Re: That itch

[Guest guest]

Cher, dunno for sure. You're doc would be the best person to ask.

I began itching while I was still undetected and right at the end of my

treatment. We (my doc and I) think it's the interferon that's screwed with

my immune system. Now I'm seeing an immunologist/allergist trying to get a

handle on this thing. Clarinex and Atarax are what we are using right now,

and the Clarinex isn't working very well. I still itch even after taking 3.

So Thursday it's back to his office but this time I have a physical

manifestation of the itch that I didn't have last time.

Find a good immunologist or dermatologist and get something for the itch.

The symptoms can be helped even if you can't get rid of it.

alley

[Guest guest]

Hi Cher, nice to hear from you again!

That itch might be from treatment medication. A lot of people

complain of itching and rash too. As for the pain you used to have in

the winter and thought was arthritis - my guess would be it was

HCV-related cryoglobulinemia. Cold weather makes the cryoglobulins

clump together, especially in the extremities, like fingers, and

aching and pain occur. Treatment with interferon is the treatment for

cryo. If you are able to clear the HCV permanently hopefully this

will also be gone for good! Good luck! (And yes, if you could get

your doctor to let you stay on longer I would, since you already had

cirrhosis. 6 extra months - especially since you are tolerating it so

well - would give your liver a chance of a speedier recovery, and

increase the odds of a sustained response. You WBC is fine!)

Claudine

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