does hepatitis c treatment affects joints?
142071
i am not quite sure what "falaktuation" is, but it sounds pretty painful.\n\nYes, the treatment of HCV can affect your joints.  Specifically, the interferon that you're given can cause arthralgias (pain in the joints) and myalgias (pain in the muscles) and generalized total-body aches.\n\nGood luck with the treatment
971246
yes...he has hepatitis c. alt and ast levels can be normal one month, abnormal the next or comepletly normal. it's the natural consequence to having hcv.\n\nmine was always normal with a few abnormal in between. they couldnt find out what was wrong with me (had many symptoms) until i was 35 when a specialist tested for the actual disease.\n\nif he is having heart issues right now, it could be from the hepatitis c virus itself. hcv is not just a liver disease...it only needs the liver to reproduce it's genetically changed virons.\n\nthe other issue is that with HCV is that the main artery could be affected. \n\nmany dont understand the consequences of the chronicity of HCV until it's too late.\n\nwish i could help you more.
458088
Interferon is a treatment for Hep C\n\nThe combination of Ribavirin and Peg-intron "a form of Interferon" has a high success rate with Hep C.  Unfortunately a person will always test positive and will always be infectious even after a successful treatment of the above.  There is no "cure". But with a successful treatment Hep C will not harm your liver.\n\n\nSCH 503034 is in the testing stages.
841642
http://www.natap.org/2005/HCV/122105_01.htm  try this link it may help you
132603
Yes, Working with meat of any kind is a repetative motion with the joints. I have found that over the years it has caused a continous pain. Especially when I wake up to start a new day. I use coral calcium for the joints. This has helped a great deal.{I take one pill every day}
1012121
How is hepatitis C virus spread and how can transmission be prevented?\n\nHepatitis C is spread (transmitted) most efficiently through the blood. Therefore, hepatitis C virus is transmitted by infected blood or blood products, transplantation of infected solid organs (e.g., liver, kidney, heart), and the sharing of contaminated needles among intravenous drug users. In retrospect, hepatitis C virus was the most common cause of hepatitis that resulted from blood transfusions in the 1980's. At that time, hepatitis C virus had not yet been identified and post-transfusion cases of hepatitis were called non-A non-B hepatitis.\n\nIn the early 1980's, the risk of contracting hepatitis C virus from a blood transfusion was as high as 15%. In the mid 1980's, when the practice of using commercial (paid) donors was stopped and blood was screened for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the risk of post-transfusion hepatitis fell to about 5%. This risk was then cut in half when blood was screened with the substitute (surrogate) markers, elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT, the liver enzyme), and hepatitis B core antibodies. Finally, the isolation of the hepatitis C virus and the development of a screening test for hepatitis C virus dramatically lowered the risk of acquiring hepatitis C virus infection through blood transfusions.\n\nAll blood donors are currently screened with the following panel; hepatitis C antibodies, hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis B core antibodies, elevated alanine aminotransferase, HIV antibodies, and syphilis. As a result, the risk of contracting hepatitis C virus from a single unit of blood is less than 1:100,000. This risk will be even lower one day when tests that measure minute quantities of hepatitis C viral nucleic acids are universally adopted for blood screening.\n\nToday, hepatitis C virus is most commonly transmitted by intravenous drug abuse, which accounts for about 60% of new cases. Moreover, 50 to 60% of new intravenous drug users are infected within the first 6 months of use, and nearly 90% are infected by one year. Other types of illegal drug usage, such as snorting cocaine, have also been associated with an increased risk of acquiring an hepatitis C virus infection.\n\nHepatitis C virus can be sexually transmitted, but not very efficiently. Hepatitis C virus has been isolated in the semen, vaginal fluid, and saliva. Nevertheless, the risk of transmission of hepatitis C virus from an infected individual to a non-infected spouse or partner without the use of condoms over a lifetime is only about 1 to 4%. