Wiley:
I had peripheral neuropathy most likely caused by Hep C. The neurologists could find no other source and ultimately attributed it to the virus. You can get the neuropathy without cryoglobulenima. Apparently the virus itself attacks the nerve sheath.
Mine was pretty mild and over time the symptoms abated although never went away entirely. My doctors could never tell me whether the damage was permanent or would repair itself. In my case, resistance weight training seemed to help somewhat.
I definitely think that peripheral neuropathy is a significant indicator that you should begin treatment. If the cause is Hep C, the peripheral neuropathy won't necessarily go away if the Hep C is cleared but it also won't get any worse and lead to further debilitation.
Good luck!
CIDP is fully treatable please check http://www.cidpusa.org
I have peripheal neuropathy which is an extension of my Hepatitus C, which Cryoglobulenima has also attached to. I went through all of the Interferons,relapsing after every one. A total of 104 weeks,& I just completed 6 Rituxin treatments fo the cryo. Every Neurologist that I have been to says that the Neuropathy is a guessing game. It can disappear on it's own, but their is really no treatment for it in my condition. I do take Neurotin 3 X per day. The good news is that it is getting much better. At first my legs and feet would go totally numb, resulting in 16 falls and eventually wheelchair usage. I now can use a cane, if needed, and a walker for doing dishes, etc. I cannot stand still for over 2-3 min. at a time, and I can't walk very far either, as the numbness comes back. I think exercise is the best option~ I use a recumbant bike and get in the swimming pool. This has helped alot. If I can answer anything else, please don't hesitate to ask, and I wish you the best!
SJL
" About 7 years ago I started to get it" Should of read " About 7 years ago I started to get peripheral neuropathy".
I have had hep C for about 35 years. About 7 years ago I started to get it. I was able to keep it in check by taking herbs from Zhang's clinic and taking better care of myself ( eating properly, exercising regularly etc ).
Anyway it is now 7 years later and I finished my 6 months of Interferon treatment about 9 weeks ago. For a while after treatment my legs and feet were really bothering me, especially since I started a new job that has me walking and driving a lot. My new carreer after retirement is as a courier. The last week or so my legs have stopped hurting me. My feet still have some numbness but minus the pain.
I guess I will have to wait a few months to see if it subsides completely or if the damage is permanent.
By the way my viral load is undetected as of my last blood test 6 weeks after treatment. So maybe without the virus it will get better. Check with me again in a few months if you want. If I am not on the forum at the time send a message to my inbox and I will respond.
Good luck
Bobby
willie-- popping your question up to the top. later
I've never heard of that combination, it doesn't mean much as I'm fairly new to the forum. I have heard of neuropathy, just not with HepC. With all the people on this forum someone will chime in with something. This will knock your post back to the top. Oh I just remembered about a site I saw posted on a sign. www.neuropathy.org
God Bless