Very very painful at 4 weeks Tx

Hi Everyone:

I took my 4th shot on saturday and the sides are so bad that I feel like giving up.

The joint aches (which start 6 hours after taking the shot) are unbearable. I have tolerated the pain without mentioning it, for 3 weeks, hoping that it will reduce as time goes by or that I will get used to it.
Neither of them have happened. I am taking tylenol and advil but does not seem to help at all.

Flu symptoms, with bone-breaking aches all over my body, head ache, nausea, and temperature around 101F, is literally killing me. Above all this the sight of food is make me throw up.
I drink a lot- lot of water as most of you suggested.

Can you suggest what pain medications are prescribed for this condition?
Which do you think are the best for my condition (Hep C and Cirrhosis)?  Please help.

Sunag

[cuteus]

What you are describing is the most common sides of the interferon tx, if I had to feel like that daily for the 54 wks i have been on tx, I would have quit long ago. My pcp has been extremely understanding and has given me no grief about prescribing effective meds for the aches and pains. The goal is to keep bombing this virus with the meds for as long as we can to effectively erradicate it.
Those symptoms are the most given reason for tx withdrawal. I have taken vicoprofen for the duration of these wks, without it I would not have made it this far. I will deal with the dependence after tx with the aid of my Pcp. You insist on effective pain management. Oxycontin is processed thru kidneys primarily, but for me it did not work as well as the vicoprofen. vicodin was not as good either. you need to find an effective med so that you do not need a large dose to achieve relief. GL  and insist on assistance to get you thru tx.

[kennedge]

i know your pain...about 5 months into tx i finally had my GP rx vicodan....it got to be a 2 to 3X a day...but it got me thru

best to ya

[want2live]

I felt the same, it was very bad for me too. I know that it sickens you to eat, but you must have fresh healthy food.
It did get better for me as time went by (the physical aspect).
I found comfort in things I knew that I used to enjoy. Think of those things, and do some if you can.
Foods tasted funny to me, everything was very salty, and then there was the metallic taste on top of it.
How about some ice cream? Treat yourself even though you feel like ****. Focus on things like that, you deserve a treat.
Are they monitoring your blood work weekly? Make sure you tell the Dr. that you feel this way, you should be able to get some relief. Hang in there, take it day by day, don't think about the long run.
Pick one thing that you really like to eat and eat some! Eating will make you feel better.
Little be little you can feel better by enjoying (even just a little) the things that you used to enjoy.
Let us know how you are doing, we all care for you, and you deserve to feel better, and get well.

[Tony-z]

Make sure your Dr. knows what amount of pain you are having. There is always the possibility of somthing else happining.

Here is the break down of Vicprofen. There are many good pain med's. I hope you and you Dr can resolve this quickly.

Vicoprofen
<B>vicoprofen</B>

Description:
Hydrocodone and ibuprofen ( hye-droe-KOE-done and eye-byoo-PROE-fen) combination is used to relieve pain.

The hydrocodone is a narcotic analgesic that acts in the central nervous system to relieve pain. If hydrocodone is used for a long time, it may become habit-forming (causing mental or physical dependence). Physical dependence may lead to withdrawal side effects when you stop taking the medicine. Since hydrocodone and ibuprofen combination is only used for short-term (10 days or less) relief of pain, physical dependence will probably not occur.

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used in this combination to relieve inflammation, swelling, and pain.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form(s):

  This is one very good combanation as you get narcotic pain relife also the anti-inflammatory effects of Ibuprofen.

    For me,,,I have found that Roxicodone which is Oxycodone which is in percodin, with no other drugs in it, works well for me. Then if I need a anti-inflamatory I can take an OTC motrin with it.

[Foreign girl]

Are you on Pegintron or Pegasys? Pegasys is normally better tolerated. You may ask your doctor to change medications if you are on Pegintron. I only had flu-like symptoms the first day after beginning treatment and never again (I was on treatment for 53 weeks).

Foreign girl.

[layla]

I am sorry to hear your feeling so bad. It seems your having all the worse sx together. I think most of us have one or two at a time and they come and go. I would suggest you get in touch with you doc right away. You should be able to get some meds to give you relief with some of these sx's. Since you are so early on in tx hopefully these sx will subside for you. Hope you feel better. LL

[Sunag]

Hi Every one

Thanks a million for sharing your thoughts on pain relief.

some of us are luky than others with the sides of the treatment. I guess, for me its a double whammy.

I will be seeing my GI the day after tomorrow, and will mention about Vicoprufen and Oxycodone and let him decide which one he wants to prescribe. I need something for relief.

