Dental Work and Sun Exposure on TX

Dental work --

My NP recommended that I hold off getting my teeth cleaned this week to lower the risk of infection from bacterial seeding. Currently I'm on antibiotics for what is may be a bacterial prostate infection. Wondering what advice you've been given regrading minor dental work such as teeth cleaning. Currently on I'm on a 6-month schedule so I suppose I can push it off for another couple months when I should be finished treating.

Sun Exposure --

Wondering what your collective experience has been regarding sun exposure while on treatment, and if you had a problem with the sun, how soon it resolved after you stopped treating?

I have an odd situation where parts of my body (mainly face) have become sensitized to the sun probably because of the drugs. But at the same time I need sunlight as well as light therapy because of my psoriasis.

-- Jim

[sailinlady]

I had my teeth cleaned shortly after starting tx and have it scheduled again in March.  I made sure my dentist was aware of the HCV & tx.  It didn't seem to make any difference.  It is not my favorite experience to begin with but it was no more unpleasant that any other time. No infections or bleeding.

As far as sunshine, I live in Arizona.  It's hard to stay out of it.  I don't lay in the sun like I did in my younger years due to minor skin cancers but my husband rides a Harley and he is in it all the time.

---------------------------------
I have a stupid question:  Are we contagious right now?  I took my dog to the vet this morning and I had a bloodly nose in the examining room.  Lots of fun trying to hold the dog and bleeding all over.  Anyway, no one came near my blood but it made me think about it.

[FlGuy]

I was also on 6 mth schedule with Dentist. I was dx, bx, and started tx in rapid succession. I decided to skip DDS for several reasons: the potential infection, did not want to risk them til clear, did not want to disclose, rather spend time during tx on more pleasant activities like reading walking and kids.  So I'll pick up at the one year mark - but still flossin' cleaning and rinsing.
As to sun...During tx this maddog stayed out of the mid day sun. But main physical activity was walking.  Did it early am and after dusk.  Still exposed to sun in Fla but no adverse effects that I noticed - I guess it's hard for me to get past the 'gaunt' look to see closer.

[NYgirl]

My teeth are so BAD I can't tell you.  I have one that is killing me so last night I went in with a mirror and was like HOLY GOD LOOK AT ALL THE CAVITIES!!!!! Never ever before was it like this EVER.

Thanks to the Interferon there is NO WAY I will be able to avoid the dentist.  I need to go ASAP.  Interferon appears to just eat teeth because mine are just rotting away fast!

As per sun...it's winter right now so here in NY it's not that bad. I've always LOVED the sun but my skin is SO SO DRY from tx that I can't imagine putting it under any more drying stress.  As it is I have to SLATHER on lotion everywhere just to survive the RibaRash!

[NYgirl]

Yup we are contagious until after we are SVR and undetectible.  I have to tell my dentist this week for SURE when I go for example.

I don't know if your dog could get it or not though - but if the people were exposed to the blood and had open cuts or something they sure could.

I cut myself a lot around my job - little nicks - and am ALWAYS checking myself during the day for papercuts even.  I am VERY worried I could give it to someone.  I have tried to explain to them SEVERAL times not to use my tape gun or scissors or items just in case but they do NOT get it and I'm like well would you like me to bleed onto your salad because when you use my sharp belongings over here...you are taking quite a chance LOL ;-)

Just kidding I hope you know.  I wouldn't likely bleed into someones salad to kill them I'd more likely bring out the .44.


;-)

[sailinlady]

So, @ <50 IU/ml I am probably still contagious?, Or not?  Neither the vet or assistant came anywhere close to my blood, I managed to contain it and bleed all over myself.  It gave me something to think about though.  Not that I plan on going around bleeding on people. LOL I am very careful with cuts.

It does bring up the question of animals.  I know that cats get HIV.

[Califia]

No one ever suggested that I avoid dental procedures and regular cleaning did not seem to cause any problems.  Perhaps the antibiotics you're already on could serve some prophylactic effect if you do decide to go dental.  The sun was something else altogether, though.  Maybe it's related to how melanin-challenged we are.   All I know is that even the heat in a warm car made my skin feel like it was smoking, and sun exposure set off rash.  I was forced to take the goth route and avoid sun as much as possible.  And riba effects are pretty tenacious, it seems.  My face still displays random areas of dryness that refuse to disappear.   Moral:  SP40 was definitely made for folks like us.

