Thanks for the replies and tips everyone! I'll take a look at that video Scruffy. I can't imagine being able to balance and move in the manner you described. I don't think I could've done that when I was half my age! Motivation is a large part of that and my hat's off to you for accomplishing such a worthy goal Scruffy. I've got some big limitations and have those considerations to keep in mind. I broke my neck twice and have extensive instrumentation (metal rods and plates) in my neck and have 3 bad lumbar discs that control my daily activity. But I haven't let it stop me from trying and will continue to work on moving forward.

I have to apologize to Turnsit for hijacking her thread though. This started out as a commentary on appetite and has morphed into a discussion on my creaky old bones! Sorry Turnsit, age trumped appetite but I'll bow out of your conversation and let you have it back now, lol! 

Tig

Hi Tig

I started treatment with arthritis I was told after one operation on my knee I needed a replacement.  While on treatment I had my disability hearing and was found disabled because of stage 4 arthritis in my thumbs and hands. There were days I couldn't walk. Fast forward a bit. I started to train Tai Chi, at first for relaxation and for my anemia with the 24 posture routine. My arthritis felt so good I tackled the 108 form routine for my memory and the martial art side of Tai Chi which is almost lost. ( if you don't know how to apply the forms your more less just dancing) Now I have little to no pain and am a great deal more flexible. Not only can I kick to my shoulder height but can balance on the ball of one foot. Those old Chinese monks knew there stuff.

Chris Pei dvd for relaxation

Dr, Yang Twing Ming for real traditional Tai Chi

Heres Dr. Yang on the tube at 1:28 he shows what Tai Chi full speed looks like.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4ccN_yYKlA

Hey Tig, That's a real challenge trying to get in a decent work-out when everything seems to hurt more than it should. For pain relief I try to stay away from NSAIDs, but my GP told me that I could take "up to" 600mg of ibuprofen every so often.   Tylenol has little effect for me, but I'll take 1000mg and pray for some kind of placebo effect.     Hot or cold compresses work really good, as does a nice hot shower for my sore/stiff back muscles.

I ordered some Boswellia from iherb.com, it's supposed to have some value for  relief from rheumatism, so we'll see how that goes.

Thanks Tig... Now I'm desperately wanting a blizzard.

During my last few weeks of treatment I started getting joint pain. Hips, shoulders and arm That required extra strength tylenol for relief. It was still there after treatment, but since reading this post I have just realized it went away. And since I was only on treatment for 12 weeks, it would most likely take you longer to heal. So here is hoping it slowly gets better as your body rids itself of all those meds ends once and for all! 

Hi Tig,

The Interferon-induced arthrpoathy is now well recognised. It is very similar to Rheumatoid arthritis, but without the Radiological or biochemical changes. The NSAID's like Mobic give relief, but these should be used in moderation. Most patients report improvement over time. I'm now back to normal, but it took over a year. I'm back to my pretreatment diet but am careful with the sugar. My weight is stable and my random glucose is now normal. Cheers.

Hey Wayne,

Will keep that sugar info in mind for sure. While my desire for sweet/salt has increased tenfold, consumption hasn't and I've kept my intake in check, so the increase in joint pain unfortunately isn't a direct result of it. I wish it was, I'd put an end to it altogether, maybe, lol! I've got to go in this week for some additional testing and imaging to see if we can't figure out what's going on. Both my PCP and Hepa feel it's Interferon related. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it lessens in time, but right now it has gotten fairly severe and has all but ruined my right leg/hip abduction. Now it's affecting my left side. The rapid nature of it has me concerned but hopefully it will resolve. The SVR after my name makes this brief setback worthwhile. Got to stay positive and will keep your suggestion in mind, thanks for the tip!

Tig

Hasn't hurt my appetite either. I think I've lost 4lbs, but that 's due to no activity at the gym. If nothing else, some things taste better. Raw fruit is incredibly good. It's almost like I've never tasted it before. A cold peach from the fridge is like catnip for me ( excuse me, I have the urge to roll on the floor). Bon appetite!

Hey Tig -   Refined sugar is a major inflammatory for me. Being a runner, something's always hurting anyway, but sweets exacerbate the joint troubles. I love 'em and eat more than I should, but I have to watch it. When I get carried away, I go cold turkey and usually feel better within two or three days.

Can't speak to the Interferon. Just sayin'...  

wayne 

Hiya Turnsit

8 out of every 10 pegasys shots gave me the munchies big time. Think it had to do with me conditioning myself to eat when ever I start to feel sick. I also was on incivek and after I was off it my body started to miss that 20g of fat three times a day. Towards the end of my 48 weeks I never felt hungry but once I started to eat I was ok.

That's something I have to keep in mind. I lost 50+ lbs on treatment and this sweet/salt fixation I have now will most certainly destroy the benefits from that HCV diet program (ha, ha). One problem I'm discovering though, is some increasing problems with joint and arthritis problems post treatment. Interferon is well known for aggravating those conditions, as well as causing them to some degree. I was really hoping to start a rounded exercise program considering my new found strength and motivation, but this increasing discomfort is limiting my ability to workout. So it's wise to remember that what we put in our mouth can have a profound impact on what we sit on and the ease with how we tie our shoes!

Tig

Since SVR, I have noticed a huge increase in my desire for both sweet and salty, often together! Yesterday found me slaying a large Dairy Queen Blizzard! I cannot tell a lie, I loved it..... 

Tig

Once I got my taste for food back, I craved salt. Chips and such. In my sadness, I allowed myself to eat whatever in heck I wanted to. Always been an emotional eater. Then I slowly came back to my senses and realized I still have a chronic progressive disease and need to look after myself. Almost back on track now. Chips once a week as a treat. Can't seem to even think about having a smoothie or Haagen Dazs ice cream after the incevik fat scenario which hopefully many won't have to do in the future, but am eating more salads, healthy fats etc. Much easier now that it's fresh vegetable season here in Canada. Going to go and try to find some fresh fiddleheads today... A local seasonal vegetable that resembles a fern but tastes delicious! 

And Amelia, I am coming to beautiful Hawaii in August. First time and can't wait!

I had appetite problems in my 20's, that was probably the Hep, but in my 30's I certainly didn't have that problem. Now I am 40 I have to really watch my food so I don't gain weight. :)

Does anyone other than me have a terrific appetite? All the comments I am reading are about loss of appetite. I am just curious, its not a problem as I only eat really healthy foods and am not craving anything I should not be eating. I have noticed to when the weather is still and hot on the island, I itch a lot more but not much at all when we have our nice trade winds and its cool and rainy. I am staying out of the sun.