Thyroid?

[Wilsondog]

I have seen numerous posts on post-interferon syndrome, ie;stiff joints, fatigue, carpul tunnel syndrome, etc.
All of which I have and have been struggling with since achieving SVR after one go round with Pegasus/Ribaviron/insevek therapy in 2012.
This is torture as I am a committed yogi and have been since before treatment.
I have had some success with thyroid treatment, but do struggle with finding the proper dosage.  I will continue to work with my Endocrinologist on this, but I wonder how many of you have had experience with this and /or success, since the thyroid is known to be destroyed by Hep C treatment and all the symptoms you speak of can be thyroid related.
Thanks!

[IMstacie]

My husband came away with a thyroid condition and psoriasis after taking the Riba/Int tx.

[dontworry_behappy1]

Hi and welcome.  I have thyroid issue and treated with Incivek.    Often Hepatitis C treatment seems to zero in on your bodies weaknesses.  This presents additional health issues you may not have been aware of.   The thyroid is a very complicated gland that contributes to many functions in your body.  Not having the right balance can produce many symptoms and health conditions.   Many do have issues that have been caused by Hepatitis C treatment.   But many just have health issues that require treatment.  For the last two years I've gone to at least 12 different doctors.  Trying to make sense out of the aftermath of treatment.  Clearly, Hepatitis C treatment does
effect your health.  The treatment is very toxic as all drugs.   It's just the degree of toxicity seems to be improving as interferon is being eliminated.

As far as your current thyroid condition.. I would ask your question in the medhelp "Thyroid" forum.   The members there have a vast knowledge concerning your question about the issues of getting you thyroid medication to the right dose.   I have asked there and will continue asking additional question on that forum.  


Best to you

[pooh55811]

I am sorry you are having these problems.

Your thyroid may be causing some of your symptoms. However, you are under the care of an endocrinologist so he/she should be able to get you regulated on Thyroid pills.

The fatigue, joint problems, carpal tunnel, etc. may be caused by an Autoimmune Disorder. Autoimmune Disorders can cause the symptoms which you are having.  

Hepatitis C  can trigger  Autoimmune Disorders. Interferon can also trigger Autoimmune Disorders.

I would suggest getting an appointment with a good Rheumatologist, preferably one who is affiliated with a university medical center or a teaching medical center. The Rheumatologist will take your history, examine you, and test you for all sorts of Autoimmune Disorders.

If you have an Autoimmune Disorder, then you can be treated for it.


I treated with interferon, Ribavirin, and Incivek Sept. 2011 - Aug. 2012 (48 weeks). I still had joint problems and skin issues several months after EOT so I went to a Rheumatologist in July 2103. She diagnosed me with Sjogren's Disease (an Autoimmune Disease). I actually had had Sjogren's for decades but it had never been diagnosed. However, I had all of the symptoms for decades, long before I ever treated with Interferon. Both I and my Rheumatologist feel the Sjogren's Disease was triggered by Hepatitis C. I am now on Plaquenil for the Sjogren's and am feeling 5,000 percent better than I was a year ago. I am actually doing very well.

[Frank J. Perrotta]

Hi Wilsondog,

It may help us if you go further into your thyroid treatment details.

My thyroid numbers are always within range but I have a few nodules and just had a thyroid biopsy which was clean... so we are watching it...

Sorry to hear of your ongoing issues but PIS is a real roller coaster! My main symptoms are a real bugger but some others come and go. Stress is a real trigger.

I think more experienced will answer but giving more details on your endo info may help.

best of luck, frank