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Posted 1/6/2011 9:02 PM (GMT 0)
Hi fellow hep c friends, I am 56 yr old living now in SW Indiana close to Lake Michigan. I have been cruising thru for some time and really like your forum. I was dx with hep c in 11-08. Went to find out why I was feeling so crappy. I also dx with fibro before we tested for hep c. I have high blood pressure and arthritis in both hips. I had a low positive RA but I was told it is probably due to the hep c. I have not tx yet, (scared of it) but am hoping to get into new trial for protease inhb real soon, already started paperwork for it. I am also on Methadone and have been for 15 yrs due to heroin abuse, but no dirty UA's in the last 15 yrs as well. My using like most of us seems so long ago and like someone elses life! OF course at the time no one told how terrible it is to get off the meth so I have hung in there all this time after a few attempts at detoxing that was a frightening experience. My concerns now is taking care of my liver. I have bad pain but am afraid to take anything else with the meth.I have tried cymbalta and prozac but only got headaches, the lyrica is better but it is hard on the kidneys I have read. I am currently trying the supps. ALA and ALC and selenium (antioxidents).  I am genotype 1A of course and had a biopsy 2 yrs ago that said F1-F2. My liver enzymes are normal so far.  I am open to suggestions and looking forward to your forums and your info. brendaelk


 

Posted 1/6/2011 9:12 PM (GMT 0)
What are the implications for continuing indefinitely on the Methadone?? Does this have effects on the liver?? and welcome to the Forum...the moderators will be here later...u came to the right place... Sandi
Posted 1/6/2011 9:59 PM (GMT 0)

Hi, Brendaelk, and welcome to the forum.  I think you should see an addictions specialist to get some help with getting off the methadone.  You have to be weaned off.  I've heard it's actually more addicting than heroin.  When I detoxed in Nov. '69, it was cold turkey, though in a hospital, due to having overdosed.  When I was discharged, I went through an outpatient treatment program, but switched to alcohol.  Same result...it just took longer.  I quit that in '86.

It's good news that your liver enzymes are normal thus far.  The new treatment you mentioned is actually supposed to be available this summer.  But, as with any new drug, FDA approval could be delayed.  The new treatment with the protease inhibitor is having a 75% success rate in trials, for those with 1a and 1b.  I'm just waiting for it to become available, though I'm not sure if I will tolerate it.

I really doubt that hep C would cause RA.  Perhaps you should consult a rheumatoid specialist.

Hugs,

Connie


Posted 1/6/2011 10:11 PM (GMT 0)
Well to answer two of your questions. The meth does help with the pain from the fibro, I am going to a pain specialist now and also have a rheumatologist. I have been thru my different specialists. The things I do have, like the arthritis is very painful. I am going thru a lawyer trying to get disability. I also have been coming down on the methadone very slowly so I am trying to do all I can but love to get tips from others!
Posted 1/6/2011 10:22 PM (GMT 0)

Brenda, I know that methadone is used for chronic pain these days.  It was suggested to me once by a pain clinic doctor.  However, due to my drug history, there was too much of a connection in my mind to that ancient history.  My signature says it all.  In your case, I think the most important factor would be the negative effect it may have on your liver...if there is one.

Hugs,

Connie

Posted 1/6/2011 11:39 PM (GMT 0)
Yes hep 93, I know they will let us do treatment for hep c on methadone. Amazingly it does not harm your liver like some meds. I think they go on the reasoning that being on meth and doing the program is better than being on other opoids and the destruction to our bodies with that. I am sure it comprimises our liver somewhat, I would think any daily pain meds would. I have managed to live a productive life in soceity while otherwise I would be dead or institutionalized, so I will take that chance until I can get off it slowly and stay clean and being how I am not happy with my health and the pain associated with it, I find it is a better option. Yes for me it is ancient history too, but it only takes one slip up and we are right back in the mix, you know that. Thks for your concern. Oh and no alcohol has helped more than anything!
Posted 1/7/2011 1:29 AM (GMT 0)

Yep, not drinking is the very best thing that you can do for your liver.  Good that you can do treatment on methadone!

Hugs,

Connie

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