Unbelievable rage!!!

Last night, my husband, who is on week 5 of his tritherapy, threatened to do evrything but burn all my belongings in a fit of rage. This is so unlike him. All because I had overcooked a bit./ Now, I've heard this stuff is powerful, but, HOLY COW!! The crazy thing is, I dont think he even remembers what he said or how he said it last night. He is on an antidepressant, but is this what I shoud expect for the rest of this tritherapy. I will not budge. I will stand by my man no matter what happens. I just want to know how to accept this and if I should accept this. Any suggestions for a nice way to say. "Um, Honey....chill out." All help accepted here.

[flcyclist]

Try to be as sympathetic and compassionate as possible, since this is certainly the medication.  My GI cautioned my wife to warn her that I will have days where I need a mulligan, say things I don't mean, do things I wouldn't never do otherwise.  He was correct and fortunately she has been very understanding.  It is difficult for her since she can't tell what I'm feeling inside, and sometimes I can't explain it.  It just happens sometimes with a very small trigger.  

Perhaps a different antidepressant would be in order if this is too frequent.  I haven't experienced this rage recently, but I wouldn't be terribly surprised if it rears its ugly head again.  Saying chill out will likely do little to calm him and might elevate it further.  Not budging and locking horns would be the last thing I'd recommend.  This is time for support and compassion.  Allowing some alone time might also help, but discussing this at a calm time is best.  If I warn my wife I'm having one of these days, she knows its time to back off a little and give me some space.    Your husband is taking some very challenging medications and besides feeling like crap, is dealing with the consequences of his illness and the results from this treatment.

[lynda607]

If he can't control his emotions perhaps upping the AD dosage is an option.  You deserve respect and you don't have to accept disrespect regardless of what he is going through.   Sometimes telling someone to chill just can't be said in a nice way.  Definitely an adjustment for you both but standing by your man doesn't mean he can continue to rage at you. He must do his part to get his emotions in check and if he continues to have outbursts like you have described he should talk with his doctor.

These are powerful drugs but there are way to cope with the side effects too.

[willbb]

Nothing much to add to the good advice above other than to say the AD'S"s  depending on how long he has been on them can take upward s of 3 to 4 weeks to be ultimately effective..and often a  dose adjustment as lynda mentioned..or even a different one may have better effects

Best to you
Will

[researchmonkey326]

In addition to the AD, he might need an anti-anxiety med.  The AD's will do only so much for the rage and they usually take several weeks to be effective so he may need something like Xanax on occasion.  I have used xanax throughout my treatment and it has probably kept me getting fired.  Good luck- he is feeling like crap like flcyclist said and anything that can help, is worth a try.

[babs824]

  i totally sympathize and know from experience that the rage is drug induced. try to realize he is not in control and not responsible. maybe u  can discuss when he is in a good mood and ask him how he thinks u should deal with future events so not to hurt feelings or escalate anger. maybe something like hand signal to indicate time out or just a hug saying the meds are talking for u... i dunno but he deserves your best sympathy and work to help him til it passes.good luck, babs

[his3707]

I say just kiss his butt for the next how ever many months of treatment. (unless he dangerous)  That's what I wish they would do around my house for me.  Sure would make me feel better.   :)   From what you say, this sounds like a temporary situation.  Make him feel as good as you can.  Sounds like he will really appreciate you down the road.  

[eureka254]

The side effects of these meds are sometimes as much a challenge for the person taking them as they are for the caregiver!  Hope the rages are the exception rather than the rule, but it definitely helps to keep your eye on the prize (SVR)... and lay the blame on the drugs :).

The odd combination of tension and forgetfulness induced by Riba can definitely test a caregiver's patience... during my husband's long treatment, it wasn't unusual for him to fly off the handle at the drop of a hat.. and then wonder later why the hat was on the floor.  

Try not to take things to heart when he heats up, and try to forget those tougher moments as easily as he does ;).  I found that being non-commital ("oh, you think? could be..."), or off-hand ("it's understandable you feel that way...") without feeding the conversation was usually the best option... gotta wear invisible non-stick coating, especially when cooking :).  Hope that helps some, and welcome to the forum. ~eureka

[springfever]

I had fits of anger during standard SOC.  Kept my husband walking on egg shells...when he wasn't keeping his distance.  He helped me a lot during tx but he also stayed gone as much as possible.

