A Question about working

Been on the forum 2 months now gathering info for by joyride (starting treatmnt in the fall) I was told to get my ducks in a row.
So far I only have one duck. Your all   very knowledgeable and have alot of info that you have shared with me. I know everyone is different as far as tx with the sides. What I need to know is can the majority of people work a 5 day work week?
Or is it 50-50?

[debnevada]

i work an average of 40-45 hours a week at a high stress but not high physicality job. I will be taking shot 10 this Friday.

My sides are: unrelenting mouth ulcers, significant fatigue and some itching. I have been on four (or was it six?) courses of antibiotics for various infections since I started treatment.

if at all possible, take a leave the first couple of months. My internist says that all of the people he takes care of that treat for HCV with combo adjust their schedule at some point during their treatment. Without exception. He said "most of them quit work for at least a while".

That's what i know. personally and what my trusted doc tells me.

deb

[debnevada]

Bonnie, try not to overplan the treatment in the fall. Enjoy life now.

[nygirl7]

I agree with Deb - try not to sweat it too much.  You might easily be one of the people it doesn't affect to badly at all!

Personally I worked all 72 weeks. Sometimes it was dreadfully hard but getting up and showered and coming to work kept me in touch with the "real world" and helped take my mind off of the sides and stuff.  Had I just laid in bed I would have felt WORSE I'm sure.

Aside from the anemia most of the sides won't prevent you from coming to work.  And the procrit or epogen will fix up the anemia for you.

---

You are about as prepared as anyone can be.  It's of course, not going to be ANYTHING like you are expecting at all because that's how life is.

So go outside, enjoy the spring and just RELAX.

There are people here who will always help you no matter what - and that will help get you through treatment more than anything.

:)

[BonnieRobin]

Im trying just that Im alone and takinf care of a mother and have NO NO ELSE for support system. So I have to at least try to plan some sort of action.
Thanks for the info and feel well.

[cgd914]

I am a paralegal I only missed 3 days out of 48 weeks.  I just got alot of sleep at night and rested on the weekends.   Hope this helps.  

[BonnieRobin]

Thanks..I know some people get thru and some people are flat on their backs. Just hard for me to let my mind rest now since " I am the only one" and have a house and mom to take care of. I know its a tough question to be answered. I dont know how you guys worked feeling so awful? And yet its good therapy if you can get to work..rather than lay in bed and dwell.

[friole]

Your last posts hits it for me.  If you can work do.  You will feel the same whether you are behind the desk or on the couch.  I was better when my mind was occupied.  I won't kid you - I did 56 weeks and only missed a couple of days but did not function at 100% - closer to 50% at times.  I have a desk job.  Don't worry about it now.  Just plan on working and see what happens.  You are probably stronger than you give yourself credit for.
frjiole

[BonnieRobin]

Thanks so much!! I appreciate the reply!! I know you know the position I am in by reading my posts. Thanks. I sure hope it works out the way you say.
Otherwise Im up the creek. Like I said I \m trying to get my ducks in a row.
I hope to god it works that way!! Have alot on my plate like all of you!!!!!!!!
I hope you feel ok!!!
Bonnie

[BonnieRobin]

Thank you all. Your the best!!!!
Enjoy your day!

[dandyeasy]

Bonnie,
I  cannot tell you from experience since I also start 26 weeks tx in the fall.
I can tell you I personally know three people who all went thru tx and never missed a day at work. One person had very minor side effects, one did labor work every single day with a moving company, one was a nurse and never missed a day at work but told me some days she felt crummy.

They ALL three are telling me I need to stop worrying myself day and night about the "what if" and just give the tx a go.
This is not prison. You always have the option of quitting tx. There isn't a gun to my head but of course I would only stop tx if it meant losing my mind or job.

[BonnieRobin]

Thats good to know and bery encouraging.
Thanks for the reply!
And Good Luck with your treatment!!
Im sure we will speak to each other again..............

Thaks for the info.
Bonnie

[motheroffour]

H never had a problem except the morning after his shot he would be more sleepy and wouldn't bounce out of bed like he usually does.  Never had trouble working, more exercise than since his twenties,  relandscpaed our backyard - in fact he feels that the undiagnosed Hep was causing him fatigue - he fells "better" on treatment -  more energy.  Sure he's urppy in the morning for a while, but so was I each time I was pregnant - you live with it.  He has the cough thing, which is annoying but not a huge deal. Hair, he's a guy at this age it's more like "what hair".  We know several people that have treated and all worked and never missed time, one is a builder/contractor so did physical labor.  His wife said he was cranky and tired, but that's about it.  Yes, get some ducks lined up in terms of understanding your vacation and sick policy and how the FMLA comes into play,  but know that in general you see more posts from the ones having problems than from the ones not simple because the ones having no problems are busy with their life and aren't asking for help or support.

