itching

[MR 149]

Hi all I am new to this forum. Just been diagnosed with hepc have genotype 1a F1-F2 I am awaiting 2-4 weeks to get approved for harvoni. I have been having itching. It is worse at night and I wondered why. Is there anything you can do for this? My viral load went from 1418098 to 3015748 in 3 wk span of tests. Is it normal to have fluctuation like this? Are these high viral loads? Is genotype 1a easyto cure. I have probably had this virus for 40 yrs.

[gnatcatcher]

Welcome, MR 149. Viral loads do jump around all over the place, so not to worry. Harvoni will be up to the task: my viral load was over 9 million, yet the test just four weeks into treatment reported the HCV was already undetected. (I had HCV for nearly 44 years when I started treatment.)

Here is a link to a good article about hep C and itching:
http://hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/factsheets_pdf/pruritus.pdf

Glad you'll soon be on your way to being cured.

Gnatty

[dragonslayer]

Hi all I am new to this forum. Just been diagnosed with hepc have genotype 1a F1-F2 I am awaiting 2-4 weeks to get approved for harvoni. I have been having itching. It is worse at night and I wondered why. Is there anything you can do for this? My viral load went from 1418098 to 3015748 in 3 wk span of tests. Is it normal to have fluctuation like this? Are these high viral loads? Is genotype 1a easyto cure. I have probably had this virus for 40 yrs.

The itching can  be both confounding and annoying.  What's confounding is that the itching I experienced before, during, and after treatment was accompanied by no appreciable liver damage, and normal bilirubin levels.  It usually occurred on the tops of the feet, toes, and ankles.  You could feel it coming on almost like a slight burning in the area, and scratching immediately made it worse.. It was not unusual to draw blood and could last as long as an hour.  I tried everything, and the only thing which had any effect at all was calamine lotion, which is Really strange because there was never external rash or skin condition accompanying the itching.. Maybe it just soothed the area..

At any rate, I havent had an episode in a couple of months.. My hepatologist didnt think anything of it as relating to liver condition since the liver condition never measured worse than stage/grade 0-1.

So with little to no liver damage and  normal liver function values, its quite possible the condition, while exasperating, could having nothing to do with the disease or your liver condition.

[MR 149]

Hi did you have any itching from the Harvoni? It seems after starting it I am on day 7 my itching increased

[andrew j]

I had a bit of itching when I was on Harvoni - and actually - it might have been around my ankles etc. (like dragonslayer) - and maybe around my shoulders, too.

A.

[Mugwump]

For me the increase in blood flow to my skin was dramatic during the first 2 months of treatment. So if anything the sensitivity of my epidermis increased during treatment. My cheeks pinked up and I stopped looking like a ghost.

So yes I guess you could say that by taking Harvoni and removing HCV and letting my liver heal for a change the increase in health of my vital organs like the skin has been a little unnerving and itchy.

Yes, itching and skin sensitivity is a common complaint among HCV sufferers. We are also more prone to skin allergies. It has long been suspected that long term HCV infection causes a number of weird unrelated immune reactions in a great many who are infected.

With me all you have to do is mention the word itch and I start to scratch. Unfortunately,  two years post treatment I still seem to have heightened skin sensitivity and itchy skin, I guess my immune system just works that way. 

[MR 149]

Hi Mugwamp love that name!! Thank you so much for post. I did have some itching before harvoni, but it started more since I started drug. Now I am on my 8th day and the itching is better. I am hoping this will subside when my body gets used to this drug. I probably had HCV for 40+ yrs and just found out. I have until the end of Oct for 12 wks and pray I clear this damn thing. I also read that other people had itching on Harvoni, other than that zero side effects, I'll take it!!!! How long did you take Harvoni?
Stay well MR149

[dragonslayer]

In honor of Mugwump, I give you the great Cass Elliott:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZiQvTWsyPo

[Mugwump]

Hi Mugwamp love that name!! Thank you so much for post. I did have some itching before harvoni, but it started more since I started drug. Now I am on my 8th day and the itching is better. I am hoping this will subside when my body gets used to this drug. I probably had HCV for 40+ yrs and just found out. I have until the end of Oct for 12 wks and pray I clear this damn thing. I also read that other people had itching on Harvoni, other than that zero side effects, I'll take it!!!! How long did you take Harvoni?
Stay well MR149

I did a full 24 week. I might have got by with only 12 but then again you never know! The main thing is having good liver functions and being SVR. I am sure you will.

Paul; the history 60's rock groups origins is very interesting. I would imagine that them using the name "The Mugwumps" most likely doomed the group from ever seeing backing from the industry. Then again look what happened when a great song writer stepped in the talent of Denny and Mama finally had a chance to blossom.

