interferon and ribavarin treatment

Hello out there all you heppers - tell me - does anyone feel okay on this medicine??? I am due to startg combination therapy in March and I would love to hear from all those that feel okay!!!
Happy New Year to you all and lots o love

[ringading]

HAPPY- HEPPER ha ha ha yah sure...just WAIT til the riba rage gets ya....ha, just kidding....definately very doable, even though i seem to have been slammed with just about every possible side eefect...thats rare i think...it still is doable honestly, the first day or 2 after injection you feel a bit rough, but really....so what....the end result certainly out weighs that discomfort...personally i have decided to laugh my way through as much of this as is possible and save the complaints and keep them to a minimum til i REALLY need them....also, being prepared with other meds to manage your side effects is really important, but that can take a few weeks, til you see which ones affect you in particular....some may be...nausea, headaches from hell, itchyness, bitchiness, fatique...etc etc...but think you will be surprised at how tough you can be....it has a way of working itself into your life and becoming more tolerable....were all here with you when you start!!!!welcome
cheers
kimmy

[ringading]

oh yah...that worst of the "sides" seem to be the first few days, after injection then about 4 days, sometimes 5 are good ones......SOME WEEKS there is almost NO SIDES so....its all good!

[cindyazure]

some days are better than others.  If I do what I'm supposed to and not overdo it & take care of myself, this is doable.  I been messing w/ this 8 months now.

[hph5477]

I did 11/48 last Friday.  Feel great most of the time; just tire easily as everyone here will tell you.  Once you start taking the meds, your WBC's and RBC's will begin to drop some and that will cause the fatigue to set in.  When the sx get me, it's usually late the evening of the shot and maybe into the next morning.  The headache is usually the worst for me which I think brings on the nausea and loss of appetite; however, I am now taking Imitrex which seems to work wonders.
...Just remember to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated (the meds can dehydrate you pretty fast), get some light to moderate exercise, and eat as healthy as you can.
...It's a doable tx.  My anxiety was pretty high before I started but I was back to normal soon after starting tx.  Haven't felt the need for AD's or any other meds yet.  Dr watches my blood counts pretty closely so I'm hoping to stay away from extra shots due to low counts.

Good luck with your tx.  Try not to let your fears of the unknown or what you read about sx cause you too much anxiety.  Your imagination can run wild before starting tx.

[DH Bill]

Sorry to break in here but we only got 4 threads today.
QUESTION ON AMBIEN:
As some of you know I've had a problem sleeping. Last month I asked for something and was reluctently given a small dose of Trazadone which didn't help so he said to double dose. It worked but left me feeling drugged and retaining water badly so I quit with almost a full bottle of a new presription left.
I went back this month and told him what had happened. I said how about Ambien he said lets just see if you can tough it out. Well I didn't and called and he gave me 15-5 mg tabs. Didn't help so I took 2 and it has worked fine. I called yesterday and asked for 10 mg and as many as he could give me as I start new insurance on the 1st and all my deductables are paid now. The nurse called back and said I shouldn't be taking it everyday. I said I just got it and still have half of the 15 tabs left and I won't see doc til next month. She said they didn't want to cause me an addiction problem and in a reba moment I said it pisses me off that I'm being treated this way. I thought Ambien was non addictive and I'm tired of not sleeping. Whats up with this? BTW I did get more.

[honey1616]

Does anyone combine any herbals with the treatment such as milk thistle or drink any herbal teas?  I was just wondering because my doctor said there is nothing that shows that it helps and also you have to be careful because some herbs can maybe hurt you more?

[DH Bill]

How come when I tried a new thread it said it was full???????

[ms.star]

Welcome! You've come to the right place to seek advice and friendship through this next stage of your life.  I use the word stage because that is what it is, just a stage that WILL pass.  Myself I have had my share of bad sides.  The most improtant thing I have learned is to drink plenty of water.  When I start to feel weak it is usually because my water intake is down, so plenty of water.  I just did 14/48 on Friday and things are getting a little easier each day.  Some of us have a hard time and some of us have it better.  Just try to stay focused on the BIG PICTURE "SVR"  Always remember that you are not alone during this stage of your life and we are all here for you.
Starla

[meandhepc]

How are YOU ?????

[AK - Hepper]

I have 29 5mg. Ambiens that I am not going to use. If anybody wants them you can have them for the shipping cost. I took 1 and it messed me up really bad, not going to take any more.

