Is it normal to still have painful liver inflammation issues even after being officially cleared as cured of hep c?
When having hep c I scored really high on a liver biopsy for liver inflammation, I was taking the cure shortly after (which is why I had the biopsy) & was officially cleared as cured in 2016, but even though I no longer have the virus I still have issues with painful liver inflammation. Sometimes (it seems like it happens during times of stress the most), I really just want to know if this is something that can happen after being cured? I took the 2nd cure that came out in Dec 2014 so I know I was one of the first generations to take the new DAA (I think that's what they're called lol). So would just feel better knowing this happens sometimes to some people & not just me.
Hi Tash. It is totally normal to still have issues relating to the liver, like you describe. Remember, that even though the virus is gone (congrats!) the liver takes a bunch of time to recover. And, if a patient has late stage liver disease like cirrhosis, the liver never goes back to being perfectly normal. But it is great that we don't have to worry about progression.
Thank you for your response & to know for sure that it is normal! I just needed the peace of mind of knowing it was because I know that a lot of statistics of the long run after being cured with the new treatments are pretty much coming from people like me that took the first DAAs when they came out, to the point I don't even think they make Viekira Pak (I was cured with Viekira Pak in 2015-16) anymore due to the advancements of treatments that can cure all 6 genotypes. I always tell people when they happen to be around to notice my face contorted in pain, that I look at it as just a reminder that I'm a survivor of something not everyone does & it's a big reason I'm still as involved as I possibly can with the hepatitis awareness & community. Once in a while I did secretly worry though if there was something wrong with me due to the inflammation happening sometimes, but I feel alot better now knowing there's nothing "wrong" with me lol Thanks again! =]
Tash, you are so welcome. I cured in the Viekira Pak trials for cirrhotic patients. It was amazing! But, truth be told, I do not feel great. I do feel so grateful that we do not have to worry about getting sicker. Stay well, my friend. P.S. I am happy to hear that you are active in the hep C community. It is our chance to give back and help others. (Sue, Community Moderator)
Hi Tash and Sue,
This group is a life line, particularly when I was first diagnosed and had no one to turn to for advice. I'm very grateful to all of you!
A couple of years ago I was fortunate to qualify for the 8 weeks of Harvoni and thankfully, cleared the virus.
Tash, I also on occasion have the feeling that something may be wrong. Maybe this is due to age-I am in my 60's. Since the cure I have also have experienced issues with inflammation, not of my liver but of my eyes and joint swelling of my shoulders and hands.
Anybody else?Tash and Bigstack. I think we all worry at times. Remember that only between 1-2% of people who clear with any of the direct acting antivirals will relapse after 12 weeks. I am glad the Health Union site is helpful for you. Stay well. And yes, I still live with joint and muscle pain 5 years after the cure. ~Sue, Community Moderator