Another thought...you said overcooked food set him off.  During tx, my tastes changed and I spent many months searching for what I could eat.  Finally figured out, I had little saliva in my mouth and could not eat many usual foods.  Came to a point where I could not eat a piece of meat without some kind of sauce.  My husband had to cook for me as I was utterly down and often what he brought to me, I could not eat.  And that just made me mad.  He learned to do a drop and run.
Good luck.  Glad to hear you are gonna stick.  

[dancer53]

Thank you so very much for all of your feedback! We had another tough night last night too. I was able, between shouts, to suggest upping his meds, and was able to stand the rest. Again, he doesn't seem to remember all he said, and I'm glad. It was pretty rough. Live and learn! :) To lynda, thank you. respect is a two-way street, but, as eureka metioned, I continue to remember it is only the meds taking.
He knows one thing, he spoke too much last night. We have come up with a few stratagies.. I have a safe word when he begins to ramble, and tonight, I will introduce the idea of me going to an AA meeting (we are both on recovery :) ) when he gets to worked up.
When he goes to the doctor next Tuesday, I will see that he talks to him about these issues. Thank you all for taking the time to guide me through this, and I will be back.

[FlGuy]

He is responisble for his behavior, whether he's on medication or not!  If he can't conrol his temper he should go off to a corner and contol himself there.

[flcyclist]

Since you mentioned AA, you might also do a search in your area for a HCV support group.  I was surprised that our area had one.  Although my wife or I haven't had the need to go, I did send a few emails and had very quick responses (on the weekend).  This might be just what you both need to cope with this behaviour issue.  And adjusting or increasing the meds might be needed, too.     Best of luck to the both of you.  You will get through this.

[evangelin]

My husband has been on TX repeatedly and we were a lot better the 3rd time through than we were the 1st time.  I hope you don't get the chance to learn that way but I can say that Eureka254's way of managing is similar to what I have done.  I also quietly leave out potentially challenging subjects if at all possible.  I  force myself to remember that he wasn't like this for the ,now almost 30 years prior to the medication.  Those  that have been to the other side and back can tell you when the medication is out of their system, they will behave better again. Hang on and just take comfort that it will end.  Believe it or not, I think it has actually grown my character to have to hold my tongue when something is wrong and completely undeserved.  I had to just grant him grace until his mind returned to normal.  Somedays  that can be really hard.
I am going to get to practice what I preach soon because we are going to try for the 4th time with  Boceprevir.
Hope things settle down for you both,
Ev

[can-do-man]

Yeah these meds are tough, but so is life........ It doesn't give one a pass to take it out on everyone else.. He needs to man up and put is big boy shorts on.

[nygirl7]

Seriously a quick fit of road rage is one thing - but this is really over the top - nobody deserves to get away with bullying and abusing their wife for ANY reason.  Hells bells we all did treatment and I don't remember anybody ever being like that I agree with Candoman 100% tell him to deal he's not the only one who has ever done treatment before and it is difficult but no reason to be abusive like that.

Time to grow up and take responsibility for your actions. Sheesh!

[willbb]

Being on medication gives no-one the right to abuse another ...verbally, physically ..or any other way. You said you" live and learn"  .. hopefully he does too... that when life gets tough ..you don't have the right to make it that way for others...especially  a loved one....

[dancer53]

Tnak you Ev. This is what we're doing now. I have definatley held my tounge and will continue to do so. I love what you said about granting him grace. I love that word! Looked it up about 7 years ago. Means unmerited favor.
I have definatley been doing a great deal og growing here. Been taking care of the wash, cleaning, pets, cooking, and now the bills with a full time job.
I've been using the Serenity Prayer a lot and just counting down the weeks.
I have found that I will love him unconditionally too. Thanks again guys.

[willbb]

yikes

[nygirl7]

Uh........well OK if being abused is f'alling under 'grace' now then my husband was the most  'graceful' man that ever lived until in a fit of rage one night he killed himself. I was just glad he didn't take out me or the kids at the same time.

I guess it's all perception but I'm glad I refused to accept to give him that unmerited favor any longer.

Please........seek help somewhere before you are in over your head if you wont talk to him like a grown up should do.

[suezeeque]

If I treat my husband this way somewhere down the line in my treatment, I hope he has the good sense to leave until I'm done treatment!

Goodness me...  I certainly wouldn't put up with that kind of cr@p and I'm the one going through the treatment!

