the real Flu vs Side Effects

[elpasolady]

Hi Everyone!  First, I know I owe all my old forum friends an update, I have been MIA since Oct, for the most part, but will get a journal update online real soon to explain all of that.  I have missed being in touch with you all.

For now, I have a question.  How do we know if side effects we are feeling that are "flu" like, are just sx or, really the flu?  For all you old folks out there, it's kind of like that old commericial " is it REAL, or MEMOREX?  LOL.
I haven't run a fever since I started tx in Aug.  I have felt pretty yucky this past week and have been running a fever since last Sunday, with chills and headache and some mild body aches.  I haven't had these sx effects either, since tx started.  Also, the nagging cough and phlem I have had for months seems worse now. Just wondering if I should call my Dr or just let it ride out?  

Anyone else ever get their first 'flu' like side effects 22 weeks into tx??

[Gerbils]

'Bout time, girl! Sorry, I am sure you have had your hands full- it is great to "see" you! I always had body aches somewhat for a few days during tx but never ran a fever until later in tx. I did that for about 2 weeks and then like many other sx it stopped. That said however, I agree with Pooh. You should talk to your doc. Are you almost done? Take care,
G

[elpasolady]

Thanks everyone for chiming in.  
Btw...I did get a flu shot this year, right away.  
I thought all was well this  morning but this afternoon, fever again. So, I txt the doc and we had a little Q&A, and still waiting for some kind of decision.

I'm not worried, but just want to get the bottom of this fever, if that is possible.

@ flcyclist...yes, my cbc numbers are still good... last check. Nothing in the danger levels.  I will get another test next week.

@ crossroad...cough is annoying huh? Especially to those around us. No green phlegm for me....clear stuff.  My next  Dr.visit is Feb 13.  Just took my last shot yesterday and one more week of pills.  OH HAPPY DAY!
I would never leave the game....:)

@nygirl....thanks for noticing me and giving me your story
@fret.....thanks for the bump!

Eager to catch up with you and see how you are doing.
Hugs!

[crossroadsec]

Hi! Glad to see you! I hope you'll call the dr. I thot flu was coming on a few weeks ago, but felt a lil better after a few days.
I will say that my cough isn't going away. But im still passing the old "green" plegm test. When is your next regular dr visit? Smiling real big to see your still in the game!! Karen :)

[screaming48]

hey lady have missed you! I had some flu symptoms at week 20, but nygirl is right I get a flu shot every year, because the real flu puts me down for at least a week with periods of time not being remembered.

[flcyclist]

Hey ELP, nice to see you popping in.  I look forward to hearing your update.  

I've had plenty of yucky days with flu like symptoms, but never with fever and chills.  As others said, this sounds worthy of a visit to the doctor.   Are your cbc number hanging in there ok?  Hope all is going well with you.  

[frijole]

If you haven't run fever before, I would call the doctor.  Your regular doctor should do.  

I have been wondering how you were lately and am glad to see you area still treating.  When I don't see people post, I fear the worse.

bean

[orphanedhawk]

I agree with Pooh.
Call your doctor, that's what they are there for.
They can answer your questions and either treat the problem or put your mind at ease.

Good luck.

[libzo2]

So sorry you are dealing with more than expected.  Hugs to you.  We are with you.

[pooh55811]

Personally, if I were you, I would call my doctor, preferably today.

My reasoning is this. While side effects can change and can vary in severity, you have been on treatment since August and have never had these particular side effects, at least not as severe or intense. I think a fever is always a concern, especially if it persists. Fever combined with chills, headache, body aches, and a productive cough are good reasons to be concerned and to call the doctor. If it is something serious, you want to get on top of it right away.

I hope you feel better soon.

[fretboard]

I'll bump this up so someone gives you a better answer.  The only thing I can say is the headache from tx is like no other.  It could be you need some antibiotics to get rid of your phlem etc.  See the doctor and get some amoxicillin or something.  good luck

[nygirl7]

I never had any 'flu like symptoms' until about week 30 on treatment (SOC).  I have had the real flu and that was tremendously different. The chills and aches were bad with the flulike symptom but with the REAL flu I was down and out and could barely make it to the loo for over a week. Just absolutely taken down laying in bed crying. That is why I always get a flu shot.  Once you've had the 'real flu' (not like people who say oh yes I was out for two days I had the flu - no that is not the 'flu') you never ever forget it or want it back again!

Anyway that is just my experience but I saw your name and had to respond! I hope that you are just having the symptoms as happened to me, they didn't last long and then never really came back again after that brief outbreak.

I wish you well EPL and I wish you health and SVR!