Aa
advice
I know I know it is different for everyone but still I am looking for advice from those who have come before...
This monday will be shot 6 so far my side effects have been minamul even the brain fog I have complained about seems to have let up, at least for now. so here is where I need advice. My job is about to take me on a trip that could be up to 4 weeks away from home and by it's nature could be some what stressful. First who has travel with meds and how did you do it? Second who has felt good in very early treatment and then got hit with sides effects later. 3rd and travel advice in regards to treatment would be helpful. I have traveled a lot just not under these circumstances.
So come on guys and gals lay it on me.
This monday will be shot 6 so far my side effects have been minamul even the brain fog I have complained about seems to have let up, at least for now. so here is where I need advice. My job is about to take me on a trip that could be up to 4 weeks away from home and by it's nature could be some what stressful. First who has travel with meds and how did you do it? Second who has felt good in very early treatment and then got hit with sides effects later. 3rd and travel advice in regards to treatment would be helpful. I have traveled a lot just not under these circumstances.
So come on guys and gals lay it on me.
timedoc
Can't add much to what has been said. I only traveled once on tx and it was by car. My Peg was in the cooler, and I didn't tell my sister it was there. It got left out of the cooler in the hot car in 80 degree weather for about 12 hours before I knew. So, always tell your travel companions and/or never rely on someone else - always double check yourself. My only word of advice is to stay hydrated. Drink water all the time. Like I say, I don't travel, but I certainly do deal with a stressful job and work with lots of numbers. I have found that as long as it is rote, I have no problem with cognitive skills. However researching something new is a pain in the you know what right now. I will do shot #40 tonight.
rogirl
I don't have sleep problems and have never needed sleep aids. You are sleeping 9 hours now, not on tx? Wow, better plan on 10 once you are on tx. My sides were pretty light, other than blood level drops, for the first 2/3 of tx. I was very grateful for that.
vienna- congrats on your successful tretment. The Canary Islands sounds just like the place to go to recoup.
Can't add much to what has been said. I only traveled once on tx and it was by car. My Peg was in the cooler, and I didn't tell my sister it was there. It got left out of the cooler in the hot car in 80 degree weather for about 12 hours before I knew. So, always tell your travel companions and/or never rely on someone else - always double check yourself. My only word of advice is to stay hydrated. Drink water all the time. Like I say, I don't travel, but I certainly do deal with a stressful job and work with lots of numbers. I have found that as long as it is rote, I have no problem with cognitive skills. However researching something new is a pain in the you know what right now. I will do shot #40 tonight.
rogirl
I don't have sleep problems and have never needed sleep aids. You are sleeping 9 hours now, not on tx? Wow, better plan on 10 once you are on tx. My sides were pretty light, other than blood level drops, for the first 2/3 of tx. I was very grateful for that.
vienna- congrats on your successful tretment. The Canary Islands sounds just like the place to go to recoup.
I have to travel a bit for my job and keep a letter on me from my doctor stating that I can travel w/syringes. Never had to use it but have it just in case. I call beforehand and make sure I have a fridge in my room (by law they cannot charge you for this since its used for medical reasons) I'm on daily infergen and they provided me with a little insulated carrier with a ice pack. works out well, I haven't had any problems. Just DON'T forget it like I did once and had to travel 2 hours back to get it (stupid brain fog!!) Enjoy your trip and don't worry.
I travel every month with my meds as I live in Fl and treat in NY and stay with my daughter while I'm there. The drug co. gave me a small carry on for when I go to Fl for a week evey month. The carry on keeps the meds cold as it comes with ice packs. I have never had a problem boarding a plane, I travel with a Dr.'s note and a card from the drug co. explaining what I'm bring on board. Just make sure it's with you as a carry on and also make sure the hotel your staying at has a frig in your room to store the meds for the 4 weeks. Now for me the worse sides were in the beginning, but it's a catch 22 with this question as you really can't say from shot to shot how you will feel.
Hope this helps,
Beagle
Hope this helps,
Beagle
I'll give a shot at #3. 4 weeks is a long trip and being away from home that long is a drag and living out of a hotel/suitcase can be stressful and uncomfortable being out of your element. Try to maintain a healthy diet. I've travelled a lot for biz and I've learned to say no when coworkers want to go out for meals/drinks or when hosts want to show you the town. Get rest, eat well, maintain your fluid intake and an even pace. If your there for the weekends don't try to see all that there is - keep pace and get rest. Good luck.