The origin of the moniker mugwump is rather interesting in the first place. It is of Algonquin Native origin and was a term used for a war leader. So because the Algonquin, Ojibwe, Odawa, Potowatomi, Mississauga and even their enemies in the Six Nation tribes sided with the British and kicked American butt in Ontario, the term mugwump was then used to refer to General Brock among the Natives even though he was killed. So the Americans picked up on it and used it deride disaffected political turn coats especially amongst the Republicans when the bigots began to hold sway over the party long after the civil war. Something which seems to be happening at a fervid pace as the true political stripe of "Big Chief Red Neck" comes to light. Funny but history has a way of repeating itself when we forget about it. 

[Lynn K]

From the Mayo Clinic

When they mention liver they are talking about very advanced liver disease like for those in liver failure and very elevated bilirubin with yellow skin and eyes. High levels of bilirubin can cause itching. Basically itching can be caused by a lot of things.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/itchy-skin/symptoms-causes/dxc-20262871

Causes
Possible causes of itchy skin include:

Dry skin. If you don't see a crop of bright, red bumps or some other dramatic change in the itchy area, dry skin (xerosis) is a likely cause. Dry skin usually results from older age or environmental factors such as long-term use of air conditioning or central heating, and washing or bathing too much.

Skin conditions and rashes. Many skin conditions itch, including eczema (dermatitis), psoriasis, scabies, lice, chickenpox and hives. The itching usually affects specific areas and is accompanied by other signs, such as red, irritated skin or bumps and blisters.

Internal diseases. Itchy skin can be a symptom of an underlying illness. These include liver disease, kidney failure, iron deficiency anemia, thyroid problems and cancers, including leukemia and lymphoma. The itching usually affects the whole body. The skin may look otherwise normal except for the repeatedly scratched areas.

Nerve disorders. Conditions that affect the nervous system — such as multiple sclerosis, diabetes mellitus, pinched nerves and shingles (herpes zoster) — can cause itching.

Irritation and allergic reactions. Wool, chemicals, soaps and other substances can irritate the skin and cause itching. Sometimes the substance, such as poison ivy or cosmetics, causes an allergic reaction. Food allergies also may cause skin to itch.

Drugs. Reactions to drugs, such as antibiotics, antifungal drugs or narcotic pain medications, can cause widespread rashes and itching.

Pregnancy. During pregnancy, some women experience itchy skin, especially on the abdomen and thighs. Also, itchy skin conditions, such as dermatitis, can worsen during pregnancy.

[MR 149]

In honor of Mugwump, I give you the great Cass Elliott:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZiQvTWsyPo

       Hi dragonslayer thanks for that great video loved it

[dragonslayer]

       Hi dragonslayer thanks for that great video loved it

Thanks for that.  Best one I could find for Mugwump.  60s rock freak over here! If you liked that one, not to hijack the thread or anything, but here are a couple more that might ring a few bells with some of you (forgive the lip sync!):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WANNqr-vcx0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-aK6JnyFmk

[MR 149]

Hi Dragonslayer also loved those videos.White Rabbit- have that album. 1967- almost missed HS grad listening to grace. Late 60's early 70's Filmore east on weekends $5.00 admin back then.Will never forget Clapton there.You must feel great being clear of this "nasty". I am on day 9 of Harvoni. I have 12 wks, really eating clean excercising. My itching fro Harvoni seems to have subsided, try to stay out of sun, no laying out just yard work. I think sun could encourage itching. I want to feel thrill of clearing hepc. My fibro is F1-F2 which I understand is quite mendable. I had a viral load of 1.4ml on first test then second test for genotype did a viral load and went to 3mil. I am 1a. Sounds crazy but if I clear this I wonder if I could have just one itty bitty glass of wine to celebrate!!!! Probably had this 45 yrs.
I got lucky with medicare part D covering most of cost and specialty pharmacy put my info to a foundation PAN and they paid all co-pay.
Stay well
More Videos
mr149
my name is Margot

[dragonslayer]

Margot?  With a handle like Mr 149, i thought for sure you were a guy.  I got covered by my medicare advantage provider..  Thank goodness.   Youre well on the mend now and it wont be long before youre doing your happy dance and can begin the rest of your life..  I had my dose about as long as you did.. .Early 70s from messing around at  college.  I had to skip my second semester sophomore year because I turned yellow and peed brown, and was told by doctor I had Hepatitis.. There was no C diagnosis then so I thought it was B, and it probably was because I got sick as a dog from an acute phase and had to stay in bed for about a month ...  I probably also picked up a dose of C at the same time.    At any rate, ancient history now. Im not sure your itching is from Harvoni.. Like I said earlier in the thread, I had the itching before, during, and after treatment.   Havent had a recurrence for a few months now though.. I still have no idea what caused it.

