Dizziness during treatment

[collette]

I am in my 13th week of treatment, and I am on Pegasys and Copegus.  I have been having dizziness and lightheadedness the whole time I have been on treatment.  It happens many times a day. Although I am drinking more than a gallon of water a day I cannot seem to quench my thirst.  Water does help a little with the dizziness, but not much.  I do ok if I stay sitting down, but if I stand up for very long I feel like I am going to faint.  At my last appointment the only problem with my bloodwork was my white cells were way down, but red cells have been ok, so I know that it is not anemia.  Any suggestions?  Thanks and Merry Christmas

[lackalustre]

it does not seem that you are anemic at this point.  i had lots of dizziness in the earlier part of treatment.  i just thought it was a side effect.  i didnt want to drive because of it.

[scruffy]

This is a common side effect-your bloodwork should show if it gets dangerous.I experienced more dizziness initially than later.Some have actually fainted though and gotten hurt so be cautious.

[layla]

Are you taing anything at all for any sx's? LL

[kennedge]

for being thirsty add some juices to your daily intake and gatorade, it helps, as for dizziness i know the feeling...there were times i thought i would just crumple to the floor if i stood to long...as long as your reds stay up then that rules that out...do let your dr know.

[mikesimon]

I had the same thing with my tx. At first I was slightly alarmed but after a while I got used to getting up and feeling like I was going to faint. It stopped abruptly once I stopped the tx. Mike

[Oreos]

I too had alot of dizziness, particularly early during tx (48/48 peg/copeg).  Lost my balance very easily.  I echo those above - call your Dr. and take it easy!

[collette]

Thanks for the concern.  My WBC is 2.0 and Anc is 1.0.  The Anc has gone as low as .8, but they reduced my dose for a week and it went back up.  But 4 weeks later it is down. I will ask Dr. tomorrow what is going on with me.  The dizziness is bad enough I am not working right now.  I am afraid I will faint, and we have concrete floors at work. Definately hazardous!  Plus all the water I drink makes for MANY trips to the bathroom a day.  Thanks!

[collette]

The Dr. reduced the Pegasys from 180 to 135 for one shot only and that brought the ANC back up.  My genotype is 2b.  I have already taken off work and am approved to be out until 1/26/05. Hopefully I will feel better by then, but the way things are going right now it does not look promising.  I see Dr. tomorrow so I will see what can be done if anything.  Thanks!

[Califia]

Glad you're being realistic about how you're feeling.   I ended up with a serious bone fracture because I ignored my poor balance and dizziness in order to get some physical labor done....   Some times you just have to give in and accept your limits, as hard as that is.   Take good care of youself during your time off!

[collette]

I want to thank everyone for the insight and good info regarding my sx. I appreciate the concern and caring each one of you have shown me.  Merry Christmas