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water retention after 2 months treatment
Started Hep C genotype 3 with F score of 3.5 Feb 2, 16. My viral load went from 4.37 million to an "umdetectable " 15 in the first 4 weeks. I thought I would loose some of the 40 pounds I gained in water retention in the 14 months waiting for treatment. This has not happened. Is there anything I can do to get rid of some of this bulging stomach?
Lynn, very good information! Thanks for sharing this! Before I knew I had HCV I had swelling in my ankles. Now that I have been cured for 4 years I don't have it. Thanks again.
Dee
Dee
Humm that is interesting.
The definition of ascites is the accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity, causing abdominal swelling.
How is it that you are retaining fluid in your abdomen but it is not ascites?
When you said your "F score of 3.5" what test was this? I have personally never seen a score of 3.5 fibrosis scoring is just not that accurate to use half numbers like 3.5
I did find this on How to Treat Stomach Bloating & Water Retention
Water retention and stomach bloating are two uncomfortable symptoms that everyone experiences from time to time. Their causes range from premenstrual syndrome to a poor diet, but the solution is the same. Simple lifestyle changes are all that's usually needed to beat bloating and fluid retention.
Step 1
Tell your doctor about your problems with bloating and water retention. Occasional or PMS-related fluid retention and stomach bloating are normal, but frequent or unexplained bloating may be a sign of another medical condition that requires a doctor's attention.
Step 2
Cut back on your sodium intake, since too much salt can cause water retention. Use herbs and spices to add flavor to your meals instead of table salt and try to minimize your intake of packaged and processed foods, including canned soups, frozen meals and condiments, which are often packed with sodium. When you do eat packaged foods, look for low-sodium varieties.
Step 3
Eliminate alcohol and sugar from your diet as much as is reasonable, since both contribute to bloating and fluid retention, reports West Virginia University. Aside from the usual sugar-laden candies and sweets, watch out for sugar in barbecue sauce, cereal, jelly, juice, granola and flavored yogurt.
Step 4
Drink at least eight 8-oz. glasses of water every day. It might sound counter-intuitive, but drinking water can actually help your body eliminate the extra water it's holding on to, since water is a natural diuretic.
Step 5
Increase your intake of water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables. All fruits and veggies are high in water, but watermelons, celery and cucumbers are particularly helpful in reducing fluid retention.
Step 6
Exercise every day. The perspiration that goes along with exercise can help your body get rid of excess water, so any activity that raises your heart rate and makes you sweat is a good choice.
Tips
If you're experiencing bloating only in the stomach area, it may be a result of gas, which can have any number of causes. To prevent the problem, eat slower, chew food thoroughly, eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day and stop chewing gum and eating hard candies. If you're still bloated, try eliminating potential gas-causing foods one by one. Start with milk and dairy, then try beans, fruits like pears, apples and peaches, vegetables like onions, cabbage, broccoli and asparagus, whole grains and carbonated drinks.
Hope that helps
The definition of ascites is the accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity, causing abdominal swelling.
How is it that you are retaining fluid in your abdomen but it is not ascites?
When you said your "F score of 3.5" what test was this? I have personally never seen a score of 3.5 fibrosis scoring is just not that accurate to use half numbers like 3.5
I did find this on How to Treat Stomach Bloating & Water Retention
Water retention and stomach bloating are two uncomfortable symptoms that everyone experiences from time to time. Their causes range from premenstrual syndrome to a poor diet, but the solution is the same. Simple lifestyle changes are all that's usually needed to beat bloating and fluid retention.
Step 1
Tell your doctor about your problems with bloating and water retention. Occasional or PMS-related fluid retention and stomach bloating are normal, but frequent or unexplained bloating may be a sign of another medical condition that requires a doctor's attention.
Step 2
Cut back on your sodium intake, since too much salt can cause water retention. Use herbs and spices to add flavor to your meals instead of table salt and try to minimize your intake of packaged and processed foods, including canned soups, frozen meals and condiments, which are often packed with sodium. When you do eat packaged foods, look for low-sodium varieties.
Step 3
Eliminate alcohol and sugar from your diet as much as is reasonable, since both contribute to bloating and fluid retention, reports West Virginia University. Aside from the usual sugar-laden candies and sweets, watch out for sugar in barbecue sauce, cereal, jelly, juice, granola and flavored yogurt.
Step 4
Drink at least eight 8-oz. glasses of water every day. It might sound counter-intuitive, but drinking water can actually help your body eliminate the extra water it's holding on to, since water is a natural diuretic.
Step 5
Increase your intake of water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables. All fruits and veggies are high in water, but watermelons, celery and cucumbers are particularly helpful in reducing fluid retention.
Step 6
Exercise every day. The perspiration that goes along with exercise can help your body get rid of excess water, so any activity that raises your heart rate and makes you sweat is a good choice.
Tips
If you're experiencing bloating only in the stomach area, it may be a result of gas, which can have any number of causes. To prevent the problem, eat slower, chew food thoroughly, eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day and stop chewing gum and eating hard candies. If you're still bloated, try eliminating potential gas-causing foods one by one. Start with milk and dairy, then try beans, fruits like pears, apples and peaches, vegetables like onions, cabbage, broccoli and asparagus, whole grains and carbonated drinks.
Hope that helps
My regular DR and liver specialist both told me I do not have Acetice (spelling?). My next appointment with specialist is Friday so I will ask her if this is typical. Thanks for responding
My regular DR and liver specialist both told me I do not have Acetice (spelling?). My next appointment with specialist is Friday so I will ask her if this is typical. Thanks for responding.
I too take Spironolactone - small dose 25 mg daily but seems to keep the bloating in check
Remember to drinks lots of water. Sounds counter-intuitive, I know, but it will help a lot
Remember to drinks lots of water. Sounds counter-intuitive, I know, but it will help a lot
With a fibrosis score of F3-4, F4 is also called cirrhosis which can have a symptom called ascities which can be severe enough the patient looks like they are pregnant and could even require periodic draining of the excess fluid.
Do you mean a score from a fibroscan of 3.5? My last biopsy was F4 but my fibroscan score was 27. So I am not sure what test result this is. Are you seeing a liver specialist? Has your doctor said anything about cirrhosis or ascities? If you do have ascities this can be treated with duiretics. I have some mild ascities and lower leg swelling (called edema) and I take the duiretic Spironolactone.
You should discuss your concerns with your doctor to determine the cause of this fluid retention you are experiencing to see if duiretic treatment is needed depending on the cause.
Do you mean a score from a fibroscan of 3.5? My last biopsy was F4 but my fibroscan score was 27. So I am not sure what test result this is. Are you seeing a liver specialist? Has your doctor said anything about cirrhosis or ascities? If you do have ascities this can be treated with duiretics. I have some mild ascities and lower leg swelling (called edema) and I take the duiretic Spironolactone.
You should discuss your concerns with your doctor to determine the cause of this fluid retention you are experiencing to see if duiretic treatment is needed depending on the cause.
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