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention has not recommended using a barrier technique (for example, condoms) for hepatitis C virus infected individuals in a long-term monogamous relationship. On the other hand, individuals with multiple sexual partners should definitely use condoms. Furthermore, the practice of safe sex is key in preventing the transmission of other sexually transmitted diseases, such as HIV and hepatitis B.\n\nFood, water, breast-feeding, sneezing, coughing, hugging, casual contact, or sharing eating utensils or drinking glasses have not been shown to spread hepatitis C. What's more, hepatitis C is not transmissible by kissing, unless an open wound is involved. However, to further recognize that hepatitis C is transmitted through blood, the sharing of razors and toothbrushes should be avoided.\n\nInterestingly, the CDC has not found a definite association between tattoos and the transmission of hepatitis C virus. It is critical, nevertheless, that appropriate precautions be taken in applying tattoos, including the artist wearing gloves and using disposable equipment. In contrast to hepatitis B, the transmission of hepatitis C from the mother to the newborn around the time of delivery is unusual.\n\nHepatitis C virus infection can also be acquired through occupational exposures. Thus, health care workers in contact with contaminated bloods, flu
527235
Rheumatoid arthritis \n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n\nRheumatoid arthritis is due to an abnormal reaction of the body's immune system to the joints. It can also attack other parts of the body like the muscles, lungs, skin, blood vessels, nerves and eyes. It is most commonly seen in people between the ages of 40 and 60, especially in women. \n\n\nWhich joints are affected? \nRheumatoid arthritis often affects the small joints, especially of the wrists, hands and feet. It causes pain, stiffness and swelling which is worst in the morning. Later, other joints like the shoulders, elbows, hips, knees and ankles may also be involved. The affected person may find difficulty in gripping eating utensils, turning taps, dressing or writing.\n\n\nWhat is the Treatment? \nOccupational Therapy and Physiotherapy\nOccupational therapy and physiotherapy help to improve your ability to function independently. Your occupational therapist can teach you how to use specially designed tools like large-handled spoons to carry out your daily activities.\n\n\nHeat/Cold Treatment and Medication\nFor stiff joints, warm water or a heating pad can help. With a hot, painful joint, cold packs or water may be better. Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis involves taking medicines which reduce the pain and swelling of the joints. Other medicines to slow down the progress of the disease may be added later.\n\n\nSurgery\nIn the later stages, surgery may be needed to repair and replace badly damaged joints. \n\n\nHi, Do visit my webpage to find out more.\nhttp://www.bonesnjoints.cjb.net\nMany patients took our solutions and felt better.\nGrow black hair again, nicer nails, firmer skin, younger look, lower sugar level, lower high blood...
950183
Glucosamine and chondroitin have never been medically proven to have any effect on pain or on joint health.  Vitamin C would do more good for joints as it is essential for the production and maintainence of connective tissue, i.e. cartilage and bone.  An NSAID would be the drug of choice for pain and/or inflammation.
197349
Yes, you can live as long as any one else, if you get good medical care.  The test is Anti-HCV.  Here's the thing Hep C is a virus, it will always be in your body. Your body creates antibodies to combat the virus.  So there is a constant war going on in our bodies everyday.  When your immune system is compromised by yet another infectious agent then you may start to see signs and symptoms of Hep C again.  You were most probably treated for Acute case of Hep C, but you will always carry the antibodies in your bloodstream. Check out http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/c/faq.htm#2a\n\nGood Luck :)
1092931
Yes it is bad for you. You could develop arthritis in those joints that are over works later in life.
