Anger, Irritability, Mood Swing Post Treatment

[Gino2]

First off I would like to say thank you because this site and all of the users have helped me out so much before, during and post HCV treatment. I completed a 24 week triple therapy treatment at the beginning of November 2013 and had SVR at 4, 12 and 24 weeks. I have my final blood draw here next week to make sure I still have an undetectable viral load. Treatment was not too bad physically, but emotionally I was a wreck. I was irritable, frustrated, angry, depressed, mood swings - and the list could go on. My doctor told me that side effects could last a month or two post treatment, but lately it seems they are getting stronger - not subsiding. I had a rough year in 2013 with back surgery, brother in law passed away, sister almost died in a motorcycle accident, and I was let go from work - all while I was going through treatment. In addition, my first children were born. Yes, I said children - we had twin boys and that in itself has been almost too much to handle.

Has anyone ever experienced these symptoms? If so, how long? Any advice on coping with these issues? Thanks guys.

[nan535]

With so many different life events you have experienced, not knowing you its hard to know what would be the right fit.  My gut tells me you may want to begin by joining a grief and loss support group to deal with the loss of your brother-in-law assuming you were close.  Your hcv treating doctor/medical group may be able to help you with a recommendation for a support group also. When my husband had his transplant he joined a liver transplant support group and it was very helpful for him to be able to share his feelings and experience and hear from others as well.  
      A man he met in group one night looked like he was at death's door. My husband was one month post transplant and feeling and looking great.
He told the man to hang in there as he was where he was just a month earlier.
We saw him again four months later.  He had had his transplant and looked terrific.  He and his wife told us that seeing and hearing my husband tell him it would be alright and to stay strongand  gave him the strength to go on. Made my husband feel like a million bucks!
     You may also want to seek out a psychologist. Also, why not try a woman if a male didn't work for you. The point is to don't give up, if one think doesn't work, try something else.  Knowing you need help is half the battle.
   And don't forget you always have this forum!

All the best,
Nan

[Gino2]

Thank you for your kind words. Yeah, 2013 was an indescribable year. I have seen a psychiatrists but either he wasn't for me or the one on one setting doesn't do it for me. What type of support group would you recommended?

[nan535]

Gino
Let me get this straight - you went through triple treatment (ugh) for 24 weeks,
had back surgery, lost your brother-in-law, almost lost your sister, lost your job and had twins sons born all in the same year and you're wondering why you are still  irritable, frustrated, angry, depressed, having mood swings?

My goodness, man, you are only human! Give yourself a break.  The triple treatment alone could take several months to clear your system. The emotional upheaval from all of those major  life events is enough to put anyone in a tailspin, without having triple treatment side effects to deal with.

My personal advice is to join a support group or get some professional help to help you work through all of these feelings.  Take good care of yourself.
In time, things will be better and you will really experience the joy of being a parent to those beautiful twin boys.

I wish you all the best.  God bless...you are stronger than you think.
Nan