[Revenire]

Yeah, I felt good on tx for about the first 3 months or so. The first shot was the worst, then I felt bad for maybe 1 day after the shot ... then the fatigue set in, due to the low RBC counts. I did it thought -- 50 weeks. I'd do it again too ... I'd do 72 weeks if I could get a SVR.

Drink the water, keep your eyes on the big prize, and the time will pass.

Best to you,

Scott

[DH Bill]

I just picked up my prescription and it was for 15 tabs again. The stupid doctor doesn't get that each time I get something it cost me 20 bucks now I've paid 40 bucks for 30 tabs. He will not do anything for longer than 30 days not even the peg/copeg.
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I've paid 170 bucks just this month in co payments. I think I will take the unused bottle of trazadone and this bottle of ambien in to him next visit and give it back and just tough it out.
I used drugs in the 60's but do not have a problem nor am I an alcoholic. I'M SICK OF THESE PEOPLE THINKING THEY ARE GODS. Plus if I don't ride them my meds will not be on time every month. I'm told to call after every blood test to call and remind them. I have never yet been asked if I even take the poison when I'm supposed to. Yet I ask for something to help sleep after almost 6 months and I get this ****. They can stick it. The last time I complained about sides he said I could always stop tx as I'm not ESLD. Well maybe I will.

[lackalustre]

i used ambien every nite on tx. and for some weeks after tx.   i couldnt sleep a wink without something.

[AK - Hepper]

you're more than welcome to mine, I'll probably just end up throwing them out if nobody wants them. Shouldn't cost more than a coupla bucks to send em. Email me at ***@**** if you change your mind.

[CARUU]

Your message makes me uncomfortable with the way your doc and  staff is handling your treatment.  I've taken ambien since before I knew about my hepc and my GPPA prescribes 4 months at a time.  As for peg/riba, my GI prescribed 6 months (the entire expected tx) all at the same time (as well as scripts for protonix and massage therapy).  I get calls from one of his nurses letting me know blood results and whether or not to continue injections for the next 4 weeks at a time.  Multiple medical problems are difficult to manage and the docs/nurses are not helping when they make obtaining meds hard to get and more expensive.  My doc/nurses have figured out that their office is getting excellent results with their hepc patients because they have a very high level of compliance.  I have a very demanding job/life and new medical issues seem to pop up regularly (especially after hitting age 50).  Our docs need to be our advocates.  I hope you can get the support your need/deserve. caruu

[DH Bill]

Thanks everyone! I needed to get it off my chest. I actually would prefer not to take anything. It's the principle damnit!
AK, THANKS MAN. Just thanks everyone for being there. Momentarily forgot about how important a sense of humor is.
Duuuuh Bill

[berlynn]

Happyhepper, I seem to be one of the few who had little to no bad sides in the beginning. My only side in the beginning was tiredness...(i had quite a bit of that before tx)I did not really notice any difference from shot night to any other. One thing though...I could never be sure what days would be my "tired"days...so it made it kinda hard to make plans...each week was different. After a while I started having the joint aches...especially in my right elbow...but this was still bearable. Most of my aches and pains have been in my neck and shoulders....I got a hand held back massager for Christmas and it has worked wonders in working out the knots.. I think that my worst sx's have been recently since my WBC went way down and the doc put me on Neupogen... I started getting really bad head aches and now I am speeding and full of energy one minute and then in the next... I feel flattened by the "TRUCK".
If the neupogen keeps me on tx and lets me finish the whole thing out...then it's well worth it.

Truthfully, you are going to hear more complaining about sides on this site because we can... it's one of the few places we can go to and let off steam and complain about how we feel cause people here can empathize and most know exactly how we feel... most often our loved ones at home can't really understand what we are feeling.. Take care, berlynn

[oldhippiechick67]

I dont have your info on my website, do you want to be included?
I need your age, state, meds u r taking, what week of tx and genotype.  Thanks!  OHC

[psychdoc]

