Guest guest Posted October 1, 2005 Report Share Posted October 1, 2005 Hi Judi Welcome to our group,, I hope we can be helpful.. Most arthritis comes on over time as far as I know... mine did but it got a lot worse with tx. Alpha lipoic acid is considered the Universal Antioxidant and I take it myself. Are you going to stay with the ND or go back to a more western type doc? If you stay with the ND, then I would listen to them, but if you are under the care of a regular MD, you should run the ala by him altho dont be surprised if he/she doesnt know a thing about it...when you did Roche's product and didnt respond was that after using scherrings product? The reason I ask is that I have read that IF you are geno1 and are overweight, that the Scherring product is better.. thats the one I did and I did clear. Did you respond on tx or ever reach undetectible status? Anyway, welcome and I hope you can find some help,, I think the fish oil is supposed to be good for arthritis, altho I have not tried it, I do take evening of Primrose oil. jax --- judi <judirachel@...> wrote: > I just joined the group and have been reading some > messages in the > archives. > > It seems a lot of you have arthritis. If you do, > did it come on > slowlwy or just show up one day? I am 35 and > active, I run about 4 > times a week, walk my dogs daily, hike, and have a > hard tiem sitting > still. > > I was dx'd in 1996 and have been aysmptomatic since > then. And now I > am experiencing severe joint pain that suddenly came > on about 3 days > ago. I work full time and can't afford to be off. > I am scared this > pain is here to stay. I can't take not being able > to be active and > have a hard time relaxing and resting. > > I did the pegasys/riba tx in 2002 and did not > respond. > > I saw a holistic DR yesterday. She did acupunture > for stress, liver > support, immune support, and I am not feeling much > better. I go back > in two weeks. I've only been taking Milk Thistle > until now. This DR > told me to order alpha lipoic acid and some fish > oil, though I've > always taken flax seed oil. I can't afford a ton of > supplements. > > I really need some guidance here and hope I can get > some answers > here. > > Thanks, > Judi > > > Jackie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 1, 2005 Report Share Posted October 1, 2005 Judi, You might want to have a blood test to check your RA factor (RA=rhuematoid arthritis). Even if you test numerically positive, it doesn't mean you have RA, but if it was positive, you could get it diagnosed by a rhuematologist. I appreciate that you prefer holistic DR, and if they can do blood work, that would be great. As an example, after tx, I had an RA factor of maybe 50, then later on, it went up to like 168. However, I don't have RA, but I do have fibromyalgia. My fibro started during tx, and, 4 yrs later, it's still going strong. Don't know that much, but those diseases are fickle, and I would bet they could come on overnight. Oh yeah...what joints are affected? You might want to try Icy/Hot (maybe about 5 bucks), and baths may give some relief. Take care, Jane ----- Original Message ----- I just joined the group and have been reading some messages in the archives. It seems a lot of you have arthritis. If you do, did it come on slowlwy or just show up one day? I am 35 and active, I run about 4 times a week, walk my dogs daily, hike, and have a hard tiem sitting still. I was dx'd in 1996 and have been aysmptomatic since then. And now I am experiencing severe joint pain that suddenly came on about 3 days ago. I work full time and can't afford to be off. I am scared this pain is here to stay. I can't take not being able to be active and have a hard time relaxing and resting. I did the pegasys/riba tx in 2002 and did not respond. I saw a holistic DR yesterday. She did acupunture for stress, liver support, immune support, and I am not feeling much better. I go back in two weeks. I've only been taking Milk Thistle until now. This DR told me to order alpha lipoic acid and some fish oil, though I've always taken flax seed oil. I can't afford a ton of supplements. I really need some guidance here and hope I can get some answers here. Thanks, Judi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 1, 2005 Report Share Posted October 1, 2005 Jane, You sound exactly like me, but Fibro doesnt cause an elevation in RA factor or sed rate,, so I still do not know what I have,, --- Jane <allaby@...> wrote: > Judi, > > You might want to have a blood test to check your RA > factor > (RA=rhuematoid arthritis). Even if you test > numerically positive, it > doesn't mean you have RA, but if it was positive, > you could get it > diagnosed by a rhuematologist. I appreciate that > you prefer holistic > DR, and if they can do blood work, that would be > great. > > As an example, after tx, I had an RA factor of maybe > 50, then later > on, it went up to like 168. However, I don't have > RA, but I do have > fibromyalgia. My fibro started during tx, and, 4 > yrs later, it's > still going strong. > > Don't know that much, but those diseases are fickle, > and I would bet > they could come on overnight. > > Oh yeah...what joints are affected? You might want > to try Icy/Hot > (maybe about 5 bucks), and baths may give some > relief. > > Take care, > Jane > ----- Original Message ----- > > I just joined the group and have been reading some > messages in the > archives. > > It seems a lot of you have arthritis. If you do, > did it come on > slowlwy or just show up one day? I am 35 and > active, I run about 4 > times a week, walk my dogs daily, hike, and have a > hard tiem > sitting > still. > > I was dx'd in 1996 and have been aysmptomatic > since then. And now I > am experiencing severe joint pain that suddenly > came on