question

[shmikis]

If you already feel tired and fatigued from the symtoms before treatment, and am still waiting to see internist for viral load test, what can I expect with treatment

[Odin999]

I have actually met someone who said treatment, "Didn't doing anything to me. I just slept a bit extra on the weekend". Very rare!

A lot of people can't work, some people battle through. I couldn't function well enough myself. I planned for a reduced work load, but I could barely do anything. My work involves holding a mental models in mind and... typing accurately based on that information. Just wouldn't happen while on TX.

In addition to how you will be feeling physically it might help to take into consideration things like this:

-- Practical things: If you make mistakes or can't show up for work at short notice what are the consequences? Can you take extra time off for doctors appointments and tests?
-- The type of work you do (please... not air-traffic controller!)
-- Career or business reputation
-- Sympathetic/understanding, or stressful/difficult work environment?
-- Changes during treatment. Different problems may (or may not) arise over time.
-- Recovery time, allow plenty. Depends on how long you treat. Longer treatment, longer recovery.

I have heard of people taking part-time jobs in areas totally unrelated to their normal work during treatment so that it doesn't mess up their relationships with employers. I suppose health insurance tied to your job could be a issue if you are in the U.S. so that may not be an option.

My personal advice is to plan for the worst outcome, be very happy if it doesn't happen.

[hippygem]

I had severe fatigue before treatment in 2004, during treatment it was worse, slept and rested most of the time.  Also the treatment is mentally draining which would add to the physical fatigue.

My viral load was low, and didnt have an impact on the fatigue.

[Kristina538]

I was told I could still work, but to work part-time if possible.    I took 6 months off work and am glad I did - I was a mixture of hyper and exhausted and had a hard time concentrating.    Many have managed it and worked, but I would have a 'plan B' in place just in case.

[Isobella]

Pre-tx, I noticed my mid-afternoon cat nap was turning into a total siesta.

The fatigue on tx was different for me.  I heard it called "pervasive fatigue" once and that is the perfect way to describe mine.  Napping didnt make it go away.  I was either hyper at night or sleepy during the day.  

I did try to fight it and maintain regular sleep/waking patterns..and for the most part, I was better off than most here....but as stated above , everyone is different.

I went into this expecting the worst...and did better than most.  I am almost 8 weeks post 48 weeks of tx and an here to tell ya that in my case it was ok.  Wouldn't want to do it again.....but would in a heartbeat.  Not having HCV is really nice =)

Good luck to ya

Isobella

[Marcia2202]

Everybody is different. I was fatigued before tx and that is the reason I went to the doc and was diagnosed.

My personal experience was that I was even more fatigued. I became bedridden for the whole time of tx. I got much better shortly after tx and am full of energy again.

[cb867]

not sure, everybody is different. I was expecting the worst and nothing hapened. After my first shot I had some headaches a wk later. I just had shot 5, now all I feel is tired sometimes. thats about it
Good Luck