Depression, balance and exaustion issues

[TheCreatress]

After taking the shots for Hep C for approxc. 3 -3 1.2 or 4 months....  I was nearly Jaundiced beyond compare, had potentially no potassium in my system, low white blood cell count and a problem with my bone marrow.  I could not do anything for myself.....   I couldn't feed myself, I couldn't even put on a buttonless nightie... I'd just spin it above my head....   couldn't find the arm holes....   I couldn't walk...  I had to crawl to the bathroom, or the Kitchren if I needed a drink....I kept a bucket or trash can by my bed for puking for 3-4 days after the shot (along with six pills a day everyday) ....    I finally recieved a stint in my liver (I think that's what it's called) I had no balance and was literally retarded for 2 years.....   at about a 5th grade mentality level with no motor skills.  At First I thought It had something to do with the anbestiesia.  NO ONE TOLD ME NOT TO EAT A LOT OF PROTEIN BECAUSE OF THE NITROGEN THAT WOULD GET INTO MY BRAIN.............  I researced and researched....   and finally discovered the truth about the nitrogen, etc...

I haven't been the same since 1999 or 2000.....   I'm more depressed than before... have no drive, no will, am exausted all the time... can't even stand at the sink and scrub a pan for more than 10 min. or so... Can't Vaccume for too long. Can't work, my sleep patterns are topsy turvey............    Am I the only one?

I feel lost.

I hear there is a cure in Canada and the UK... Does anyone know if this is true?  If so please contact me at ***@****
and I'd be so appreciative.

Thanks!!

[couldn't think of a nickname]

I read the comments about limiting protein intake, and I know that has always been recommended. My doctor says (and I quote) " patients with cirrhosis were always advised to decrease protein intake due to too much protein --ammonina synthesis-- and subsequent developing encephalopathic changes."

He said that in response to an abstract I sent him from the upcoming AASLD meeting that I thought he would find interesting on protein intake and cirrhotic patients. He found it interesting that in this new study, they actually recommended protein supplementation in the PM.

I can't cut and paste the abstract, but it is found on the AASLD web site. The title is "Nocturnal Nutritional Supplementation improves total protein status of patients with liver cirrhosis: results of a randomised controlled trial.
Abstract no. 65578
Category LO1:Public Policy ,Epidemiology, and Decision Anaylsis.

I don't know anything about this issue, I am just pointing out what I found. There are a ton of interesting abstracts on that web site, including controlled studies that show that herbs used in Chinese medicine work, data on Schering's new PI in patients, which looks to be the second best drug in development, and also data on VX-950 which still looks best in class.
I would encourage anyone interested to go to the web site and look around. All you have to do is register with an email address and create a password.

I am truly sorry about your severe problems. I hope there is a combination of something that can help you. Dr. Zhang practices traditional Chinese Medicine and does phone consultations. He is in New York. I wish I could think of something else to tell you that would help.

[jmjm530]

Sorry about your bad experience. With your complex set of symptons and history, self-diagnosis is very tricky. I don't know much about nitrogen and the brain but a lot of us eat a protein rich diet -- both on and off treatment -- and don't have some of the ill effects you describe. Do you live near a large medical center where you can get a full medical workup including being seen by a hepatologist. I know you are probably fed up with the medical system by now, but sometimes you have to kiss a whole lot of frogs (doctors) before you find Mr. or Ms Prince. If it were me, I'd do some research as to who are the best and start puckering up. All the best with your health.

-- Jim

[v eggie dip]

I hoped you wouldn't see that post...I immediately thought about you and your upcoming appoitnment...Remember, this is internet Janet...Teaching Hospitals seem to have the best and latest technology for the treatment of HCV....

[dammitjanet]

I believe that.  And I believe that from what I've read about my new doctor at MCV that he most certainly has more exprience and knowledge about treating HCV than my GI.  Also, as with any doctor, and as we have certainly seen here, you MUST be proactive with your healthcare!  DJ

[v eggie dip]

My husband is a government employee and we both share the benefit of a wonderful government drug plan coverage...If I tx I won't have to fork any CD$ out of pocket, not even for cell "boosters" thank God!!

[cuteus]

that sounds like a terrible journey through hell for you. It sounds as if you became severely anemic during tx and did not get Procrit for it, did you?  It seems as if the oxygen deprivation damaged your nervous system and things might have been compounded by the interferon also.  A combination of factors made it possible for a permanent condition to have developed.  In the two yrs I have been reading here and other boards, I have not heard of many long term effects.
Have you seen an neurologist and an autoimmune disorders specialist?