Expert: Dr. Kristina Conner - 7/6/2006

Question
Hi Kristina,

Last year I treated for 7 months with Interferon/Ribaviron for Hepatitis C.  Although I cleared the virus I have what appears to be post treatment problems.  I am a very holistic person and it was just horrible to put that poison in my body.  In case you are not aware, Interferon is a form of chemo.  It has been a year since the treatment.

I have been diagnosed with chronic fatigue/fibromyalgia.  I seem to hurt all over.  I have a lot of cramping in my feet as well.  My hair which was beautiful and curly is so thin.  I didn't lose all my hair but about 50%.  It turned straight during the treatment and is now coming back a little curly but so fine and thin.  I have had my hormones checked and I still have the hormones of a teenager my doc says (I'm 48) all my bloodwork is fine, including thyroid.  There is no "medical" explanation as to why I have these problems.  Presently I take:  milk thistle, selenium, alpha-lipoic acid, catylan, CoQ enzyzme 10, essential fatty acids, mag glycinate, calcium, multi-vitamin, Natura's Botanial Treasures, biotin, and biosil which probably help but I feel so crappy all the time.  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you so much for taking the time.

Caryn

Answer
Caryn,
Thanks for your question and interest in natural options.  I am well aware of the significant side effects many people experience both during and after treatment with interferon.  It's possible that your diagnosis of fibromyalgia is really due to the effects of the treatment as well as the hepatitis itself.  I would look further at the testing you have had done for hormones; often blood testing is not as sensitive as saliva or urine testing, and there are additional blood thyroid function tests (beyond TSH) that can be checked as well.  That may lead to a cause for your symptoms, and point you in the direction of treatments.  I have seen great improvement for many people with hepatitis, who were treated with interferon or not, from naturopathic treatment.  
In the meantime, or if you are unable to get further testing done, you can addressed your symptoms with an organic whole foods diet, with complex carbohydrates, essential fats, and quality proteins; a comprehensive detoxification treatment including diet, supplements, hydrotherapy, and other treatments; regular massage or other body work; and quality supplements.  From your list, you are taking some of the right things, but I can't tell if they are good quality or the correct dosages.  These factors are just as important as which ones you are taking.  
Diet changes you can certainly make on your own, as well as some of the other changes.  I'd suggest you enlist the help of a licensed naturopathic doctor, or other practitioner experienced in natural medicine.  They can evaluate your symptoms, do testing, evaluate supplements, and give you more personalized recommendations.  You can search for a naturopathic doctor at www.naturopathic.org.
Good luck in your search.
In health,  
Dr Conner