PROCRIT POST TX...

[Xenigma]

How long did you guys have to do your Procrit for post tx?
I know everyone is different and we can only tell by sx of
the anemia and bloodwork but, in general, how long after last
shot and Riba did you use the Procrit for?
Thanks in advance...
enigma

[jmjm530]

Just to add to my previous comment, my NP did mention (as best I can remember) that one reason she wanted me to stop Procrit with the last shot (this I do remember exactly) was to give my body the opportunity to start producing more hgb on its own. And in fact, it did take a little while (several months) until hgb returned to pre-tx baseline. Procrit is not a drug without risks -- both side effects and potential bone marrow issues -- so I would not take it unless your doc feels it medically necessary after stopping the riba. Congratulations on finishing up treatment!

[jdwithhcv]

I'll have three vials of procrit left when I finish Riba this week.  Should I take them?  I sure would like to get my hgb back up to normal as soon as possible.
jd

[frijole]

I did it about a month after tx was over -- actually, until my prescription was gone.  Probably could have gone a couple of more weeks but I didn't want to get another rx.
frijole

[Xenigma]

thanks jools and I-horn, I plan to take my Procrit tonight and see what the labs and doc say on Friday.

I appreciate the input...
enigma

[jools57]

I also just finished what I had on hand which was 1 shot the week after my last interferon

[l-horn]

I just finished out what I had on hand. I think it was 2 shots.

[Xenigma]

My doc wasn't in yesterday, I spoke with my nurse.  I had EOT labs Thursday so of course she didn't have them back yet.  She told me if I felt I needed the shot to go ahead and take it.  I will get my results when I see the doc next week.  

I also do not want to jab myself again but I won't be able to work next week without my Procrit, I can already feel the out of breath, legs heavy and headache feeling.
enigma

[jmjm530]

My liver specialist told me to stop Procrit with my last Peg injection and frankly I was happy cause the last thing I wanted to do after treatment was to keep taking more drugs. Keep in mind once you're off the riba your hemoglobin should gradually return to normal by itself. What does your doctor say?

[Xenigma]

Thanks Cando--I can feel I need it so I will take it as planned tonight or tomorrow and we'll see what my EOT bloodwork shows this Friday.
I have 3 vials left so I should be OK if hgb doesn't rise right away.
(Which I expect it won't)  

dperry--I'm gonna call  that number and get me some goodies to quit too!
I used Chantix in the past and it worked great but stopped it when I started tx and started smoking again.  I'm glad you are feeling good!!
Good Luck quitting - I know you'll do it!

Thanks again you guys...
enigma

[dperry10]

I actually did my last shot of Procrit the week of my last shot, took riba for another week, and I was done after that.  

Took a month or so before I really noticed how much better I felt,   I mean a few weeks after finishing I was feeling myself , feel better a bit more each week.  Now I feel wonderful, and its been 8 mos since completing.   4 more months and I go for another PCR.. but I am sure its still UND.    I started drinking Mona-via a few months ago now, and it makes me feel like a totally different person.   I have so much energy.  I have even been jogging with my dog for the last week.    I can not tell you how good it feels to feel normal again.  After 48 wks of tx,   Now just gotta quit smoking.. I called today to the number 1 877 u can now, to quit smoking, they will send you patches, or gum or lozengers, which ever, and give  you support to quit.    My commit to quit date is 08/14.   So .....  wish me luck..   Hope you feel better soon.  

[can-do-man]

I was on procrit one month post tx......... Best to you

cando