Hepatitis C Support Group
Hepatitis C is a blood-borne viral disease which can cause liver inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis and liver cancer. The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is spread by blood-to-blood contact with an infected person's blood. Many people with HCV infection have no symptoms and are unaware of the need to seek treatment. Hepatitis C infects an estimated 150-200 million people worldwide.
Hi everyone,
I'm new to the group, and am wondering if anyone has Sjogren's Syndrome from Hep.C? It's an autoimmune condition usually found in women, between 40 and 60 ,where healthy cells attack all the moisture producing glands in the body, (salivary, eyes, etc) and can be systemic, affecting all the major organs as well.
I was told by a few people who have SS that they had Hep C first. It's also listed in a 'beginners book' I just read about Hep C as a condition that rarely comes along with the disease. I'd greatly appreciate any replies and comments. Thanks very much.
I'm new to the group, and am wondering if anyone has Sjogren's Syndrome from Hep.C? It's an autoimmune condition usually found in women, between 40 and 60 ,where healthy cells attack all the moisture producing glands in the body, (salivary, eyes, etc) and can be systemic, affecting all the major organs as well.
I was told by a few people who have SS that they had Hep C first. It's also listed in a 'beginners book' I just read about Hep C as a condition that rarely comes along with the disease. I'd greatly appreciate any replies and comments. Thanks very much.
So..to answer your question........I do believe that someone here (or who was here) does have Sjogren's...........but for the life of me can't remember who it is (or was)...............hopefully someone will come around soon with that information.
I seem to recall someone on here mentioning it too, but can't remember who. As more people read this post, someone might know.
Do you have hep c and are you considering treatment? This is a good place for support & information. Sometimes people can't get on here until late in the day or evening, so just keep checking.
I have not specifically been dx'd with SS but I have dry eye syndrome and have had it for years...long before I was dx'd with Hep C. I manage the dry eye syndrome with OTC drops, warm compresses on the eyes, fish oil and drinking lots of water. I avoid moving air (fans, AC units, even my car ventilation system) as it feels like fingernails moving across my eyeballs.
Too bad you didn't post this sooner. I just had my annual visit to the Sjogrens Center at Penn Med on Monday. I would have asked the head of the center who I see there. But he has my complete medical history and never said anything about a connection. I don't see why there would be as one is a virus and the other autoimmune, as you said. It is often seen in people with other autoimmune diseases, as it is in my case, or it can be primary.
Anyhow...we can compare notes on it, if you like. Are you on Exoac (sp?). It works great for me.
disease that affects the eyes and mouth, making them
dry. Although hepatitis C has not been directly linked
to SS, it is found more often in people with hepatitis
C than in the general population. There is no cure for
SS. Treatment consists of managing or lessening the
symptoms.
Here's the link: http://www.hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/factsheets_pdf/Extrahepatic.pdf
@ RASS, I haven't tried evovax yet, but do have salagen-the generic on hand, I may give it a try. I haven't tried immunosuppressants yet either, but my Dr. hasn't really pushed me to use them either. I don't know about the connection to Hep C, just that I was told it was listed as "possibly being associated with"(?)
Thanks again.
Wishing everyone the very best.
The challenge has been balancing the treatment for the RA against the liver damage.
I take weekly self injections of methnatrexate (a mild chemo) and montly IV transfucions of Orencia.
It was also a challenge to find a clinicla trial that would accept me while on these meds and there is no way i could go off them without being suicidal in pain and unable to move.
I have been greatly releived by Evoxac (sp) for the dry mouth of SS. Lost 40 lbs before it was dx and got on that treatment.
I am VERY GRATEFUL for the drugs that keep me going - the surgeries I've had such as total knee replacement - and the leg braces I wear. I am grateful that i am able to type (and knit!) despite my twisted crippled hands!
Life is good to me....despite the challenges! And now, I look forward with great hope and antiicpation to being CURED of HVC!!