Any acceptable meds? Also test stuff again... Update

[tigerdream]

I was wondering what type of muscle relaxants are the least dangerous to the liver? My Gen. Phys. prescribed tizanidine (Zanaflex)but from what I see it can cause liver failure as a "side affect". I take Ultraset 37.5 mg. tramadol (Ultram) and 325 acetaminophen for pain once in a while, but if I could get away with just taking a safer Muscle Relaxant I would be very happy not to take the Ultraset as often. Also just an update on my newest work-up (37 yrs. old female, Hep C Pos. for approx. 17 yrs. last biopsy 7 yrs. "looked good" at the time) Ultrasound clear (except for my new friend Gawlly, a 1.5 cm. gallstone, might explain the off and on pain in my right side) My CBC2 all perfectly mid-range normal, BUN, GLUC., CREA., BILI., AMYL. = Normal.  AST=26 ALT=30 ALKP=70  Genotype 2b, PCR (viral load) evidently did not make it to the Lab and has been re-drawn today. I am not on TX, want to avoid it at all cost, thinking it sounds like maybe I can hold out for the protease inhibitor stuff. But have to wait for the viral load to come back, and hopefully not have to do a biopsy again if its low. Hows this all sound, any comments? Its alot for my brain to sort out, so any commentarys or observations are very welcome. THANKS ~Tigerdream~

[baby4cakes]

HI I NEED TO KNOW IF ANYONE IS TAKING PAIN MED VICDION I TAKE IT FOR BACK PAIN.I KNOW IT HAS ACETAMINOPHEN IN IT.SOME OF THE INFO I GOT SAY'S NOT TO TAKE IF YOU HAVE CIRRHOSIS OF THE LIVER DUE TO DRINKING I HAVE IT MILD DUE TO HEP C SCARING OF THE LIVER.IT ALSO SAY'S NO DRINKING WITH THIS I NOT DRINK ANYMORE BUT I DID DRINK WITH THIS MED BEFOR.OH WELL THAT'S IN THE PAST I WANT TO KNOW IF IT WILL HURT MY LIVER I KNOW SOMEONE ON HERE IS ON TX AND TAKING ES VICDION FOR PAIN YOU HEAR ONE THING FROM ONE DOCTOR AND ANOTHER THING FROM THE OTHER ANY INFO ON THIS.

                   THANK YOU ALL I'M NEW ON HERE

[tigerdream]

Yeah, I have muscle cramps (spasms) alot, started some years ago, it comes and goes, but when its bad its bad. My joints get screwy, ouch, and then the muscles seem to follow like a chain reaction. I don't know why it happens but it does. Appreciate all the advice above. Thanks.

[Merlin51]

For the rashes and itches- I took benadryl- helped a bit... but I found by simply putting a cortizone/aloe creme it helped greatly..
good luck and hang in there

[MajNeni]

Are you having muscle cramps, by chance?  If so, try drinking
tonic water/quinine water.  Quinine helps against cramps - I don't know how, but this is the cheapest and most convenient way to "deliver" it when you need it.

{PS:  that tip came from my Gastro doc.}

[MajNeni]

Are you having muscle cramps, by chance?  If so, try drinking
tonic water/quinine water.  Quinine helps against cramps - I don't know how, but this is the cheapest and most convenient way to "deliver" it when you need it.

[raheem]

Zanaflex is ****, the worst drug I think I've ever taken. Made me very dopey, not in a good way,lol. Severe visual disturbances, couldn't focus properly.  Really a lousy drug-at least for me.  What about valium?

[myrtles]

Thanks for the earlier post about itching.  I looked at it and there is some good advice and tips.  I will try one at a time and see which works for me.  I'll keep you guys posted.

Tuna, ginger anything will help settle the stomach.  There are ginger snaps which is a cookie and there is ginger tea also.  And of course ginger ale.

Have a great day everyone!!  God bless you all!!

[MajNeni]

Benadryl can help calm the itches and also makes you sleepy.  It is part of Tylenol PM.  Store brands are cheaper.  Safe for tx as long as you're not doubling them up, such as Benadryl+sleep aid.

[Tosser]

Hi Myrtles, I remember reading a post from Bodie, and replies from 9/07/03 about itching and rashes. There were several items suggested that you might try. If you find a good product, let us all know. Thanks and may God bless.
Tosser

[petespin]

"gawlly", that was great!  I am still laughing...

