Pain Killers okay for teartment..

[NJDrummer]

Would eating a few percs have any adverse reaction with treatment.  I took my shot Tuesday and can barely think my head feels like someone is sitting on it...As long as it isn't an everyday thing, can percocet/oxycodone be taken?

[Crushie]

I have been on this treatment for 9 months and 1 week, I have exactly 7 weeks and 3 days to go and I have not taken any drugs other than Tylenol for chills and flu like symptoms and Advil for headaches that the Tylenol doesn't work for.  I don't think you should be mixing narcotics with these drugs we are all ready on.  This is some heavy meds we are taking, why would you want to put more **** in your body.  This treatment is hard to deal with mentally, physically and emotionally and I am having a difficult time on some days and other days are good, just hang in there and suck it up, be tough and don't let it get you, IT IS TEMPORARY.  Your life on the other hand is NOT, if you want to live a good healthy long life stay away from any other drugs and just get thru this treatment, escape via drugs is not the answer.  
I have support thru family, friends and a therapist which is a highly recommended thing.

I have experienced all of these side effects and I am a competetive Marathon Runner and Triathlete who is so grateful when I can get out of bed and do a little 3 mile jog mixed with walking, but hey I force myself to get up and out.  

Exercise, and talking to people is great for the mind and body and yes drink up WATER, WATER and more WATER, also mix some gatorade in there for electrolytes, eat healthy foods and stay away from drugs and alcohol and tobacco.

The more of a healthy lifestyle you lead the easier treatment will be MOST of the time.  And yes you will have set backs but you will get thru it and move on.  And yes it is ok to yell, scream, cry but then move on and get back to life.

This has been one of the most challenging things I have been thru.  My doctor told me today he wanted to use me as a role model/pin-up for his other hep c patients because I am doing so well.  I laughed and said are you kidding me, I am a basket case, crying all the time.

ONE DAY AT A TIME, that is how we do this and as a group, we don't need to be alone.

I hope I helped.

Crushie

[chefsalad]

If I am correct I saw on another post you were going to try to make an "AA" meeting some I'm assuming you have, or have had an alcohol problem. Possibily substance abuse. I think you know the answer to this one. You are on a serious treatment and this whole situation is serious. It is not be taken lighty. If you have a drug related abuse problem I would make your doctor aware now. If you have had one in the past, make your dr. aware now.Now is not the the time to devolp an addiction from meds that are easily addictable. I am in some type of pain everyday. I have learned  "normal people" ways to mangae these. It does not cure all but helps. I have 11 years clean. My doctor is fully aware. I am saying this because I want you to rid this virus and go onto a GREAT rest of your life!  As far as the Tylenol, thier website states that those with liver disease can take can up to 4000 mg a day. It is when you go beyond the reccommened dose that can cause problem.Those with cirrhosis 2000 per day. 4000 would be beyond the reccommened dose for them. ALWAYS check with your dr. first. I find the Tylenol helpful with the aches and pains. You can get through this!

[pjhep80]

I would try smoking a little weed .... it helped me big time with the joint pain, stomach cramps, headaches etc...  just dont go overboard, too much of anything is no good for your liver

be careful with percs/oxy's not only are they very very very addictive they put acetomiophen in them that is not good for the liver...

my friend billy who died this past summer from liver/kidney failure took alot of them... he used to chew them .. and wash them down with wine... thats why he's gone...

[NJDrummer]

I am going to try for the latter before I try any hard core pain meds..I just wanted to know in like case of emergency..if I was to eat one, I am not going to have like 3 hours to live...
I get myself worked up with anxiety a lot..I almost talked myself out of taking the medication, even when I was happy to find that I had type 2, and that the virus levels weren't that high...so my GI said.. I see from reading peoples posts that I should ask him for copies for exact numbers...I will have to get a hold of that...he did say I have a 90% shot of beating it in 6 months....I am keeping my hopes up.  
The small thoughts that keep me going is that of surviving all I have this far...The man upstairs has some plans for me...what exaclty I don't know..but I am still around for a reason...so I am not giving up =0)

[nygirl7]

Shoot my message just erased somehow when I hit some stupid key!

