Rheumatoid Arthritis

Hi.

I have a severe case of Hepatitis C from a blood transfusion in 1987 during emergency surgery. I've been on the Peg-combo 3x's and I have cirrhosis - last biopsy yielded Stage 4, grade 2. I have been sober in AA for more than 19 years. NO fatty infiltrates were found on my biopsy.

I have a pos RH factor and the sed test has been both positive and negative; however, I believe I have HCV Arthritis - very few bone spurs, many joints involved. I had arthroscopic ankle surgery in July and it was a failure - I am extremely hypermobile anyway. I have severe pain in my hips, back, and wrists - I wear wrist braces just about 24/7. I've been screened for Marfan and the results are negative; however, I do have fibromyalgia too.

I've been told I have RA and have been told I haven't - I'm now housebound with arthritis, have a leg brace, can't get out of bed in the mornings and have extreme pain that opioids don't come close to helping (or I'm not getting an adequate dose). I can't take any NSAIDS, nor can I take anything that has hepatotoxic side effects. All I want is quality of life.

I've been referred to a VA clinic 250 miles from my home - will it be worth the wear & tear to see a rheumatologist?

Chicopee in SW Missouri

Hi Chicopee,

I understand your frustration and I will pose this question and post the answer.

Thanks,
Webmaster

Hey there
I am an internist at the University of Southern California and read your story about Hep C and arthritis symptoms...i think you should check out a website ive been an advisor on and join the Hep C and arthritis communities (all on the same site) and tell your story...check it out and let us know what you think...
www.dailystrength.org
Dr Orrange