I can only tell you to be prepraed for everything and nothing. Don't assume anyone elses experinces will be yours. I too was afraid of not being able to sleep if anything so far it has been the oposite I sleep more then ever. I know this could all change.
I have a question--many of you talk about taking a sleep aid--do you feel drowsy the next day? Or is feeling drowsy better than not getting any sleep?
I plan to start tx next month (after son's wedding) and like all of you at one time or another, worry about what sides will hit me--and of course when. Sounds like it is different for everyone but I am wondering about the sleep. Right now I need about nine hours of sleep which I'm certain won't change with tx--but sounds like some of the sides might interfere.
Thanks everyone.
Rose
I plan to start tx next month (after son's wedding) and like all of you at one time or another, worry about what sides will hit me--and of course when. Sounds like it is different for everyone but I am wondering about the sleep. Right now I need about nine hours of sleep which I'm certain won't change with tx--but sounds like some of the sides might interfere.
Thanks everyone.
Rose
I do a lot of traveling for my job. some times it is from place to place but mostly it is to one city where i be anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks. in this case I may even have to go out of the country perhapes china I don't know yet. Once there work is pretty intense big budgets spent in a short amount of time and it is my job to over see the work, make sure client is happy all that fun stuff.
As I think I stated in my first posting all considered I feel pretty good so far, still go to yoga and either garden twice a week and or go to the gym. I have worked full days to date. I just don't know if I am kidding myself into thinking hey this an't so bad or am I one of the luck ones in regards to sides?
As I think I stated in my first posting all considered I feel pretty good so far, still go to yoga and either garden twice a week and or go to the gym. I have worked full days to date. I just don't know if I am kidding myself into thinking hey this an't so bad or am I one of the luck ones in regards to sides?
Yeah, I said the same thing, but the trip to lubbock kinda knocked the cockiness out of me.. I am still not complaining terribly, very few aches, etc. Just overwhelming fatigue...I posted this yesterday, and it did make sense
"I spoke with my son the PA. SEnt him my blood stats, and asked him "if there isnt a reason, why do I feel like death warmed over, barely?" He had an interesting comment. He said you are injecting high doses of cytokines, which is essentially what your body produces to fight massive infections. So just assume you have an active flu infection for a year, and think about how you would feel fighting that for a year. welcome to interferon therapy. "
Essentially, thats pretty much how I feel, like the week after you have been really sick, no energy, and just can't seem to get any up..
BTW, stats, shot 10 tomorrow (yeay, double digits, funny what we benchmark), 1a, 50, female, 180 lbs(bad bad), last biopsy 7 years ago, stage 0/grade 1, beginning Viral load 2,900,000.
So lets hope you were standing behind the shower door when bad luck was passed out, and that you will continue to feel OK, I don't buy lottery tickets CAUSE I KNOW i aint gonna win..
"I spoke with my son the PA. SEnt him my blood stats, and asked him "if there isnt a reason, why do I feel like death warmed over, barely?" He had an interesting comment. He said you are injecting high doses of cytokines, which is essentially what your body produces to fight massive infections. So just assume you have an active flu infection for a year, and think about how you would feel fighting that for a year. welcome to interferon therapy. "
Essentially, thats pretty much how I feel, like the week after you have been really sick, no energy, and just can't seem to get any up..
BTW, stats, shot 10 tomorrow (yeay, double digits, funny what we benchmark), 1a, 50, female, 180 lbs(bad bad), last biopsy 7 years ago, stage 0/grade 1, beginning Viral load 2,900,000.
So lets hope you were standing behind the shower door when bad luck was passed out, and that you will continue to feel OK, I don't buy lottery tickets CAUSE I KNOW i aint gonna win..
You have already received good advice & I will throw my two cents in. I too traveled while on Infergen daily treatment. The insulated small bag with ice packs (the kind they pack your meds in)works fine. This will hold syringes & interferon. Place your prescription drug sheets and your Doctor's information in a baggie & pack in the cooler also.
I also keep an up-dated med sheet of all the aides I take in my day planner. Make sure before you travel that you take preventative advil, etc. Sitting still for any length of time can cause soreness & stiffness. I take Remeron for sleep, which has no side affects. You can get at least 6-7 hrs. of good sleep. It does make me dream alot, but good dreams. I also carry all of my meds with me. Do not pack them and check them through.
