HCV with Neuropathy

[joemel77]

Hello to All,
I was a firefighter and contracted HCV due to numerous unprotected exposures.  Years ago it was seen as a red badge o f courage to be exposed to a patients blood and bodily fluids.  Now, years later, we know that our unprotected behavior was STUPID and we should have known better.  Fire Departments across the country did not protect their members.  Todayif you look at the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) website you see a section dedicated to HCV and the fire service.

Now on to my question:  I have HCV and nine years ago at work I noticed my fingers and toes were numb.  I was a a fire scene in the month of January so it was cold outside but I was the only member of my crew who was having these problems.    I am looking for other HCV patients with any type of neuropathy to share any thoughts on treatments and lifestyles.    AS I progress into this site I will explain more of my symptoms and myriad of treatments.

I look forward to your contact and comments.  Thanks in advance!
Take care,
Joe

[Fathom500]

You might want to get tested for Cryoblobulins. The are abnormal proteins that clump together in cold. They are caused by an immune response to hep C.

See link below for more info.

http://www.hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/factsheets_pdf/cryo.pdf

[copyman]

Welcome Joe,

I have heard of some people with HCV experiencing this. Also Insulin resistance / diabetes is common with HCV and can cause neuropathy, so you may want to check your glucose & have an A1c test.  Have you ever treated the HCV?
Best of luck