Pegasys/Copegus Tx and Menses Questions - Including Low Platelet count.

[wagerwitch]

I've got a concern.

Type 3a, VL is around 500,000 - AST/72 ALT/94 - my platelet count just dropped in the 90s.

I'm on week 4 of TX. Only dianosed 8-9 weeks ago after every other possible disease was ruled out from complaints of "I just don't feel good, I'm tired, I'm lazy, I don't have energy, my bones hurt, my head aches... etc." Finally did a Hep screen after ALTs were elevated for 5 years running... Last thing they looked for because... ahem... I've never done drugs - safe sex, etc.

(HA HA - now I know better, ANYONE can get this evil disease! What a learning curve from knowing nothing - DX - decision making on TX based on how much damage already there, etc.)

Anyhow here's my question.

I'm 5 days late on my menses. NO - I am NOT pregnant. Husband is "neutered" and we have used prophylactics.

Neither my husband, nor my daughter have HCV.

TX is awful from SX. But I'm tired of saying "I feel like doo doo." I'm sure everyone else is tired of hearing it. LOL! I would be.

Anyhoooooo - *grin* I have a very positive outlook - horrid sleeping patterns now and lots of sx from the tx. But I know I'm kicking the disease.

I've never been late in my life. 39 years old. (Well ok - once I was late... but that lateness lasted 9 months or so. LOL!)

I was wondering does the TX also affect your cycle?

And - should I be worried because of my lowered platelets IF I should start?

And when should I start panicking and calling the doctor about any of this?

LOL! I feel sorry for my poor doc. I'm telling you.


Thanks for any and all answers or opinions.

WagerWitch

[way]

Yes my periods last 1-2 week and really heavy at first, and then dwindle away so slowly I have to use mini-pads for more than a few days. Of course this could be a symptom of menapause, because I'm 54--but others have posted about real long cycles too.
I don't have the url to the thread but the title is "to all the girls -Flo problems. it should be in the last three months of archives.

[wagerwitch]

Thank you for that post title.

It still didn't answer on whether I should be freaking out about low platelet count and if I actually do start.

My body feels really weird right now. That pre-menstrual feeling... I dunno how to describe it. Almost hot-flashy, eerie feeling - more rage able than usual, small things get to me, like sounds... bloating.

But absolutely no signs of starting - at least - LOL - where it counts.

But it is good to know that others did have differences - so I won't worry too terribly much.

Is there any concern for Hemorraghing with a low platelet count on the tx with your menses? Or is this just a silly worry?

Wager Witch

[Penelope1911]

I will do shot 5 Thursday and I havent had a period since the week before I started tx. Thats like almost 35-40 days. I just figure that these sx have had me so stressed out, and thats what the deal is. I don't know about the platelets and hemhoraging but I think the more you worry about it, the more you might delay the cycle and have the PMS symptoms. I get PMS terribly bad and understand what you mean by the symptoms bieng intensified! but if your really worried, I'd call a nurse. It really doesn't have to be your nurse, but maybe just call up to the Hospital and talk to an RN about it. That could be just what you need to ease your mind.

[FlGuy]

Don't freak about the platelets.  Many go thru tx with platelets in the 40's, 50's and 60's.  Plus, they bounce around a lot.  Went to see  a very experienced liverhead a couple of weeks ago in prep for another round of tx.  He gave written instructions to my tx doc to allow platelets to go down to 30. If they get down to 40, or so, stay away from Benihana's.  Some docs will get edgy if they begin to plummet but you don't want to risk tx end or dose reduction if you can possibly avoid it.

[amommy]

Just wanted to let you know that a lot of us experience cycle changes while on tx.  I had one cycle while on tx.  And CONSTANTLY felt pms bloating, cramping etc.  Things went back to normal almost immediately after tx.  In fact, more normal than they have ever been.  Honestly, I wouldn't worry too much about the platelets.  If you have excessive bleeding, then I would contact the doctor.  Or, if ANYTHING at all seems off to you, obviously consult your doc.  Your cycle, if you actually get a period, may be heavier than normal, and in a lot of cases that is normal!  
I am 3.5 months post tx, and waiting for the 6 month mark so we can try to have another baby :)  
Good luck on the rest of your treatment.  You have found a great place to hang out and ask any questions you may have!

[NYgirl]

I haven't had my period since the first month I started treatment and that was 50 weeks ago.  The doc said it's normal and in fact considering our weaknness with anemia - a good thing!

So...I'm not complainning hee hee...always wondered what it was like and now I know!

[Kalio1]

Hello there. Welcome to the carnival. I remember your nameGood to see yu have a good attitude. About the periods mine got all goffy on tx and I think that is a side, remember hep impacts your hormones so some off behavior is normal.
Did you have a biopsy? What were your platelets before you started?

[goldyn]

Yep ive had 3 periods in 10 months, and i was always the regular one never missed unless i was preggers, im 42 , my last one i had 2 months ago was  heavy and my hormones were running high,  I hope i wont have another one till its over, one thing you have to watch out for is to much of heavy flow for days over normal or excessive amounts alot of women run low platelets on tx and pull trough just fine.....

[jennkPA]

I've been on treatment for 4 months, and only one period has been "normal" or on time. First one I missed completely, 2nd two weeks early, 3rd two weeks late, and I'm on the nuvaring which normally regulates me exactly.  Sorry I don't know anything about the platelet issue, but I agree w/ amommy about not worrying unless something excessive happens.