[BonnieRobin]

Thanks so much....very helpful info. I appreciate the reply. Very helpful and I have more hope now.


Thanks sooooo much!!
Feel well!

[GrandmaA]

When you are on tx it's much better to just take things one day at a time. Do not project things out in the future. Live in the present. Now is all we have. Your own personal faith in the Lord will help you more than any family member or friend. I know a man who has hep. C stage 4 (waiting for a transplant) and his wife is mad at him for being sick. She won't help him at all. So much for "in sickness and health". Sometimes it's a blessing to be alone. I'm on my 36th week and have worked full time (desk job) and I live alone. I am 65 years old.  

[Marl37]

I was on PG interon the 1st 12 wks and worked 40 hrs a wk with an hr comm each way.  Developed anemia which made me lightheaded and feeling like I would pass out if I moved too much.  Switched to Consenus Infergen which is daily shot and could not make it from my car to my desk.

I'm lucky though, I work in IT and my boss agreed to let me work from home instead of my only other option of going on disability.

[Proactive]

Just stopped home for lunch.. simple, you plan for the worst and hope for the best.

[BonnieRobin]

Thanks I know exactly what you are saying. But without going over it again being the only one and being a caretaker you have to think twice and at least try to plan things as much as you can without losing my house. You know how it is. I am the only one I have and so there are a few " What ifs"

Hope you are both doing okay!!
Bonnie

[Htownwife]

I've never treated but my husband did for 48 weeks. He owns his own business which has both pros and cons....he could rest when needed, but the business depended on him working daily. At times he had to travel and give presentations and trainings.
I can't remember a day he didn't work, and he said work was what kept him going throughout treatment. Yes, there were days he wasn't full capacity, but he learned what he could do and shouldn't do on those days.
He had mild to severe side effects, but never had the need for rescue drugs.
He's actually at the doctors right now for his 4 week post treatment checkup.
Also, it's been gradual, but he's feeling better all the time.
Hope this helps!
Good luck with your treatment; I'm sure you'll be fine!!!!!

[pitter]

hi Bonnie,
thanks for your input about my biopsy,,,
i will be saying prayers for all of you guys (ladies)...
i know it will be  a different road for you...but some good will come along the way too...
as grandma said ,, i agree , to really take it one only day at a time...and don't project into the future, bcz everything is different for everyone...and look for the good in everything...( easy for me to say now right)...but ya know believe me, i have had alot of suffering in my life  ,.. so i feel qualified to give encouragement..i have to give myself good talking toos'-- to keep my attitude up and to keep my faith and belief that everything will be okay.
peace and stay calm ok...
pitter

[BonnieRobin]

By the way that story of the husband and wife is truly sad and very hard to believe. I have never heard of anything like that in my life. Its obvious she has serious issues. Very sad.........................What goes round comes around......

Bonnie

[dandyeasy]

There is one lady who takes her shot on Friday and plays 18 hole golf and goes skiing every w/e with her hubby. No side effects at all.

I think this site is for the people having problems. Those that have no side effects are out enjoying their lives and don't need our support.

[BonnieRobin]

good to hear! hope you are well. And thanks for the positive input!!!!

Bonnie

[geterdone]

Bonnie, you just may be one of the lucky ones and sail right through the tx with no sx who knows but I will say, you will be one of the most informed first timers to ever do tx. I will say for some like me it was a lot of adjustments on many fronts and this is from a guy who "use" to feel the absorption of an Advil and hated dentist.

jasper

[BonnieRobin]

How are you doing????????????????? Better I hope.

[BonnieRobin]

Im with you on the Advil and the dentist!!!

[painterlady13]

I am on 44/48.  In the beginning of TX I took shot on friday nite and was still too exhausted to go to work on Monday.  I ended up working 3-4 days a week for about 6 weeks till my body got "used" to the treatment,  Then I started working a full 40 hrs.  occasionally I have a day that I  "just can't"  But they have been few and far between.  Also I must say that the initial effects of TX and the exhaustian was due to riba induced anemia.  and once Procrit kicked in I was much more functional.

Everyone is different and I would not "expect" any side effect.  Know that they may come but there really is no true side that everyone gets.  

Enjoy your summer and try not to let the Hep C and prospective treatment ruin it.

[Pdilly]

There is no way any of us can really say how you will do BUT for the most part most do okay.   I only missed 4 hours during my 6 month treatment.  You may have times you are more tired and don't quite feel as normal.  I was determined and I was one of the lucky ones so far anyway.

[BonnieRobin]

Thanks for your replies...I know exactly what your saying and appreciate your input. Everyone is different  and reacts different I know. As Getterdone said previously Im going to be the most informed person starting tx. I cant help it just try to know what Im in for cant blame me. Its a heavy!!

Thank you both!!!
Feel Well!!
Bonnie

[geterdone]

I'm on my 36th week and have worked full time (desk job).  I am 65 years old.

