Frequent swelling of joints

[LateDiagnosis]

I've only been recently diagnosed, however, my migrating joint swelling has been going on for over 13 years now. So, I think I've had this disease for some time now. In any case, one of my questions is about that joint swelling. During my treatment with Peginterfurion (not sure how to spell that) and Riboviron (that either), the swelling subsided throughout the duration of the treatment. Now, that the treatment is over and unsuccessful (undetectable infection levels throughout treatment, resurfaced after its completion), the swelling has returned. I currently take daily doses of sulfasalizene and naproxen when I begin to feel uncomfortable. Then, as the swelling procedes, I take tramadol for the pain with some success.

My questions are:

Can the interfurion be used once a month or so to decrease viral loads instead of exclusively as an aggressive treatment?

How much will having this disease abbreviate the length of my life (had liver biopsy - it's a "1.5" out of 4?)?

Are there more effective treatments for the swelling issue?

[LateDiagnosis]

Just to give you a heads up, I did have one or two minor inflammations while I was in treatment - in the beginning. However, as the treatment drove on, I no longer had the problem. My viral load was undetectable throughout treatment after the first four month mark. However, on completion, it came back. Sorry, I'm not trying to be pessimistic, I just wanted to share my experience.

Oh - and to everyone else - thanks a million for everyone's input! I was hoping the doctor could help me out with the first two questions, but it's quite a relief to know that I'm not the only one experiencing joint issues.

[Texas714]

Well the joint pain is what drove me to the dr and how I found out I have HCV.
I was taking Celebrex, didn't help...They also told me to stop taking it because it was too hard on my liver.  (Your liver is in much better shape than mine) After I started tx, like you I noticed my joint pain was gone!  I told my dr.  He said it could have been the HCV causing the swelling and pain.  All was great the first 4 months of tx.  Only about 4 weeks ago I noticed the pain returning in one joint.  My dr did another vl test and I am still und.  This worries me because I'm afraid, like you, it might be a sign of what's to come after tx stops.  What they did tell me I could use was a shot of cortizone to the swollen/painful joint.

[btsmith]

   My symptoms of joint pain almost mirror yours.   For years I just used Advil and it worked great, but they took me off of it as ibuprofen is hard on your liver.  In twenty minutes all your joint pain is gone.  Maybe your liver isn't as bad as mine.  Check with your doc.

[Rockerforlife]

I meant to say dont take stem enhance if your taking tx drugs...i dont know if there is a cofliction between the two...but i will promise you this...your pain will disappear.

[Rockerforlife]

Take Stem Enchance...your joint pain will vanish...providing you on tx drugs...this stuff works.

[thickm]

i take glucosamine and chlo (something) with joint lubricants....its an over the counter vitamin and they have helped big time

[macisgr8]

I too have migrating joint pain, but no swelling. I take Celebrex and it controls the pain nearly 100%.
I was taking pain meds, Oxycodone, lowest dose. But that didn't work as well as Celebrex. So now it's just the Celebrex.
Even though the Dr said taking the Oxycodone daily was OK, I think it advanced my liver problems