687036
A cure (which means hep C virus levels are no longer detectable during and after six months of finishing treatment) is dependent on which genotype of virus you have, whether you follow your dosing instructions correctly, and then luck. For genotype 1, the most common type found in the US and also the hardest to treat, a cure can be achieved in 40-60% of cases. Other genotypes have a higher response rate. Even if you don't completely get rid of the virus the treatment will greatly slow the rate of damage the hep C virus is causing to your liver. The treatment will cause flu like symptoms and fatigue so be prepared. good luck\n\nhttp://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/c/faq.htm
549363
Hepatitis C is transmitted by blood to blood contact only.  This means that blood infected with hepatitis C must come into direct contact with the bloodstream of another person.  Even the smallest amounts of blood can transmit hepatitis C.\n\nTransmission can occur through:\n\nsharing and equipment used to inject drugs  \nunsterile tattooing, body piercing and skin penetration procedures \nhousehold practices (such as sharing razor blades and toothbrushes) \noccupational procedures (eg, needlestick and sharps injuries) \ncertain sexual activities \nmother to baby.\nSharing injecting drug equipment\n\nSharing injecting equipment is the most common way of becoming infected with hepatitis C in Australia.  Syringes, hands, needles, tourniquets, swabs, water, filters or spoons can transmit hepatitis C and other viruses.\n\nIt is possible for a person with hepatitis C to be reinfected with a different strain (genotype) of hepatitis C.\n\nTattoos, body piercing and skin penetration\n\nHepatitis C can be transmitted through unsterile tattooing and body piercing equipment, including tattooing inks.\n\nHousehold transmission\n\nWherever blood to blood contact happens, transmission of hepatitis C can occur.  Sharing razor blades, toothbrushes and personal hygiene items can potentially transmit hepatitis C.\n\nHepatitis C is not transmitted by touching, kissing, hugging or closeness.  Hepatitis C is not present in saliva so cups, plates, utensils and other household items can be considered safe.  However, washing and general cleaning of these household items can protect from many other illnesses and should remain a part of every household's common hygene practice.\n\nA recent study initiated by the Institute of Sciences and Oxford University has shown that one in four homeless people in Oxford are infected with Hepatitis C, posing a major public health concern. \n\nThe study, carried out by Luke Sheriff and Dr Richad Mayon-White, has shown that inadequate diets, poor hygiene and high levels of intravenous drug use have lead to the high numbers of homeless people that tested positive for the virus when screened. \n\nOxford is now the second most highly affected area in Britain; unsurprising, given that it is also the city with the highest recorded number of rough sleepers outside of the capital. \n\nThere are currently between 2,500 and 3,000 people in Oxford classified 'homeless' by Emmaus, a charity operating in the city. Whilst not all of these people may actually live on the streets, the often cramped and squalid conditions in which many 'squatters' find themselves create a ready environment in which the virus can spread. \n\nOf the 98 individuals of the Oxford homeless community who were interviewed and tested for HCV, the results gave an estimated HCV prevalence of 26.5 percent.\n\n\n\nThey are also more prone to HIV, and this is because they are unable to receive adequate medical care, and are more likely to be drug users, and have poor diets, all things that put them at risk or might possibly expose them to the diseases.
797389
mcc_md@yahoo.com for more info\n\nThere is no specific treatment for acute hepatitis B; in 95 percent of adults, the immune system controls the infection and eliminates the virus within about six months. In people who develop chronic hepatitis, the goals of treatment are to stop the virus from multiplying while liver damage is still reversible.\n\nGeneral measures — All persons infected with chronic hepatitis B should be vaccinated against hepatitis A unless they are already known to be immune. Pneumococcal vaccine and yearly influenza vaccination should be considered in patients who have developed cirrhosis.\n\nRegular screening for liver cancer is also recommended, particularly for older individuals, those with cirrhosis, and patients with family history of liver cancer. In general, this entails an annual or biannual ultrasound examination and blood test for serum alpha fetoprotein level (a protein frequently produced by liver tumors, which is detectable in blood). The best approach to screening for liver cancer has not been determined.\n\nAntiviral therapy — Four currently available drugs slow or stop multiplication of the hepatitis B virus: lamivudine, adefovir, entecavir and interferon-alpha. Not all hepatitis B patients will benefit from approved treatments. The physician and the patient should discuss treatment options after a careful assessment of the individual's conditions. Regular monitoring is needed during treatment to assess for response, side effects and drug resistance, and for relapse after treatment is stopped. Regular monitoring is also needed if treatment is deferred, as some patients may benefit from treatment when the hepatitis becomes more active later on.\n\nLamivudine — Lamivudine (Epivir-HBV) is a good first treatment for people with chronic hepatitis B who have detectable virus activity and ongoing liver inflammation. Lamivudine is also appropriate for people who have had a poor response to interferon-alpha, people who have worsening cirrhosis, and people who experience sudden liver failure.