My own theory on "brain fog":  the fatigue takes a toll on the body and brain and memory.  I do get a bit irked over fatigue being viewed as "mere tiredness"; I think the disease does wear your mind and body down, and that  "fatigue" is the best word to describe it.  I have found that a couple of months into my tx, the peg-interferon/ribavirin added its own twist.  as an example, I am a musician and music teacher;  I have had moments where I look at a page of music and wonder why someone put all those little black dots on the page, and what they had to do with my violin.  Lately, it seems that my imagination and memory are more closely intertwined. I imagine things that I were clear as day as a memory, and I remember things (accoording to other people) that I thought I just imagined.  

Oh well, 24 down, 24 to go...

[tigerdream]

Yes OkieJim, I agree, the prize is right. And really I know the best time to do it is now. I sure would hate to find out later that waiting was a mistake. Still I want to wait for my viral load, and call my physician to get a biopsy though she has not even mentioned it but like Galen said, I know that is the real indicator. I'm just going to call her and ask to set it up (yuck I hate it) Galen , the last one I had was 7 yrs ago and at the time they said " it looks good" (no actual results just not to worry). Which now I'm starting to keep records so I ask for copies of everything. I do worry because starting about a yr. 1/2 ago I have had mid abdominal pain that would come and go (still does) it can be very intense (have to lie down), after telling Drs. about it I got prevacid (twice) but it did'nt make it go away, it can be really tender to push on. It comes in cycles but is not quite as frequent as it was for awhile. Also, you talk about brain fog and I have had this thing where it feels like my head is full of sand (not literaly) but feels, yes foggy, my memory slightly worse. Sometimes have to think really hard about what I ate for lunch yesterday, what time I went to bed, etc. I was wondering if "brain fog" is from the virus, or liver damage, or if I just have a gallstone lodged in my brain too, LOL (just kidding). Anyhow, I do tend to blab so, I'll save some for future posts. Any advice is appreciated. THANKS!   ~Tigerdream~

[Galen]

Ginger can help settle your stomach.

[tuna]

Whats the deal with ginger snaps? I've seen it on a few post but never got the point! If its somebodys private joke I'll mind my own bus.

[Galen]

The Ultracet is Tramadol with Tyelenol and while it is good for some types of pain, it also gives most people insominia if taken later in the day.  
Unfortunately, normal liver enzymes are not indicative of the amount of damage to the liver, nor is viral load.  The gold standard is still a liver biopsy.  Have you had one yet?

[OkieJim]

Your results are great if this was the pre-TX bloodwork. Your viral load is low and that makes it much easier to clear from.  Mine was 1,080,000 ui. YaHoooooooo!!!!  For some strange reason I am feeling really happy today??? I guess it's the fact that so many have been completing TX and clearing and feeling good again. And more are comming on, and others are along side. Jesus I love this place. May Gods blessing touch us all. His strength will make us all strong.

[myrtles]

Hey Okie,

I am here just a step slower than normal.  haha  I am just getting my appetite back from the weekend wars.  I am glad to hear you are doing ok/sort of.  I have two sides that are real bad.  One is a rash on my legs and arms only.  They itch like crazy and then there's the insomnia.  I am taking tylenol pm for rest and bone aches but I haven't found anything for the rash.  Anybody have any ideas for the rash?  I was wondering about bynedryl (sp?)?  Has anybody tried that?

I got some test results back today.  It was the HCV Quantasure Plus.  does anybody know what that means?  Is it the viral load test?  The description says "This test measures HCV RNA".  It was 654,000 iu.  Is that good or bad?

I hope the gindersnaps work for you Okie.  I have also tried vanilla wafers for the acid reflux yuks.  It helps some for whatever that's worth.

I am trying to keep a good attitude.  I think that is a good part of this tx.  Thanks for the prayers and help on Monday.  It was definitely the worst yet.  All of you fellow warriors are in my prayers!!  Be of good cheer and encouraged!!  God loves us and is here for us all!!

[OkieJim]

Hey I have been told I have the same friend GawLee,  I'm on week two of Pegasys/Copegus 51 yrs male 2b. My Gasto decided to leave my friends alone to get me on TX.  Cirrosis, so he wants to get it now then worry about the stones.  I also have the pains you talk about. They come and go.  Sides for me are tolerable, Fever/Flu for 1-2 days after shot. Big ole rock sits on the bottom of my stomach pretty much always. General yucky feeling most of the rest of the week. I still work at my regular job though and have just had to slow down for awhile.  For me the prize was right and I'm glad I started.

Myrtles,
I miss you!!!  I know I haven't been here much either. I guess we are both feeling the same.  My wife bought me some ginger snaps so I'll try some tonight.  Thanks for the hint.