about 3 > days > ago. I work full time and can't afford to be off. > I am scared > this > pain is here to stay. I can't take not being able > to be active and > have a hard time relaxing and resting. > > I did the pegasys/riba tx in 2002 and did not > respond. > > I saw a holistic DR yesterday. She did acupunture > for stress, > liver > support, immune support, and I am not feeling much > better. I go > back > in two weeks. I've only been taking Milk Thistle > until now. This > DR > told me to order alpha lipoic acid and some fish > oil, though I've > always taken flax seed oil. I can't afford a ton > of supplements. > > I really need some guidance here and hope I can > get some answers > here. > > Thanks, > Judi > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > removed] > > Jackie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 1, 2005 Report Share Posted October 1, 2005 Jax, Yea, I know RA factor and sed rate have nothing to do with Fibro. Was just explainin' how, after tx, I did have an RA factor, and sed rate. Months later, the RA factor went even higher, but went to a rhuemotologist, and, thankfully, I did not have RA. Once I get my insurance back, I can start getting blood work again, as I do need to keep watch. I guess it's not unusual for treat-or-treatment people to have RA factors. If I remember correctly, doesn't sed rate have something to do with inflammation? I know fibro doesn't include inflamation, thank God. After over 4 yrs, it sure would be nice to have a pain-free day and/or night. Wouldn't it be fantastic to not be awaken because of pain, or to not be stiff as a board in the am? I'm careful when I go to sleep, regarding sleeping positions, including hands. I used to kind of curl my hands, but now have to be sure everything is pretty straight. Oh, and also not getting numbness or charlie horses (cramps)??? Take care, Jane Re: Arthritis and Hep C Jane, You sound exactly like me, but Fibro doesnt cause an elevation in RA factor or sed rate,, so I still do not know what I have,, --- Jane <allaby@...> wrote: > Judi, > > You might want to have a blood test to check your RA > factor > (RA=rhuematoid arthritis). Even if you test > numerically positive, it > doesn't mean you have RA, but if it was positive, > you could get it > diagnosed by a rhuematologist. I appreciate that > you prefer holistic > DR, and if they can do blood work, that would be > great. > > As an example, after tx, I had an RA factor of maybe > 50, then later > on, it went up to like 168. However, I don't have > RA, but I do have > fibromyalgia. My fibro started during tx, and, 4 > yrs later, it's > still going strong. > > Don't know that much, but those diseases are fickle, > and I would bet > they could come on overnight. > > Oh yeah...what joints are affected? You might want > to try Icy/Hot > (maybe about 5 bucks), and baths may give some > relief. > > Take care, > Jane > ----- Original Message ----- > > I just joined the group and have been reading some > messages in the > archives. > > It seems a lot of you have arthritis. If you do, > did it come on > slowlwy or just show up one day? I am 35 and > active, I run about 4 > times a week, walk my dogs daily, hike, and have a > hard tiem > sitting > still. > > I was dx'd in 1996 and have been aysmptomatic > since then. And now I > am experiencing severe joint pain that suddenly > came on about 3 > days > ago. I work full time and can't afford to be off. > I am scared > this > pain is here to stay. I can't take not being able > to be active and > have a hard time relaxing and resting. > > I did the pegasys/riba tx in 2002 and did not > respond. > > I saw a holistic DR yesterday. She did acupunture > for stress, > liver > support, immune support, and I am not feeling much > better. I go > back > in two weeks. I've only been taking Milk Thistle > until now. This > DR > told me to order alpha lipoic acid and some fish > oil, though I've > always taken flax seed oil. I can't afford a ton > of supplements. > > I really need some guidance here and hope I can > get some answers > here. > > Thanks, > Judi > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > removed] > > Jackie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 1, 2005 Report Share Posted October 1, 2005 Yes Jane, you are right, Fibro does not cause any real inflammation, so I have no idea why I have this inflammatory condition unless it is tied to the sarcoidosis I developed in my eye.. I know what you mean, It would be heaven to wake up without all the stiffness and body aches every day and to get a real good nites sleep. I sleep with cpap because the sleep study showed I have upper airway restriction syndrome.. its like apnea but I dont hold my breath, and without the cpap, I never get past level 1 of sleep so I am always tired and achy.. The hot tub is my best friend! Im going to start a class next month and take Taiko drumming, I have decided that I have to do something. Im going to talk with my doc and see if she will give me the go ahead. It can be really exhaustive and so Im not sure I can even do it but I want to try! Hang in there,, jax --- Jane <allaby@...> wrote: > Jax, > > Yea, I know RA factor and sed rate have nothing to > do with Fibro. > Was just explainin' how, after tx, I did have an RA > factor, and sed > rate. Months later, the RA factor went even higher, > but went to a > rhuemotologist, and, thankfully, I did not have RA. > Once I get my > insurance back, I can start getting blood work > again, as I do need to > keep watch. > > I guess it's not unusual for treat-or-treatment > people to have RA > factors. > > If I remember correctly, doesn't sed rate have > something to do with > inflammation? I know fibro doesn't include > inflamation, thank God. > > After over 4 yrs, it sure would be nice to have a > pain-free day > and/or night. Wouldn't it be fantastic to not be > awaken because of > pain, or to not be stiff as a board in the am? I'm > careful when I go > to sleep, regarding sleeping positions, including > hands. I used to > kind of curl my hands, but now have to be sure > everything is pretty > straight. Oh, and also not getting numbness or > charlie horses > (cramps)??? > > Take care, > Jane > > Re: Arthritis and > Hep C > > > Jane, > You sound exactly like me, but Fibro doesnt cause > an > elevation in RA factor or sed rate,, so I still do > not > know what I have,, > > --- Jane <allaby@...