Rash/bumps

[PJ1966]

I'm on day 4 on triple therapy and developed an itchy area on the inside of my elbow (in the soft bend of arm).  I realized it was small bumps so I put some hydocortisone cream on them and they are better.  this is just something I had in the house.  Is there a better ointment that I should buy?  It seems early to start having problems with this.  I haven't felt great all day.  I get up to do something and start to feel nausea so I lay back down.  Day 4......I know it will get worst but not enjoying this so far.  Day 1 was the worst with the interferon shot.  I don't think I've ever been that sick (although I know the worst is to come).
thanks for this group and the support.

[PJ1966]

Such a great report.  You're going to whip this...I just feel it.  Stay positive as you know how positive thoughts are one of our strongest allies.  I just finished week 1....yeayyyyy.  I started week 2 today and see the doctor at 1pm.  I am developing a UTI of some sort.  I noticed I was going a lot and the last few days, it's been very reduced emptying and feeling like I have to go constantly but can't.  Starting to feel some irritation.  Worked perfect that I have a doctor appt. today.  Sure did get this quickly.  Hope it's not something I'll get a lot.
The itchy/bumps are so much better.  I caught them right away and used a cortisone 10 spray that I had in the house and it worked like a charm.  Just kept spraying and now they are gone.  I'm happy about that.  So far it's been a pretty easy week after day 3.  Of course I've been milking it some!  Using lots of R&R time.  Take care and positive thoughts on your next blood work.
I do remember that I had insomnia for a year after I stopped treatment last time.  The doctor told me once your body learns the behavior (due to meds), it can take a little more time to whip.  I think that is why I'm so lazy as I'm up constantly going to the bathroom and I never get any deep sleep.
Best to you and others for success!

[Dawn703]

I'm doing good, finished treatment 4 weeks ago today. I started doing better very quickly. Have so much more energy and strength. Been taking longer more frequent walks, something I couldn't do the last few weeks of treatment. Started working out on the elliptical too. No lingering sx except insomnia, I'm sure stress induced since I have so much on mind and will until my 12 week post tx test results, also worry about potential long term peg issues. I am going to request to have some tests of autoimmune stuff after my six month post. All of my 24 week test came back normal, except for RBC and WBC of course. But liver enzymes are normal, thyroid normal,  blood sugar normal, kidney stuff normal, etc... I still have some hair loss, but is so much better. Not so thirsty anymore either, I have to actually remind myself to drink now. The only thing that sux is I have degenerative disc disease and have had back and hip pain for years and the interferon actually took my pain away (it has anti-inflammatory properties), but it is now back since ending treatment. It was so nice to be pain free for six months and I was so hoping it was permanent, oh well can't have everything. You take care and hang in there; you're going to discover how strong of a person you really are, if you haven't already.

[Dawn703]

I'm doing good, finished treatment 4 weeks ago today. I started doing better very quickly. Have so much more energy and strength. Been taking longer more frequent walks, something I couldn't do the last few weeks of treatment. Started working out on the elliptical too. No lingering sx except insomnia, I'm sure stress induced since I have so much on mind and will until my 12 week post tx test results, also worry about potential long term peg issues. I am going to request to have some tests of autoimmune stuff after my six month post. All of my 24 week test came back normal, except for RBC and WBC of course. But liver enzymes are normal, thyroid normal,  blood sugar normal, kidney stuff normal, etc... I still have some hair loss, but is so much better. Not so thirsty anymore either, I have to actually remind myself to drink now. The only thing that sux is I have degenerative disc disease and have had back and hip pain for years and the interferon actually took my pain away (it has anti-inflammatory properties), but it is now back since ending treatment. It was so nice to be pain free for six months and I was so hoping it was permanent, oh well can't have everything. You take care and hang in there; you're going to discover how strong of a person you really are, if you haven't already.

[PJ1966]

yes I'm finding I've been trying to get an apple down in the morning.  I have home grown apples still and they are GREAT!
They are like a huge treat.  Also my favorite thing is an ice cream cone also.  I love them.  I actually got sick of oreo cookies.....amazing!
Never thought I'd see that day and so early.  I have this huge box now and they're not getting eaten....that will teach me to buy the Costco size box.
Thanks for the advice and support.
Are you doing okay Dawn?
Hope so.
Pat

[Dawn703]

I couldn't eat either at any time; I got real creative with the fat as well. but try to get something solid as well (even if its a cracker or piece of fruit, half piece of toast), it works bettter. ice cream cones became my best friend. hang in there, you are doin great, you will get through this. that 12 weeks will be on you before you know it, albeit, via a roller coaster ride. Let your friend come to help, if nothing else for the friendship alone.