Since Ive never been diagnosed with any liver condition worse than stage 0-1, my hepatologist told me I can resume life as if I never had HCV... So I allow myself 2 or maybe 3 beers or glasses of wine a week..  Only will allow myself light drinking...  With your F1-F2 fibrosis, you could probably have a glass of wine to celebrate once you reach SVR which is 12 wks POST treatment.  But if I were you, after that, Id refrain as long as possible to give your liver every chance to come back to normal. 

[andrew j]

I agree (about refraining from drinking).

I'm a year or so post-Tx - and I have to say I still feel vulnerable about the state of my liver.
I have no desire at all to drink.
Mind you - I was really unwell when I had Hep C - and I used to drink too much, back in the day.

I have to do everything I can to look after myself these days.

Best of luck with the rest of your Tx, BTW, Margot!

A.

[MR 149]

Hi Dragonslayer,
MR 149 are my initials and month and year born. I guess I was afraid to enter my name!! Why I don't know.
I actually never got really sick, no jaundice no dark pee. I was diagnosed with autoimmune sogrens and some form of vasculitis (specialists in NYU Langone said some form of vasculitis) I am now thinking all this could have been activated by this hep c in body for so long. I worked up until this past January with a very physical job and was fine up until last spring-summer fatigue thought it was autoimmune problems. It was time to retire  anyway!! My gastro dr. said I did have antibodies for hepb but it was not active and hoping Harvoni does not activate it, which I hear stats are low. Actually when I clear I will have a very occasional glass of wine, never a glass every night like I was doing before diagnosis. I am drinking 80 oz water daily and at the gym everyday getting really strong to fight off this demon. Yes I will win!! I also eat so clean I squeak!!!
This forum has been so good as only one person knows my diagnosis, as I feel there is a stigma about this disease and I am a private person. If someone asks why I don't want a glass of wine just say autoimmune meds say no.
The nurse at dr. office was telling 10 yrs ago the meds were so terrible, with really bas side effects. Maybe it was a blessing I found out in June with super drugs now with few side effects. Did you have anyof the other therepies?
I am also confident with good lifestyle my liver will mend totally, dr. said some damage but not terrible F1-F2 reversible.
So Dragonslayer I have a toast to you of fresh juiced carrots and spinach!!!
LOL
Margot

[dragonslayer]

Sounds good, Margot.   We were born the same year.  June for me.  We're so lucky we didnt have to go through interferon or ribavirin.   

Ive been going through  particularly musical period lately, so please, all, forgive my indulgence in posting two of the most beautiful pieces I know... The first is a song, and the second, my favorite concerto.. Yes I know.. my tastes run quite eclectic.  I feel okay in posting these here rather than in Off Topic, because the OP herself has expressed an musical proclivity as well   Also, obviously, these sound way better on a good system.  Hope you have more than a phone or laptop to listen on.   Keep us updated with your treatment!  Hope the itching goes away for you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbqXMQCq59U

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTE08SS8fNk&t=0m1s

[MR 149]

Hi,
Thanks for videos. Listening on my computer. Not good at tec stuff don't know how to hook up to sound system! Loved Bonnie with Crosby and Nash. Stills was missing.Stills is actually with Judy Collins in small theater Aug 23  in my town in NJ. Could not get tickets. Friend of mine is a member and she with check if some tickets become available.
If you like trumpet and good jazz singer check out Bria Skonberg. She is great. I saw her a few weeks ago at Bickford summer jazz fest in NJ It is a nice small theater. It is 5 min from my house here.
Thanks for asking about itching comes and goes so bearable for the end result. At least it is not so bad I that I am ripping at my skin!!! I have heard you should drink 1 oz of water per body weight, so I guess I better up 80 oz to 110 oz!!! I am hoping my gastro will want to test me after 1 month tx.
I will keep you posted, if I can figure out how to send you something that I don't hit "reply" Not good on computer either!!!
Oh you said you had hepatitis in Collage, how and when did you find out you had HCV? If you found out back then did you not do tx?
Let me know if you check out Bria Skonberg
Stay well
Margot

[dragonslayer]

I was going to post that Rock n Roll Hall of fame concert version with Crosby and Nash, but her voice was so much purer in that younger video..  She couldnt hit the high notes any more in the latter one. 

I love jazz too. Ill check out that singer.

I was diagnosed in 2008.  I had a new PCP at the time, and he was the first to suspect something from my moderately elevated AST and ALT.   He did the antibody test,  and after the positive result, sent me to a Gastro to order the RNA test.   I then had a biopsy and because it came back stage 0 grade 0, everybody said wait.  Thankfully!