> wrote: > > > Judi, > > > > You might want to have a blood test to check > your RA > > factor > > (RA=rhuematoid arthritis). Even if you test > > numerically positive, it > > doesn't mean you have RA, but if it was > positive, > > you could get it > > diagnosed by a rhuematologist. I appreciate > that > > you prefer holistic > > DR, and if they can do blood work, that would be > > great. > > > > As an example, after tx, I had an RA factor of > maybe > > 50, then later > > on, it went up to like 168. However, I don't > have > > RA, but I do have > > fibromyalgia. My fibro started during tx, and, > 4 > > yrs later, it's > > still going strong. > > > > Don't know that much, but those diseases are > fickle, > > and I would bet > > they could come on overnight. > > > > Oh yeah...what joints are affected? You might > want > > to try Icy/Hot > > (maybe about 5 bucks), and baths may give some > > relief. > > > > Take care, > > Jane > > ----- Original Message ----- > > > > I just joined the group and have been reading > some > > messages in the > > archives. > > > > It seems a lot of you have arthritis. If you > do, > > did it come on > > slowlwy or just show up one day? I am 35 and > > active, I run about 4 > > times a week, walk my dogs daily, hike, and > have a > > hard tiem > > sitting > > still. > > > > I was dx'd in 1996 and have been aysmptomatic > > since then. And now I > > am experiencing severe joint pain that > suddenly > > came on about 3 > > days > > ago. I work full time and can't afford to be > off. > > I am scared > > this > > pain is here to stay. I can't take not being > able > > to be active and > > have a hard time relaxing and resting. > > > > I did the pegasys/riba tx in 2002 and did not > > respond. > > > > I saw a holistic DR yesterday. She did > acupunture > > for stress, > > liver > > support, immune support, and I am not feeling > much > > better. I go > > back > > in two weeks. I've only been taking Milk > Thistle > > until now. This > > DR > > told me to order alpha lipoic acid and some > fish > > oil, though I've > > always taken flax seed oil. I can't afford a > ton > > of supplements. > > > > I really need some guidance here and hope I > can > > get some answers > > here. > > > > Thanks, > > Judi > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > > removed] > > > > > > > Jackie > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 1, 2005 Report Share Posted October 1, 2005 My little osteoarthritis has come on over time. There is some discussion in other groups about psoriatic arthritis. I don't know enough about it, and it seems to be a rather " new " diagnosis, but seems to have a different onset and etiology (start and progress). And my personal experience with the combo treatment I did is that the treatment sides took a few years after stopping treatment to clear my system. But it seems that I'm rather atypical in almost everything. Sally Re: Arthritis and Hep C I dont know about everyone else but mine just hit me like a ton of bricks one day , unfortunately mine hit my cervical spine first so I ended up in the hospital for surgery . But I am not sure if everyone else's came on slowly over time or if they woke one day to the pain . judi <judirachel@...> wrote:I just joined the group and have been reading some messages in the archives. It seems a lot of you have arthritis. If you do, did it come on slowlwy or just show up one day? I am 35 and active, I run about 4 times a week, walk my dogs daily, hike, and have a hard tiem sitting still. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 2, 2005 Report Share Posted October 2, 2005 Sally I have come to realize most of us are atypical , do you have a medical background ? Not many I have heard using words like etiology unless work in medical field . Sally Hines <shines@...> wrote:My little osteoarthritis has come on over time. There is some discussion in other groups about psoriatic arthritis. I don't know enough about it, and it seems to be a rather " new " diagnosis, but seems to have a different onset and etiology (start and progress). And my personal experience with the combo treatment I did is that the treatment sides took a few years after stopping treatment to clear my system. But it seems that I'm rather atypical in almost everything. Sally Re: Arthritis and Hep C I dont know about everyone else but mine just hit me like a ton of bricks one day , unfortunately mine hit my cervical spine first so I ended up in the hospital for surgery . But I am not sure if everyone else's came on slowly over time or if they woke one day to the pain . judi <judirachel@...