hair loss etc

Hi, Im on week 2/28 of treatment (Genotype 3 and cirrosis (cirrhosis)). Actually havent felt that bad apart from feeling mega tired and not got much appetite.  Have read so much stuff bout side effects.  My doc said hair loss was rare????  I hve added complications cos have Crohns too so have had to stop taking ssome of my meds for this.  The doc said cure rate is high and I know I have to go throu with it but I just wish I knew more bout what to expect. Is hair loss a realistic possibility, it would appear so reading alot of these posts.  Weight loss? Aches and pains?  Have I go it all still t come cos only had two interferon injections (1000mg of Ribravin daily).  Just want to be able to chat with oter like minded people really as I dont feel its something I can freely discuss with friends,

[crigger]

Are you on two or three meds. This is my second time treating the frist time I took ribo and interferon this time incivek was added. The two drugs treatment was not to bad I worked the whole time that was ten years ago. I am geno 1 from what I understand geno 3 responds better to dble treatment than 1. The side effect are rough. The hair gets thin but you should not go bald.  When ever you get any side effect just bring it up on the medical hepc site lots of people will let you know what they did to get relief. Good luck

[Kristina538]

I had Geno 3 and cirrhosis (early cirrhosis apparently), and managed to get through; some weeks were hard going, and I met each symptom as it came, usually forewarned from things I read here.

The psych I saw (I had a reaction to the anti-depressant I tried) told me they found that somewhere between weeks 5-9 could be difficult (when the ribaviron had built to peak in your system and the possible heamoglobin drops make you a little breathless and slow), and between weeks 19-21 (not sure why).

My hair did fall out, but no-one noticed.  I have shoulder length hair and wore it up.  I was careful with washing my hands so as not to get any 'bugs/flu etc' because my white blood cell count became low from the interferon.   My hands and lips (use olive leaf extract lip balm) became dry and I got a few mouth ulcers (biotene mouth wash is excellent - I used it after every meal to get through that patch).   Some days I had pain in my legs - panadol (tylenol) helped, and also helped me if I became a bit nauseaus before eating.   I also used a saline rinse (neddy) bottle when I seemed get dry nasal passages/hayfever/sinus.  

If you do get an upset stomach, try having six small meals a day (a decent morning and afternoon tea, and smaller dinner/lunch).  I managed that with smothies and sandwiches.   I did loose weight, but I think the small meals helped.   You'll lose weight regardless, but shouldn't be too much.  

Drink lots of water and treat yourself like a patient.  I took the time off work, but still managed to go the the supermarket and force myself to go for walks.  TV became hard to concentrate on, but I managed books.

Take it easy and be kind to yourself;  remind your family to expect anything and to shield you from any pressure/visitors etc., if you're not having a good day.  Some days are fine.

I counted the moons because there were fewer full moons than weeks.  Twelve full moons were quicker to tick of the calendar!!   If I did two, I knew I could do four.   Best wishes for success xxx

[orphanedhawk]

Hair loss is a common side effect. The good thing is it will grow back, after you're finished with tx.

[Dee1956]

Hair loss is common, for some reason my doc said 10% chance of loss which is ludicrous.  You may not lose much, everyone is different
I would rather be bald and alive than have a head full of hair at my funeral
Good luck to you
Dee

[indy531]

In the last month of tx I have lost about 40-50% of my hair; 33% in clinical trials. It grows back...