Aa
Post Incivek - Anorectal Issue persist
I'm now off the Incivek and entering my 17th week of treatment. I am also UND since week 4. It took some some trial and error at managing the rhoids and burning. We concluded that the best way to manage it was to take antidiarrhea medicine, and apply Hydrocortisone cream (I found CVS brand - Intensive Treatment -- blue tube, red lettering to work best).
Thank God I was eligible for STD, because I would not have been able to work because it was so much pain, even while managing the anorectal systems successfully.
Anyway, I have now been off Incivek for over 4 weeks, and I was under the impression all the sysmptoms would go away after a few weeks, and they have not. It's almost like I have some type of IBS, now, since after every movement I experience extreme discomfort in my anorectal area... during and afterwards for most of the day. I have never had issues regarding irritability in my rectum area, but concerned my symptoms have not subsided at this point.
Has anyone else made it this far and experiencing these same issues/concerns?
Thank God I was eligible for STD, because I would not have been able to work because it was so much pain, even while managing the anorectal systems successfully.
Anyway, I have now been off Incivek for over 4 weeks, and I was under the impression all the sysmptoms would go away after a few weeks, and they have not. It's almost like I have some type of IBS, now, since after every movement I experience extreme discomfort in my anorectal area... during and afterwards for most of the day. I have never had issues regarding irritability in my rectum area, but concerned my symptoms have not subsided at this point.
Has anyone else made it this far and experiencing these same issues/concerns?
aqua, I've been meaning to do this followup for a while. I remember how difficult it was for me and frustrating. I so wanted to throw in the towel, but I kept with it and hope anyone that reads this is encouraged. Overall I did 3 tx's. Once back in 1999/2000, but it was short lived as I quit after the first month, a second time in 2007/8 and completed the, then the 48 week tx.
Finally the most recent attempt (with Incivek) and it was very trying...So my advice is... stay with it, eat the foods that are easier on the body, take full advantage of any disability at work if you need to.
I took 6 months, but I drive alot at my job, so sitting in a car for for many hours during the day was not an option. I didn't want to irritate my anorectal symptoms and I was mostly horizontal during tx... There were highs and lows during my tx, but in the end I (with the drugs ;) ) kicked this viruses a$$. And so can YOU!
Finally the most recent attempt (with Incivek) and it was very trying...So my advice is... stay with it, eat the foods that are easier on the body, take full advantage of any disability at work if you need to.
I took 6 months, but I drive alot at my job, so sitting in a car for for many hours during the day was not an option. I didn't want to irritate my anorectal symptoms and I was mostly horizontal during tx... There were highs and lows during my tx, but in the end I (with the drugs ;) ) kicked this viruses a$$. And so can YOU!
congrats! i was wondering about follow ups from people. i'm on day9 on incevik and having a hard time of it. good on you!
Would this month by your six month SVR labs since you had your three month labs on October?
Either way congratulations. I read through this thread and you really had a devil of a time. I am glad this all worked out and you can get on with your life.
Good Luck♫
Either way congratulations. I read through this thread and you really had a devil of a time. I am glad this all worked out and you can get on with your life.
Good Luck♫
Folks I am so sorry for not posting this earlier. However I have returned to today to post some information and great news and hopefully encouragement to those that are suffering from these symptoms.
I am cured!!!
I completed my bloodwork for my 3 month followup back in October and was still undetected! My physician said that I am cured, and we will followup at 6 months and a year. However for all intense purposes and the fact that I was undetected early on, remained undetected all during tx, he is confident I am cured of hepatitis C.
I had previously responded and completed the 48 week tx a couple of years before without Incivek. At that time I was a early responder also, remained undetected and the virus returned after tx was completed. So I must say the Incivek had the "kick" to get this virus out of my system.
I hope this is encouraging to anyone and everyone that reads these results, as I know exactly the painful symptoms you are experiencing. I myself had considered stopping treatment, but I didn't... The drugs and treatment in general isn't kind to our bodies, but it's worth it very much and I hope everyone hangs in there and completes this tx. I am free of the virus today and I can tell you, it's such a HUGE DIFFERENCE, now the virus is no longer in my blood. Overall my energy level is up, perspective on life is brighter and my drive has increased also.
It's worth it and YOU CAN DO IT TOO!!!
I am cured!!!
I completed my bloodwork for my 3 month followup back in October and was still undetected! My physician said that I am cured, and we will followup at 6 months and a year. However for all intense purposes and the fact that I was undetected early on, remained undetected all during tx, he is confident I am cured of hepatitis C.