When he starts acting like a d-bag, leave.  Tell him to ring your cell when he's decided to stop acting like a baby.  And in the meantime, he can finish preparing that meal to his own darned specifications.  You want something done right, do it yourself, right honey?

My husband gets zero, ZERO, without "merit".  But then I've been told, on numerous occasions, that I'm a bit of a beotch.

[willbb]

But then I've been told, on numerous occasions, that I'm a bit of a beotch.  
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

No.   can"t be..... thought you were Ccanadian  :)

[suezeeque]

Haha!

[dancer53]

I'm going to nip this now. My husband is NOT abusive. He is sick. He is not ever like this under normal circumstances.
When one loves another that means to take care of each other no matter what.To further that satement. I know what abuse is. Stop commenting those of you whose think I do not know.
Help with his treatment is welcoming and supportive encouraging words are help.
Play on words to manipulate the true scenario is petty and I'm not here for that, only the support and care to support and care for my sick husband.
To those who HAVE helped, I thank you again. I also thank those who did not understand for their concern.

[nazzareno]

My wife and I attend more than one support group together. We also see a therapist. Both of these resources drastically improve the situation.

[nygirl7]

Stop commenting those of you whose think I do not know"

Unfortunately you miss the point that we DO know and you DID Ask us.  If 20 people just said one response and one person another and you are accepging of the ONE response perhaps you are just missing the point completely.

No one said not to be supportive and to leave him immediately but we did say you should take this seriously as it is not normal.

I seriously hope you find counseling, anyone I've known hundreds if not in the thousands of people now, literally, who have treated and never ever heard of anyones behavior like this nor anyone being accepting of it.

I wish you well and hope you have no children in the house.

[evangelin]

Joe has had to grant me grace for 2-3 days a month, in a cyclical fashion  ;>)  for the last 30 years.  If we were to add up even 2 days a month for the last 30 years, (I'll give myself the benefit of the doubt), it equals 720 which means Joe is still ahead.  I have been crazy more days than he has.  We give and take as needed.  You just helped me realize  that I am still in debt.  :>)  ...but thankfully,I don't think Joe is keeping track.
One day at a time,
Ev

[lynda607]

If you're familiar with AA then you're familiar with the term denial.  You're husband is verbally abusive, sick or no sick, regardless of the circumstances and that should not be tolerated.  

If he doesn't remember everything he says and you claim he is NOT abusive I see denial on both sides and that's what needs to be nipped.  You cannot accept, excuse or ignore abusive behavior.  Both of you have to face what is happening head on and do something about it before it escalates and from all indication it will.

[willbb]

He is sick. He is not ever like this under normal circumstances.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It is usually when life gets tough true character shows up.....

Hope it all works  out.......
Will..

[suezeeque]

dancer53 asked:  "I just want to know how to accept this and if I should accept this."

My answer to "should" you:  No.

You don't have to leave him to not accept this behaviour.  It may very well be out of his control but he'll have to do something to get it under control.  Is he working?  Would his coworkers/boss accept it?  Is he raging at anyone else?  

Not doing something about it could mean standing in the welfare line.

I also hope there are no children in the house if you are prepared to simply "stand by" him and not be proactive.

Bottom line, it's not acceptable for people to treat each other this way, no matter what.

Perhaps if you are the trigger for these outbursts where he threatens to do everything but set your stuff on fire then removing yourself might be the trick.

Good luck.

[appleboy]

Call your doctor about this

[eureka254]

There is certainly a wide variety of ways folks deal with others' rage, and we've certainly seen a number of different options presented here.  We all have our own way of dealing with confrontation and conflict, and oftentimes, borrowing a page from another's book helps, but sometimes, it doesn't.  What one person finds 'acceptable' and 'excusable' may be very different from another, but I also think there's a very obvious difference between 'rage' and any real "threat."  My interpretation from the posts is that dancer feels the rage, but does not feel an immediate sense of danger. I hope that is the case, and to me, it sounds like she's just looking for ways to deal with the ups and downs of having a spouse on treatment. Some of you folks who treated and had spouses can probably attest to the same ups and downs.

