Please don't take this the wrong way - I have absolutely zero vested interest in what I'm about to share.
I found out about my HCV 1a status after suffering a variceal bleed which sent me to ER followed by 3 days in ICU.
Two "specialists" informed me only hope was a transplant and got me on the list. I managed to convince another Doc to prescribe the Peg/Riba Tx which after 8 weeks I was told to discontinue due to poor lab results. (platelets way low)
I had suffered with Edema for a year or so prior to the ER thing never knowing what was causing the swelling. (Wild horses can't get me to Dr's office)
Anyways after being taken off of Peg/RIBA I took up a good friend of mines advice and bought 2 months worth of NATCELL TLM product (ouch - very spensive) I've never been for nor against all this alternative medicine stuff. I can tell you this, based on my own experience the stuff is a freakin miracle drug. Normally I keep my trap shut because folks here aren't much in favor of such products. I can't blame them though, in fact to a certain extent I agree with them. Too many snake charmer, magic potion dealers. Thank God they got rid of their postings here. Again just my own experience, could be a fluke, my friend swore by the stuff to though. Just thought I'd mention it.
Well that really stinks.
Mouse
Well, went to the Dr. and had a bunch of blood work. The edima is caused by congestive heart failure! A rare side effect of interferon. I'm going to have an ekcocardiom(sp) and other tests. You know I am only 47 and don't have time for all this s***! I'm too busy.... Plus I need to think about retreating my hep c. Well, can't do nothing about it....-Libby