  The aches and pains too?
  Thank you for your help - I am feeling lost and confused by my doctor.

[HFHSM.D.-D.M.]

Dear Catherine:
I