Procrit? All/Scott

[Amerabrit]

All:  I have been feeling a little more tired lately so I wasn't suprised at my blood test results revealed yesterday by my PA, Lisa:  WBC-2.8; RBC-3.2; Hemoglobin-10.0; Hemacrit-30.2; Neutrophils Absolute- 1198.  I was given a rx for Procrit which I filled and injected last evening just before I went to bed.  The anxiety I felt was like first shot night all over again...(UGH!)(19/48).  My question is:  What sx can I expect from Procrit, if any?  The shot stung - is that normal?
I know there have been earlier posts on Procrit but I couldn't find anything last night, I'm sorry - too tired & scared to see straight maybe:).  
For my second opinion and to confirm I'm on track,  I'm calling upon Dr. Scott:  I'm sending you my latest test results.:)
Until I hear back from you guys, I hope you're all having a good day.
Thanks in advacne for your help:).

[doll face]

Amer-My hemo dropped to 8.9 and I was feeling like I was 90 years old before I could finally convince the doc I needed procrit.I find it stings less if you let it warm up a little and if you do the shot quickly.Also do it  a couple of days after your peg shot. What a difference you will notice in just a couple of weeks.

Honey- Congrats to you and hubby. So glad that you found a doctor that you like so quickly. I know what you went through. I go to Michigan for my doctor every two months (live in Tenn) but wouldn't trade him for anything.Also the vein thing -noticed the veins in my legs are extremely noticable lately especially lower (maybe I am just getting old)

Ambush- Counting down the days with you congratulations you are almost to the finish line and going strong

[Amerabrit]

I forgot to post earlier that my PA told me Dr. E now prescribes Procrit when hemoglobin levels fall to 11.00.

[Showboat]

Honey......Me too......same thing "9" and monitor.....I did "fall out"  I used to sing and dance with a group, but after I "passed out" during a coaching session, I said....I guess I need to give in to the need to take it easy.  I was afraid I would keep passing out and I physically could not even tie my shoe without panting for air, and taking a nap to recoup. My doc was not concerned, and I made it thru tx without any "blood boosters"......so, I am taking a leave and pampering myself.....That anemia is scarey.  When I read more about it and the fact that if you push yourself too hard you can damage your heart....so even though I ended tx last month, I still try to use that excuse with my hubby while I am on the couch (hiding my bon-bons...:>)

[honey1616]

Wow,,,thats amazing! Mine fell down to 9 and they did nothing but monitor.  Fortunately it did come back up but has been hovering all these months around 10 to 10.1.  I feel good at that level,  You can't even imagine how I felt hovering at 9,,I was literally afraid I would drop in the middle of the street LOL  Glad you are doing good still on your sx!

[honey1616]

Hey...Just thought of something. True about it could damage your heart and that did scare me.  Also I have noticed in past few weeks.... Veins showing up more so at top of my legs which I think is really weird that now on tx that is happening.  Could being anemic have anything to do with blood flow and cause those???

[honey1616]

Thanks for your kind words! And I do remember you having the good dr that you were also afraid to discuss much because he was same way about wanting to take off meds.  Hope everything is going well with you and did you finally get all your tests results because it seems like you were doing a bunch?

Yep,,,Keeping up with all kitten updates LOL And they all sound so cute and wonderful!  Ya know,,,,I know its hard keeping you busy and all but sounds like your tx is just flying by with these kittens distracting all your attention!  We need a home for Indy,,,any takers in the area that way! He will definitely be an awesome kitten and hopefully not a P.V. haha  Sandi,,,you are planning on keeping 2 girls right?  Take care of yourself!!

[LvdByGod]

hi honey, i sure am glad you got the new dr. he sounds so much better...i had to do that too...i'm glad hubby won't have to come off meds...new dr sounds on the ball...esp. the liver bx bit...

my new dr said the same while my old dr tried to discourage me from the bx because i was "scared" of it...rather than just give me something for nerves or whatever...i got sick of my old dr. threatening to take me off everytime i brought up side effects...

best wishes for the new dr. and....see below for an update on kitty named after you...addressed to chev/others...he's so purrrrfect....:O)meow...

[Amerabrit]

I take a procrit shot once each week for one month,  From the responses I've received, I should start to have more energy in about two weeks; I'm looking forward to that! Thank you.

[Amerabrit]

Honey:  What a relief.. great news:)

[Ambush]

Procrit works miracles!  Yes, it stings and I get aches in my bones, but it's so much better than the anemia.  You're fortunate to have been put on it fairly quickly.  I was 7.9 HGB and 24 HCT before I started Procrit could barely walk.  Does anybody know if the Procrit is necessary for awhile after meds are stopped?  I'm looking forward to July 10th for #60 and LAST shot ~ I can't believe how close that is!
Hope you're all having a good day!
ambush :)

[fsplink]

I'm sooo glad you found a good doctor. I will make a world of difference. It's great to hear your both doing so well.

