Cryoglobulinemia

So I've had this for years. They tried to determine in fact if this was actually what was making my joints so painful, swollen, and ultimately a bit deformed. Cryoglobulinemia can mimic rheumatoid arthritis which I've been being mainly treated for. Cryoglobulinemia is one of the possible manifestations of some kinds of liver disease, and the rheumatologist said that if I got rid of the hep C virus the cryoglobulinemia would likely go away. Not to jinx anything, but I think my joints are less swollen and painful. Could this be possible? Anybody else have any experience with this?
Plant

Hi ML!
Yes I'm happy to say what I know about this. Cryoglobulins are abnormal proteins in the blood and in cold temperatures they become insoluable and clump together, thickening the plasma. This limits blood flow and causes damage to arteries, skin, kidneys, the liver, and joints. It looks to be associated with liver disease, especially hepatitis C. When I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid arthritis, the Hep C was also discovered, as I reacted very badly to one of the medications for the RA. It caused my liver enzymes to be very elevated(way elevated) so they tested for Hep C and sure enough. The Rheumatologist suggest testing for Cryoglobulins and sure enough, I tested positive for them. Apparently symptoms of cryoglobulinemia can appear identical to RA. So I've been on immunosuppressants now for 17 yrs. They are looking at cryoglobulinemia as possibly an autoimmune disorder and would treat it with immunosuppressants anyway. I have some significant joint degradation at this point but am functioning very well despite that. BUT before I began treatment for the hep C the doc told me that potentially if I rid myself of the Hep C my joint pain might improve considerably. Then I found out about the cirrhosis and began my sovaldi and ribavirin treatment. Frankly since I found out the extent of my liver disease, the joint pain has seemed like the least of my problems! But I'll be darned if after clearing the virus ( at week 3) I didn't start noticing that things weren't hurting as badly or visibly swollen! Now I'm almost finished with week 7 of 24 weeks of treatment and the improvement is huge!! What a nice little bonus. I'm surprised that no one has heard about this. It can cause a number of serious issues including affecting the liver, kidneys, and spleen.
I hope that this has been helpful and hope that you are all doing very well. Sending gratitude and love to you all.
Plant

Well, I hope I'm on the right spot - I usually don't post to forums, but I was excited to see anything on the web about sufferers of cryo. I diagnosed myself about 8 years ago, and the doc verified the cryo with a blood test. I also have HepC,and have just begun treatment with Sovaldi/Olysio 8 days ago.
I'm curious about sides experienced by anyone with cryo, as I have a recurrence of a rash and sore joints which I have not suffered with since going totally raw a few years ago. All the auto immune issues I used to have disappeared at that point. This is my only attempt at tx, and I know I will be cured. I just was a bit surprised by the recurrence of these symptoms after so long. I'm thinking it is my body detoxing, and dry brushing and drinking lots of water. I've also experienced some pretty serious leg cramps at night, which I have struggled with for several years.
I'd love to hear from anyone doing the Sovaldi/Olysio who also has cryo.
Thanks