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New to the Forum- I have a couple of questions about my symptoms

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Posted 11/22/2015 4:40 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Everyone,

I'm new to this forum and I have joined to communicate with others to better understand Hep C and its treatments. My name is Lindsay and I am a 30 yr old female for Philadelphia, Pa. a Army vet, wife and mother. I was diagnosed a few months back and I haven't received any treatments yet. I am in the process of seeing a specialist at the VA here and hopefully on my way to a cure very soon. Like I said, I was just recently diagnosed but I believe I contracted Hep C in 2011 while I was still in the military. Up until the past few months I haven't shown any symptoms and have felt fairly healthy. But for the past month or so my legs have been extremely swollen. It has been an on and off ordeal and has been manageable but now it is becoming painful. For the past week my legs have stayed swollen, so much that now I have small blisters on my lower legs. They are redness and warm to the touch. I have an appointment next week but I just want to ask if anyone knows remedies to reduce swelling other than elevating my feet, that's not working. Also, I am on a very low sodium diet. Thanks
Posted 11/22/2015 1:37 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome to the Hep forum. Glad you found us.

I am happy you will start treating soon, however...I am concerned about the issue with your legs. We are a support group of people with liver disease, not doctors, but I advise you to see one right away. I am concerned this could be celluliitis. Cellulitis can be very serious and I think I would go to the ER or an Urgent Care type facility today. Waiting a week on this one seems too long. Better safe than sorry, Linz.

Here is a link for you. www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cellulitis/basics/definition/con-20023471

We have a nice group of members now treating. My husband had Hep C, GT3a. He treated twice and was eradicated the virus with the 2nd treatment. Unfortunately, his liver was already too sick, and he has been on a transplant list two and a half years now. Themister already had cirrhosis when he was diagnosed after having high enzyme levels in a routine physical. We have no idea how long he carried the virus. Baby boomers are 5 times more likely to have Hep C, so probably for decades.

I am so glad you will treat soon. Again, you are welcome here. We care. Big Hugs
Posted 11/22/2015 8:14 PM (GMT 0)
  i agree with Themiz,get it checked soon.  Hep c is mostly asymptomatic, until mid to late stages. What is your genotype?

Keep us up to date on your journey to virus free life.

best

barry

Posted 11/22/2015 10:35 PM (GMT 0)
Try a lo sodium diet and incline your feet
Ziff
Posted 11/25/2015 3:40 AM (GMT 0)
Omgooosh,
I'm here again, I so tried to talk to someone a few years ago here, but I know this is busy and maybe there was just no one to answer at the time. I was diagnosed in 2000 with hepatitis C, and just left it at that, I had so much going on I pushed it all the way to the back, now I'm 53 years old, my doctor checks my enzymes and they've always been very normal actually slightly elevated but recently they've been in the sixties and seventies I know that may be nothing compared to a lot of people but I don't know where to go with this, my doctor said as long as my enzymes didn't elevate I really didn't have to worry, is that true? I mean I'm seeing genotypes and all the other stuff is freaking me out what level I'm at ? One two or three levels? Someone please answer, please advise what you would do at this edge having it for so long. Anyone that has time to respond I'd be very grateful.
Gratefully
GivemeGrace♡
Posted 11/25/2015 12:45 PM (GMT 0)
Grace,

Welcome back to the forum! You have posted your question on Linzgraz thread and others may not see it here. Feel free to start a new thread so we can get to know you better and you can get more feedback on your topic.

I don't know if you are seeing a liver specialist, but suggest people see a hepatologist. They are the best to treat complicated liver disease.

Your hepatologist will order one of the tests to determine the condition of your liver and your genotype. Often, a biopsy. My husband was GT3. His biopsy showed stage 4 cirrhosis. He had no symptoms other elevated enzymes in a routine physical, and some odd fatigue he figured was just part of getting older.

Also, you will have a blood test to determine viral load. Once those things are complete, your hep will determine the best treatment for you. I hope this gets you started on the road to treatment. Again, welcome back. Big Hugs
Posted Yesterday 2:45 PM (GMT 0)
My alt and AST were in the sixties and seventies and I have a viral load of 5.6 million. I would have it checked.
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