Post tx Anemia, Rash

[beeblessed]

Hi all.  I plan on making an appointment to see a new primary doc next week, but I have questions for anyone who can help shed some light.  I finished 28 weeks of triple tx with VIC on 3-17-2012.  My last blood test was between week 21 and 22, and was UND.  Because I was going through so my blood tests and because I was UND, my tx doc did not need me to do anymore until 1 month post tx.  In the meantime...

1.  ANEMIA -- I feel like I am weak and have shortness of breath, not all day, but at times during the day.  And then I feel better.  Since it is not persistant, would that be in line with Anemia??  I am admittedly very fatigued but weakness is a more intense feeling.

2.  ANTI-DEPRESSANT -- I have been on Sertraline (Zoloft) since August 2011.  I know I will have to be weened off.  Does anyone know how long is considered 'too long' to take ADs before any damaging/long term effects?

3.  RASH -- During tx, I had the RIBA rash on and off.  Armpits, scalp, lower back.  All of a sudden, the armpits flared up again yesterday.  Still using no fragrance, no aluminum.  I also have a fungus or rash in the webbing between my fingers.  I have treated it, it goes away, then comes back a couple of months later.  Anyone experience anything like this??  Anyone find that even after tx you couldn't go back to your normal products?

Okay, I am totally wiped out right now and will check back later.  Because of this, it's one of the few times I haven't been able to do my own research, so thanks for any constructive input.  I expect to feel better in time, that's only natural, but I am focused on what's happening now, so I can better inform my doctor.

Thanks, Bee

[1oftheclub222]

Don't forget to keep up on your water intake...i know it takes a while to clear the system of these drugs, then we need to heal....the water may help you feel a little better...

[Dee1956]

Hey there I am rooting for you.  I know how it feels, it has been a little over 5 weeks since I finished tx and I am tired, not feeling as bad as I did on tx however am impatient to feel better so I can shovel my home out.  It is difficult however it gets better every day and will get better every day for you.  Try to continue to drink a lot of water to help flush your system.  My thoughts are with you dear Bee
Hope and a prayer
Dee

[beeblessed]

Hi Sentinel -- 3-6 months?  Oh crap.  But then, like OH said, not to get pregnant for at least 6 months post......so I guess I could see that the RIBA may cause some stupid sides during that time too.

Hi Advocate --  Thanks so much.  I'll look into that.  Interesting how baby products (diaper rash creams) seem to have helped others.  I had forgotten about that.

Hey Mo -- Wow, good to know about the Head and Shoulders.  I used Selsun Blue, followed up by Pantene.  I have braids in my hair right now, so I'm not able to wash it right now.

Thanks everyone.  I will strive to be more patient.  Cranky about it but I will try.

Bee :)

[brianmo]

I will be finishing treatment this next week and my doctor talked to me about giving it time to clear out of system. Of course I want to get right back into life but she is encouraging me to take my time. She is doing blood work the last day of treatment then in a month.

A work about the itch. That was the worse side effect I had during tx. My scalp face and neck would itch so bad I would cry and seriously consider it a deal breaker. I came on the forum and tried all that was suggested, saw three different doctors, saw a dermatologist who said to use T gel and stay away from Head and Shoulders. Everything would work for about an hour or two, one day I had a full day of no itch then it would come back.   Then, two weeks ago, I just could not do it any more. I found another Derm, and he knew right away what it was. Fungus. He has seen this with supressed systems. Gave me medicated shampoo along with a gel and after two weeks I am almost itch free!! What a relief. I just regret going five months and itching so bad I would bleed.

Hang in there until you find an answer.  Mo

[Advocate1955]

Based on my husband's previous two therapies, I would say it took him about 2 months for all of his counts to really bounce back up to normal.  You may want to see a dermatologist about the ongoing skin problems.  There is a condition known as Intertrigo, which is a skin inflammation that can also develop fungus.  It is typically in areas where skin touches skin.  If you have that, a dermatologist might recommend a homemade paste of Desitin, an antifungal cream, and a cortisone cream blended together.
Advocate1955

[Sentinel13]

Hi Bee. Concur with OH.

The treatment drugs are toxic. Our bodies can take time to recover -- frustrating long. I refer to the period you are going through as the recovery and detoxification period.

After my previous treatment containing riba, I would periodically itch for somewhere between 3-6 months after treatment. :-(

Sounds like it's been almost 2 months since your last CBC test. You may want to get another CBC  soon to make sure all of your blood chemistry is recovering. Cheers, GB

[beeblessed]

It helps.  But I still wanna feel better -- right now :-)  LOL.

Thanks!

[orphanedhawk]

I'm not sure how helpful I can be other than offering some general advice.

The NP at my liver clinic told me it takes about a month to see changes in our wbc and rbc levels. She said even when they checked weekly, they didn't notice changes for a month.
The information on ribavarin says not to get pregnant for 6 months after taking the meds.

I mention these things to underscore that it takes time for our bodies to clear out the medication and for our blood levels to begin to normalize.
My theory is this is why we still feel tired, our bodies are healing which they don't do when we're active. We heal when we rest.

You haven't been off tx that long. Keep your nutrition up, do what you can and give it time.

ADs can be addictive If you aren't normally depressed, I'd suggest you talk to your doctor about how to go about weaning off them as do it gradually and steadily.
Hope that helps~some :)

OH