I'm pretty sure that most folks here who have gone through treatment themselves have at one point or another said or done things they later regretted... or had to be reminded of something they did or said that was uncharacteristically unpleasant.  My hope is that for those who went through treatment or are going through it now, that they have loved ones as supportive and understanding as dancer53 appears to be.  Just like any hcv patient on treatment, getting through treatment completely sometimes takes cooperation from those around us... maybe tough love worked on lots of you who treated, but it isn't the only route of support.  If it works for them to use grace instead of AA or tough love, I don't think that is a process with any less merit... whatever gets him to finish treatment is the bottom line, isn't it?

~eur

[GoofyDad]

Would his coworkers/boss accept it?

Exactly. My sense is that if the treating patient would be able to hold his or her tongue in line at the grocery, or sitting in a church pew, then he or she can find the reserves to buck-up at home and not take it out on loved ones. It ain't easy, but it's within our grasp and it's our responsibility.  

[willing]

one of the great adventures of a marriage is that there only two people on earth that have any clue about where the balance is. However, as useless as advice from the outside may be, two things to consider: (1) skillets were made to be used (and feared) (2) biochem gives you the advantage. Like an an ornery chihuahua, 10 min into the rant the anemia will kick in and he'll need a nap. Soon, short-term memory loss will ensure he has no idea what you're talking about  . On tx irritation may run high and self-control low, but fatigue trumps all.

Ev: great math - I may need to use it  in the future..

[streamline569]

From what I understand is we have to watch for suicidal thoughts. The drugs could be causing some kind of a mental disorder and you should probably mention it to your doctor and maybe get him psychiatric  care before the situation gets worse for him. He's probably suffering from some mental disorder being brought on by the drugs and doesn't realize it. If you want to help him get him help. He may not know what's happening or realize it as you do. Good luck.

[working dog]

maybe i missed this but did you say when he started on his ad???  it can take a couple months to kick in.....good luck....billy

[desrt]

I think your instincts are good in seeking advice if he's exhibiting atypical, aggressve behaviour and not remembering what he said later.

I rarely post to these type of threads because, in a few cases, this can be serious stuff, not to be dealt with by suggestions (though you've gotten a few good ones) from strangers on a message board. You may need to bring in someone who knows you both and who you both respect and will listen to - pastor, counsellor, 12 step sponsor, close relative, etc.
The following link is from the package insert of one of the interferons - most have similar wording in their black box warning -  not to scare you, but to impress that, for some, this can be very, very serious.
Good luck and take care.

http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2001/pegsche080701LB.htm#warn

"Life-threatening or fatal neuropsychiatric events ............. and aggressive behavior have occurred in patients with and without a previous psychiatric disorder"

[kirk8]

From time to time I feel the same way.  After a few weeks of treatment it was like I had these flashes of rage.  I couldn’t calm down.  My doctor prescribed Prozac which is starting to build up in my system.  I think it’s helping.  

[James10500]

Up the meds bro !  If he is threatening to do everything but burn your possessions ( what ever that means ) he may be one of the few that causes harm physical harm to others or himself.  You need to talk to his doc, and tell him what up.  How long has he been on AD's?  

[katla]

I think it's amazing that you're so devoted and understanding; it really warms my heart and I think he's very lucky to have you. But I don't think you'd be doing either one of you a favor by riding it out. I assure you that being filled with rage is a very unpleasant feeling.

Since his rage is obviously chemically induced, I doubt that talking to a therapist or support group would mitigate it. Although AD's are often helpful, some cause severe agitation which could be contributing to the problem. I, for example, couldn't handle Celexa - it exacerbated my anger, agitation and anxiety (and this had nothing to do with treatment). Unfortunately, finding the right one is trial and error but I would strongly suggest he speak with his doctor and try a different AD (I found Lexapro much smoother but we're all different). Also, as someone mentioned above, taking a tranquilizer with AD's can be extremely beneficial (Xanax, Valium, Ativan, etc.), it totally takes off the edge. This combination has worked for me over the years.


I truly wish you both all the best and I hope you guys get this sorted out soon.
Peace ❤

[katla]

What I should have added was that if you feel you are in any danger, you really have no choice but to leave the house or have someone stay there with you.

[Emily_MHModerator]

Hey everyone -

Let's stay on topic, and domestic violence/abuse isn't really a topic to make jokes about.