By the way the positive aspect of the past 2 months of
SALT-RESTRICTED-DIET, is that there is NO EDEMA of my feet or legs- This is a great relief after having this condition for nearly 4 years. But let me tell you BLAND FOOD SUCKS!

take care you all
will keep you posted
-Sunag

[derail]

as previously stated,your doc should be able to prescribe something for all the aches and suffering I used a patch called duragesic,A narcotic patch, good for a couple of days. It has a time release feature and is available in doses of 25mg to 100mg
and depends on body size and effectiveness. Good luck and I wish  resolve of your sx. peace be with you.....Daryl

[derail]

we must of posted at same time You don't have to eat bland food try using tarragon (a herb) to flavour your food .others to use include cardemom ,coriander ,summer savory celery seed and a host of others. I've been no added salt/salt free for years and the food I prepare for Judy and I is never bland. Experiment a little with different herbs and spices and you will be amazed at how much tastier it becomes. PS  dont overspice, you just want to enhance the flavours. Add  and taste until you find happiness in the food.......Daryl

[want2live]

Watch out, I think that the Oxycondone (sp?) contains acetiminophen (sp), and you don't want that, not liver friendly at all. Oxycontin does not contain any acetiminophen.
You have to watch the Dr, since I was prescribed the one with acetiminophen and had to complain to get something else, even AFTER I told them about my HCV, they did it anyway.
And I agree, spices are the variety of life! Spice it up!
And once you find something that still tastes reasonably good, PIG OUT! Enjoy!
Let us know how you are doing....

[Fubarcat]

Try ginger for your nausea.  Ginger ale is good, ginger snap cookies are good.  Anything with ginger in it should settle your tummy down.  Hang in there and report your symptoms to your doc.  She/he will help you with something to ease the joint pain.  Let us know how you are doing.

[nurse12hr]

You're right about watching the doctor and what they prescribe.

When I sent my husb to the doctor recently for a knee injury, I warned him to tell the doctor he would prefer not to take anything with Tylenol in it (thinking the doc would give him Vicoprofen).  
Well, he came home with an rx for Davocet N 100---which also has Tylenol in it.  
When I called back to talk to the doctor, the nurse said he would have to come back in if he wanted something besides the Darvocet.  Sheesh.  

[Amerabrit]

So sorry to read your post and learn of the pain you're enduring.  I haven't experienced the same so can't offer any advice.  Just wanted you to know I was thinking of you and know that you'll find some answers from those whose experience has been similar to yours.  Stay strong.  This week is #24 for me and I can't believe I've injected myself that many times.   You know how we all complain about the speedy passage of time?  Well, this is one time when I'm all for letting it fly by..:)  You'll  be taking your last shot before you know it and you'll be SVR and this time in your life will be nothing more than a hazy memory.

hang in there, you will be SVR..

[Tony-z]

Oxycodone: it is just the narcotic compound that is found in many differant drug combination.
You probably recieved percocet which does have acetiminophen in it, Percodan has asprin in it.  OxyContin (oxycodone HCl controlled-release) Tablets are a time release version of Oxycodone.


           hope this helps,

                TonyZ

[cuteus]

your team is following the stats provided for the standard tx of 48 wks.  if evr under those stats your svr chances go up considerably,  if doing the 48 wks.  for those not evrs, longer tx might be needed to obtain the same percentage.  tx extension might compensate for the lack of evr.  ANY drop is a great sign  that you are a responder, clearing the virus  at any point means your virus is vulnerable to the meds. those of us not in the norm of things need to get out of the standards and try customized treatment if we want to be cured.
we are guinea pigs anyway, aren't we?

[want2live]

"Dr. knows best" will get you killed. Watch 'em like a hawk!

[honey1616]

Sunag,,,So sorry to hear you are having such a bad time but I really feel that in new couple of weeks,,,You will be feeling better.  I remember my first 4 to 6 weeks were tough getting use to and then about time I wanted to stop meds,,,,I felt better! Call your dr and see if they can get you something to relieve your aches!! Hope you feel better soon!

Mr Hepper,,,,Awwww,,,Saw that you relapsed!  Hey,,,you are suppose to be doing some of that cajun lingo and getting rid of this nasty virus huh?  Maybe a hex LOL   Seriously,,,,I can only imagine it is such a let down but I'm so glad to hear your biopsy was so good and your viral load is soooo low,,,,Thats just amazing!  Maybe you could get another one in a month,,,And see if your system is beating this!  You are in my prayers! Take Care!