> wrote:I just joined the group and have been reading some messages in the archives. It seems a lot of you have arthritis. If you do, did it come on slowlwy or just show up one day? I am 35 and active, I run about 4 times a week, walk my dogs daily, hike, and have a hard tiem sitting still. It's a pleasure having you join in our conversations. We hope you have found the support you need with us. If you are using email for your posts, for easy access to our group, just click the link-- Hepatitis C/ Happy Posting Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 2, 2005 Report Share Posted October 2, 2005 , No medical background in a formal sense. I'm a healer following a different path. I do a huge amount of research, though, and when my brainfog allows I'm not too shabby in the intelligence area. But my focus is moving over to the other side now. Sal Re: Arthritis and Hep C I dont know about everyone else but mine just hit me like a ton of bricks one day , unfortunately mine hit my cervical spine first so I ended up in the hospital for surgery . But I am not sure if everyone else's came on slowly over time or if they woke one day to the pain . judi <judirachel@...> wrote:I just joined the group and have been reading some messages in the archives. It seems a lot of you have arthritis. If you do, did it come on slowlwy or just show up one day? I am 35 and active, I run about 4 times a week, walk my dogs daily, hike, and have a hard tiem sitting still. It's a pleasure having you join in our conversations. We hope you have found the support you need with us. If you are using email for your posts, for easy access to our group, just click the link-- Hepatitis C/ Happy Posting Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 2, 2005 Report Share Posted October 2, 2005 I also have one hip effected , but that one came on after the neck did . I walk with a cane now because of calcium deosits in the pelvic joint . But I have refused to start taking pain meds , so I have only used Soma for the past 10 years . I cant imagine living on pain meds for the rest of my life so I am going as long as I can without taking them . And I sure the heck dont think I could have shots in my joints , LOL How do you get around , are you using an aid to be mobile ? There are days when I cant walk at all .. billy lewis <bill0443@...> wrote: Mine too came on quickly. I had been of of Tx and had been undetectable for about 1 year whenever it hit. It is in my Lumbar spine and both hips. I Have to get steroid and lanocain injections in my hips and vertebrae and also epidurals for my spine on a constant rerular basis. I am also now addicted to strong pain killers and muscle relaxers. --- elizabeth savage <elizabethnv1@...> wrote: > I dont know about everyone else but mine just hit me > like a ton of bricks one day , unfortunately mine > hit my cervical spine first so I ended up in the > hospital for surgery . But I am not sure if everyone > else's came on slowly over time or if they woke one > day to the pain . > > judi <judirachel@...> wrote:I just joined the > group and have been reading some messages in the > archives. > --------------------------------- for Good Click here to donate to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 2, 2005 Report Share Posted October 2, 2005 Well your use of medical terminology is excellent I myself am a retired paramedic and I would not have known you didnt have the background if I hadnt asked so the research is giving ya knowledge . Take care hun Sally Hines <shines@...> wrote:, No medical background in a formal sense. I'm a healer following a different path. I do a huge amount of research, though, and when my brainfog allows I'm not too shabby in the intelligence area. But my focus is moving over to the other side now. Sal --------------------------------- for Good Click here to donate to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 2, 2005 Report Share Posted October 2, 2005 I have a cane that has a fold out seat on it but I refuse to use it.I just take it slow and easy and sit down whenever and wherever I have to. I can go somewhere like Walmart and get me a shopping cart, lean over it while pushing it and I don't feel too much pain. But there has been a time that I have had to sit down on on the dog food in the pet section ow Walmart. I am pretty mobile for about a month or so after the injections. Can even walk about a mile without a break. But they wear off very fast and I can only get them every 3 months. I am just wondering what the long term effects of these steroid shots are. Does anyone else know? Bill --- elizabeth savage <elizabethnv1@...> wrote: > I also have one hip effected , but that one came on > after the neck did . I walk with a cane now because > of calcium deosits in the pelvic joint . But I have > refused to start taking pain meds , so I have only > used Soma for the past 10 years . I cant imagine > living on pain meds for the rest of my life so I am > going as long as I can without taking them . And I > sure the heck dont think I could have shots in my > joints , LOL How do you get around , are you using > an aid to be mobile ? There are days when I cant > walk at all .. > > billy lewis <bill0443@...> wrote: > Mine too came on quickly. I had been of of Tx and > had > been undetectable for about 1 year whenever it hit. > It > is in my Lumbar spine and both hips. I Have to get > steroid and lanocain injections in my hips and > vertebrae and also epidurals for my spine on a > constant rerular basis. I am also now addicted to > strong pain killers and muscle relaxers. > --- elizabeth savage <elizabethnv1@...> wrote: > > > I dont know about everyone else but mine just hit > me > > like a ton of bricks one day , unfortunately mine > > hit my cervical spine first so I ended up in the > > hospital for surgery . But I am not sure if > everyone > > else's came on slowly over time or if they woke > one > > day to the pain . > > > > judi <judirachel@...> wrote:I just joined > the > > group and have been reading some messages in the > > archives. > > > > > > --------------------------------- > for Good > Click here to donate to the Hurricane Katrina > relief effort. > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > removed] > > __________________________________ - PC Magazine Editors' Choice 2005 http://mail. