Swollen and Agitated (just started my treatment within the past week)

[B1essed]

I started my triple therapy (Interferon) treatment on Friday, March 29th.  It's the end of the evening on Tuesday, April 2nd.  I woke up this morning with swollen ankles and by the time I got home, I can't even see my ankles!  I'm also feeling agitated (small things are looking bigger) but I guess that's to be expected, right?  I do see my general doctor on Friday; I also know to elevate my legs and I recognize the irritation (so as not to lash out at anyone).  I guess I just needed to vent this.  

PLEASE!!  Calling all Prayer Warriors!!  I need some spirital help over here in the Mad City (WI).  Much appreciated ... B1essed

[sph0611]

Hi and welcome,
Today I officially finished treatment! 24 weeks of the scariest roller coaster I've ever been on. Thank goodness it's over. About 2 weeks in the side effects showed up. I did not have swelling in my ankles or feet but I did have swelling in my face and eyes. Not a pretty sight. It got so much better after I stopped the incivek. I found the first 12 weeks to be the hardest even though its not a picnic with the ribavirin and peg. Just a few suggestions.....water water and more water. It's so important to stay hydrated. I found a couple of times I would start to feel really wiped out and realized I hadn't had enough water. Also treatment does have an end date. For me taking it in small increments worked. I would just look forward to completing the next week after the Friday night shot. I told myself over and over that I would stop that following week. I did not. A great help to me was reading and asking questions on this forum. The knowledge and compassion here you won't find anywhere else. We are all part of the same community. Hang in there and positive thoughts to you!

[Star971]

Best of luck to you! How many wks do you have to do? This site is a GOD SEND! Its a family that you may never meet but we are always there for each other. I am doing 24 wks and I have 3 more shots left.  WHEW!

Star

[B1essed]

Thanks so much for the comments and suggestions.  I'm just getting used to the site and will check in periodically (I am at work).  I appreciate all of your feedback and hoping that all of you have a safe and easy recovery.  What won't kill us WILL make us stronger!  (Least that's what I'm told ;p)

Much love and happiness to you all,
B1essed

[B1essed]

mA'AN!  Thank God for the brother/sisterhood in these websites!  I will be praying for all who have to go through this.  I trust that these things, too, shall PASS!  Take care and thanks for the post.  (I'm so sorry to hear about the anal burning part - my doctor forewarned me about 'monkey butt' as she puts it; I wouldn't wish that on anybody ... well, maybe one person.  j/k)

For a speedy & non-reactive recovery,
I bid you a good day.

[B1essed]

AMEN!!!!!!

[B1essed]

Thanks, pooh.  I just saw that I had all of these comments & I'm still familiarizing myself with this site.  

I do see my regular doctor tomorrow (4/5) and my hep doc on the 9th.  I've put in the calls - as I'm not going to hesitate with any of these things.  I have, however, started elevating as much as possible & drinking more water than I think I ever have.

About the agitation - I used to be on antidepressants; hate them.  So, I already realize that this is something or somewhere (while familar) I don't ever want to go to again.  I've signed up for a Tai Chai class - for the breathing, at least.  And I'm so fortunate to work with people that care and understand.  Today, by far, is much better than yesterday.  

Fortunately, I've not had the nausea (had one bout the first night I had the shot & the Incivek - last Friday) but it passed with no comebacks.  I believe it could be alot worse that I have it.  

Today has been a good day - well, so far.  I have a bit of a rash on my arm now so I agree that these babies (drugs) can and will do it's damage.  What I must remember is it is TEMPORARY and for that I'm grateful.  So, every MOMENT (rather than day), I'm praying the Serenity Prayer.  

I thank you for taking the time to post and appreciate you.  I will keep you in my thoughts of happy recovery and well wishes.

[B1essed]

I just saw your comment (just getting used to this sight).  Yes, thank you so much for the suggestion; I have increased my water.  I also have decreased it around the time I'm to consume the fatty foods so I have room.  I've not begun to elevate my feet (under my desk - I have a sit-down job) and I elevate my legs while sleeping.  This has been helping.

Again, thank you for your comments.  Better today ...

[ppmguy]

        i also treated with inc, and had sollen feet, ankles and lower legs.  it lasted all thru tx and still minor swelling 14 weeks post.  i 100% believe it is from the drugs.
                             barry

[cheflady]

hi welcome to the forum and well done starting treatment hopefully things will settle down my hubby on same tx and for first few wk i was walking on eggshells least you have reconised it. Goodluck

[mm4623]

I also started triple therapy on 3/29/2013. I have not experienced any swelling yet but have experienced a few others (anal burning, fatigue, flu symptoms).
Each day or two seems to bring a new side effect or a return of a previous one...

[WOG1964]

You have another WARRIOR on your team!!! Remember, The Fight is Fixed and we have the VICTORY!!! Let's sharpen our swords and DO THIS!!

[pooh55811]

Keep an eye on the agitation and be sure to tell your doctor when you see him. Agitations can be a sign of depressions and these meds do cause depression as well as agitation.

As far as swollen ankles, I did get swollen ankle on treatment about week 8 or so, maybe week 7. They appeared at the same time I was having cardiac problems in terms of rapid heart rate (180/minute), premature heart beats, a lot of severe nausea and bloating, weakness, severe fatigue, feeling like I would pass out. They were associated with the nausea and as soon as I got the nausea under control with the Zofran, the swollen ankles disappeared. Then I had 2 more episodes of swollen ankles, one less serious episode during the month following the end of treatment and one episode 2 months after the end of treatment. That last episode was pretty bad, very swollen ankles, feet, and legs up to my knees. That went away after about 3-4 weeks. I know they were all med related. I had no real cardiac problems.

Now, I am telling you my experience with the feet, ankle, and leg swelling just to let you know that others have had it (at least I did). However, that does not mean your ankle swelling is the same as mine. Your doc needs to thoroughly check you over and determine what exactly is going on with your ankles and the swelling. You may need a cardiology consult (I did. I had a thorough cardiology exam and several tests.) Even if the swelling is med related, which it very well could be, you still need to be sure there is not something going on that needs further attention. They should check your kidney function too because failing kidneys can cause ankle swelling.

It is my firm belief that these drugs can cause about every side effect in the book, but sometimes they are not just side effects. The symptoms may actually be symptoms of a disease process that has been triggered by the Interferon or the other medications. So your doc needs to make sure that the swelling is not serious or indicative of some other disease process.

Best of luck.

[Advocate1955]

My hubby didn't have problems with swollen ankles when he was on treatment. Maybe someone else will chime in. In the meantime, are you drinking lots of water?
Welcome and good luck with treatment. This is a great forum, so ask questions and post frequently.
Advocate1955