[susan400]

I'm sorry for butting in here, but I just had to post this.

I don't know how many of you will see this, it being so far down on the list and all.

I just got my viral load results in after being on treatment for one month.  My pre-treatment viral load was over 5 million copies and now I'm down to 2,600,000 copies.  Not bad for one month!  I'm optimistic.  For those of you who don't know, I'm on Infergen + Actimmune + Copegus.

Susan400

[Ambush]

Sunag, I hope you get some relief soon. Hang in there....

Susan400, Great news! It sounds like the new combo is kicking some butt!  That's very encouraging :)

ambush :)

[cuteus]

that is encouraging! it makes handling the sides a little easier. doesn't it?
this is it...we feel it.

[layla]

Glad to hear this! You have a great strength and such a good attitude. I'll be thinking of you hoping to send you virus killing vibes..... haha LL

[britgirl]

I agree with Foreign Girl about changing to Pegasys if you are on Peg_Intron. Fewer people experience flu-like symptoms with pegasys; I certainly never did, nor did I lose my appetite.

[snook_man]

Man, I feel for you. I know the feeling of sitting back, and thinking that one more minute or second is all you can take, but you are moving along!! Your 4 weeks into it, and sides are supposed to be getting better. If you can, try accupunture. look in the phone book, and find someone that does accupunture. This is supposed to work wonders. Or try soaking in the tub in epsom salts. I know that when my back and wrist are acting up, I soak in the tub. This of course is temporary relief, but it might get you through till Dr can Rx you something good. Accupunture does work, and is definately worth a shot.I know it is hard to over look the pain, or out think it, but you have to put your mind some place else. I know how easy it is to feel better, and give up, but you are 4 weeks closer to SVR, and better health. Every week moves you a little closer. Just be 100% honest with Dr, and tell him to give up the goods!! Best of luck, and hope you feel better.

[Petey7]

In reply to the 4 week drop of a 50% reduction: my medical team inferred that being undetectable at 4 weeks was a HUGE advantage as far as anticipating a SVR. They were happy when I was undetectable at 12 weeks but said my chances would have been close to , I think, 60-70% maybe?, had I been undetectable at 4 weeks. AS to the terrible side affects in the first weeks, I am very sorry to hear that so many suffer so badly. I am awed that you are able to keep going. Sometimes I forget to be thankful that my sides have been so mild. I feel confident that you will be feeling better very soon and will go on to beat this "thing of ours." Thanks and best wishes to all.

[Ella Mackenzie]

Hang in there because you just don't know if the sides will get better and they just might. I had such bad nausea, my doc prescribed zofran (some insurance co don't pay for it, though) and lorazapam which is in the valium family.
It semms that either the sides get easier to deal with or I have just gotten used to them.
Drink tons of water and then drink more. I am almost finished tx and I thought this would never end but it will.
The best of luck to you

[kennedge]

just want to add..that the reason many DRs prescribe tylenol with HCV tx and the use of tylenol type products because the NAIDS type drugs can mess with platelett production.  your DR knows best (hopefully)

[harley dude]

Sunag, My first 6 weeks of TX was a living "Hell", I stayed in bed for at least 6 weeks, some days better than others and after 6 weeks things started getting better and by the 12th week I felt almost normal- sides were very minimal. I think you are just going through the worst of it right now, I'll bet by week 8 you'll be feeling much better- get as much rest as you can and try to eat (even if your not hungry)- you need the nourishment to feel better, try a multi-vitamin without iron- hang in there- you'll get better- See Ya - Harley Dude

[doll face]

The first time on tx (pegintron) I was like Harley Dude and could not get out of bed, I am on Pegasys this time and while I still have lots of pain, aches and complete exhaustion at times it is not 1/10 as bad as the first time on tx.

My hep doc does not like to give out pain meds so my primary writes out my vicodin, and AD prescriptions. He allows me up to 5 vicodin a week. I also make sure that both doctors get a copy of all my blood work.

You do not need to suffer through pain, it is hard enough for us to go through all that we are to get rid of this dragon, without being in constant pain also.I hope that you get relief soon.

[susan400]

I'm so sorry that you're suffering so.  Have you tried to make sure that you're getting enough rest, cut back on stress, eat light smaller meals like 6 times a day instead of 3 normal sized meals?  It's better if you keep something in your stomach, even crackers!  Of course the water is good.  I only eat soup at lunch whenever I'm on treatment.  I wish I could say that I have the total answer for you, I don't, but I can encourage you to press on, it will improve.  Susan400