Anyone else feel this way on tx?

Burning muscles shortness of breath very achy joints. A bit depressed and scatter brained. And my anxiety is through the roof, without any obvious triggers. I am on week 4. Ugh!

[lacyjane67]

Hang in there Summer, it does get better. You are probly more depressed than you realize. I refused antidepressents for several months before my husband went to the dr with me and insisted I needed them. They have been a miracle pill for me. Yes the scatter brain goes with it, and the people around you probly will not understand. Ask you dr about an antidepressent. I am on lexapro and can not even tell I am taking it except my attitude has changed a whole lot. This should help you with you anxiety too. I know the drs say your worst will be the first few shots or so. But they fail to mention all the other side affects. Hang in there! You are not alone.

[nygirl7]

If you are already running short of breath remember to make sure the doctor is doing frequent hemoglobin tests (in your CBC).  If you get down under 10 there is a drug they can give you to help called Procrit but you have to make sure to watch yourself  because some doctors don't check - don't realize how bad the anemia is and don't offer it to their patients.

I took an AD a month before treatment all through treatment. It helped me greatly and probably I needed it all of my life and never even knew it. They take about amonth to work so if you are starting to feel depressed/anxious etc. talk to your doctor now about it.

[alagirl]

I was on ad's during tx and didn't really get depressed.  But, my joints were so bad that even major narcotics weren't doing the trick.  

[lacyjane67]

I was looking over the post and you said your joints hurt really bad. My have been terrible latly, hard to lay down can not even sleep. Did this go away after tx??

[annieCinMD]

You should have your doctor address the anxiety/depression. I had a panic attack driving to work one morning, and I got put on Xanax. It really helps. I just started back on treatment after being stopped for 2 weeks due to low blood counts.  I had some other medical testing done yesterday that forced me off Xanax for 48 hours. I figured since I haven't been started back up on tx that long, I could handle it. Well, it was pretty rough, my stomach was very upset, and I didn't sleep real well the night before.  Today was so much better! I had an appetite, felt pretty clear headed. The Xanax helps me feel normal.

[thegypsy9164]

Hi Summer,

Week 4 is a good start.  I did the beginning of week 27 today (21-weeks to go).  Lots of sides going on.  I hesitate to start listing them as the intent is not to discourage, but what you've described is some of what I've experience too.  At this very moment I feel like I've been severely beaten with a ball bat.  That is a common side for me throughout so far.

On a daily basis it is hell.  As time goes by and looking back, I can see where it is passing quickly, which encourages me to hang in there and see it through to the end.  I'm sure I'll be to week 48 in no time...just like you.  
God bless.
Joey

[Isobella]

It's not unusual at all to really start feeling the hits at week 4.  Your body is thinking..."what the heck???.  It is defo an adjustment period.

I started Zoloft before tx and was taking 1/2 a dose (25mg) until week 7 when I couldn't stop crying.  Odd behavior for me-so I upped to the full dose until about week 24.  Now am looking to wean off around 12 weeks post tx.  

Zanax on an as needed basis helped as well.  The atarax I take for itching also has a calming effect.  But I find that all 3 in a day would really make the fatigue worse.

Scatterbrained...aka brain fog.  It's part of the package.  Start making lists, keeping things in their place and minimizing distractions when doing important things.  Like driving, cooking.  We all have our tales to tell. Funny looking back...during, not so. Myself....I've only left the groceries in the car overnight twice.  The coleslaw did not survive. I only forgot to go to work once the whole 48 weeks ;)

This sounds impossible probably, but the thing I found that best helped my joint pain was going for a walk.  I always hated to do it, but it never once failed to make me feel better.  Just a short walk even.  In the evening or early morn when it's not so hot to make your itchies worse.

Good luck to you.  Hang in there and keep your eyes on SVR.

Isobella

[RCM829]

I agree with Isobella.
Getting out and doing a mild form of exercise really helps  with many of the side effects, both physical and mental. This may be difficult to do on many days, but trust me, it works.

Hang tough and good luck!

[Isobella]

Endorphins...they work wonders.

[IMstacie]

you may feel like you can't exercise at all - so do what you can, walking, fresh air.  I was so sick & weak at 4 weeks but it did level out.  hang in there.

[Summer333]

feel like a nervous breakdown is around the corner, There is nothing stranger than becoming so anxious and depresssed for no apparent reason out of te blue just because of a pillyou swollow.Ahhh! I sooo cant wait to see rhe doc on tuesday.