No Transfusion

[Vannh9]

Hi Guys,

so I had my labs done again yesterday and they were the same (HGB 8.8) Actually it was up .1 point. so they won't do a transfusion, but they also don't do procrit. Obviously, I am pretty much bed ridden and while it is a blessing that I don't have to work for the next 2 weeks, I was hoping for some relief. Even if I started on procrit, I would hopefully be able to work by Jan. 3rd.

When I spoke to the Doctor they said they like to do dose reduction and transfusion....and since my numbers are up even though it is a small amount they beleive The numbers will climb.

My question is how has your Doctor dealt with severe anemia??? I thought all Doctors offered Procrit....I am learning as I go.

Also, my WBC is lower as well....how low will they allow this to go?? right now my WBC is 2 and the Nutrophil count is .9

Any feedback appreciated and know that I am also venting outloud:-)

Thanks

Vann

Ps. I am on reduced dose of RIBA at 600mg. I also don't have 8 week viral load back yet.

[rockymoe]

You can crash fast. I think they should start procrit earlier, after 2 weeks on procrit no Riba still dropping. The third week I asked for a transfusion and got it. I feel so much better 4 weeks later.

[Diane1186]

Just got a call from my NP.  My HGB dropped again, from 10.4 to 9.3.  She reduced my Ribavirin from 800 mg to 600 mg. She asked if I wanted to come into the office and try procrit injection, I declined.  Would like to see if the decrease in dosage will work.  I will have a CBC drawn on Tuesday and see if it has improved.  It will be a quiet weekend with my husband, celebrating Christmas at home.  Hope you all have a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and may we all reach SVR in 2012.

[Vannh9]

Thanks for all the wonderful responses!! I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas!!!

[indy531]

Good for you hangin' in there! My hep doc is watching my CBC weekly also and my #'s sound like your: wbc-2.1 (went up!), hgb 9.1. Doc said he would lower peg dose when needed; am on 800 Riba. Pretty much homebound also, but maybe going to the movies for Christmas Day- Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. I will observe the birth of Christ by participating through the Mass on tv. Get all the rest you need; you have gone above and beyond the call of duty!

[screaming48]

My doc put me on procrit as my hgb was in the low 8s, he took me off riba for a couple of weeks then started me back at 600 still in the 8s with procrit, have been on 400 now for a few weeks. Monday I had a blood transfusion and hgb went to 11.1 what a great feeling. Saw doc today and will be going up to 600 riba for a week then 800 after that, he said he would keep a closer watch on my blood in case I tanked again and he said I would be reduced again if it fell. Have been off incevik 3 weeks tomorrow and wow what a difference.

[crossroadsec]

I'm living w the same thing on low counts. It took me 3?mos to get procrit. 2 appeals n a transfusion. Same excuse from ins company. The wording in appeal is important. It's used all the time for hep c treatment.. BTW - That stuff works! I was at a 5 n now am 10. Yay! Hang in there n sleep when you can. My dr gave me 2 shots of procrit in the office to tide me over. Reduced RIBA for a couple of mos too. I'm on full now.
Take care xoxo Karen :)

[Gizmo103]

I'm in the same as you. All my blood cell counts are low. My hemoglobin was 8.2 at last check prior to a blood transfusion. My doc ordered procrit, but the insurance company would not approve the drug stating it's prescription with my treatment is considered an off label use. Doctors prescribe Procrit all the time for low HGB during HCV tx but it is not an indicated use with the FDA.

I am a prior relapser so my doctor does not want to reduce the RIBA. I showed him a study one of the forum members directed me to that showed SVR outcomes unaffected with RIBA reductions in their studies, but my doctor pointed out to me relapsers where not included in the study. Is this your first treatment? My doc is still fighting the insurance company for me to get the Procrit, but its been three full weeks now. His plan is to just have me get blood transfusions when I need it.

[aj7538]

My dr is not pushing me for.procrit either. My hemo is at 9.4, I do weekly cbcs. I have the procrit in my fridge, but he feels.if I stay at this level he is not going to give.me anything. I am alsi dragging, but I think in the.last week mybody has adjusted to the.lower blood count. They r giving u the chance with the reduction to see if u will come.up. Keep a close eye.on it. I know exactly how.u feel