More serious health issues caused by HCV -- Autoimmune Diabetes

[kittyface]

Hi All,

I was an active member of this site until March 2008 when I began treatment (SOC+Alinia-- geno 1a, 70 million VL, diabetes, F1 liver damage, very symptomatic).  I'm UND according to 3 mo post tx PCR.  Of course I'm happy to reach UND but now have serious HCV-related autoimmune diabetes which is the body attacking the islet cells of the pancreas.  This condition has proved extremely difficult to control and not caused by tx as I was diagnosed in 2007.

I'm conveying this for the sake of those who may be weighing the pros and cons of treatment.  My HCV went undiagnosed for 27 years despite my complaints to numerous doctors, ample enough time to ravage vital cell functions in the WHOLE body.  The liver alone is involved in over 300 chemical processes.  

I avoided treatment for 3 years while reading all the posts on this board.  BTW, it was the knowledge here that gave me the confidence to treat.  It was extremely unpleasant but I did it.  I finished 4 months ago and now it's just a vague memory.  I just wish I treated sooner and I maybe I wouldn't have diabetes.

Kittyface

[alagirl]

Hi Kittyface, I've read about autoimmune diabetes and I'm sorry you're having to deal with that.  I live in Alabama now but I'm from Austin - and my son is in college there now.  I miss it!

[evangelin]

I listened to a blog talk radio with Dr. Berkson from July 31st . (It was hard to listen to as it was very interrupted from technical difficulties caused by a storm.  Dr. Berkson said he has been having very good results using Low Dose Naltrexone for autoimmune disorders of many kinds.  You need a prescription for Low dose naltrexone which doesn't have any serious side effects because it is a tiny dose taken at bedtime which blocks your opiate receptors causing a build of endorphins which are later released having  a immune modulating effect.  It is doing very well for a lot of people with a variety of immune issues.  It is not expensive either.  We got enough for 100 days for around $50.00 from Skip's Pharmacy (compounding Pharmacy).  They specialize in it and mail it to people from all over.  Since it is such a tiny dose it has to be used with a filler added to the capsule.  There are yahoo groups sharing their experience with it.  I have been at the one for adults and children with hepatitis and CAM.  (I think that is what it is called.) Mhudnall on medhelp has been posting his experiences with LDN . He was also left with some bad auto-immune problems from his brief time on Interferon/Riba combo.
It makes me sick that you are going through this because I was so happy for your SVR.
Best wishes,
Ev

[Isobella]

I remember you txing.  Very glad to hear of the 3 mo post UND, but so sorry to hear you are having these troubles now with the diabetes.

Wishing SVR to you and a return to health.

Isobella

[mj6000]

I started having blood sugar & diabetes trouble about a year or so before I found out I had Hep C. I don't know how long I've had Hep C but I bet thats where my diabetes comes from.