[cuteus]

In the 70 some wks of tx, I went for dental work every year up to my maximun benefit allowed. I had fractured teeth before tx, and several cavities, got more fractures and cavities that needed tending to during tx plus a bridge and some crowns and a teeth cleaning or two. No one advised me not to. I was always on antibiotics after major stuff anyways.  If you can wait for the cleaning, do it if your WBC is lower than normal. Mine was not too bad, low normal.
As for the sun; after my first shot when the site was exposed to the Summer sun and turned black like a bruise, I freaked out and took it easy in the Summer. I did not used a lot of sunscreen or avoided the normal outdoor  activities, just did not expose my skin more than necessary. The heat is what got me the most when I was in the sun, it was exhausting and nauseating.  The sensory system on the skin seems to go out of whack also. Things feel hotter or colder than they really are.

Chimps are human are the only mammals that can be infected with HCV, the last I heard. Once you have been SVR post tx for a while, your blood should not be passing on any virus.  How about our organs?

[NYgirl]

If you are undetectible you are not considered contagious end of story.  <50 sounds pretty undetectible to me right? I'm 419 and with the OLD testing I would be undetectible but I'm not - YET.

Why in like two years or something you can even go out and buy life insurance again!  :)  That's when you KNOW that you KNOW that you KNOW hahahahaha.

[cuteus]

chimps are human? omgosh! AND is the conjunction intended. gee!
more cognitive stuff? grrr...

[sailinlady]

Well, chimps kinda look human.  I actually know a few humans that kinda look chimpish. :)

I'm on a roll now, what about our organs?  I was always an organ donor before knowing I had HCV.  Of course I am getting to an age that more than likely no one would want them anyway.

[jmjm530]

Hey, thanks for sharing your experiences with dental visits and the sun. One part of me wants to get my teeth cleaned both for dental reasons and studies pointing to the relationship between healthy teeth/gums and overall health. On the other hand, it seems every time I have a procedure, do a new drug, etc., I end up with yet another side effect. Given my low ANC and WBC, I just may wait a few months till off treatment. Guess I gotta step up the brushing and flossing a bit :)

NY,

I remember when first disclosing Hep C to the dentist. Actually, I see a periodontist and disclosed it to the hygenist there and then to my dentist in another office. Their reaction was fine -- actually they seemed unphased -- but the shocking thing was how unaware they seemed to be of Hep C. I would have thought they'd at least bring out the full-face masks LOL but I noticed nothing different. That said, I've heard some people here getting a very hard time after disclosing. If that's the case, I'd simply get up and leave because the last thing you want is to be treated like a leper.

-- Jim

[FlGuy]

Our church could use a gently used organ.  Perhaps a Nordlie pipe organ? Every 8 weeks we have the bloodmobile come by to do their routine collection.  Am feeling a little left out that I can't contribute. But, am very glad that many others do.

[jmjm530]

So like I said my NP emails me back and tells me to hold off my dental app to lower the risk of infection from bacterial seeding. Meanwhile I had cc'd my doc and he just emails back and says there should be no problem since I'm already on antibiotics. LOL. This medical treatment thing folks is not a science with hard and fast rules but I guess I don't have to tell you that :)

-- Jim

[FlGuy]

Tx is quandryville. To dentist or not, sensitive PCR or other, take tylenol or not, sailing vacation or not, fly for a firboscan or not, herbs and supplements or not, reduce meds or not, increase meds or not, blood letting or coffee enema, mircowaved blood or aluminum hats with wires.  Sometimes the decisions and approaches are overwhelming espicially for those of us who know they are not necessarily in tip-top shape to make fully rational decisions.  The best that we can do is the best we can expect from ouselves.

[jmjm530]

Would you like to expand a little on " blood letting or coffee enema, mircowaved blood or aluminum hats with wires", so when I reach those critical junctions I will already have some direction. Thanks.