I finished tx two months ago and it was kinda like a ride through hell. The good news is that I had so much brain fog that I only remember some of it. Tx is doable but it really helps to have a supportive doctor an staff as well as family support. There were several times that I thought I would not make it but I took it a few minutes at a time. I worked part time and took about three week off totally to deal with sides. I know there are some folks who glide through this tx. I wasn't one of them but I used the support on this site for my help in sticking to it.
My doctor's philosophy was to give me something for any side effect that I could not handle. If I got addicted to a medication, he said I could deal with it after tx. He wanted to give me the best chance to attain SVR. Ambien can be addictive but it is not addictive like the benzodiazepine class. It also has a shorter half life so you don't feel groggy in the am. I was also on Vicodin for severe headaches and joint pain, atarax for itching, Flexaril for muscle relaxation, Lexapro for depression and Ambien for sleep. Since tx I am only on the ambien 5 mg, lexapro and an occasional prn medication. I plan to slowly get off the meds next month.
Luck to both of you, Love
Barb

[berlynn]

Sure...I thought I submitted it once about a month ago but....who knows what I did exactly.

Let's see...I am female..geno type 1...do ya have to know my age??.....just kidding...I'm 46. I live in AZ and I'm taking pegasys, riba, effexor, and neupogen ...oh and I just had shot 30/48  two days ago.. Thanks for including me. berlynn

[lucille1013]

hi-i've read comments here from time to time.i am genotype 2b and completed 6 mos of tx 1 mo. ago. i first want to warn those of you offering leftover prescriptions to others that this is illegal (even though it may seem to be the morally correct choice to make).if anyone with the power or the mean spirit wanted to they could likely get you in alot of trouble.the other thing is that i was wondering how those of you who finished tx feel/felt afterward-did you ever get back to your self as you remembered it to be? did the symptoms you may have attributed to hep c ever go away or diminish? I feel more energetic little by little, but am still falling asleep  at odd times-can't read for 10 min. without falling to sleep- this is definitely a side effect to the meds for me as i never had this problem before. i've had hep c for 30 years-was diagnosed with autoimmune thyroid disease 26 years ago, fibromyalgia 9 years ago,have always had trouble with fatigue but also trouble sleeping.now i sleep $ sleep and can't seem to get anything done- also seem to have lost some confidence and pleasure in living.i've been depressed on and off my whole life, yet did well throughout tx in that department, thank god. now i feel depressed and unable to get back into life. anyone else feel like this?

[jalibear]

I went through six months of PegIntron/Rebetol.  It was pretty awful, but I am "undetectable" six months after treatment, so I guess it was worth it. The problem I'm having is that I can't bounce back. I am working three days a week and doing some other stuff, but I can't do much without getting exhausted and even sick. Doctors haven't been much help in this area, any suggestions??

[onemistakeat18]

I am suppose to start treatment soon and you all have scared me to death
My doctors office said it would be like the flu but I would be able to work
I want rid of this f'n virus so bad, but I can't afford to be that ill getting rid of it

[portann]

Hi there,

I'd like to make a suggestion. It would be much more useful for you if you start your own thread by posting your concern as a 'new' post.

You may not realize this but you've re-posted a thread from five years ago. The problem with that is that sometimes members only read the original post, which isn't yours, so your comments may be unintentionally ignored.

In my experience, people have a wide variety of responses to treatment and although there are some predictors, sometimes you just have to see how you fare. I haven't come across anyone who has claimed to be unaffected by the medications but it's certainly been do-able for me, as for many, many others. Some, if not many people, work (even at physical jobs!) throughout treatment.

Apart from occasional mini-crises that I'd rather forget, my main complaints are fatigue, weakness and a sense of isolation from my 'real' world.

Try to post on a brand new thread if you have further worries and good luck.

[stubby226]

