URQ Pain / Liver damage with Hep C

[az_storm]

I found out that I was Hep C positive, genotype 1A sometime in late 1999. I did the combined ribavirin/peg interferon treatment twice. The first time in 1999-2000 but did not receive the benefit of the treatment because my dosage was lowered due to hemolytic anemia... "procrit" was not being at that time. I stayed on the treatment for 8 months and my Hep C titer dropped but then rose again when I came off of the drugs.

From 2002-2003 I repeated the treatment and went the full round with procrit added and have had a zero Hep C titer since that time... 9 years now at zero...  

Prior to beginning treatment in 1999 I had a liver biopsy... and the result was stage II liver disease..... some scaring and bridging...

Since finishing the treatment in 2003 I have had regular, reoccurring upper right quadrant pain. It is always in the same area, right under the rib line from the mind center of my abdomen extending about five inches along the rib line to the right. I have paid close attention to when it occurs and there is no rhyme or reason. It is not induced by meals or my medications but it happens often and is quite uncomfortable. I usually get nauseated and feel pain in my upper right quadrant and it is very uncomfortable should I push on the area where the pain is present.

Each time I mention this to my physician his reply is that he hears that from a lot of his patients who have done the Hep C treatment. I can have all the pain or nausea meds I could ever need from him. That, though, is not what I need... I need to know the cause and how to make the pain go away.... I am upset that my physician is treating symptoms rather than diagnosis and re-leaving the problem.......

Has anyone here experienced pain of this nature? If so has it been diagnosed? Can it be that my liver is inflamed and that is causing pain? What can I do or what should I request from my physician to have this addressed?

Any help or suggestions would be appreciated... I am so tired of being in pain ....

Thank you!

[crigger]

I am not a Doc but it could be your gallbladder I would call the dr back and tell him you want an ultra sound of the gallbladder. I really get sick of these docs that blame every symptom on the hep- c especially when you do not even have it any more.  Oh by the way congrats on being Hep free.  

[HectorSF]

It appear you have not getting satisfaction from your doctor for the last 9 years. "Since finishing the treatment in 2003 I have had regular, reoccurring upper right quadrant pain.)

I would recommend you get a second opinion from a gastroenterologist who listens to you and cares about your health concerns. After all you are paying for their services. Why pay someone who provides no help with your symptoms?

That you doctor seems to be pushing pain killers and other meds as the solution to all symptoms is not a sign of a doctor who is in business to help patients.

"my physician his reply is that he hears that from a lot of his patients who have done the Hep C treatment."
Well, you can take heart as he apparently ignores his other patient's symptoms too.
For your information, patients who either have hep C or are virus free should have no pain of any sort. Pain is an indication that something is wrong and should be followed up with a doctor who is knowledgeable and cares about his patients.

Good luck.

Hector