Anyway, I think taking two percs to knock out the pain is a much better idea than taking two tylenol every six hours - as long as you only take two and you don't take THEM every six hours you will be just fine.

My doc prescribed me percs for the pain during treatment and many other docs in here have as well.  Some of them DO understand that there is a tremendous amount of pain sometimes and we have too much to deal with.

Good luck - you won't explode or anything so go for it! :)

Make sure you DO drink at least half you body weight in ounces of water a day - that will help with your headaches a lot.

[Isobella]

Tylenol is the drug of choice according to my doctor as well.  Just be very sure not to take anymore than the approved amount.

Glad you are feeling a bit better.

We're glad you found this site too :-)

[NJDrummer]

Meki - I have a Tama Starclassic Maple set...Also...my GI doc told me to take tylenol...should I not be taking that?
Doc did say to drink a lot of fluids, I guess I didn't realize how important it is..so I have been drinking a lot and since last night I feel better.

Thanks everyone for the input..I will be on here often to educate myself and to keep my mind off things when it gets rough.  I am glad I came across this site =)

[Xenigma]

Jim is correct.  Anything you take during tx you will have to wean yourself off of after.
Whether it be anti depressants, anxiety meds, pain meds, sleepaids, and stimulants.
Don't say I'll just deal with it when tx is over half heartedly, think long and hard before you start taking daily because you will have to deal with it later.

[jmjm530]

If you've ever had any sort of substance abuse issues, think twice before taking anything that has addictive properties because the treatment drugs can potentially cause relapse in anyone with a previous substance abuse problem. Like many, there's a good chance you will have some pain and discomfort during treatment. Many have lots of both yet I would guess only a very small per cent here take Percocet or anything in that drug category. Don't deceive yourself. It appears you're just starting treatment. If you start with Percocet now, what next week? Next month? In six months? Treatment can be difficult. No easy fixes.

[Xenigma]

Percocets are fine during tx. (per my doc)
(Not a few at one time though - 8 hours apart-or 2 to 3 times a day if needed)
They help take the edge off the pain and help with the headaches.
If it's brain fog, heavy headedness, etc. Perc's will not help.
Drink more water and liquids - liquids with no caffiene.
If you have a bad headache a little caffiene will help constrict the blood vessels so
you won't get the pounding.  
BTW-I took Norco during tx which was OK'd and rx'd by my doc.
I had to pay the bills and work daily and needed something to take the edge off the pain.
Hope you feel better soon

[Kristina538]

Meki - isn't Tylenol the prescription drug of choice for tx??  I think perhaps if it's prescribed for him he should use it??  (In NZ we use 500 Paracetamol - my nurse said to take no more than 6 daily - I keep it to less than that but, while I know it's not super-liver friendly, nor are many of the meds being prescribed to get patients through the tx.

NJDrummer -  Someone on this site said "more water, less side effects" - I took that advice and drink 5-6 litres daily.   Good luck - I hope the next shot is easy for you and sorry you had a bad first time - did your doc not tell you to drink water???

[meki]

NJ - if it is just your head --- and you don't normally take medications to "get high" I don't know if it would be a bad thing...

I CAN tell you that I used percocets through my entire treatment - and eventually have been prescribed permanently --- a pain management medication (ULTRAM) I had INCREDIBLE pain through the treatment --- and 1 and a half year post.

I was diagnosed with Neuropathy and Fibromyalgia...

But I have heard almost EVERY single doctor that I have been to say that MOST HCV patients have moderate to severe pain during TX.

I don't think Percocets help with headaches at all tho.

I do think they have other medications that can assist with headaches - but you will have to talk to your doctor to see which, if any can help and are liver friendly.

Water - eating healthy and exercise while on TX does help tremendously --- but if you've got a headache - you really REALLY should talk to your doctor.

Tylenol is really labeled as not being good for your liver - so consider that before you put one in your mouth.

Hope you're having fun....


TAMA?

or Pearl?