Emily

[screaming48]

You mentioned you are both recovering alcholics, how long has it been since he has had anything to drink? Could he be going through withdrawal? The triple therapy probably is not helping if that is the case. I am sure the anti depressants will be helpful the longer he is on them. My first husband was an alcoholic and tried to dry out several times and it was very very very hard for him and me. I can't imagine that on top of hcv treatment. I would mention it to his dr. maybe they can give him something else to help.
I left my husband because he was violent, I am not saying yours would be that way. mine was, also one of the reasons why I don't drink is because of him and seeing what it would do. My husband eventually committed suicide. Your husband is on hcv therapy I dont know his status on his drinking or how long it has been, but please tell the dr so he can tweak whatever needs to be tweaked to help him, especially since this is not normal behaviour for him..wishing you the best..

[nygirl7]

I'm sorry Screaming48 I can ditto your post and I can relate to the pain that the situation has caused you.  I guess unless you are like us who have seen what can happen you just don't believe it will.  I certainly didn't but was glad I had left my husband and protected my children (even though he did come over to teach me a lesson and killed himself on my front porch, thank god the kids were not home but traumatized for the rest of their lives due to his insanity none the less).

Less people thinking we are just screaming non-understanding shrews for those of us who have lived through this type of thing - it's a pretty serious deal and we are NOT trying to be mean, we are seriously trying to help by sharinig our own personal stories.

Who wants anyone to suffer though what we have?

[James10500]

Domestic violence is no joke. So when someone describes abuse, and then gets angry when others recognize it. It makes it difficult to help the person.  I find it difficult to believe an alcoholic is a complete angel when not on tx, sorry but this thread smells like B.S..

[dancer53]

Thank you for the comments. We have both been free from any mind altering chemicals (including alcohol) for 7 years now. Also, eureka254 was right on the nose with it all. He went to his doctor and they made him aware that his behavior change is due to the interfuron. We will both be mindful of this and his swings abount mentally, and he will be using a tranquilizer if it start to get out of control.
His doctor is pretty wonderful! He was told by him that I need to be the nicest to me since I am his best friend through all of this.
He has been quite charming since :)
The victrellis seems to be doing the job pretty well by the way. His viral count went from 10 to 4 .5 million in 2 weeks. I hope we can continue this and get him cured...

We'll be checking in next week.

[willbb]

Glad to hear a  a tranquilizer has been prescribed and that this will help him get thru tx. with less of the rage you described.

I don"t ever enjoy  posting what might be considered not good news ..however it is always best to beware of the facts concerning these new meds(as it seems some doctors are not)

You say your husband has had a drop from 10 mill to 4.5 mill in 6 weeks(4 weeks on SOC and 2 with vic?)... this would be considered a relatively inferior response.
The only reason I mention this is that  hopfully your doctor is aware of the drug co. recommendation that if notUND. at week 8 then a total of 32 weeks of Vic should be done then another 12 weeks of Peg/Riba   for a total of 48 weeks .... and all treatment should cease if  VL is>100 at week12 due to possible resistance issues.

Hopefully he will be UND. by then ..and this is moot....
best to you both...
Will

[frijole]

dancer, you are a gracious woman.  When I treated I promised and made my husband promise we would not divorce.  I tell you, there were days that I was hard to live with and he didn't think I should treat to begin with (no symptoms,why go through the ordeal).  This time due to increased liver damage he is on board.  However, he knows the burden of daily life will shift to him failry soon.  Riba rage is not a pleasant thing.  I have to do the count to ten thing a lot.  

As it is easy to take it out at home, I like the suggestion to treat each other like you were co-workers.  And, of course I love the spin willing put on it.  Just ride it out until the anemia kicks in.........

Meanwhile, I too am very concerned with the less than 1 log drop your husband has had, even with 2 weeks of VIC.  I wish you luck

frijole

[dancer53]

Virus is undetectable now. Holding out until April!
2 concerns... He is a lot less likley to argue, as he has become more tired. He has just become more paranoid, i.e. following up to be sure I am at my parents' home or an AA meeting as I told him I'd be. Really wierd! He has become quite anti-socail. Pushed his friends away and not really taking phone calls any more.
My 2nd concer is that I wonder.. will he remember his paranoid ideas of me sneaking away while at my parents' home as the paranoia that it his, or will he need to have counseling after this? Is there a little truth-light that comes on after tx that is seen. Will he see his words, actions, and thoughts as the sickness it is, or will he believe he was truly coherent enough during this?
Lemme know guys.. Thank you.

[orphanedhawk]

I don't think its uncommon to feel like hiding in a ball until treatment is over.
Although I wonder from the previous things written here, if your husband's doctor's ever mentioned taking anti-depressants to help smooth things out for him.