I had previously responded and completed the 48 week tx a couple of years before without Incivek. At that time I was a early responder also, remained undetected and the virus returned after tx was completed. So I must say the Incivek had the "kick" to get this virus out of my system.
I hope this is encouraging to anyone and everyone that reads these results, as I know exactly the painful symptoms you are experiencing. I myself had considered stopping treatment, but I didn't... The drugs and treatment in general isn't kind to our bodies, but it's worth it very much and I hope everyone hangs in there and completes this tx. I am free of the virus today and I can tell you, it's such a HUGE DIFFERENCE, now the virus is no longer in my blood. Overall my energy level is up, perspective on life is brighter and my drive has increased also.
It's worth it and YOU CAN DO IT TOO!!!
After I did a self examination today, I am noticing two bulges pushing outward around my anus, during an attempt at a movement... I assume this is causing the discomfort and irritation...and I suppose it's a case of lingering rhoids which I have never had problems with in the past.
Will ask the doc on Thursday
Will ask the doc on Thursday
I have had IBS type symptoms for years and I found hat the best thing is Heather's Tummy Fiber taken twice daily, without fail, and with a full glass of water.
I also suffer fro diverticulitis and the fiber helps with this too. One other thing I found was the 30 billion cfu probiotic capsules, twice daily.
Both of them are available at iherb.com and are the cheapest there,
Good Luck,
Chris
I also suffer fro diverticulitis and the fiber helps with this too. One other thing I found was the 30 billion cfu probiotic capsules, twice daily.
Both of them are available at iherb.com and are the cheapest there,
Good Luck,
Chris
I did the old tx without the newer drugs, and had the same issues, which to me, seemed more related to the ribaviron. I ended up having 5 small meals a day instead of three normal ones, and used the hydrocortisone ointment regularly. As soon as it healed for a while, it came back.... but disappeared as soon as tx was over, my bowel started behaving and my immunity was no longer suppressed (i.e. everything healed quicker by itself)..
I believe you are on Victrelis, if I remeber correctly, so you are not stuck with eating all of the fat. I ate a lot f Greek Gods yogurt but that is because it is high in fat and I was on Inc. I think some people eat smoothies. Cottage cheese has protein in it. The problem is, just when you think you have found something to eat and buy a bunch of it, then in a few days it is revolting, lol. I think just eat what you can get down. Try to eats some solids too, with the pills.
If you are nauseated, ask you doc for some Zofran or some other antinausea med. It is normal not to want to do anything on theses drugs, and that includes socializing somethimes. If you feel depressed, be sure and talk with your doc. You may need some antidepressants. The meds can make you depressed. Many of us are on antidepressants.
If you are nauseated, ask you doc for some Zofran or some other antinausea med. It is normal not to want to do anything on theses drugs, and that includes socializing somethimes. If you feel depressed, be sure and talk with your doc. You may need some antidepressants. The meds can make you depressed. Many of us are on antidepressants.
What is everyone eatting all I want is fruit and cereal I think I am hungry I order it and throw it out. My fat but will lose some weight only good thing about what I am going through.Getting out of bed is a effort I am going to start trying. If I can get through work. WOW I am a happy person or I was is that what this stuff does to you? I dont even want to socialize. But tomorrow is a new day.
I had persistent and severe anal/rectal issues from day one with incivek. It cleared for a few weeks after I finished the incivek and then returned. My doctor tried everything and nothing seemed to work. It seemed that when I ate anything, it would go right through me. I lost an incredible amount of weight. Finally, my doctor prescribed bentyl, an anti-spasmatic drug used to treat IBS. That has worked for me and at present I have been weened off that medicine. Things are better in that area, but I wonder if it will ever return to pre-treatment condition. I also strongly recommend A&D ointment to calm things down. That really helped me and I tried everything. Good luck.
Thanks for replying in both threads pooh, still getting famiiar with the the sites structure and felt a new topic was in order.
Well, I surely hope it gets better like workingdog suggest... one of my biggest questions and a deal breaker on doing Incivek, versus waiting on the next wave of meds being developed for treatment to hit the market... was permanent side effects such as this.
I have an appointment with my GI / Liver specialist on Thursday, so I'm going to inform him at that appointment. Maybe during the exam, he can suggest a proctologist to look into it further (no pun intended).
Well, I surely hope it gets better like workingdog suggest... one of my biggest questions and a deal breaker on doing Incivek, versus waiting on the next wave of meds being developed for treatment to hit the market... was permanent side effects such as this.
