Hep C and Pain

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I have been told I cannot take nsaids for pain.   Not that they work, but I have arthritis from my hips to the tips of my toes.  My one leg has been swollen for almost 2 months (I see my Dr. soon), but what can I ask for pain medication.  It is severe and I can hardly walk it's so painful in both legs.  What do other people take for pain?  Most Dr.s won't give out anything more than tylenol, which doesn't touch it, and to ask for a prescription pain reliever may cause him to explode!  What should I do?  What do you do?

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Thanks for your comments and advice.  I am seeing my Dr. today and he is a hepatologist, thank God.  I will ask him what he thinks would make me more comfortable.   I wish your husband all the best, and hope he can get well soon.   Thanks.

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Thanks for your advice.  It sure helps to know I'm not alone.  Hope all goes well for you.

[eureka254]

Most doctors are careful about prescribing painkillers to someone with cirrhosis -- you have to remember, everything is processed through the liver, and it's very important to preserve your liver function as much as possible.  My husband also has cirrhosis, and the only thing he's allowed to  take for pain is 4 tylenol a day Maximum.  I hope your doc is a hepatologist, and not just a general practitioner -- it's important with cirrhosis and what you appear to be experiencing that you have an experienced liver doctor.

Maybe your doctor will be less likely to explode if you explain your swelling, pain and symptoms, and ask if there's anything he can recommend to make you more comfortable. There are plenty of doctors that don't like to be told what they should do, so if you simply to call and "ask for a prescription" it might be received less readily than if you just asked for "professional recommendations." ;)  Good luck to you! ~eureka

[Diane12855]

Most people on here take Tylenol. I take NSAIDs and they work great for me. With hep c you do have to be careful, but the main concern is to not take TOO much.

Do you have a medical history with arthritis? If so, you can have your hep doc contact the doctor that has treated you for arthritis and he can figure out what will work for you. Don't be quiet about the pain. TX is hard enough already.

Diane