Fitz-Hugh-Curtis Syndrome and Hep C

[DrCuddy]

I suffer from these conditions I listed above. I cannot tolerate anti-inflammatories for the life of me. They tear my stomach apart no matter how much I eat before I take them. My pain level on average is 8. What do you recommend I ask my pain specialist about. Right now he has me on Lortab 10 over 500. He gave me gabapentin and diclofenac, then only 100 out of 120 Lortab. The first day of this mix(minus the lortab), My eyes turned so yellow that I did not want to be seen in public. My eyes never did this before. I was fine for months, no pain increase, no tolerance built, so why is my doctor being an idiot like this? He says I am on a drug dependancy type drug. As long as I am in pain, I will be dependant on something to relieve it. Oh, I do not qualify for health insurance. What can I do? Chris

[leanne4jc]

ok I have a question what about when it does not resiolve with antibiotics?I am 48 found out I had this in my early 30's when I had tohave a emergency hysterectomy I thought after surgery it was all gone but not so just recently in 2010 had gallbladder surgery and was told yes still have it I never connected all my symptoms before never even knew it could mimic gallbladder problems
So What now?? how do I even begin to find a specialist in my area? I am alrready dealing with Mild MS its  RRMS, and also permanent restrictions on right arm due to work injury. am so thankful to find this sight now all the pain and sickness makes sense but it is debilitating beyond belief am now on second half of treatment with docyclyine releief is slow to come Help please.. have already applied for disability because of a combo of everything

[Tuckamore]

Hello DrCuddy, (From House I assume)

Welcome to the Pain Management Forum of Med Help. I am glad you found us. I am very sorry to hear about the problems you are having with antibiotics an your medications. Yes your Hep C is a lifelong illness.

However the Fitz-Hugh-Curtis Syndrome should resolve with antibiotic therapy. ATB can be hard on the gastrointestinal tract as can NSAID's. Some of the problems you are having tolerating the medications may be related to your diagnoses. I am sure your physicians have discussed this with you as well as the importance that you continue to take your medications.

The term for the yellow of your eyes is called jaundice. The yellow colouration is caused by an excess amount of bilirubin in the body which is a bile pigment. You most likely had excess amounts of bilirubin and your liver failed to metabolise or excrete it Therefore it showed up in the whites of your eyes. Your skin can also show a yellowish color when it becomes even more severe. When your liver is diseased it can be difficult for it to function properly. Medications often ask your liver to work harder causing even more stress and showing as jaundice.

I do not know if your state has insurance for residents that have chronic health conditions such as yours but that would be the first place I would search. Contact your area Social Services and request information on your eligibility for any health insurance plan they may offer. If they are unable to help you they may be able to refer you to an agency that can help you. Additionally many hospitals offer assistance (up to 100% of stay paid) for those that are unable to pay. That is the reason ppl donate or make contributions to their local hospitals. But they often will not offer this service, you must ask.

I wish you the very best. We are here to offer support and information based on our experiences.  Please let us know how you are doing. I will look forward to your updates. Take Care, Tuck

[Mollyrae]

Hello and welcome to Med Help. I am sorry to hear of the pain that you are suffering with. I have done some research for you about the treatment of this Syndrome and this is what I have come up with.......As far as I can tell, this is about the only treatment available. It sounds like pain meds are a must with this disorder as it is a very painful disease............



Treatment
Treatment for the individual with Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome consists of antibiotics for the infection and pain medicine. Once the infection is cleared up, the symptoms resolve. Since chlamydia and gonorrhea are spread through sexual contact, the individual must restrict her/his sexual activity until the infection is gone, and the individual's sexual partner(s) must also be treated.

I am sure the Doctor is aware of the symptoms involved with the disease but maybe it wouldn't hurt to take this treatment article with you to your next visit with him/her.

Patients with Hep C are often classified as drug users or seekers. It is very important to establish a good relationship with your Doctor so it is clear that you are not just seeking drugs and in fact, you really need some pain control. Explain this to your Doc in the best way you can...Tell him that you appreciate everything they are doing but you really need some added relief at the moment. It sounds like this comes and goes and antibiotics is really the key to being pain free as it clears the infection.

I really hope you find the help you need. Hang in there and good luck in the future. Keep us posted as to the outcome of your treatment.
Mollyrae