Joint & Muscle Pain after HCV tx and Harvoni

[Fibroleo]

I would like to compare notes with others out there suffering from Joint & Muscle Pain after HCV treatment. Over the last 15 years I have been treated Twice with Peg/Intfer, Once with Triple therapy, and lastly Harvoni which cleared me finally. I am afflicted with Worsening Joint, Muscle and Bone Pain and hypersensitivity to Pain Stimuli. I have been to countless Doctors, tried numerous drugs,(Lyrica, Savella, Gabapentin, etc., etc.) and alternatives, massage, whirlpool, etc. I have been tested for everything, Lyme, RA, Lupus, etc., etc. negative. Doctors don't really know much about these post treatment effects so don't really know how to treat. Is anyone experiencing the same situation - gotten any good results - found a Doctor who is HCV literate and can help ( in the NYC area). I am an active 50 year old female and otherwise in very good health, but this pain is really starting to limit my activity and is scaring me for my future years. THANKS!!

[Kimmartime100]

Hello Fibroleo,
You asked this question in 2016 and I’m seeing it now at the end of 2018.  I can say “me too” to all your issues and you summarize the medical environment I’m experiencing now.  I have been on the trail to some answers regarding problems with bones, connective tissue.  Im 68, so my issues are usually diagnosed as aging issues, but I’ve challenged my recent episode of non-displaced fractures sacral and pubic bone fractures caused by osteoporosis. I’m having my parathyroid scanned.  Benign tumors in the head & neck area have been associated with HCV.
I had one develop in my inner ear.  Tumors of the parathyroid gland are often the cause of hyperparathyroidism which makes the gland(s) over produce the hormone that can rob the calcium from bones when in excess.  Bone thinning occurs and overtime, bones become fragile, become painful and fracture.  The parathyroid hormone effects calcium levels and over production creates systemic issues over time.  I’ve had many bone, joint, muscle pains and concerns including a  need  for a shoulder replacement.  I would love to learn of any knowledge you have gained in your quest for answers.  Comparing notes could illuminate more answers for both of us.

[flyinlynn]

This was his one and only post February 2016. I tend to doubt he will see your question to him.

You may be better served to ask your own new question.

Best of luck to you

[Dee1956]

Hey there hepcnme, I am so very happy to hear you are improving.  That is such great news! I know it will give others hope.  We are all different and react differently to the tx.  I did interferon twice.  The second time with Incivek worked.  It took me a very long time to recover.

Fibro, if I were you, I was you :)  I would try Epsom Salt baths and supplements with calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc and vitamin D
I read that a Vitamin D deficiency can cause a lot of problems as can a magnesium deficiency. Magnesium is responsible for 300 different actions in our body.  

You are not alone, there are many people still suffering from the tx.  I hope you can find an answer, Dee

[mrandmrsw]

I was treated with interferon.ribaviran and sovaldi...became very ill..had to stop treatment
Found out I had genetic mutations ..that decreased my platelet counts..caused anemia....treatment made me sicker than I already was..ft as unaware of my illnessess..tested negative for all kinds of tests..lupus ,Ms ,rheumatoid arthritis..sarcidoicis...but have symptoms to all of these diseases ,caused by mutations what a shock..

[hepcandme]

where's my "like" button?

A friend of mine actually died from treatment with Interferon and Ribavirin. Docs of course said - that is quite rare. But my friend was not an advocate for himself, did not inform docs when he felt awful for a year and officially died of pneumonia. He died at 54

He was so desperate to get rid of the virus that he endured the worst pain and disability. We are so fortunate that those treatments are, for the most part, a thing of the past

But we stand on the shoulders of Giants

[lookbehindyou]

that's from the interferon possibly, the IFN does create a kind of brain inflammation, i guess it should be measureable in the spinal water or sth like that but there's definately inflammation post treatment. there are many cases out there and you're not the only one experiencing these symptoms. the doctors lie about the fact that TX with IFN creates various outcomes with various malaides that range from cognitive decline over exhaustion to getting MS like symptoms, heatwaves and stuff like that. It got me crippled to the bed the last 2 years. i'm now on Minocyclin that helps a biit and Prednisone. DONT EVER DO INTERFERON

[hepcandme]

I wish that I could add some good news here but it has been my experience that doctors 1) refuse to believe that there are sx post treatment and 2) they believe that their job is done and no one is really interested in any review of the anecdotal data like that posted on this site about continuing or worse symptoms after EOT.

Which is really disheartening and makes it feel like you are the problem

The good news is that, at least for me, 9 months SVR or thereabouts, after months of pain and fatigue, I can feel improvement every day - labs look good and energy is returning

Good luck Fibro and hang in there!

~ Linda

[otterwatcher]

I'm suffering similar side effects from interferon/riba 10 years ago-also tried Lyrica and gabapentin with no relief. Am now taking dihydrocodeine which helps but is not a cure.Have also have been tested for Everything. Was diagnosed with  fibromyalgia and as I have also been diagnosed with Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome am taking life very slowly now.I do hope you find a Dr who can help you.