My husband has HEP C, geno type 1a. does one usually have severe stomache pain with this disease? It is so severe, when he has a BM, it simply takes his breath away, is there any other medical problem you would suggest we test for as well?? His labs have dropped as well, RBC is at 4.02..normal is 4.10-5.70 Hemo low as well, 12.8 normal is 13.0 -17.0. Would you reccomend starting procrit at this point, he is only into his 6th injection of Pegintron and Riba treatment and dropped already. any help would be appreciated, thank you Patty & Dennis

Severe abdominal pain is not a usual problem with HCV infection and should be discussed with your husband's doctor. The list of potential causes of abdominal pain is extensive, but the cause can usually be uncovered.

With regard to treatment of anemia with Procrit it depends on symptoms, but typically Procrit is considered when if the hemoglobin drops under 11grams. Best of luck to you and your husband!