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 2, 2005 Report Share Posted October 2, 2005 I am pretty sure long term use of steroids isnt good for the heart,kidneys or liver but I will do a little research . It sounds like you get around well , I do the same with the shopping cart ,LOL its much easier to lean on it then to use a walking device especially in Walmart. Walmarts in Las Vegas are way to crowded for me to use my cane . I will get some info on the steroids and post them to you billy lewis <bill0443@...> wrote: I have a cane that has a fold out seat on it but I refuse to use it.I just take it slow and easy and sit down whenever and wherever I have to. I can go somewhere like Walmart and get me a shopping cart, lean over it while pushing it and I don't feel too much pain. But there has been a time that I have had to sit down on on the dog food in the pet section ow Walmart. I am pretty mobile for about a month or so after the injections. Can even walk about a mile without a break. But they wear off very fast and I can only get them every 3 months. I am just wondering what the long term effects of these steroid shots are. Does anyone else know? Bill --------------------------------- for Good Click here to donate to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 2, 2005 Report Share Posted October 2, 2005 I won't use a cane because until I ABSOLUTELY have to because it is a psycological-macho thing. I feel like that if I use a cane or a chair then I am giving into my illness. I feel that minr was caused by my HepC Tx and I refuse to let HepC beat me in any way. Not being mobile causes me to want to stay at home all the time and has caused me to gain weight and that leads to depression. It is a never ending cycle. Bill --- elizabeth savage <elizabethnv1@...> wrote: > I am pretty sure long term use of steroids isnt good > for the heart,kidneys or liver but I will do a > little research . It sounds like you get around well > , I do the same with the shopping cart ,LOL its > much easier to lean on it then to use a walking > device especially in Walmart. Walmarts in Las Vegas > are way to crowded for me to use my cane . I will > get some info on the steroids and post them to you > > billy lewis <bill0443@...> wrote: > I have a cane that has a fold out seat on it but I > refuse to use it.I just take it slow and easy and > sit > down whenever and wherever I have to. I can go > somewhere like Walmart and get me a shopping cart, > lean over it while pushing it and I don't feel too > much pain. But there has been a time that I have had > to sit down on on the dog food in the pet section ow > Walmart. I am pretty mobile for about a month or so > after the injections. Can even walk about a mile > without a break. But they wear off very fast and I > can > only get them every 3 months. I am just wondering > what > the long term effects of these steroid shots are. > Does > anyone else know? Bill > > > > > > --------------------------------- > for Good > Click here to donate to the Hurricane Katrina > relief effort. > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > removed] > > __________________________________ - PC Magazine Editors' Choice 2005 http://mail. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 2, 2005 Report Share Posted October 2, 2005 It gets to the point that right befor my injections that it is all I can do to make it to the mailbox and back or from the parking lot into the doctor's office. Bill --- elizabeth savage <elizabethnv1@...> wrote: > I am pretty sure long term use of steroids isnt good > for the heart,kidneys or liver but I will do a > little research . It sounds like you get around well > , I do the same with the shopping cart ,LOL its > much easier to lean on it then to use a walking > device especially in Walmart. Walmarts in Las Vegas > are way to crowded for me to use my cane . I will > get some info on the steroids and post them to you > > billy lewis <bill0443@...> wrote: > I have a cane that has a fold out seat on it but I > refuse to use it.I just take it slow and easy and > sit > down whenever and wherever I have to. I can go > somewhere like Walmart and get me a shopping cart, > lean over it while pushing it and I don't feel too > much pain. But there has been a time that I have had > to sit down on on the dog food in the pet section ow > Walmart. I am pretty mobile for about a month or so > after the injections. Can even walk about a mile > without a break. But they wear off very fast and I > can > only get them every 3 months. I am just wondering > what > the long term effects of these steroid shots are. > Does > anyone else know? Bill > > > > > > --------------------------------- > for Good > Click here to donate to the Hurricane Katrina > relief effort. > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > removed] > > __________________________________ - PC Magazine Editors' Choice 2005 http://mail. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 2, 2005 Report Share Posted October 2, 2005 Here is some stuff I found on long term use of steroids .And good for you, that your not letting the hep c beat you , stay walking as long as you can . The less common side effects are the ones associated with long term use . I put the other side effects below the less common ones . Also I was always under the impression that steroids could become immunosupressed and that would leave you open for the hep c virus to do more damage . And if your clear, steroid use can suppress the immune system enough to let the hep become active again .Less common side effects Eye changes With the long-term use of steroids, cataracts or glaucoma may develop. There is also an increased risk of eye infections. Tell your doctor if you notice any eye problems. Cushing’s syndrome This is usually caused only by long-term use of steroids. It can cause acne, puffiness of the face, facial hair in women and dark marks on the skin. Cushing’s syndrome can be reduced a little by taking the steroids early in the morning, by taking them on alternate days instead of every day, or by reducing the dose, but discuss this with your doctor first. Muscle wasting With very long-term use of steroids, wasting of leg muscles may occur. This can cause weakness. When the steroids are stopped some people have muscle cramps for a short time. Osteoporosis With very long-term use of steroids, calcium may be lost from the bones. This can result in pain (especially in the lower back), an increased susceptibility to fractures and loss of height. Possible side effects Irritation of the stomach lining Steroids can lower the production of protective stomach mucus. This can irritate the lining of the stomach and may cause or aggravate a stomach ulcer. Some steroid tablets are coated to help reduce irritation. If the tablets are not coated they should be taken with meals or a drink of milk to help reduce this side effect. Tell your doctor if you have indigestion or stomach pains or abdominal discomfort. The levels of sugar in your blood may change temporarily This may happen if you have high-dose or long-term treatment. While you are having your steroid therapy, your blood-sugar levels may be checked by blood tests. You may be asked to test your urine for sugar. You will be shown how to do this. People with diabetes should be more careful than usual about checking their blood-sugar levels and should contact their doctor if there is any problem with controlling their diabetes. Tell your doctor if you get very thirsty or if you are passing more urine than usual. Fluid retention due to a changed salt and water balance You may notice that your ankles and/or fingers swell. Some people have a bloated feeling in the abdomen. This is usually a problem only with long-term treatment. Increased appetite You may notice that you feel hungrier than usual while taking steroids, and this can make you want to eat more than usual. If you are concerned about weight gain speak to your doctor or dietitian Increased chance of infection and delayed healing of injuries This happens mainly with high-dose or long-term treatment. Tell your doctor if you notice signs of infection (inflammation, redness, soreness or a temperature) or if cuts take longer than usual to heal. It is important to maintain good personal hygiene to prevent infection. Menstrual changes Women may find that their periods become irregular or stop. Behavioural changes You may notice mood swings, difficulty in sleeping and perhaps anxiety or irritability. These effects happen mainly with high-dose or long-term treatment and will stop when the steroid therapy ends. Tell your doctor about any behavioural changes that are worrying you. Difficulty in sleeping may be helped by taking the steroids in the early part of the day, but discuss this with your doctor first. billy lewis <bill0443@...> wrote: I won't use a cane because until I ABSOLUTELY have to because it is a psycological-macho thing. I feel like that if I use a cane or a chair then I am giving into my illness. I feel that minr was caused by my HepC Tx and I refuse to let HepC beat me in any way. Not being mobile causes me to want to stay at home all the time and has caused me to gain weight and that leads to depression. It is a never ending cycle. Bill --------------------------------- for Good Click here to donate to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 2, 2005 Report Share Posted October 2, 2005 Oh that sounds aweful ! What I dont like about having the arthritis is the mornings its cold , burrrrrrrrr the pain is intense when its cold . Like today , LOL billy lewis <bill0443@...> wrote:It gets to the point that right befor my injections that it is all I can do to make it to the mailbox and back or from the parking lot into the doctor's office. Bill --------------------------------- for Good Click here to donate to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 2, 2005 Report Share Posted October 2, 2005 Thanks for the info. I am going to speak my concerns about being steroid use being an immunosupressant. I go to get another epidural on the 4th and I will talk to him then. Thanks again. --- elizabeth savage <elizabethnv1@...> wrote: > __________________________________ - PC Magazine Editors' Choice 2005 http://mail. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 2, 2005 Report Share Posted October 2, 2005 I was glad to help be of help , take care . billy lewis <bill0443@...> wrote:Thanks for the info. I am going to speak my concerns about being steroid use being an immunosupressant. I go to get another epidural on the 4th and I will talk to him then. Thanks again. --- elizabeth savage <elizabethnv1@...> wrote: > --------------------------------- for Good Click here to donate to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 2, 2005 Report Share Posted October 2, 2005 Thanks Jax- I am switching Hepatologists and hope the new one will work with the holistic DR. Not sure yet. I'll run all my supplements by him too. I have no clue if the riba/peg was Scherring or Roche, I can't remember. It wasn't a clinical trial, I had the meds rx'd and they were delivered to my home. I am a genotype 3a too. I had an 80% chance of clearing teh virus and didn't. This joint pain is so intense....I am kind of scared because it came on so fast. It came about with a rash all over my body but the rash is almost gone. I have swelling in my feet and hands and am seeing the dermatologist again this Tues. They did bloodwork and he is working with my regular DR. My current Hepaotolgist had no info