Hi everyone,  I started to read all the questions and comments finding so many questions and comments that I could relate to or try and answer.  #1.  I have read so many questions about side effects of treartment.  Every one is an indidvual and response to ANY mecdication  will not always be the same.  An example that I usually give to others is:  When I take Valium ( my 1st dose in 5 years) t will have no side affects.  My husband wiil take 5mg and will be sound asleep in his recline within an hour.  #2.  I completed tx 4 months ago.  I had a relative comfortable time until about week 24.  I then began to exhibit the sx the information packets said would go away at about 2-3 months.  I did not take this as misinformation but only guidelines.  I had a supportive family, church family, friends, and the internet.  I decided that I would make a plan written out to fall back on.  When feeling bad it was very difficult for me to look at try solutions much list discover how to. Here is an example:  Acey Muscles:  Options:  Slow gentle walk, heating/ice packs to specific areas, relaxation techniques, have someone give you a masage.  Depression is a very real and possible problem..I will always reccomnd having an introductory with a counselor prior to starting tx.  It is always easier to develop a good working rapport when not in crisis.  he internet is full of information on Hep C.  Again check them out before you start if time will allow.  Work is always an indidvual choice.  Alot having to do with finances.  Is everyone aware of the FAMILY MEDICAL LEAVE ACT or THE PERSON WITH DISABILITY ACT? I know that a company has to have so many employees before requiring to make them available..  FML provides 12 weeks a year that you may take off wop, but medical insurance is provided at the regular cost,  I am not 100% sure but I do know that both acts are worth looking into.  I also develop an  activiity lists with the followwing:  I list what I called relaxing jobs; the active jobs; and jobs to delegate/ wait to do.   I do not mean to insult anyone with giving some basic help tools I utilized.  I have a college degree but when in cris my emotions over rule my brains.  I also read were someone was offered some Ambien.  That was so thoughtful.  I do have to say it is illegal to give dugs away or mail the.  I know alot of people do and on a personal level I can understand.  Medically there is usually no compromising of some ones health.  There are so may things that could be compromised.  I also read Forum questions about post tx symptoms.  As when taking tx the side affects afterwards can be so indidvulized.  I finished tx several months ago and still have post tx side affects.  When experiencing signx you feel may be treatment relate WRITE IT DOWN. is is important to keep a journal of all events, good or bad.  The reason for this is to have "good" pleasant things to read to remind you the next day will be better.  I personally do notsay the next day will be better but it will be different.  That gives a more realistic attitude.  I am getting tired but wanted to let people know I appreciate their input previuosly and freq find them imformative.

[stubby226]

Will just add a few more thoughts.  I read where DhBill was  having issues with MD.  I would check with my medical insurance to see if you have other options.  I also would check with Hepatitis hepline.  If possible change physcians.  If it is not possible if you can talk with DhBill I would try and do so.  I would make a list of questions and concerns.  If you do not feel comfortable I would check with the pharmacy to see if your insurance limited the amt of meds issued per month.  What is ESLD?  You may contact whoever sponsers that and ask for a copy of patient"s rights.  The medical association for your state should have a  list avaiable of Patient right,  I would also start keeping a journal documenting  your side affects, when you told your Dr. and his response.  As patient you have the right to good care, proprer tx of physical issues, you should not be discriminate againist pt forillines, hx or any other reason.  I was extremely blessed with excellent care by one of our county HMO, that everyone was negative about.  My only complaint was to many doctors.  I also have to say due to the complications I had I rec'd every test possibly.  The doctors I was referred to for consult were also fantastic.  I sincerely you try and explore your options and are able to change ohyscian.  Mt injury was at work putting my HCV under lL& I.  They would only approve meds for 30 days at a time due to cost.  Mt heasach meds, massages, were all covered.  I had to go on Neropren (meds for low blood sugar).  L & i would only cover it if I was really anemic.  For people that become anemic and are unable to afford Rx there are some very simple things to remember to prevent problems.  1.  drink alot of fluids.  Do not forget that all caffiene drinks are fehydrating.  My Dr. said for every caffiene drink drink 2 glasses.  I completed 46 weeks of tx. Did not go to 48 weeks due to side effects.  I am having aloy ot issues around being fully functional.  I tried to work only 4 hours per day but I had no immunity to anything I was exposed to. Anyway I have been off work for 3 months.  My biggest issues are neuropathy, and brain fog.  My fog is not remembering what I was ging to say, forgetting where my car was parked ,  getting lost going to my doctor's appointment., and sometimes just lost.  Things I used to work on I am terribly forgetful.  As a nurse I am really apprehensive working for fear I would make a mistake and possibly cause a serious error.  I am hoping that as my fog lifts I will be able to find a job utilizing current skills.  Herbal meds.  My doctor has a big list stating which herbs people with Hepatitis should avoid. There atr several items listed on internet and Hepatitis
help lines  listing herbal treatment Reading all the different infor I read that none were approved.  I basically wanted people to be aware prior to decisions.  In  closing I want to say I will keep everyone in prayer.

[portann]

To Stubby,

This thread is from 2003 and 2004, except for onemistake's post from today and your and my responses. I doubt that DhBill is tuning in much these days but who knows.

[stubby226]

oopps....