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.
I went in for my 4 week appt with the nurse NP. We talked about my side effects. I told her the most annoyig ones are the itchiness and rash on my head. Im also having trouble falling asleep. She said I could take ibruprophen. She also said I could take benadryl for the itching and it may help me sleep at night. My question though, is about ibruprophen.... I thought most people said acetemenophen was recommended? She also went over my recent labs. My viral load is less than 15 which means undetected! Woo hoo! Does anyone know what the risk of relapse after treatment is? You would think I would be so excited, and I am, but I can't help but wonder what the chances are that it will come back. Im hoping you all are doing well!
V, did you question your NP about it?
V, as always, do what your health professionals recommend for you. You are doing great! No hcv to beat up your liver!!!
Your health team have your medical record, see you in person, & are held accountable for the treatments they prescribe.
Its nice to discuss different approaches, but no one here should tell anyone that what their doctor says is wrong.That is counter productive to "support group."
Many here, including myself (I have cirrhosis) take ibuprophen. The important issue, is do not take more than the recommended dosage at one time or over 24 hours. My doctor recommends ibuprofen OVER acetaminophen - because he knows my medical picture & that I follow directions. And ibuprofen works better - for me.
Wonderful, V! Whatever they are doing for you, its working!
it's all here. I am not getting into this discussion again. Read for yourself. Make your own informed choice. I stand by my Dr.s and phamacist's comments and advice and my own readings.
Here it is again
https://www.uic.edu/pharmacy/services/di/liver.htm
If your Doctor suspects portal hypertension with bleeding, the gig is up. Forever.
"It has been shown that 16% of patients with hepatitis C and bridging fibrosis have esophageal varices." (ACG) (not bad)
They take "suddenly bleeding to death" really really seriously.
Even though my meld score continues to drop, THEY will not put in writing that my liver is in fact COMPENSATING!
The words "History of bleeding" is a huge liability issue, from which they will not budge.
"Portal hypertension with ascites will get you a Esophagoscopy to check for varices...but thats about it.
Me thinks my cirrhosis presented with bleeding varices BECAUSE I had been taking therapeutic doses of Ibuprofen for years, because of chronic pain. But thats me guessing.