Question
My family doctor says I cannot work anymore because of the Hepatits C and Rheumatoid Arthritis. I can hardly move,my whole body aches all the time. My family doctor says I should be able to get Disability. However I have been denied of it. Could you please tell me if you think I am able to go back to work. The meds my doctor wants to give me affects my liver and I am at a stage 2 of my Hepatitis C. I havent worked for over a year now and I need money to pay my bills and for my meds.
Answer
Treatment decisions are complex for patients with RA who are Hep C positive. Since many patients with Hep C have joint pain or have joint pain associated with therapy for Hep C, it is often difficult to tell how much pain is coming from RA. Some physicians are advocating treating Hep C and RA at the same time with both interferon and a TNF inhibitor. You need to see a rheumatologist to consider therapy and then make a decision on disability.
