Breathing and shortness of breath- Riba?

I've noticed a slight increase in shortness of breath. It seems to happen after I take the Riba. It doesnt seem to go away as quick as day 2 or 3.  I am on day 6.
I did read in another post that it is a side effect of the treaments. What are the signs of being anemic? My first lab work isnt till Jan 12.

[hepcD]

It might be anxiety or it could be the meds or both. If you are having constant breathing problems you should call your doctor. Your blood work on the 12 will tell you if your anemiac. How old are you GB ? What is your geno type?

[GB2007]

I am 51, geno 1, VL-1.4m and male. You know, it could be anxiety.  I have felt a bit of that at times the last 2-3 days. When I do, I do something to occupy my mind. I really do not want to take another pill.

[APKhaos]

It all feels weird for the first month or so. Everything is potentially worrying, and its hard to know what really matters.

One of the most common sides of Riba is a [potentially rapid] reduction in haemoglobin count. Haemoglobin is the stuff that carries O2 molecules in the blood, so as this count goes down you may feel weak, and notice that you become breathless more readily. Too low HGB = <10 = officially anemic.

Check you last CBC for your starting HGB count. Most men are in the 14 range [women tend higher]. Your Dr should be watching for the absolute reduction towards 10, and the rate of reduction. If HGB is dropping rapidly, then steps may need to be taken. Don't let it get too close to 10 before taking action - either Riba dose reduction or 'rescue' drugs that act to raise the HGB count. These drugs can take 4 to 6 weeks to take full effect, so its good to be ahead of the game.

First thing you should do is to let your Dr know about your symptoms.

[hepcD]

The ribaviran does have a speed like effect. You should avoid caffeine if possible. Make sure you are drinking your water.

[GB2007]

My HBG was 14.5 on my last CBC 11/28. Platelets were borderline low which I quess goes with the territory.
I am so glad you guys are here. Thanks for relieving some of the concern.
No caffiene here, My weight is 270 something and that would call for about 135 oz.  I am drinking about 96 oz water daily and I have to be very careful and make sure the ascities does'nt come back. My last abdominal cat scan showed minimal ascities.

[Toby G]

I too get shortness of breath, week 12, geno 1a, my hemoglobin count is 14, {12 to 17) good. Did go on low does of anxioty medicine , effexor 37.5 , helped some, but notice it most if Im not drinkin enough water, Good Luck!

[APKhaos]

With HGB at 14, which is close to where most of us start, your breathlessness may be due to something other than anemia.
I've been bouncing along the borderline at 10 for 20 weeks or so. Not so bad, although I'm not signing up for triathalons right now :-)

[NYCMark]

Shortness of breath is a know side effect of ribavirin. It's more commonly due to anemia or dehydration, but it can be a side effect of riba.  You are wise to watch your fluid intake if you are prone to ascites. It must be ad ifficult balancing act to get enough but not too much water!

Mark

[cuteus]

if hgb of 14 is significantly lower than YOUR usual normal, it will be felt as SOB (shortness of breath).  It does not matter if it is still within the normal range from the lab, it is Your normal range that will determine if the reduction of blood oxygen, will be felt and how severely.  Just a fraction of a point HGB reduction makes me feel SOB.

[ladybug52]

Ya know I have had some shortness of breath and dizziness off and on, but today I've had a lot of energy and no sob or light headed feeling. I'm no expert, just finished 4 of 24, but the only thing I'm sure about is it's been very inconsistent with the sides.
Best of luck,
Bug

[Bill1954]

I've been known as SOB for years, regardless of my hemoglobin, Ivette! Just wanted to stop by and say hi; don't see you in here as much anymore... I hope all is well in your life,

Bill

[bobbyullc]

I HAD SEVERE SHORTNESS OF BREATH AND MY HGB NEVER WENT BELOW 13. IT IS NORMAL.

[orphanedhawk]

Shortness of breath is indeed common. I used to do a lot of yoga so I do deep breathing which does seem to help.

[GB2007]

I see my Primary tomorrow to get some more insight into the fluid issue. I had been on a 32oz restriction since last Jan4, so it is wonderful to be able to do more than just sip water for a change.

[GB2007]

Good Morning......me thinkest you guys are right. :-)

[ladybug52]

Good morning! I have been on too long, I have to leave for work. Have a great day!
Bug

[NYgirl]

It sounds as if it might be anxiety related.  Did your doctor put you on an antidepressent before you started treatment?  Mine advised due to the high number of people unable to finish treatment due to severe depression/anxiety that I should start Paxill a month BEFORE the Interferon and I did. I've not once regretted that decision.

Generally the shortness of breath that is associated with Riba comes from the hemolytic anemia that we can develop. That is one of the reasons it is SO important to have a CBC at LEAST every other week.  It can be cured with "rescue drugs" like Procrit and Epogen but it takes some time and is the most horrible, devastating thing in the WORLD if you don't catch it in time and it drops fast and drastically.

But at six days I've never heard of anyone having this problem that fast ever.

If I was you I'd talk to the doc about an AD...(if you don't have an aversion to them - some people do and I don't know why...it doesn't say we're CRAZY just that we are on a medication that can cause SEVERE life threatening depression and we are taking them prophalactically (can't spell that).

They've helped me a LOT I think - I've had a lot of major **** happen in the past 68 weeks that should have shoved me under the bus even without treatment...but I managed along without any real bad anxiety or anything.  That's odd because before...I worried about stuff ENDLESSLY. Probably should have taken them all of my life but never knew it ;) Like I said NYGirl = Crazy.

:)

Make SURE you stay on top of your blood work! And make sure you get a copy of EVERY SINGLE piece of paper regarding every single test result.  Later on...you will be SO GLAD you did.  It is CRUCIAL.

[merlino]

I too was hit hard by anemia and the shortness of breath was just horrible. I was down to 8.8. Now I am up to 11.3 and climbing the 2 flights up to my office still leaves me a little breathless.

Hey Deb. left you a few posts below. Will be in touch soon.

[GB2007]

Yes, I have been on an AD for 14 months. Pamelor 10mg (low dose)1x.  It does a good job and any depression doesnt stick around long...least not yet anyway. We asked if it should be upped and the doc said "No, lets wait".

[GB2007]

Heard this morning that my CBC from Friday shows platelets at 101 and HGB still holding at 14. I'll take it! Thanks for posting.