Hi Manda,
I underwent treatment and the first 3 months were tough. Not as severe as yours, but after that it got semi-normal. Other symptoms emerged but still tolerable. I did not go take any other medication.
yeah. definately will b checking in.... i would love to hear others experiences with combined treatments or just side effects of hep c its self.....maybe i dont have it too rough compared to others out there. then again, its bad enough for me!!!!
At risk of sounding like a broken record, everyone experiences this treatment differently.
My own personal experience was that although I tolerated the therapy relatively well, things like fatigue and loss of concentration became more pronounced as therapy dragged on. I took classes during the first year of my second treatment at the local community college, but didn’t sign up for third semester; too pooped to go on.
Be sure to watch that hemoglobin; if it approaches 10.0 mg/dL, intervention with Procrit might offer significant improve in energy levels. Do you currently get winded easily? Sometimes that’s an indication of low red cells (Hgb).
Some doctors will Rx a drug like Provigil that can increase focus and concentration; it’s used by shift workers and US Air force pilots to increase awareness and concentration at times. By the way, it’s amphetamine free.
So many of the side effects can be ameliorated with intervention… especially interferon induced depression/anxiety. I wouldn’t be shy about discussing any problems you’re experiencing with your doctor; IFN has a rather extensive side effect profile, so your doctor shouldn’t be surprised it you’re having some problems with side effects.
It’s so important to make yourself as comfortable as possible, to give you the best shot of success.
Others will hopefully chime in later with their own observations… this board gets a little slow sometimes on weekends. Check back now and then for more input, it’s no doubt coming soon.
--Bill