I have an appointment with my GI / Liver specialist on Thursday, so I'm going to inform him at that appointment. Maybe during the exam, he can suggest a proctologist to look into it further (no pun intended).
I responded in the other thread but I will respond here as well.
I was on Incivek, too, and I noticed that it did not take long after finishing the Inc. and my anal/rectal area was feeling much better. No more shards of glass bowel movements. No real pain. No burning on movements. However, that was short lived, maybe a couple of weeks, and then I noticed the rectal area was sore and burning again and the hemorrhoids seemed worse. Also itching. I could not figure it out. Why get better and then worse. I had to buy a ton of over the counter meds for my butt(creams, ointments, suppositories, etc.) and I practically went broke on baby wipes. While all of this was going on, I had a worsening generalized rash.It itched like crazy. Eventually, 3 months later, when I finally got on high enough dose of Hydroxyzine, the rash and the itching subsided and the reactal/anal problem disappeared completely. My thinking is that I had hives and swelling in the rectal /anal area caused by the same allergic reaction which was causing the generalized rash and itching. I know it was related. as soon as the hydroxyzine was wotking for the generalized rash, the hemorrhoids, the itching, the burning from being excoriated, everything rectal/anal disappeared.
My feeling is this, if I had not gotten that rash and itching, my rectal problems would have cleared up and stayed cleared up. So I am pretty sure that second problem (after finishing Inc.) had nothing to do with Inc.
The reason I mention all of this is because it is quite possible that the problem you have now is not from the Inc being in your body at this time, but rather it could be from some other complication or problem. It is possible you developed internal fissures and that they are still causing a problem. The fisures could cause pain. Or, maybe you have developed some sort of IBS as a complication of the Inc or the other meds.
If I were you, I would talk to my treating doc about this. In addition, I would see a proctologist or someone who specializes in problems with the colon. Not all GI docs are proficient in colon problems. Some specialize in colon problems. At least then you wouyld have an expert trying to figure out what the problem is.
I really hope this problem clears up for you. I know how miserable it can make a person.
.
I was on Incivek, too, and I noticed that it did not take long after finishing the Inc. and my anal/rectal area was feeling much better. No more shards of glass bowel movements. No real pain. No burning on movements. However, that was short lived, maybe a couple of weeks, and then I noticed the rectal area was sore and burning again and the hemorrhoids seemed worse. Also itching. I could not figure it out. Why get better and then worse. I had to buy a ton of over the counter meds for my butt(creams, ointments, suppositories, etc.) and I practically went broke on baby wipes. While all of this was going on, I had a worsening generalized rash.It itched like crazy. Eventually, 3 months later, when I finally got on high enough dose of Hydroxyzine, the rash and the itching subsided and the reactal/anal problem disappeared completely. My thinking is that I had hives and swelling in the rectal /anal area caused by the same allergic reaction which was causing the generalized rash and itching. I know it was related. as soon as the hydroxyzine was wotking for the generalized rash, the hemorrhoids, the itching, the burning from being excoriated, everything rectal/anal disappeared.
My feeling is this, if I had not gotten that rash and itching, my rectal problems would have cleared up and stayed cleared up. So I am pretty sure that second problem (after finishing Inc.) had nothing to do with Inc.
The reason I mention all of this is because it is quite possible that the problem you have now is not from the Inc being in your body at this time, but rather it could be from some other complication or problem. It is possible you developed internal fissures and that they are still causing a problem. The fisures could cause pain. Or, maybe you have developed some sort of IBS as a complication of the Inc or the other meds.
If I were you, I would talk to my treating doc about this. In addition, I would see a proctologist or someone who specializes in problems with the colon. Not all GI docs are proficient in colon problems. Some specialize in colon problems. At least then you wouyld have an expert trying to figure out what the problem is.
I really hope this problem clears up for you. I know how miserable it can make a person.
.
my tx sx were awful all the way through tx...the itching took 3 months post tx to go away and i have many scares from it...but now...6 months post tx ...almost no symptoms...in fact i feel better the i have for years...i'm svr and loving it...i do know what its like to get past the incivek and still not feel better...mentally after the incivek i felt much better...but the rash...low hgb..hearing and seeing trouble...stayed around.....also post tx for a while i was so achy...but thats gone now too...so thats that...sounds like as long as your doctor knows about your symptoms you gotta hang in there.....things will get better ....good luck....billy
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