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454316 tn?1206879897

Crohns Disease and Hep C

Hi all!

Does anyone have a combination of Crohns Disease and Hep C (I am also BiPolar)?  I spoke to my GI and he told me about the side effects of the drugs used to control Hep C but said that it will effect my Crohns tremendously.  A lot of the symptoms of Hep C are the same as Crohns, hence, the delay in diagnosing Hep C.  I'm worried about the side effects of the drugs, especially since I'm already BiPolar.

Would like to hear your thoughts on this.  Thanks,

Valerie
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454316 tn?1206879897
Hi Sunny, I'm not sure what my genotype is ... I've already lost a lot of weight, I'm hoping I won't lose too much.  The doctor told me I might.  Especially with the Remicade.  I do like the Remicade for my Crohns, but am unsure of what treatment I will be getting.  I do hope whatever it is, it goes well with the Remicade.  Glad you made it through ok!!!!!

Thanks,

Valerie
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Avatar universal
HI Misskitty......I am genotype 3a and finshed 21 weeks of tax about 3 6 months ago......I also have crohns and took remicade through treatment. I did okay on treatment......lost alot of weight and felt quite tired but it was manageable!! The worst part for me was going to the washroom 20 times a day....I got quite sore. But my gastroenterologist said his other patients actually felt better on treatment. You just need to take it day by day and see how your own body reacts!! I felt absolutely nothing for the first 8 weeks and then I started to feel tired, not so hungry, and more easily irritated but I just tried to focus on the end and taking it one step at a time. I still haven't had time to get to the drs and find out if I am SVR......I was UND at 4 weeks 12 weeks and 3 months....and now I need to go and do the 6 months....just tricky getting a day off work. I wish you well....and will check in again to see how you are !!! Good Luck!!
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454316 tn?1206879897
Hi,

Thanks for the information.  I have managed to overcome the anemia with the Crohns disease. I still have all the symptoms though ... heavy diarriah, pain in abdomen, plus the BiPolar.   I have not yet had any tests for HCV other than the first two blood tests which sent me to the Liver Specialist.  When there they took the 11 vials of blood and I go back to him in 8 weeks for the CTScan of my liver and then the biopsy.  I do not know the Genotype at this point.  I am not on steriods but I do have a Remicade Infusion every other month.  

What is a Genotype?  I'm not sure of how this all works yet.  Thanks,

Valerie
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Avatar universal
Iam by no means an expert and you have posted a difficult question. Chrons dissease causes ulcerations in your intestines,which leads to bleeding, this constant oozing can cause chronic anemia if your Chrons is not controlled. R u on steroids for your Chrons ?  If so, all i know is my hep told me while on tx not ot take steroids. Have you had a liver  biopsy yet?  What is your Genotype?  Your gi seems to know what he is talking about, if you wanted another opinion, see a hepatologist maybe there are some newer drugs without all the side effects.  Good Luck and iam sorry i couldnt be more help, maybe someone in your situation will post.    
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