[ladybug52]

Tx is tough, but try to deal with it as best you can before popping a few percs.....You really have to like water to drink a lot of it, luckily it's my favorite drink. Just make yourself a tall glass with ice, a splash of cranberry juice and drink up!
I hated the feverish, achey feeling that tx brought on, I think you just have to go as long as you can without pain meds, but if it gets unbearable, do what you have to do to get through tx.
I'm not advocating using painkillers. I think it's a last resort when you've tried everything else. Drink your water, stretch your muscles, try to keep your brain busy and try to make it through this one day at a time.
Good luck,
Bug

[Isobella]

Anti-d's can help with that.  Ask your doc.  They take a while to work, so ask sooner...not later. :-)

[NJDrummer]

Yeah, in general I don't think I drink enough water as it is, so maybe by drinking a lot of water throughout the next few months will get me on track to drinking more. Water that is...lol.  
Just so many thoughts are running through my mind.  I get panic attacks a lot, and with reading all the side effects makes me real nervous. Had the meds for a week before I worked the nerve up to actually take my first dose.  Every time I start feeling not normal I keep pulling my cell phone out in case I have to call 911...I keep thinking I am going to have to call an ambulance.   Crazy **** I tell ya...Maybe I should ask the doc for something for anxiety?

[Isobella]

I know drinking that much water is hard at first.  

Try this--just get a gallon jug and watch your progress as you drink from it during the day.  After a few days, your body will crave the water and then it's easy to do  :-)

You may be surprised how much it helps.

Ok then...Friday night H2O shots for all my hepper friends!!! And keep 'em comin!!

[CMcH]

My doc said Vicoden is OK but it doesn't even touch my headaches. He has also said Tylenol PM is OK and it has helped esp. after the Friday night shot. They told me to keep the Tylenol < 2000 a day. No need to suffer but as some say brain fog is bad enough without further depressants.
I wonder if it is drinking enough H20? I can't seem to drink enough. I feel bloated if I drink a lot and it makes me feel nauseated. I wish I could have an IV to stay hydrated.:) My skin, mouth and personality dryness from this.
Hang in there the symptoms come and go. It is hard to stay on top of them.

[NJDrummer]

Haven't been drinking a lot fo water, but have been drinking a lot of cranberry juice.  I will start drinking more water.  Thank You =0)

[Isobella]

I'll add this, because it is my "go to" advice.....are you drinking enough water.  You should try for a gallon a day.  It really does help.

Good luck!

[toughluck]

The aches and pains of tx can be real nasty, severe joint pain, pounding headaches total body pain that my 800 mg of Ibupropen won't touch, why should I suffer but I am. Just venting

[Unhep]

My spec told me that percocet is ok for the liver. Also said he wouldn't be prescribing me any, *L

Now I think percocet is a wonderful drug, except for the stupid acetaminophen, but I also believe it's dangerous to take it in the long term, and I would not do so.

Nor would I recommend it as an antidote to fuzzy thinking! It's supposed to be an analgesic after all.

Finally, "eating a few percs" - rings alarm bells, no question. You'll probably be hearing a lot about that fairly soon :-)

Good luck with treatment!

[NJDrummer]

I have been taking tylenol every 6 hours, but I still feel like someone is sitting on my head.  Just curious really.  I will stick to tylenol.Hopefully it eases up a bit.  Guess I need to just suck it up and realize it is for the better.

[rita863]

I would suggest you ask your doctor.  Most of the pain that goes along with tx is mangeable with advil. Its the other sides effects that may require a saftey meds.  I do not recall percrocet or oxycondone being one of the safety meds, but perhaps someone else will post.  I do not know what the effects percrocet or oxycondone would have on your liver.  

[Marc1955]

I don't think you're going to get a lot of support on this board. What you're talking about is recreational drug use not under the supervision of a physician. Why would percocet of all things help with mental fog?

Many patients undergoing treatment do find that anti-depressant are necessary to help with mental side effects.

If I could be so bold, if you are a drug abuser, you're going to have a hell of a time with this treatment. You need to get clean and live healthy.