[tuna]

Your so close, I think I'll start calling you shorty!!!!  your almost there!!!

[TnHepGuy_]

That really is wonderful news that you were able to find a good doc - and so quickly, too!

It sure does sound like you will be in very capable hands with him. And both of you must have a great sense of relief as a result.

Did he say that your husband should do his full-dose shot as usual this weekend?


TnHepGuy

[honey1616]

Yeah,,You can't imagine the relief we both feel to know that things are ok and not as bad as other dr was saying.  And if we didn't get other advice, 2nd opinion etc...Can you imagine how we would have felt if he did quit meds for 2 weeks!  Just like the bx's as we had no idea,,,that it was so very important to have one in beginning!  Yes,,to your question,,he is suppose to continue fullmeds, and shot because this dr wants more blood work next week to check before making decision. He said it was low but he didn't seem real concerned and said the way my husbands neutrophils have been kinda low and then back up,,,He would make decision next week and we can get neupogen right there at medical center so that will work out good!  Hey,,hope you have been feeling ok,,,has the bone pain let up any and have you gotten results on tests?

[honey1616]

Yes,,,this is dr is in Houston,,,Not too bad though as we got right in today to see him.  Actually,,he said he would work with us anyway possible,,,,if we want to go with him full time or if we want to have him work with our dr here or whatever,  He said for most part after looking at our blood work and everything good that usually after 6 month mark,,,He doesn't see but every 3 months unless a problem arises,  So sounds like if we are doing good,,,we won't be driving that much.  I think I'm going to do my next blood work there so he can help me out on sides if needed or blood stackers if I happen to ever need.  You are extending to 72 now?  How do you feel about that?

[Amerabrit]

Ambush:  Don't forget to post again on July 11th!

Everyone: Thanks for the Procrit responses and advice.

[raheem]

Good news and good work.  I know this is an evolving tx, but when these doctors hold themselves out as "liver specialists", take on patients with HepC and claim to have a clinical interest in hepatitis or research interest in hepatitis then at the very least, they ought to know a hell of a lot more than the patients about HepC, it's side effects and treatment medications. Hope this new doc works out for you two.  Don't forget to put the other doc out on the curb on trash day!

[lookin-up]

Procrit is the best thing since the wheel - what an improvement.  I felt 99 yrs oldand had only had 4 tx at the time.  I was down to 8.5 and Doc told me that if it was lower, I would have needed a blood transfusion.  Yes, it stings, but at least something good comes from it!  Oh, and yay!!  I have 2 more tx to go after today - whatta ride!
God bless you & keep you strong-
Penny

[TnHepGuy_]

It seems like one day the steamroller flattens me - and the next day I feel good enough to get in the driver's seat and make some pancakes myself. Today I've been pouring maple syrup.

As far as getting my MRI results goes - my GP's office said that thanks to the wonderful Medical Privacy Act, I get to stare at my mailbox and wait for the results to show up whenever the Post Office gets around to delivering them. Gotta love paperwork and bureaucracies.


TnHepGuy

[Showboat]

Amera:::::: Good for you.....it is no fun being totally worn out with fatigue.  My hemo was at 9, but I was not put on anything.   If I dropped lower, I was going to be considered for Procrit, but man,  I really was totally wiped out most of the time.  If I would have had the energy, I would have demanded it....:>)....Happy that you will not suffer with the fatigue....hope you do not get sx from it.  Good thoughts to you.

Honey & Hubby:::: Fantastic news....WOW....this really happened fast for you two.....I just raised my glass to you (coffee)....Good Cheers to you and hubby.

[cornsqueezer]

I would like to thank you again for your advice especially
with you not feeling well. I was wondering how often you have
to take the procrit?
Debra

[raheem]

Procrit makes the world of difference.  Give it a couple of weeks to kick in.  I drifted down to a HGB of 8.9 and HCT of 26.7 before I felt WAY too lethargic and got on Procrit.

[cuteus]

I AM SO RELIEF FOR BOTH OF YOU.   I know you are more than me. Is this the long distance dr? how often will he need to see you?
I am happy for you, welcome to the "change the dr." club!

[Fubarcat]

Sounds like you and hubby are happy with the new doctor.  That's such a relief to have confidence in your medical care providers.  I think a lot of patient worries could be alleviated if the docs would just take the time to explain the whys and wherefores of what the hell they are doing on our behalf.  Anyway, glad things worked out for the both of you.  I know you are bothing giving it your best effort to rid yourself of this rotten, stinking virus (dragon - whichever you prefer).  Have a peaceful weekend!