mdone/xanax/hepc

[terripin99]

OK- - Pass no judgements * *

Ive been a heroin addict for 25 yrs - Even though I haven't used heroin for about 15 of those yrs I still must consider myself a heroin addict. Ive been on methadone maintenance for the last 15 yrs , which has probably saved my life & definitely saved me a long prison term.

I really don't know how long I have been living with HepC - I would guess for some time now. Sometime during all this use,  Xanax came into the picture. Now I was OK just drinking my methadone everyday(100 mgs)- but for the last 6 or 7 yrs I have been taking 4 mgs (2 sticks) a day just to relax. 1 in the AM before work (yes, I have a good career and education) & 1 at night when I get home.

I guess my question is how much damage am I doing to my liver with these pills. I dont drink alcohol, I exercise ,eat well, and am at a good weight. I do feel fatigued more and more often , but Im contributing that to age - Im 52 and feeling every year of it.
What should be my main concern?
thanks
T

[frijole]

Welcome to the forum.  I think there are many cases of Hep C patients treating while on Methadone.  There are a lot of studies out there if you just google hep C and methadone. Therefore I conclude that Methodone does not damage the liver. There are quite a few people on this forum who use Xanax so I assume that is rather liver friendly too -- look at the literature that comes with the rx - it will tell you if it is liver friendly..  Without googling it , that is about all I can tell you.

I too think you should have a liver biopsy to see what the actualy condition of your liver is.
frijole

[Facta_non_verba]

You're not likely to be judged on this forum for your past lifestyle or whether you're an addict or not. At least I would hope not, since the majority of us didn't get Hep C selling Girl Scout cookies.

If I were you I would be anxious to find out if I had much liver damage. I would see a reputable hepatologist and ask about a liver biopsy. To my mind, it's the most important factor in making a decision whether you should initiate treatment. I don't think either methadone or Xanax is a huge burden to the liver, but I know that Hep C is.

Consider getting a biopsy to know your status for sure. You could feel absolutely healthy, but your liver could be in trouble. It's worth looking into.

Jeff
Facta non Verba