Aa
starting treatment
I am getting ready to start tx in a few weeks. How bad are the side effects? I know everyone is different, but
in general i'd like to know what i am getting into.
in general i'd like to know what i am getting into.
I am in week 8 of tx. I was freaked out after reading the disclosures and talking to my doc who was preparing me for the worst. I can honestly say it is not as bad as I feared. Two days a week are pretty rough but the rest of the time it is manageable. I basically told myself you will feel like crap 2 days a week x 28 or 56 days instead of 28 weeks. Take it one day at a time and remember there is a beginning and an end and it is not forever. Whenever I start feeling sorry for my self God brings someone into my life that helps me put what I am going rough in proper perspective. Good luck and get started!
My impression is that some do much worse on tx than I have, a few have done much better. It's good to look at the stats for the drugs you will be treating on in regards to common sx.
On incivek, I itched but for the most part kept the rash away with gold bond, I had the periodic anal burn but tucks for the most part kept it under control. I had excessive fatigue, bobble head. I was more one forgetful and was unable to focus as well as I normally could, brain fog. I was crabby and sometimes dizzy. I was anxious, like i took to any antihistamines, sometimes spent way to long worrying about where to put something or which task to do first. Always thirsty, and so sick of eating fat. I had some body aches and chest pain but nothing the doctors considered bad enough tp do any rescue tx for.
Getting through work was the most difficult thing. Mondays and into Tuesday's were the worst. I was very worried about having to take FMLA which might not be enough for tx duration. You could still lose your job. I was also worried about my reputation and effectiveness. Driving for longer periods or in heavy traffic was not good. You should consider in advance how you will deal with work, money, and car or other significant responsibilities if it becomes a problem.
Post incivek, on SOC, I am crabby still but notice the rage more often, may be that the fog has lichen enough so I see it more now, and tired but not as exhausted. Still anxious and forgetful but not as bad. I have more muscle aches and flu like symptoms now which are mostly controlled with over the counter meds. I can function a bit more now and glad incivek was the first 12 weeks so it's easier now, at least for me. My hair started thinning around week 13, others do not really notice it yet, am hoping it stays that ways until done.
On the flip side, I did make if through work, I only have 5 weeks left. I even interviewed and was selected for a new position. Most people do not realize you are having troubles focusing and are exhausted etc. It's mostly noticeable to you. Of course that also means people think you should be able to do what you always have.
It's good to remember that many have done SOC more than once for much longer times so it is hard, but doable for most, and an easier and more effective road than many have had to take. That said, the all orals are looking good, if you can wait safely it's an option to consider. You have to research and make the decision you believe is right for you.
Hope I didn't scare you, just think it's best to know as much as you can before going in. Don't decide this lightly but don't be afraid if you choose to do it. Most if the sx are controllable but it will impact your life for a while. You will be more the home body.
On incivek, I itched but for the most part kept the rash away with gold bond, I had the periodic anal burn but tucks for the most part kept it under control. I had excessive fatigue, bobble head. I was more one forgetful and was unable to focus as well as I normally could, brain fog. I was crabby and sometimes dizzy. I was anxious, like i took to any antihistamines, sometimes spent way to long worrying about where to put something or which task to do first. Always thirsty, and so sick of eating fat. I had some body aches and chest pain but nothing the doctors considered bad enough tp do any rescue tx for.
Getting through work was the most difficult thing. Mondays and into Tuesday's were the worst. I was very worried about having to take FMLA which might not be enough for tx duration. You could still lose your job. I was also worried about my reputation and effectiveness. Driving for longer periods or in heavy traffic was not good. You should consider in advance how you will deal with work, money, and car or other significant responsibilities if it becomes a problem.
Post incivek, on SOC, I am crabby still but notice the rage more often, may be that the fog has lichen enough so I see it more now, and tired but not as exhausted. Still anxious and forgetful but not as bad. I have more muscle aches and flu like symptoms now which are mostly controlled with over the counter meds. I can function a bit more now and glad incivek was the first 12 weeks so it's easier now, at least for me. My hair started thinning around week 13, others do not really notice it yet, am hoping it stays that ways until done.
On the flip side, I did make if through work, I only have 5 weeks left. I even interviewed and was selected for a new position. Most people do not realize you are having troubles focusing and are exhausted etc. It's mostly noticeable to you. Of course that also means people think you should be able to do what you always have.
It's good to remember that many have done SOC more than once for much longer times so it is hard, but doable for most, and an easier and more effective road than many have had to take. That said, the all orals are looking good, if you can wait safely it's an option to consider. You have to research and make the decision you believe is right for you.
Hope I didn't scare you, just think it's best to know as much as you can before going in. Don't decide this lightly but don't be afraid if you choose to do it. Most if the sx are controllable but it will impact your life for a while. You will be more the home body.
As someone finishing tx in about a week, my advice is just plunge into it. One day at a time. No one can say what a person's experience will be. But most will say it's very hard. If I knew then what I know now, I wouldn't have treated, but that is impossible because you have to live it to know what it's like. And it is different for individuals. Try not to worry about it. If you can do 24 weeks of treatment it is easier.
Congratualtions on starting treatment (soon).
Different people react to the drugs differently. Some have few or mild side effects and others have more problematic side effects.
What drugs will you be taking? While the drugs seem to share some side effects, some side effects vary depending on which drugs you are on. If you tell us what you will be taking, we will have a better idea of how to respond.
I think all of us suffered from pre-treatment fear and anxiety. I know I was extremely nervous and anxious before starting treatment, wondering how bad it would be. Everything worked out and it was not as bad as I thought it might be. (No picnic, but not as bad as I anticipated.)
Different people react to the drugs differently. Some have few or mild side effects and others have more problematic side effects.
What drugs will you be taking? While the drugs seem to share some side effects, some side effects vary depending on which drugs you are on. If you tell us what you will be taking, we will have a better idea of how to respond.
I think all of us suffered from pre-treatment fear and anxiety. I know I was extremely nervous and anxious before starting treatment, wondering how bad it would be. Everything worked out and it was not as bad as I thought it might be. (No picnic, but not as bad as I anticipated.)
From what I have learned here on this forum, veryone is different and side effects vary. It seems like some people have very mild side effects, but most people have more moderate to severe side effects. These side effects can include cold/flu like symptoms, fatigue, nausea, dry mouth, rash, anemia, and metallic taste in mouth. If you're taking Incivek, you may have a more significant rash and/or anorectal bleeding/pain due to tissue irritation.
Overall, I think most people would say that the side effects are manageable with over the counter/prescription help and that they would do it again to be Hep C free.
Advocate1955
Overall, I think most people would say that the side effects are manageable with over the counter/prescription help and that they would do it again to be Hep C free.
Advocate1955
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