\n\nStudies suggest that long-term treatment with lamivudine (treatment for at least one year) decreases virus levels and reduces inflammation of the liver.\n\nLamivudine is taken orally, usually at a dosage of 100 mg/day, for at least one year. Although it is very safe, the drug can trigger a flare of hepatitis in some people and can also be associated with uncommon side effects that you should discuss with your doctor. The major problem with lamivudine is that a resistant form of hepatitis B virus (referred to as a YMDD mutant) frequently develops in patients on long-term treatment. Appearance of the mutant virus may be accompanied by a marked increase in virus level and a flare of hepatitis, and in rare instances liver failure. As new drugs with lower rates of drug resistance become available, lamivudine is used less commonly in patients who require long-term treatment.\n\nAdefovir — Adefovir (Hepsera) is an alternative initial choice for people who have detectable virus activity and ongoing liver inflammation. An advantage of adefovir compared to lamivudine is that resistance to the drug occurs at much lower rates. In addition, adefovir can suppress lamivudine- resistant hepatitis B mutants. Adefovir has been associated with kidney problems when used in high doses or for long durations, so kidney function needs to be checked before and during treatment.\n\nAdefovir is taken orally, at a dosage of 10 mg/day, for at least one year. Most patients will need long-term treatment to maintain control of the hepatitis B virus.\n\nEntecavir — Entecavir (Baraclude) is another choice for people who have detectable virus activity and ongoing liver inflammation. It is a relatively new drug so its benefits and safety are still being determined. An advantage compared with lamivudine and adefovir is its greater potency against the hepatitis B virus. So far, resistance seems to be very rare. A disadvantage is its
489566
Yes, the new pegelated interferon and ribavirin combo treatment (available from Schering or Roche) have greatly increased the response rate from the older 3X week interferon only treatment regimen. If you are symptomatic or have a high viral load, you should see your hep Dr and ask about the new treatment regimens.\n\nhttp://www.pegintron.com/peg/application\n\nhttp://www.pegasys.com/?SOURCE=GOOG&KEYWORD=p\n\nThese links are for the new types of interferon. You also have to take pills along with the shots. Both interferon manufacturers have their own proprietary name for the ribavirin (generic drug name) pills but if you read these links you will learn about the full treatment regimen.
19229
If you know your quantitative HCV RNA (viral load) is greater than 1 million, then you must be in medical care, right?  There are a number of questions that you should ask your doctor to help you better understand your disease.  First, HCV viral loads are reported in different units - IU/mL or copies/mL.  You likely have a "high" HCV viral load (usually anything greater than 600,000 IU/mL is considered "high").  The viral load has NO correlation with the severity of disease.  You can have a high viral load and no liver damage or a low viral load and extensive liver damamage - it depends.  However, it may make the infection more difficult to treat.\n\nYou should ask your doctor about your HCV genotype (usually 1, 2, 3, or 4) and discuss a liver biopsy.  The liver biopsy (thin needle inserted into liver to collect small sample of liver tissue) is the only difinitive way to determine the extent of damage in the liver.  It will tell your doctor how much inflammation the virus is causing.  With long term inflammation (over years - usually 10-20 years) inflammation can cause fibrosis.  Extensive fibrosis can result in liver function decline.  Over time, cirrhosis (extensive fibrosis) can lead to serious complications requiring a liver transplant.\n\nGet your liver checked - usually a hepatologist is the best source of information as they are experts in the evaluation of liver disease.  There is treatment available and a large portion of individuals eradicate the HCV infection and reverse some liver damage.\n\nLifestyle changes can help your liver as well - stop smoking, avoid alcohol, eat healthy and exercise to lose weight if necessary.\n\nCheck out the following website for excellent information about HCV.
175385
You'll need to get on a strict diet.  No salt or alot of proteins.  Hepatitis C is not curable.  You will sooner or later have to have a transplant if it gets worse and that's not necessarily exactly the end of the H-C.  Stay away from alcohol for sure.  No drugs.  Since it's not to scarred, that's good but you'll want to make sure it doesn't get that way so that's why I suggest the diet part.  I have cryptogenic liver disease and I have alot of swelling daily. If you're not swelling, just stay away from the harmful things that your liver would have to filter out.  I think it's all about the intake of fluids and foods and certain medications.  If you can do all of that, it will slow the scarring process down.
1157207
yes, you were infected at some point with the hep C virus. It is possible for hep C to resolve on it's own occasionally. This is very rare compared to hep B which often resolves without becoming chronic.  I know one guy whose hep c resolved without treatment and has antibodies but no infection. In this case you would be viral negative but test positive for the antibodies. If I was in your shoes I would get retested every 6 months for the next couple of years unless a very smart hepatologist or gastroenterologist could explain to me why the testing wasn't necessary.  \n\nhttp://www.webmd.com/hw/hepatitus_c/tw9921.asp