Support

Hi everyone! My mother was diagnosed with Hep C last year, November (type 2), she is currently on interferon/ribavirin treatment and the next day of interferon injection she feels really bad, she can't stand up, has high temp. (she is 56 years old, also diagnosed with reactive arthritis 2 years ago), I have already lost my father (from brain hemorrhage at the age of 48, 12 years ago)  and now am afraid of losing my mom. She says that she is really tired to take the injections (twice a week), and wants to continue with the pills only. I am trying to support her, but she is going to give up,  even though her analysis are fine meaning white cells, hemoglobin etc.I am praying every day  for her health. Please somebody tell me a success story, please advice how to convince her to continue the therapy (I am not from the USA, English is not my mother tongue, so please excuse me!)

[joi510]

First of all, your writing was perfect in English !  Thank you for making the attempt to communicate.
More importantly ~ Bless your heart for taking such concern for your mother.  You are a daughter to be proud of.   I don't know how close you live to your mother, but if you are close and able, you could offer to provide the twice weekly shots.  It is not difficult to learn.  Ask the doctor or nurse to teach you.  I kind of understand your mom.  I am a nurse for many years prior to my diagnosis.  Gave plenty of shots !  Nobody likes giving themselves shots.  Not even those that hand them out !
I guess I am a success story, though I will never be the person I was before.  Coming through this disease takes a lot of  patience and acceptance.  But its better than the other option.    You know your mother, what she does, how she does, and what she needs.  Plug in your efforts to help when she is too ill to do for herself or be safe.  Just being there for her and supportive will, hopefully, provide the motivation to continue through treatment and recover.
Much love and luck to you and you mom.

[paen53]

Sorry to hear your MOM is feeling so poorly. She's very lucky to have you for support. Is there a reason that she is taking two shots per week? Are they both interferon? Just curious as it's usually one shot per week unless they are having her double dose. Do encourage her to get in touch with her Dr. to clarify this and let them know about her side effects (sx). HCV treatment needs BOTH meds to have a chance to work - the pills alone won't do it. If her high temp continues, she need to seek help. Make sure she is drinking fluids, important enough on tx, but even more so with the fever. If they have OK'd her to take Tylenol (Paracetamol) this would be a good time with their knowledge.

Best of luck to you and your Mom, Pam

[grizwald]

Hi,
Sometimes it hurts more to see the Ones we love suffer, than to go through the trials yourself.  But please continue not to let this distract you, as she will need your clear judgment to help and direct her through the treatment.  This being said, You can put some of your worries aside, She is not going anywhere and you are not going to loose her.
  When I took the IFN,  Sometimes I would tap on my stomach with the little finger of my left hand while holding the needle with my right hand, tap, tap, tap, tap,tap, and on one of these taps and in time with the rhythm, I would stick in the needle, then give myself the medicine.  This distraction made the shot a little less annoying.  As for the fatigue, I'm sure you'll want to get her Dr OK, but if she dosn't work, encourage her to remain mildley active like walk a short distance each day, and be sure to drink plenty of water.  When at home it helped me to read so I wouldn't become bored while I was treating.  Maybe you or a friend could play scrabble with her or somthing she enjoys.  Don't forget to remind her, she is not the first to go through this and it will be over sooner than she thinks.  If millions of others have succeeded she can do it too.  Btw I'm 59 and stillgoing and will treat again this summer, she will come out alright.
  Stay in touch with this forum, these people will provide priceless help.  It's a little slow on the weekends but others will pick up this thread tomorrow and offer more help and keep praying, God will help both of you and many of us will pray for both of you.

Griz

[Petlover1970]

I am on triple therapy incevic and I take my last does this morning anybody able to tell me what to expect after the drug from h-ll , will the itching and clawing stop I have some scars now and my behind is a real sore subject

[pooh55811]

I felt a lot better almost immedicately after stopping Incivek. I still had sides from the Inf and Riba, but I felt so much better.

If you are itching, I would call the doc and get a stronger prescription. The over the counter meds are not very effective against these rashes and itching if they get going.

I am on Fluocinonide ointment,  Hydroxyzine 20 mg at night, and Zyrtec 10 mg. in am. This combo works. It is gradually clearing up the rash and the ointment stops the itching.

[SusieS2010]

She is a type 2 so wouldn't be on incivek. Please tell your mom that the pills alone will not help her get rid of the virus. It would be a mistake to stop taking any of the drugs. If she is a type 2 she is half way done with treatment. Is she on Peg Intron and is that why she is taking 2 injections a week?

[pooh55811]

My post above was supposed to be to you but somehow I left your name off, lol. (Brain fog.)

Here is the repost:

I felt a lot better almost immedicately after stopping Incivek. I still had sides from the Inf and Riba, but I felt so much better.

If you are itching, I would call the doc and get a stronger prescription. The over the counter meds are not very effective against these rashes and itching if they get going.

I am on Fluocinonide ointment,  Hydroxyzine 20 mg at night, and Zyrtec 10 mg. in am. This combo works. It is gradually clearing up the rash and the ointment stops the itching.