Eat light, get plenty of rest and do not try to do the tourist thing. My first trip on meds was to San Francisco. Of course everyone wanted to walk everywhere. I tried, but ended up taking cabs. Again, I took advil all day to attempt to alleviate the stiffness from sitting in meetings.
My sides started from the beginning & never let up. Hopefully, since you are getting along so well, you might sail through. Positive thoughts are good medicine- Don't worry yourself about the sides. I think you will do just fine.
I'll keep you in my thoughts & prayers,
Sandy
I also keep an up-dated med sheet of all the aides I take in my day planner. Make sure before you travel that you take preventative advil, etc. Sitting still for any length of time can cause soreness & stiffness. I take Remeron for sleep, which has no side affects. You can get at least 6-7 hrs. of good sleep. It does make me dream alot, but good dreams. I also carry all of my meds with me. Do not pack them and check them through.
Eat light, get plenty of rest and do not try to do the tourist thing. My first trip on meds was to San Francisco. Of course everyone wanted to walk everywhere. I tried, but ended up taking cabs. Again, I took advil all day to attempt to alleviate the stiffness from sitting in meetings.
My sides started from the beginning & never let up. Hopefully, since you are getting along so well, you might sail through. Positive thoughts are good medicine- Don't worry yourself about the sides. I think you will do just fine.
I'll keep you in my thoughts & prayers,
Sandy
Timedog, if you will be travelling by auto, you may want to invest in one of those 12V coolers that plugs in the cig lighter. They don't cost a whole lot and you wouldn't have to fool with ice while travelling.
Rogirl, I never had sleep problems till I started the meds. The Riba revs me up where I can't sleep but unfortunately doesn't affect my appetite! I alternate antihistamines, tylenol p.m., and prescription sleep aids. I can't function without my sleep....and it is very important to rest when you start treatment.
Rogirl, I never had sleep problems till I started the meds. The Riba revs me up where I can't sleep but unfortunately doesn't affect my appetite! I alternate antihistamines, tylenol p.m., and prescription sleep aids. I can't function without my sleep....and it is very important to rest when you start treatment.
first 4 shots, pretty easy. Fifth shot, I spent a week traveling back and forth to the hospital (190 miles, three trips) with my mom. NEXT week, I was dead for two weeks, got better, then... I traveled a couple of weeks ago, and the last two weeks, I'm dead. I have a trip next week, and if I don't get better (right, tomorrows shot night), I will cancel. So travel is stressful, at least for me. I suspect it is because I have to have my "game face" on for 12 hours a day (meetings all day, business dinners, etc.).
Hello, I have travelled on business apporox. once a month during TX, without major problems at borders. Took a small freezer bag for the Peg and tried not to have an important meeting after shot day.
I finished TX three weeks ago, got my neg. PCR today!
My stats where type 1, VL 800.000 with little liver damage. I am 46 yr od male and probably got infected 25 yrs ago. Treated with Pegasys/copeg max dose for 48 weeks. In retrospect, sides where annoying but never debilitating. I cut my office job to 4 days/week and still lacked energy on many days, but I got though without too many colleagues noticing.
I had a long bout with flu like symptoms during my last 4 months of TX, still have stuffed nose. I think right after first injection, SX where worst, then subdued to return towards the end.
Currently I am taking a 2 week break in the Canary Islands and already feel much better, higher energy levels, more appetite, better skin condition. Live is great when you are through!
Hang in there everybody,
Chris
I finished TX three weeks ago, got my neg. PCR today!
My stats where type 1, VL 800.000 with little liver damage. I am 46 yr od male and probably got infected 25 yrs ago. Treated with Pegasys/copeg max dose for 48 weeks. In retrospect, sides where annoying but never debilitating. I cut my office job to 4 days/week and still lacked energy on many days, but I got though without too many colleagues noticing.
I had a long bout with flu like symptoms during my last 4 months of TX, still have stuffed nose. I think right after first injection, SX where worst, then subdued to return towards the end.
Currently I am taking a 2 week break in the Canary Islands and already feel much better, higher energy levels, more appetite, better skin condition. Live is great when you are through!
Hang in there everybody,
Chris
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