Karen wrote:

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Hi Jill...I have been starting new posts where ever I see "start a new topic".  I will follow the protocol from now on..("laughing"), promise.

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Hope I didn`t sound too bossy, Karen!  

Hi Jill...I have been starting new posts where ever I see "start a new topic".  I will follow the protocol from now on..("laughing"), promise.

Sorry to hear about this diagnosis, Karen, it must have been a shock.    I agree, I would always want to know what`s happening with my body too, it`s much better to deal with things than to live in denial.

About where to post, you need to go to the home page first by clicking on "Home" at the top left hand side of this page, along the darker blue bar, and that will take you to a list of the forum areas.  Select which one you want and a list of threads in that section will come up.  Click on "Start a New Topic" on the top right hand side, and away you go.  

Best of luck with those weight bearing exercises, that`s got to be the way to go. 

All the best, Jill xx

Hi Karen, You have probably read Steff's link. There are some simple blood tests that will reassure you about some of the extrahepatic issues. Some people don't want to know, but I wanted to see what other problems I was facing, apart from my obvious liver ones.

Insulin Resistance and Diabetes: A fasting blood glucose and insulin will tell your sugar metabolism state. HCV (and Rx), can cause IR and Type 2 diabetes.

Thyroid Problems: There are a battery of tests for thyroid function, but a blood TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) level will tell you your thyroid status. HCV ( and Rx) can cause hypothyroidism.

Blood Vit. D : A number of people take Vit D supplements. This is certainly advised if your Vit D is low, or low normal.

Good luck.

Thanks Malcolm, I am with you-I prefer to know if other issues are possibly due to liver disease.  In the course of treating, they may require a different approach.

So far so good with the list you have provided- however, Vitamin D would be considered low to normal "20".

Well..off to lift some weight-need to build up these old bones.

Hi Karen,

Sorry to hear about this as

The link below has a list of some of the Extrahepatic Manifestations of Hep C

http://www.hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/factsheets_pdf/Extrahepatic.pdf

I expect more will be discovered in the future and there has been research done to show how the virus effects the CNS.

http://hepcfriends.activeboard.com/t38755598/the-impact-of-hepatitis-c-on-the-whole-bodysimon-taylor-robi/

Steff xx

PS Have moved this to General Discussion

Hi Steff, Thanks for your reply and links.  

(PS Have moved this to General Discussion) Please let me know the best way to post a new message?  I guess I was unaware that there were categories. Thanks

Found out I have osteoporosis (spine/hips).  Doc said that they are finding more and more illnesses related to hep C...any others to add to the list?  Would be good to know what else is failing other than the liver and what people are doing that works.

Because of liver disease, it has been recommended that I treat the osteoporosis with hormones instead of one of the other scary drugs available.  No good answer for this one except doing weight bearing exercises.. Vitamin D levels were good. To much controversy about taking calcium supplements and how well they work for osteoporosis.