You go girl... Grandma, you gotter kicking and getten'er done... I bow and my hats off to you... milady. To your good health!

jasper

[EspritLibre1]

as you pointed out in another thread, you and I have some similarities with our bx reading 2 and realizing the necessity (in our opinion ha ha!) of getting this all behind us and living happily every after!!! hopefully we will both stick to the grind and get it right the first time... ALL, I can say girl, is what works for me with WORK... course I'm not a shining example cause only be at the tx game for 10 wks.... work 5 days a week, 7 hour days. It is not terribly physically taxing but there's enough that keeps me moving and active and actually my job has kept me pretty fit, but just don't know how long I can keep up... will take it day-by-day.  Planning to continue working full time.  Instead of my 7 hrs or so sleep, been averaging close to ten - WAS REALLY WORRIED about too much sleep.. dr says, no, it is healing and do what your body says.  So basically, I get up; come here to mh; eat; go to work; come back home; eat; come here; go to bed.  Siggy (my SO and me) made a commitment to just rest and enjoy one another's company on the wkends... so what works for me... sleep after work; and rest weekends... so far 2 and 1/2 mnths into tx and it works for me!  GOOD LUCK... gonna keep an eye on you ;) Libby

[BonnieRobin]

Thatks mucho....I am just getting as much info as I can possibly get from all of you...(Cant you tell hahahah) Sometimes I feel like my brain is going to explode from all the thinking..Knew I had hep for 20 years but was a severe shock to my being finding out I was a 2/2. I was stuck emotionally in the numbers. The shock is wearing off thanks to all of you.

You've all been amazing,,,,,,,,I pray for all of us. SVR!!
Now I know there is hope......I didnt know it before......
Keep in touch with me.......Feel well..........
Lets pray........
Thank you so much.
Bonnie

[GrandmaA]

Geterdone,
Thanks for the kind words. The Lord has blessed me beyond measure. I retired today and I only have 16 more weeks to go. YIPPEE!!!!

Bonnie,
I don't know what it is like to be a caretaker of your mother. That is a wonderful thing you are doing to help her and your filial duty. It must take a lot of time and energy.

Since you are a 2/2 did your doctor recommend waiting for the new meds (2-3 years, especially with the panic attack)?  Do you know your genotype? Are you a 1 or 2?



  

[BonnieRobin]

Thanks so much! That s great he's feelingso much better. I could imagine how he feels! Really good news!!

Thanks for the encouragement and knowing there is that light at the end of the tunnel.

WIshing him lots of good luck at his doc's appointment today!!!

[geterdone]

Duh... my brain works slower at times. How is your mothers health and are you working 40hrs. now?

jasper

[BonnieRobin]

Hi! How are you? BTW Im not panicking anymore.To anwser your queston Im a genotype 1A- Yucky I Know!! Yeah Im a 2/2/ doctor said to treat not to wait...........I hope your feeling okay!
Well another answer to your question my dad passed not along ago and my mom came to live with me after that ..as far as family goes she is all I have and I am all she has.
Weird living and taking care of your mother after 30 years of  living alone!!
But you have to to what you have to do.
Hope you have a good day!!!
Love Bonnie

[BonnieRobin]

How are you?? Are you getting it done???

Answer to your question- my mom had minor stroke tw years ago she is okay just her balance is off. And...just came out of back surgery (laminectomy)
2 months ago. She can take care of herself for the most part . She cant cook..clean or shower thats where I come in.

I work a 40 hour week. (Desk job)-General Contractor.

Tell me how you are
Bonnie

[shastri20032003]

I took shot 14 yesterday. Last week my hgb was 9.2...am on EPO now and my anemia yesterday was 9.8.

I havent missed a day at work since I started tx. I worked 60 hours a week the first  8 weeks and after anemia set in have been working 45 hours a week from week 8 to week 14

I am also a single parent

I have a mentally stressful job in front of the computer all the time and costing prices....so I believe it is doable for some and not for some...you will need to roll the dice and see once you start tx

Understand you have your mom to take care of so you do need some  planning

If you can arrange before starting tx that you need to work only 35-40 hours a week it would be a good start....then you can monitor how tx affects you and can  adjust your working hours accordingly

Plan for the worst and hope for the best..there is always God above and you can always leave some things in His Hand which are not in your control
Regards

[BonnieRobin]

how are you feeling?? SOunds like you are coping really well.  THanks for your input. I work 8:30 to 5 Mon-Fri and have a desk job. Not alot of pressure. My commute is 30 minutes each way so....I guess we shall see what we shall see...
I just want like evreryone else to be FREE of this dam thing after 25 years............... But it seems to me they have come a long with with trying to eradicate this virus..and every week I hear of another SVR. So thats music to my ears........Thanks for you reply.
Every night b4 I go to bed I say a pray for all of us.
Keep In Touch

Bonnie
Health!!!