-- Jim

[jmjm530]

Chev said "Jim, do you think you will start a little garden this spring?"
--------------

The only naturalistic activity I have planned is to kill off the moths and larvae that somehow invaded my abode and started feasting on some woolen coats and pants. I guess 8 months of housekeeping neglect is starting to pay dividends -- for the moths that is. Any advice on how to get rid of the moths is welcome. I do have some extra Peg but it's very hard to pin back their little wings while giving them an injection.

-- Jim

[FlGuy]

The blood letting, enemas and the heated blood were some of the 'alternative' treatments discussed here over the past several months that made for some moments of humor.  As for the aluminum hat with wires - that contribution came from Goofy.  I think it had interstellar reception so that Goofy could speak with the folks back home.

[honey11]

LOL I don't know about a coffee enema,,,,enema alone is a no no in my book but throwing in the coffee doesn't sound enticing either!
Yes,,,Try to keep on top of the teeth situation because tx can really do some damage so taking extra precautions will help so you are not sitting in dentist office the for lots of visits after you are through treating!
Sun at times felt great to be in for short periods but I had to be careful and if I spent to much time outdoors,,,I would also break out in the rash more so.

[GoofyDad]

"What is it with STUFF anyway that makes us keep it when most of it we couldn't pay people enough to haul it away. "

Ahhhh.... You've seen my garage. And my shed. And my car trunk. And under my bed. And the kitchen cabinets. And my......

[GoofyDad]

Jim: I get regular cleanings. I have kinda bad gums that need to be well kept. My dentist RXed an antibiotic mouthwash for use on tx. I personally would step up cleanings if anything, in an effort to come out the other side with as few probs as possible. Having two crowns done this month. :(

FLgut: As it turns out I have a gently used pipe organ that's not getting much use these days. Actually, it was banged on quite hard in the past, but doesn't seem worse for wear. A little slower to get warmed up and pumping now, but hopefully still has plenty of recitals left. Just not sure whether I'm ready to give it up, 'cause you never know when someone might show up wanting to play it.....

[jmjm530]

Hey, thanks for confusing the issue now that I practically made up my mind not to go to the dentist. LOL. Maybe I'll give him a call and let him be the tie break.

[FlGuy]

In that case you should hold on to it a little longer.

[mikesimon]

I was on TX for over 3 years and I saw my dentist every 3 months the entire time and still do. I remind you that I was also on anti rejection drugs. I did take an antibiotic a couple of hours prior to my appointment as a prophylactic and I never had any problems. And I had me teeth cleaned every time I saw him. He does the cleaning too which is unusual but he says he gets to know my mouth better that way. He gets to charge big time too. Mike

[jmjm530]

Chev knows her pheremone's. I guess all we  male's are suckers those female smells. Actually been online researching mothacide for the past hour. Turns out the male moths are the flyers who crash into my computer screen at night and the female's are rarely seen as they like to hide in dark corners.

But the culprits are the larvae they lay who actually do the eating. So the solution seems to be kill off the male's and females with sprays and pheremone's, and then haul everything to the dry cleaners to kill off the larvae, get the wool carpets steam cleaned, hire a housekeeper and then go have my teeth cleaned.

-- Jim

[jaroman]

If your teeth are falling apart like mine, I would go to the dentist. Mine is covering herself like an fully suited astronaut now!!!  If not, hold off, but I bet the antibiotics would protect you.
I have sun sensitivity too, but mainly at injection site/though we do burn more quickly now and can be made nauseous.  As usual,the dose is the difference. Try just a little sun.

[NYgirl]

Oh man it sounds like you know how my mouth is singing to me day and night Jaroman!

I just broke down and made an appt for Monday.  All this talk got me moving.

See...the board is a great way to give yourself the courage to do things you don't want to LOL!

[GoofyDad]

On the dentist - I would simply mention it when I made the apptment. "Hey just to let you know so you can make a note in my file....blahblahblah". Then by the time you walk in the door it's a done deal.

On the moths, I dunno  - I feel certain I've been caught in this myself....

<i>"... this trap has THAT smell to lure males...... excited males will be unable to resist the smell .... the guys go into the trap & there's a non-drying glue waiting for them."</i>

Problem with mothballs is is to damned hard to spread their legs to harvest the little buggers......