for either of my other DR's so this is why I am switching Hepotogists. Judi > > > I just joined the group and have been reading some > > messages in the > > archives. > > > > It seems a lot of you have arthritis. If you do, > > did it come on > > slowlwy or just show up one day? I am 35 and > > active, I run about 4 > > times a week, walk my dogs daily, hike, and have a > > hard tiem sitting > > still. > > > > I was dx'd in 1996 and have been aysmptomatic since > > then. And now I > > am experiencing severe joint pain that suddenly came > > on about 3 days > > ago. I work full time and can't afford to be off. > > I am scared this > > pain is here to stay. I can't take not being able > > to be active and > > have a hard time relaxing and resting. > > > > I did the pegasys/riba tx in 2002 and did not > > respond. > > > > I saw a holistic DR yesterday. She did acupunture > > for stress, liver > > support, immune support, and I am not feeling much > > better. I go back > > in two weeks. I've only been taking Milk Thistle > > until now. This DR > > told me to order alpha lipoic acid and some fish > > oil, though I've > > always taken flax seed oil. I can't afford a ton of > > supplements. > > > > I really need some guidance here and hope I can get > > some answers > > here. > > > > Thanks, > > Judi > > > > > > > > > Jackie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 2, 2005 Report Share Posted October 2, 2005 Thanks Jane- I am seeing teh holistic DR in addition to the regular DR's. The joint pain came on with a rash. The derm did bloodwork, though I am not sure if they are looking at RA. I mentioned it. I hope it's not fibro...I know that is painful. How do you treat yours and is it a complication from the Hep C? I have so many questions, I just don't know where to start so please bear with me. Judi > Judi, > > You might want to have a blood test to check your RA factor > (RA=rhuematoid arthritis). Even if you test numerically positive, it > doesn't mean you have RA, but if it was positive, you could get it > diagnosed by a rhuematologist. I appreciate that you prefer holistic > DR, and if they can do blood work, that would be great. > > As an example, after tx, I had an RA factor of maybe 50, then later > on, it went up to like 168. However, I don't have RA, but I do have > fibromyalgia. My fibro started during tx, and, 4 yrs later, it's > still going strong. > > Don't know that much, but those diseases are fickle, and I would bet > they could come on overnight. > > Oh yeah...what joints are affected? You might want to try Icy/Hot > (maybe about 5 bucks), and baths may give some relief. > > Take care, > Jane > ----- Original Message ----- > > I just joined the group and have been reading some messages in the > archives. > > It seems a lot of you have arthritis. If you do, did it come on > slowlwy or just show up one day? I am 35 and active, I run about 4 > times a week, walk my dogs daily, hike, and have a hard tiem > sitting > still. > > I was dx'd in 1996 and have been aysmptomatic since then. And now I > am experiencing severe joint pain that suddenly came on about 3 > days > ago. I work full time and can't afford to be off. I am scared > this > pain is here to stay. I can't take not being able to be active and > have a hard time relaxing and resting. > > I did the pegasys/riba tx in 2002 and did not respond. > > I saw a holistic DR yesterday. She did acupunture for stress, > liver > support, immune support, and I am not feeling much better. I go > back > in two weeks. I've only been taking Milk Thistle until now. This > DR > told me to order alpha lipoic acid and some fish oil, though I've > always taken flax seed oil. I can't afford a ton of supplements. > > I really need some guidance here and hope I can get some answers > here. > > Thanks, > Judi > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 2, 2005 Report Share Posted October 2, 2005 Do you also have an eye condition? Infamation? Judi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 2, 2005 Report Share Posted October 2, 2005 Thanks so much for your imput Sally- Judi I just joined the group and have been > reading some messages in the > archives. > > It seems a lot of you have arthritis. If you do, did it come on > slowlwy or just show up one day? I am 35 and active, I run about 4 > times a week, walk my dogs daily, hike, and have a hard tiem sitting > still. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 2, 2005 Report Share Posted October 2, 2005 Hi Judi Yes I have developed Sarcoidosis which is an autoimmune inflammatory condition in my eye from the hep tx. Its not uncommon after treatment but usually sarco attacks heart or lungs, eyes are not typical altho IM GRATEFUL that IF I had to have this, that it didnt attack my heart and or lungs.. I can live with one eye just fine..just like I have only one kidney and one side of my female organs, was born that way.. jax judi <judirachel@...> wrote: Do you also have an eye condition? Infamation? Judi It's a pleasure having you join in our conversations. We hope you have found the support you need with us. If you are using email for your posts, for easy access to our group, just click the link-- Hepatitis C/ Happy Posting Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 2, 2005 Report Share Posted October 2, 2005 Judi If you get diagnosed with Fibro, let me know, there are a couple of really good forums I go to and Ill give you the urls to them... most tx for fibro is to treat the symptoms, but some ppl are finding that use of guifenasin ( expectorant) can help remove all the stuff in the muscles and fascia but it takes a long time and it actually makes it worse at first. I tried it and I became so much worse that I had to stop because it was making my depression so much worse.. jax judi <judirachel@...