My doctor said being irritable can be a sign of depression and offered to put me on ADs.

Your question concerning his memory post treatment, is relative to many things.

How aware is he in general??
Normally, would he believe something told to him by doctors  ?
It's not hard to find information about the side effects of treatment.
And depression/mood swings are well known.

The first time I did tx, I was very sick. Afterwords, I forgot quite a lot, but not everything.

Be aware, it will take some time for him to recuperate after the treatment.

Good luck,
OH

[orphanedhawk]

Oops. I just re-read your post and saw that your husband is on an antidepressant.
Could he be on the wrong one??

[fretboard]

Tx can be tough for both husband and wife, glad you were able to get to the bottom line.  good luck with the remainder of the journey!!

[Advocate1955]

Dancer53, these all sound like significant mental health changes since the start of triple therapy.  You've described out of control behavior, anger, irritability, anxiety, paranoia, and depression.  While some of these symptoms may be expected given that your husband feels sick and possibly doesn't want to talk to others on the phone or socialize, the degree to which you're describing them sounds extreme.  I am not a doctor, but what you're describing sounds like significant depression and anxiety.  Taking a sedative when he's feeling out of control may be fine, but it seems as though it isn't really treating the core problem, which to me sounds like severe depression and severe anxiety.  You posted your original question in early September, so it sounds like your husband began triple therapy with Vic in early August.  The out of control rage may have subsided because of the sedative, but the sedative may just be masking it.  All of the other symptoms of severe depression and anxiety are still present and seem to be increasing.  My husband is in his third therapy for Hep C (currently on triple therapy with Incivek). Prior to his first therapy (SOC in 2007), the Gastroenterologist who was treating him at the time put him on Lexapro and then gradually increased it during treatment.  I saw the following occasional signs of depression/anxiety during that treatment:  1 or 2 flashes of anger expressed verbally toward me (snapping verbally at me), some anxiety expressed verbally, some depression expressed verbally, and some signs of isolation (staying in the bedroom, separating himself from me and kids).  Because of these symptoms, we asked for the increases in Lexapro, which helped address the mental health symptoms of being on treatment.  He stayed on Lexapro after that treatment.  3 years later, he began his second treatment (2010, daily injections of Infergen and an increased dose of Ribavirin).  Since he was already on Lexapro and it had previously worked for him, he stayed on Lexapro through that treatment.  As some of those same symptoms began to emerge (daily Infergen is a very difficult therapy), the Hepatologist who treated him then and continues to treat him now added a second antidepressant (Bupropion).  That didn't work well for him and made him feel "funny", so she switched the second antidepressant to Trazedone, which worked well in combination with the Lexapro.  During that second treatment I saw once again 1 or 2 flashes of anger expressed verbally (snapping verbally at me)  as well as some signs of mild - moderate depression (occasional anxiety and feelings of sadness, isolation from the family, etc.).  When that second treatment failed, as did the first, he was able to gradually cut back on and then eliminate the Trazedone, but stayed on the Lexapro. Fast forward to 2011 and the start of triple therapy with Incivek:  he was already on Lexapro, which continued to work well for him, but it is contraindicated with Incivek.  Prior to treatment, the hepatologist gradually weaned him off Lexapro and replaced it with Citalopram.  Once again, I have seen 1-2 flashes of anger expressed verbally (snapping at me verbally), but I haven't seen the signs of depression or anxiety.  He is in Week 13 now.  He has other side effects of treatment, but he doesn't seem depressed or anxious as I observed in the first two treatments; therefore, we have not asked his doctor to increase his dosage of Citalopram as yet.  The Citalopram seems to be working very well for him right now.  It is hard for doctors to know if a patient undergoing Hep C treatment is experiencing depression, anxiety, or other mental health changes due to medication, because often the patient really doesn't notice the symptoms or changes in behavior.  It is often the spouse or the children in the home that notice the changes, so the family members have to report it to the doctor.
How did I respond to the flashes of anger that were expressed verbally?  I set a boundary with my husband and let him know very clearly and calmly that it was not OK for him to express his anger inappropriately to me.  I left the room and gave him his space and time.  Later, at a calmer time, I talked to him and again set the boundary by letting him know that they way he had spoken to me was verbally abusive and not acceptable.  I checked in with my children frequently to make sure that my husband was speaking and behaving respectfully to them.  I have maintained that boundary for me and for my children throughout all 3 treatments.  As I said above, when I saw those signs of depression and anxiety, I made sure that I went with him to his doctor appointments and expressed what I had observed to the doctor, which resulted in increases in dosages of antidepressant medications, which worked.  That hasn't been necessary so far with triple therapy.  The starting dose of Citalopram has been fine so far.
I strongly encourage you to set and maintain appropriate boundaries for him.  It is OK for him to feel angry, sad, fearful, tired, worried, etc., but in my opinion, it isn't OK for him to express those feelings inappropriately or  that out on you.  It sounds like you're trying to be understanding and supportive by excusing his behavior, but in my opinion (based on my experience), you can be more supportive of him by describing your observations of his behavior to his doctor so that his doctor can evaluate his mental health and make adjustments in his medications.  
Advocate1955

