Congratulations on achieving your undetectable status. That's great news and I'm sure has provided you with great sense of relief! I don't know what your blood tests indicate, but likely you are experiencing a significant drop in your White Blood Cell count. The treatment you're on, particularly Peg Interferon suppresses the bone marrow, which causes the low RBC and WBC production. It's likely that this effect on your bone marrow is responsible for much of that discomfort. There is always the possibility of medication to boost the cell production which may bring you some relief. If you haven't discussed the possibility with your doctor, it may be worth a try. I'm including some links to general information on the topic. Also, if you can include any blood test results, it helps us provide better opinions. Good luck...
Thanks for the swift reply and information. I have the type 3, and was a non responder 12 years ago. This time I am responding. I started with a viral count of 6.2 million, and now at less than 15, or "undetectable". The pain started in my lower back. I tried every drug that the hospital suggested, and my doctor. It lasted about 1 1/2 months, moving around the lower back, down into the left hip. Now the pain moved to my right hip and down to my knee, the whole femur is very sore. Walking is unbearable without strong meds. Has anyone experienced similar pain ( that has movedaround) while on the treatment? Any tips for pain management? I'm going to physiotherapy, and have tried acupuncture. I stretch for very temporary relief, but it only lasts a minute or two. Thanks Bill
Tig said
Feb 5, 2014
Hi Bill,
Welcome to the forum! I also went through the Victrelis triple and ended treatment in December. Like you I had my share of deep muscle/bone pain and there isn't too much that can prevent it. I took pain meds as well and that helped, but completing treatment has been the answer to most of the discomfort. I don't know what kind of pain relievers you've taken, but the downside to narcotic pain relief over the long term is the possibility of addiction and reliance on it. For several months of treatment I relied on the use of a cane and when the discomfort was too much, the best thing was my trusty recliner and warm baths. The only drawback to warm baths and heating pads is the potential for increased itching and rashes. Then a antihistamine is warranted as well. These medications affect the immune system, bone marrow activity and all of that combined is likely what is causing your discomfort. Obviously your doctor and the staff are aware of your problems, just be sure to keep them advised of any real escalation of the pain and/or disability from it. Here's a UK leaflet on Victrelis, one I just found that helps to describe some of the fun (?) effects of this medication and some suggestions. I hope it helps. http://xpil.medicines.org.uk/viewpil.aspx?docid=24758
As I said, welcome to the forum and when you're able, please introduce yourself. We have a thread established here in the New Members section to do that. If you can, please share your genotype, biopsy/fibroscan score and any liver function tests you may have had done. It helps us provide you with better informed suggestions and opinions. Good luck Bill! Keep in touch...
Tig
vibi said
Feb 5, 2014
Hi, I'm a new member here. I'm in week 20/48. I was a non responder 12 years ago, but currently responding to Pegasis, co-pegasis and Victrelis. I've developed serious hip pain that runs down the front of the femur, and at times I cannot stand. I've read this is considered a serious side effect. I've been given various pain killers with almost no improvement. I'm wondering if others are having similar issues, any ideas for pain relief, etc. I've tried acupuncture and physio.
Hi Bill,
Congratulations on achieving your undetectable status. That's great news and I'm sure has provided you with great sense of relief! I don't know what your blood tests indicate, but likely you are experiencing a significant drop in your White Blood Cell count. The treatment you're on, particularly Peg Interferon suppresses the bone marrow, which causes the low RBC and WBC production. It's likely that this effect on your bone marrow is responsible for much of that discomfort. There is always the possibility of medication to boost the cell production which may bring you some relief. If you haven't discussed the possibility with your doctor, it may be worth a try. I'm including some links to general information on the topic. Also, if you can include any blood test results, it helps us provide better opinions. Good luck...
Tig
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bone_pain
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bone_marrow
http://myjourneywithneutropenia.blogspot.com/2011/03/bone-pain.html
Thanks for the swift reply and information. I have the type 3, and was a non responder 12 years ago. This time I am responding. I started with a viral count of 6.2 million, and now at less than 15, or "undetectable". The pain started in my lower back. I tried every drug that the hospital suggested, and my doctor. It lasted about 1 1/2 months, moving around the lower back, down into the left hip. Now the pain moved to my right hip and down to my knee, the whole femur is very sore. Walking is unbearable without strong meds. Has anyone experienced similar pain ( that has movedaround) while on the treatment? Any tips for pain management? I'm going to physiotherapy, and have tried acupuncture. I stretch for very temporary relief, but it only lasts a minute or two. Thanks Bill
Hi Bill,
Welcome to the forum! I also went through the Victrelis triple and ended treatment in December. Like you I had my share of deep muscle/bone pain and there isn't too much that can prevent it. I took pain meds as well and that helped, but completing treatment has been the answer to most of the discomfort. I don't know what kind of pain relievers you've taken, but the downside to narcotic pain relief over the long term is the possibility of addiction and reliance on it. For several months of treatment I relied on the use of a cane and when the discomfort was too much, the best thing was my trusty recliner and warm baths. The only drawback to warm baths and heating pads is the potential for increased itching and rashes. Then a antihistamine is warranted as well. These medications affect the immune system, bone marrow activity and all of that combined is likely what is causing your discomfort. Obviously your doctor and the staff are aware of your problems, just be sure to keep them advised of any real escalation of the pain and/or disability from it. Here's a UK leaflet on Victrelis, one I just found that helps to describe some of the fun (?) effects of this medication and some suggestions. I hope it helps. http://xpil.medicines.org.uk/viewpil.aspx?docid=24758
As I said, welcome to the forum and when you're able, please introduce yourself. We have a thread established here in the New Members section to do that. If you can, please share your genotype, biopsy/fibroscan score and any liver function tests you may have had done. It helps us provide you with better informed suggestions and opinions. Good luck Bill! Keep in touch...
Tig
Hi, I'm a new member here. I'm in week 20/48. I was a non responder 12 years ago, but currently responding to Pegasis, co-pegasis and Victrelis. I've developed serious hip pain that runs down the front of the femur, and at times I cannot stand. I've read this is considered a serious side effect. I've been given various pain killers with almost no improvement. I'm wondering if others are having similar issues, any ideas for pain relief, etc. I've tried acupuncture and physio.
Bill