> wrote: Thanks Jane- I am seeing teh holistic DR in addition to the regular DR's. The joint pain came on with a rash. The derm did bloodwork, though I am not sure if they are looking at RA. I mentioned it. I hope it's not fibro...I know that is painful. How do you treat yours and is it a complication from the Hep C? I have so many questions, I just don't know where to start so please bear with me. Judi > Judi, > > You might want to have a blood test to check your RA factor > (RA=rhuematoid arthritis). Even if you test numerically positive, it > doesn't mean you have RA, but if it was positive, you could get it > diagnosed by a rhuematologist. I appreciate that you prefer holistic > DR, and if they can do blood work, that would be great. > > As an example, after tx, I had an RA factor of maybe 50, then later > on, it went up to like 168. However, I don't have RA, but I do have > fibromyalgia. My fibro started during tx, and, 4 yrs later, it's > still going strong. > > Don't know that much, but those diseases are fickle, and I would bet > they could come on overnight. > > Oh yeah...what joints are affected? You might want to try Icy/Hot > (maybe about 5 bucks), and baths may give some relief. > > Take care, > Jane > ----- Original Message ----- > > I just joined the group and have been reading some messages in the > archives. > > It seems a lot of you have arthritis. If you do, did it come on > slowlwy or just show up one day? I am 35 and active, I run about 4 > times a week, walk my dogs daily, hike, and have a hard tiem > sitting > still. > > I was dx'd in 1996 and have been aysmptomatic since then. And now I > am experiencing severe joint pain that suddenly came on about 3 > days > ago. I work full time and can't afford to be off. I am scared > this > pain is here to stay. I can't take not being able to be active and > have a hard time relaxing and resting. > > I did the pegasys/riba tx in 2002 and did not respond. > > I saw a holistic DR yesterday. She did acupunture for stress, > liver > support, immune support, and I am not feeling much better. I go > back > in two weeks. I've only been taking Milk Thistle until now. This > DR > told me to order alpha lipoic acid and some fish oil, though I've > always taken flax seed oil. I can't afford a ton of supplements. > > I really need some guidance here and hope I can get some answers > here. > > Thanks, > Judi > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 2, 2005 Report Share Posted October 2, 2005 Oh Judi Im sorry you didnt clear, plus geno 3 seems to get fatty liver faster than other genotypes. it stinks thats for sure... Good if your doc has no help, then you must keep looking until you find one who CAN! I hope you will find one that will work with the ND,, good luck,, some of them are so ignorant that they refuse to work together, I find it amazing but its becasue the MD do not understand what the ND can do and how nutrition is so important for all of this,, especially when one is fighting a chronic disease.. the MD's only know how to cut, burn or poison illness.. they dont see it as a " wholeistic " illness, we are only seens as " livers " , or " hearts " etc,,, its sad because I believe that IF they worked together, they could find true cures for us.... but thats only MY opinion..... good luck judi and keep us posted how you are doing! hugs jax judi <judirachel@...> wrote: Thanks Jax- I am switching Hepatologists and hope the new one will work with the holistic DR. Not sure yet. I'll run all my supplements by him too. I have no clue if the riba/peg was Scherring or Roche, I can't remember. It wasn't a clinical trial, I had the meds rx'd and they were delivered to my home. I am a genotype 3a too. I had an 80% chance of clearing teh virus and didn't. This joint pain is so intense....I am kind of scared because it came on so fast. It came about with a rash all over my body but the rash is almost gone. I have swelling in my feet and hands and am seeing the dermatologist again this Tues. They did bloodwork and he is working with my regular DR. My current Hepaotolgist had no info for either of my other DR's so this is why I am switching Hepotogists. Judi > > > I just joined the group and have been reading some > > messages in the > > archives. > > > > It seems a lot of you have arthritis. If you do, > > did it come on > > slowlwy or just show up one day? I am 35 and > > active, I run about 4 > > times a week, walk my dogs daily, hike, and have a > > hard tiem sitting > > still. > > > > I was dx'd in 1996 and have been aysmptomatic since > > then. And now I > > am experiencing severe joint pain that suddenly came > > on about 3 days > > ago. I work full time and can't afford to be off. > > I am scared this > > pain is here to stay. I can't take not being able > > to be active and > > have a hard time relaxing and resting. > > > > I did the pegasys/riba tx in 2002 and did not > > respond. > > > > I saw a holistic DR yesterday. She did acupunture > > for stress, liver > > support, immune support, and I am not feeling much > > better. I go back > > in two weeks. I've only been taking Milk Thistle > > until now. This DR > > told me to order alpha lipoic acid and some fish > > oil, though I've > > always taken flax seed oil. I can't afford a ton of > > supplements. > > > > I really need some guidance here and hope I can get > > some answers > > here. > > > > Thanks, > > Judi > > > > > > > > > Jackie It's a pleasure having you join in our conversations. We hope you have found the support you need with us. If you are using email for your posts, for easy access to our group, just click the link-- Hepatitis C/ Happy Posting Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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