lupus and hep c

I have a complicated case they told me. I have stage three liver disease(HEP C) that can be treated with interferon. This is the complication, I am taking the immune suppressants for the SLE and the treatment for the hepatitis C will boost my immune system. I know it is a wait and see thing  just wondering if anyone else out there has ever gone through this.

[anafromtexas2]

I also have HepC & Lupus.  I am having so many health problems right now, but am taking the Plaquenil.   With regard to liver - I was only Grade 1, Stage 0 three years ago, but will have a biopsy at the end of the month.  I was wondering if anyone else had these same problems.  What do your doctors say?

[MarieJune]

Hi hun...I haven't gone through this, but I just had to reply to you so that I could say "keep your head up" and I suppose it wouldn't hurt to weigh out all your options first, and go with your instincts, if it "feels" like you should do this, then try it out.

There will be horrible days and good days, just make sure to embrace the good days and know people in this community are here for you. ((((((HUGS))))))))

sorry I couldn't be more help.

[anafromtexas2]

I also have HepC & Lupus.  I am having so many health problems right now, but am taking the Plaquenil.   With regard to liver - I was only Grade 1, Stage 0 three years ago, but will have a biopsy at the end of the month.  I was wondering if anyone else had these same problems.  What do your doctors say?

[ivgirl]

Thank you so much for responding. Its nice to know your out there and who can;t use those HUGS. take care

[ivgirl]

My family dr refused to take new blood work regarding my lupus(too much $ he said) as I thought it was a good idea. My hep c dr wants to start treatment right away nov 9 the big day.If playing a balancing act with immune boosters for the hep c and immune suppressants for the lupus is the deal then doesn't it make sense to see where I am in the Lupus scale? Maybe I could stop taking the prednisone and the plaquenil.I have a new rheumatoligist  as the last one retired. I am seeing him before I start treatment for the hep and thought it would be a good idea to have as much recent blood work done and info as possible. Getting frustrated with the dr's. Drink lots of water and if u r only stage 1 then try to keep away from alcohol.  Blessings 2 u take care

[Gordo1977]

Very odd situation your in and Im sorry to hear your going through rough times. They say folks with hepatitis C may eventually develop lupus, but a direct causal link has not been established. did you have HVC before developing SLE.

Gordo

[ivgirl]

I cant say for sure when I contracted the hep c . The lupus symptoms developed a few years ago. I have gone to my rheumy and they are taking me off the Prednisone and I will be staying on the Plaquenil Starting the interferon treatment in November. I really have to try to hold out for the full 48weeks as I also have cryoglobunimia (spelling i know) . It is associated with the hep c and the only way to get rid of it is to try to rid myself of the hep c.I probably had the hep c for a long time without knowing it.

[Gordo1977]

Have you had a chance to visit with your doctors about telaprevir ( proteast inhibitor ) which will be coming out soon.I would visit more about this new drug with your doctor because it would bust your chances of successful treatment. If you take peginterferon and do not respond you will just breed a stronger virus.

Also if you get a chance review some of the post regarding telaprevir on HVC community.

Wish u the best.

Gordo

[ivgirl]

Is this telaprevir something available in Canada? I have not heard of it before. I just started on cymbalta for the upcoming treatment and weening off the prednisone. I am still on the Plaquinel. I will ask about it and look for any info I can find and keep everyone up to date if I hear anything. Thanks so much   Take Care