Very very painful at 4 weeks Tx

[Sunag]

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

[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.