[SJL]

Please send just a line or 2, I am trying to respond to your questions and I keep getting booted off the net. Maybe if you send this it will let me respond to you.
***@****

[Califia]

Gentlemen, that pale face of mine has gone pure scarlet at hearing this wild talk.  Great pumpin' larvae, oh my!  Jim, darlin', bite the bullet or at least the tongue depressor, and get those fangs taken care of.      Although, and I've quoted this before, so bear with me, old folks--you can take the wise counsel of the BBQ guy in South Central L.A. who announced to his radio audience that

YOU DON'T NEED NO TEEF TO EAT MY BEEF

[Forseegood]

thanks for that Calibaby, no Teef, ha ha ha! Even if we are graced with your presence for only short visits, I'm thankful, I'll need your advice and quips when I jump on board....once I'm done with my per usual procrastination that is...good goof to start my day with!...speaking of which...you and your well kept gums!...I can just imagine you bangin out Toccata in Fugue in D major, ala Dracula with your gums...Wait a minute....I knew it! I knew it!, youre Wendy Carlos aren't you??? I heard she lived up North...hmmm, now everything fits!

Good to hear that it pays off to get the ole teefers in good shape before threatment - I keep on thinking I'm putting out so much dough for naught...they'll just break off when I'm treating, blah blah, but it sounds like some here were able to benefit from the good dentistry they had beforehand, at least I'm hoping as much...

Jm, I have heard of many people doing minor procedures while on the stuff, just my two cents...watch out for those moth balls, they are toxic! (I had to put out one new agey admonition out there!)

[friole]

Sounds like everything has been said that needs to be said here, but I would throw my 2 cents in with getting the teeth cleaned, Jim.  I go every 3 months and my dds said, if anything, go more often on tx (no thank you).  I would think the antibiotic would help.

NY - please do make that appointment and get your tooth taken care of.  Last winter I ended up with a cracked root in a tooth that already had a crown and root canal (I was pre-tx).  I was on a string of antibiotics all winter for sore throats, sinus infections and a thyroglossal duct cyst before the infection was traced to the root and the tooth was pulled.  By the way, I was put on Fosamax for osteopenia just prior to tx and I do think that is giving my teeth a little additional protection during tx.

On the sun and heat -- whoever mentioned that the heat was as bad as the sun -- I totally agree.  My first bout of Riba rash was not from the sun, but from the first cold night that we threw on more blankets and I wore an old winter nightgown with polyester in it.  My skin sensitivity and the heat and the old polyester fibers did a number on me.  I definitely have a sun sensitivity too.

On moths - hmmmm, Chev, I need to check into those little pherenomes.  One thing I have heard is to get all your woolens drycleaned every year, whether you wear them or not -- kills those evil larvae.

And I really do want one of those aluminum antenae thingys....
frijole

[Forseegood]

uh oh. see someone posted an email address might get zapped! hope your info goes out beforehand!

[jmjm530]

OK. You'all win. I'm going to the periodontist Friday to get my teeth cleaned. LOL. In fact, the periodontist just called back and said since I'm on broad spectrum antibiotic anyway, no problema. Yeah, for him :)

The moth battle is now on red alert. Boy those little buggers were busy all winter feasting on my woolens. Boy do I have a lot of useless stuff in my closets I haven't worn in years.

I have a good day's workout between hauling stuff off to charity and the dry cleaners and then gotta find me some of that phermone scent to finally due them in. Frankly this would be a good time to throw away ALL my clothes and start all over again. I don't know about the rest of you folks but I have three closets and about eight drawers stuffed with clothes and I pretty much wear the same stuff every other day which could probably fit on six hangers and into one drawer. What is it with STUFF anyway that makes us keep it when most of it we couldn't pay people enough to haul it away.

-- Jim

[dperry10]

I am getting ready to start treatment on Pegetron.  I am supposed to take my first shot this friday.  However, I am in the midst of some dental work and scheduled to have my upper teeth extracted and a denture put it.   The liteture that came with the meds say before having dental work to see your doctor.  should I hold off on starting it , until the first of the year and after the teeth have been pulled  ?  The doctor was not in the day I got the meds, so I am waiting for a reply from the Nurse.  Just wondering if anyone knew.    I took interferon in 93 for 6 mos, and was in remission.  Now its back again.