Rashes and taste changes

Hi everyone - I am in week 9/48wk, took shot last night.  Woke up a few hours later with rash on lower legs, now it is itchy with red bumps - is this the infamous riba rash I have been hearing about?  Bought some Aveeno, seems to help... what fun..
Also, when I woke up this morning, seems my taste buds are gone, everything I eat tastes the same (tinny, metallic, funny taste) unless I put heavy spices on it, and my appetite seems to be dwindling.  I have not lost weight, in fact gained a couple of pounds due to the inactivity (I was real active before tx)...
seems like these are normal sides, but just wanted to check in and ask around... I also have the garden variety of other sides, but have been able to live with those and am trudging on...
thanks for your input
sammy

[Ambush]

Hi Sammy, ah....yes, the metallic tinny taste.  As my appetite dwindled and tastebuds disappeared, I found that bland foods were about all I could handle.  Plain pasta, grits, cheerios, crackers, yogurt, toast and soup were some of my old standbys. In an effort to keep from losing too much weight, I discovered a nice bowl of ice cream along with my evening riba (should be taken with some fat, anyways) became a nightly ritual. Having trouble post-tx losing that habit!  Riba rash ~ yuk ~ keep up with the Aveeno.  Worked pretty good for me.  Otherwise, you sound like you're hanging in there :)  Are we havin' fun yet??
Take care ~
ambush

[bluefin]

I woke up to a small rash on my calfs at week 3 that was no problem, called the doc and got some pills for the itching. Now on 13/48 I have a rash on my legs,arms and starting on my back and hands. I have tried all the over-the-counter anti-itch creams, today got Aveeno 1% cream. Nothing seems to stop it just the itching for a while. Hope you have better luck. I had my 12 week PCR Friday will find out in 10 days if this is working. I half way hope its not so I will have a reason to guit. Its all starting it get to me. I hate to wine but where else can you go with a problem like this. lot of fun!! Jerry

[carolhab]

Ambush - thanks for validating and sharing.  It's good to know there are others who went through or are going through the same sides, such a support system here!!!!  I am trying to observe and deal with each new side that pops up, it seems that every new shot brings on a new variation of sides - maybe because I am still in the early stages.  Good food suggestions, I had pasta and ice cream last night.

Bluefin - I am glad to know someone early into tx also.  Although you are 1 month ahead of me, I think if you get good news, it will give you determination to continue - but I sympathize with your feelings, I also have those days of just not wanting to do this anymore....it really does suck (can I say that here?)...  I thing that helps a little is getting up early and taking about a hour to get myself together (get the webs out of my head), and just living one day at a time.... I really hope your test come out good and you keep continuing...  

Rev - we need you to help us keep our chins up and keep fighting.  I consider this a fight for my life and health, a life that I took for granted.. This tx has caused me to do a lot of soul-searching about who I am and how I feel about myself...  It's hard to explain, but I am learning about my relationship with myself and what is important to me.. tough way to get introspective!!!... you are such a support here, I thank you from the bottom of my heart...  
sammy