[printze]

Very discouraging to hear what people are going through , I just read the new update info on packaging for interferon and it is dreadful, I haven't started tx yet and this will be brought to hep doc\s attention next week when I see him , if this is what is happening to patients on tx this is very very sad. Now I'm really worried.

[rivll]

These latest symptoms of your husband reminds me of hepatic encephalopathy. If you check out the cirrhosis website one of the major symptoms is paranoia. I have cirrhosis and though it may look like my battle with Hep.C is won or nearly won, I still suffer from symptoms of cirrhosis, so I suspect that even if your husband is now undetected, the stress his liver has been through with Tx and the additional meds for his emotional struggles have affected his liver adversely. I don't know the answer but maybe ask his Doc about it...All the best

[dancer53]

Do not be discouraged, as the end result will be no more tx. Keeping our hopes alive, and going into this with faith and hope has been our saving grace.

I bit the bullet and called his dr incognito-the nurse seemed to understand my anonimity to her and since I pleaded that she just haver the doc ask him some questions about this psychosis, I am hoping for the best and we shall see when he goes in next Tuesday. Cross your fingers that he will be hosent about this.. More to come.

You guys are amazing! This support group has been more than helpful. Keep it up!

[dancer53]

Update for those who want to know... Yesterday was the last injection of interferon!!! Meds and basic exhaustion have worn him down, but he is ready to take the celebration steaks down for thaw from the freezer. Pretty sure he's excited too...
Just over 100 more pills to go this week from Victrellis, ribaviren, and the miscellaneous(Life-saving) anti-psychotics leftover,.
I want to thank you for being supportive and encouraging through this treatment. It has been a difficult jorney for the both of us. It has tested our sobriety, marriage, and, at times, our sanity. Above all, it has been worth it all. Our marriage is stronger now than ever and he is clear of the virus. Absolutly undetectable. Dr weaning him off everything else next week.
Thank you again

[flcyclist]

Very nice to hear and congrats to both of you.  It has also brought my wife and I closer in this time of need.  I keep reminding my wife I don't suffer from insanity.  I enjoy every minute of it.   Hope your bubby recovers quickly and returns to normal life after eot.  Best of luck to you.

[orphanedhawk]

Yes, thanks for posting.
It's great to hear a happy resolution to a difficult situation.
Kudos to you !

[nygirl7]

Congratulations I hope that he remains UND and achieves SVR!!!!!!!!!!!

[willbb]

Excellent and congrats to you both! !  If you don't mind ..how many weeks did he end up doing.

Thx..
Will

[dancer53]

36 weeks

[nygirl7]

I'm pretty sure she just said it tested their sobriety...I wouldn't advocate smoking weed if you are in sobriety.  I think she is talking about stuff like ADs perhaps?

[stormy456]

So glad to hear you're both doing well, and congratulations to your husband on his UND status.  He's very fortunate to have you by his side during this very difficult treatment.  Good on ya...

[nygirl7]

Didnt you see Eric Roberts on Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew?   hahahaha (true I am not making that up).   ;)

[Idyllic]

No one is really disputing how MM works; it's just that with some people it *can* be an entirely different ball game if they are in recovery.

[willbb]

ive yet to hear of someone saying "  wow , i smoke too much marijuana "  " i need to get my a** into rehab
   ---------------------------------------------------

They can't find the phonebook.......

[Grandmajane420]

To inform you on Eric Roberts. He was a daily user of MJ but it was his Cocaine use of over 15 yrs that ruined his life and sent him to rehab.

Just the facts :)

[rivll]

Very good point