Crohns Disease and Hep C

[misskittyluvs]

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

[Jody515]

Hi Valerie
I don't have Crohns but I do have autoimmune hepatitis & yes I did take treatment for HCV.  Many doctors do not want to treat because of the side effects of the different types of drugs required for both an autoimmune disease & HCV.  Mind did, I have won out thus far as far as the HCV goes, still good on that after being off treatment for a year & half & all is going well for me.  I cannot say though about your drugs for bi-polar although throughout my treatment for HCV I had to be placed on heavy doses of depression medication.  The different types of treatment combined did make me quite ill thru the HCV treatment but my doctor managed it brillantly.  Best of luck to you Valerie & just make up your mind you are going to get rid of that terrible virus.  Jody

[misskittyluvs]

Jody --

I am glad you are doing well!  Yay!  And, thanks for the information.  My doctor is taking it slow.  I just went to the Liver Specialist this week and we talked about some of the side effects that could happen with the three drugs I would be taking.  I get Remicade every other month for my Crohns.  That wipes me out for a couple of days after the infusion.  I'm guessing this isn't going to be easy, but I'll manage.  Just wanted to hear what others went through with the same two diseases.  Thanks again.

God Bless,

Valerie

[Jody515]

The treatment may be hard on you, it was me, but I am so happy that I found a doctor who would help me thru it.  It stated right on the chemical treatment for the HCV not to take with the meds I was on for the AIH, but we did it, I am clear & I am very happy to have done it.  For the type of HCV I had, most persons only have to take the chemical treatement for 24 wks.  I went way beyond that though & did 40 wks.  I was very sick thru the process but I made it & so can you.  Best of luck & keep me posted.  Jody

[misskittyluvs]

Thanks for the information.  Very useful.  I will keep you posted.  I'm glad you are feeling good and made it through those 40 weeks.

Valerie

[ladybug52]

Hi. I work in long term care in the rehab dept. I recently have had a slew of patients that have a hep C dx on the chart. One lady is 64, is on dialysis, has had multiple transfusions from a motor vehicle accident, and has the dual dx of Crohn's and hep c. She said she couldn't treat because of the Crohn's, but I suspect it was the other multiple medical problems. (COPD from smoking for many years, on O2 continously for that)
Did you post this question on the other side of the forum as well?
I wish you luck, I didn't know that her reason for not treating had any validity till you posted this question.
I'm sure age and health factors would be a consideration for tx just like any thing else.
BTW, I have neck problems too.
Bug