[MR 149]

Hi Paul,
I bought some Benadryl for itching at night. I think it is ok for liver. Did you ever take Benadryl while on tx? Going to take it tonite.It is strange how it comes on so fast then goes rather fast, like a yoyo!
Forgot to ask you what part of US do you live in? Don't feel like you have to answer; I hope I am not coming off a nosy.
Margot

[Tommy E]

Hi all I am new to this forum. Just been diagnosed with hepc have genotype 1a F1-F2 I am awaiting 2-4 weeks to get approved for harvoni. I have been having itching. It is worse at night and I wondered why. Is there anything you can do for this? My viral load went from 1418098 to 3015748 in 3 wk span of tests. Is it normal to have fluctuation like this? Are these high viral loads? Is genotype 1a easyto cure. I have probably had this virus for 40 yrs.

I had itching too and yes, worse at night. Doctor prescribed Methylprednisolone. Worked very well. I could sleep. I gradually reduced the dosage over several weeks. The itching vanished altogether when I began treatment with Harvoni.

[MR 149]

Hi Tommy,
I had slight itching before. I have been on Harvoni only on day 12. It seems to have gotten a little worse. I have read that other people have had itching on Harvoni. Info given with drug said call dr. if hives or rash but I have no rash or hives. I am hoping when my body adjusts to Harvoni this will all clear. It sort of comes and goes. The drug dr. gave you is that in the prednisone family? I do have xnax to take at night if I really can't sleep. Drugest said it was ok to take with Harvoni. Other than itching I have had no side effects. How long did you take Harvoni? I am on 12 wk which is standard with no prior treatment. Did you clear virus?
Margot

[Tommy E]

Margot: I was on the 12 week course. No side effects to speak of. I have to wait til the end of Oct to see if I'm cured but my last 2 blood tests showed negative viral load. Doc is very pleased.

I guess we're all different with the itchy thing. Methylprednisolone really helped me. You just can't take it long term. I finished Harvoni  a month ago and am feeling great. Much more energy. Hope everything goes well with you.

[MR 149]

Tommy,
Thanks for reply. If this continues I will ask doc for something, want to to stay away from any kind of prednisone. I take my last pill Nov 1, and pray I clear this virus. I had it probably long time just found out end of June with blood work for rheumatologist. This Harvoni so far no side effects other than skin, certainly can deal with that if I am cured! I have been eating well no processed anything tons of water daily and exercising. Let me know how October goes for you. I guess we owe our health to Gilead sciences.
Margot

[Tommy E]

Margot: Will do. Most clear the virus but if Harvoni doesn't do it there are other options. My Doc said he's treated 90+ with only one fail. Good odds.

[MR 149]

Margot: Will do. Most clear the virus but if Harvoni doesn't do it there are other options. My Doc said he's treated 90+ with only one fail. Good odds.

Hi Tommy got the phone call today I am undetected of the virus. I am starting my 5th week of tx will finish up oct 31. I am so thrilled that I cleared this monster. How are you feeling?  Keep me posted
Margot

[MR 149]

Hi Tommy got the phone call today I am undetected of the virus. I am starting my 5th week of tx will finish up oct 31. I am so thrilled that I cleared this monster. How are you feeling?  Keep me posted
Margot

forgot to tell you no more itchy skin since past 7 days

[gnatcatcher]

Double congratulations! These past 7 days must have felt wonderful, and now you've got great news to propel you through the rest of treatment. You've so got this!

[Tommy E]

Hi Tommy got the phone call today I am undetected of the virus. I am starting my 5th week of tx will finish up oct 31. I am so thrilled that I cleared this monster. How are you feeling?  Keep me posted
Margot

Hey Margo, that's awesome! Congrats! My latest results showed negative viral load. Final clear Nov 1. Then I'm doing the Snoopy Dance and I've got the energy to do it too.    

[gnatcatcher]

Double congrats to you, too, Tommy: UD and energy! Margot and Tommy, there are a couple of guys on other threads who are having really rough times right now, so please imagine sending some of your positive energy to them.

[Tommy E]

Sure thing, which thread(s)?

[gnatcatcher]

Oh, I'm not asking you to read the threads (negative energy can be contagious, too). Just know there are two dudes here who could use some positive energy right now. It'll get to them.

[Tommy E]

forgot to tell you no more itchy skin since past 7 days

Great! None for me either for weeks, like I had experienced prior to treatment.

[MR 149]

Double congrats to you, too, Tommy: UD and energy! Margot and Tommy, there are a couple of guys on other threads who are having really rough times right now, so please imagine sending some of your positive energy to them.

What other threads love to send them positive energy as I am over the moon with clearing; negative thoughts are not part of me anymore; the fear of not clearing gone
Margot