What made you think you were sick?

[dog_lover]

I have been away for a while fighting some battles but I hope I haven't been lost to those of you I was speaking to before.  I found out I was blessed with this disease after telling my doctor that I was tired all the time and just generally felt like ****. Now I find, after extensive (negative) cardiac tests that my ankles are swelling, I have nausea that's just strong enough to remind me that I feel like ****, the same kind of thing with my headache. I have a medically implanted device to control pain to it's difficult to see if my liver ls inflammed.  I suffer from severe back pain and I am forced to use a walker. My pen name, dog_lover was tested in August when I had to put my best friend down for her damaged rear leg ligiments, so I don't get that beautiful face looking to me for a walk around  8:00 each night.  God I miss her so much.  I'm off track, I'm just wondering if the swelling, nausea, headaches and general malaise are symptoms of this malady we share?  I'm still battling social security and have benefited from some of your insights before, can anyone field a couple of questions?  Perhaps from experience or they have a friend who knows something.
Peace, the lonely Dog_Lover

[cigaso]

Except for the swollen ankles, I had the same exact symptoms. I had a blood test with elevated ALT and AST enzymes. PCR RNA test came back positive. After 20 weeks of treatment, which my doctor made me stop, I do feel a lot better. However, the headaches are coming back.

[friole]

I am very sorry to hear you are having to use a walker.  If I am remembering correctly, you used to be a long distance runner (?). So this has got to be especially rough.   Many of your joint and ankle problems could come from the extended abuse of the joints during that period.  Also, I am not familiar with the pain devise - does it deliver a narcotic to your system, or is it some other method?  I know personally an extended period of narcotic use (and I am talking about something as simple as using cough syrup with codine for 3 days) ruins my whole system. Could this be affecting you?

That stuff aside, I have read that the hepatitis C virus DOES inflame other organs and areads -- not just the liver.  Here is a post I saved that tnhepguy posted some time ago that may give you some links.

http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Hepatitis/messages/40814.html

Also, since you haven't been posting for awhile, you might want to check out this sight.  You have to register, but it is free.   It is a slide show presentation about hepatitis C and answered many of my questions.

http://www.clinicaloptions.com/hepatitis/treatment%20updates/hcv%20core%20curriculum.aspx

[APKhaos]

After feeling like junk for some time, it seemed that this was more than just 'loosing a step' due to the passage of time. Second clue was zero tolerance for alcohol. Never been a big drinker, but a couple of drinks would wipe me out for the following day. I'd had elevated ALT & AST level for years, but the doctors who saw them said they were nothing to worry about!!

Finally, my worried wife took some old labs to her dr, who jumped all over it, ordered some fresh labs, and had a positive dx for HCV in two weeks.

[niceguy2007]

dog lover,

actually i've had the virus for less than 4 yrs.  i dont have swollen ankles, but i did have nausea, and the "****" feeling u mentinoed.  based on that i got myself tested for HCV, and it was positive.

[niceguy2007]

dog lover,

i felt the same symptoms as yours before i was diagnosed.  i read abt the symptoms on the internet and got myself tested for hcv antibody.

[GrandOak]

So sorry to hear of your loss.  As a past breeder\exhibitor, who still has 4 collies, I know all to well what it's like to loss a companion (NOT a pet) as I had to face the loss of several over the 10 or so years I was involved in the Dog Fancy.

The hardest were those who appeared to be rebounding only to relapse the very next night and holding them as their life slipped away unable to stop the tears and release my grip on them even after several minutes.

The absolute hardest were those who continued to put up a very valiant struggle until I told them that it was OK and our children would understand.  I still recall vividly their image as they showed their understanding by the way a sign of relief flashed from their eyes and the tenseness of their body stature relaxed as if they were saying "Thank-you"!.

Sorry if this was long, just wanted to convey that I can definitely empathize with your loss.

To answer your question though, it does sound like alot of what you're experiencing does sound alot like common symptoms and to also convey my disappointment that on top of loosing a best friend, you no0w find yourself having to face this insideous disease too.  Just keep in mind that many here are at various stages of dealing with HCV and that we are her for you and to share with you, so you are never truly alone.

[tulsatime]

Hi, good to see you on here again. I have left sometimes for a week or two because we all have things we need to deal with, from time to time. But always know someone is here to help. My legs, ankles and feet swell. But I also have cirrhosis. I can't remember your stats. But I think you are not doing treatment at this time. Am I correct? All these things can be from Hep C
swelling, nausea, headaches and general malaise. I am sorry to hear about your dog. I can remember having my favorite dog put asleep when she became blind and got heart worms. She was a sheep dog and my best friend. Funny how attached we become but they are so truely mans best friend someone to love you unconditional and never judge you. Sorry, I am so emotional lately. I guess it is just the meds, but I cry at the drop of a hat lately. take Care, hope you get some relief... Debi

[Myown]

hi dog lover,
sorry to hear you're not feeling well. I have the swollen ankles and legs also. I get a different opinion form EVERY doc I have seen. None really seem to think its hep c related. Well, thats their opinion, not mine.

I have started on natural progesterone cream,as my progest, was very low. My ankles and legs were starting to get a little better just before I started, now they are alot better,

i found this article and if you go to where Dr. Ben cecil is speaking, somewhere in that area, maybe above, you will see a woman quoted as saying she has swollen feet and legs and Dr Cecil discusses extra heptatic and autoimmune and all that. i haven't read the article in a while, so i'll just post it and maybe you will want to check it out.

To me, the swelling is definitely from hep. Some may get this and others may not.Hope you feel better soon.

http://www.hepatitismag.com/storydetail.asp?storyid=48

[Kalio1]

Sorry about your furry pal. That is hard to deal with. All the symptoms you describe can be symptoms of Hep C. Did you contact Commitment to Care to help with medication costs? their number is 800 521 7157.