[PJ1966]

I'm on my 7th day, week 1 almost finished.  I can't wait to say I'm on week 12 and incivek is done!  I have had problems getting food down at 6:30 so I've found hot chocolate w/ whole milk, add 3/4 tbsp of flax seed oil & whip cream and it goes down pretty easy.  I might try a coffee mocha tomorrow (it's just more trouble to make).  I'm not a coffee lover but I do like mocoa's.  hope everyone is doing fine.  I'm feeling better than I thought and just gave my dog a bath & thinking about sewing some today.  Have friends coming Friday and she is going to stay and help but at this point I'm not feeling like I need much help.  Stay strong everyone!  
MUST GET THROUGH THIS!!!!

[PJ1966]

Thank you all for your recommendations and suggestions.  AND your encouragement.  I've started to feel better for sure.  The only time I feel like I need to rest is when I take my Riba & Incivek in the morning after eating.  If I walk around after the pills, I tend to get headaching and nausea, but if I lay down and don't move, I feel fine and it passes.  I'll get some cream for my rash.  It's still not bad and I see the doctor for my one week on Wednesday.  I'll be sure to get a prescription for the rash.  I'm hoping this constant urination isn't the start of a bladder infection.  It doesn't feel like it yet although the last time I went, there was a little irritation so I'll get this checked out Wednesday also.  Thank you again for all your help.  I going into the pool for a quick swim and then out of the sun into the shade.  Southern Calif. has been hot lately!  I keep the air conditioning on when I need it but I notice I tend to get cold easy.  I'm now on day 6...yeayyyyyyyy!  Hopefully only 23 weeks left.

[CoffeeLvr]

My first night was the worst. Took pegasys at 6:30 PM, 2nd Riba at 8:30 PM and 3rd Incivek at 10:30 PM. Shortly after the Incivek, I spent hours with chills, sweats, shaking. Was cold the next day.Lousy welcome!

Week 2 was a breeze. A little cold and tired for 2 days, thats all. As far as the weekly shot goes, as of week 7, barely notice an effect from it, though still a bit more tired for the day or 2 after shot.

Hang tough.

[pooh55811]

Nausea
For the nausea I took 8 mg of Zofran every 8 hours and that worked wonders.


Rash:
I took oral Hydroxyzine 50 mg every 6 hours and used Fluocinonide ointment and clobetesol soln. as topicals. All prescriptions. The over the counter meds were useless. The prescription topicals help, but if the rash and itching are bad, you need the Hydroxyzine. The rash is from a systemic drug reaction. We cannot stop the drugs, so we need to control the rash somehow. The Hydroxyzine works systemically to keep the rash and itching under control.

Keep the house cool (mine is at 68)
Do not get hot
No sun
Light, soft, loose, cotton clothing
No picky clothing ... tags in the neck, lace, etc.
No heavy clothing, especially clothes that have bulky seams (denims)
Soft cotton sheets
Lightweight covers
Drink lots of water
Use the prescription meds for the rash and itching

Anal issues:
Keep the stools quite firm. If they get even remotely soft, they cause problems. I used Loperimide as needed to keep the stools firm.
I also used Xylocaine with Hydrocortison cream, Desitin ointment, A & D ointment, baneal, Prep H supp., Prep H cream, Huggies baby wipes, many showers.

If the major symptoms (rash, itching, nausea, low blood counts, anal issues, depression) are under control the other symptoms will most likely get better over time.

Best of luck. Just post if you have questions.

[Advocate1955]

forgot to add, drink lots of water.

[Advocate1955]

Hydroxyzine, triamcinolone, eucerin body wash, cool not hot showers, and eucerin moisturizer. Also avoid the sun.
Advocate1955

[Dawn703]

You need to jump on this quick, the rash can snowball out of control very quickly. I got the rash the first time three days after I started treatment. Call your Dr. and tell him to prescribe something, mine finally prescribed fluocininde and it worked well, others have had different things prescribed to them and they will eventually chime in. But make sure you do call the Dr and be your own advocate and make him prescribe something. In the mean time, lotions are necessary, Eucerin calming cream and gold bond medicated; I even resorted to pure vaseline at times.

For nausea, tell your Dr to prescribe zofran; it is a miracle drug. Ginger tea, ginger candy/gum or ginger ale will work for mild to moderate nausea.

If you are on incivek, colorectal issue can be a problem as well' at all cost prevent loose stools by eating lots of fivber stuff and if you get hemrroids, jump on this quickly as well, my Dr. prescribed 2.5% hydrocortizone for rectal use.

As far as interferon goes, my worse was the first 3-4 weeks, after that no side effects from it except hair loss after a while. And it will not necessarily get worse, you need to think positive.

And I know it's easier said than done, but try to stay as active as possible, it really does help. Also, I can not stress this enough, drink lots of water, I drank a gallon to a gallon and a half of water a day. If you aren't used to drinking this much work your way up to it. Please hang in there, and keep us posted with the rash stuff and post about any other sx that come your way.