Driving Long Distance during Peg-Interferon Riba Treatment

[rosebud57]

Hi,this is my first posting, I have been on treatment since Thanksgiving, this site has been so helpful to me i have gained so much info from reading posts. I am traveling 2100 miles one way with a quick turn around (anticipate 6 days). I know physically this will be difficult for me. I am hoping that others out there may have advice for such a trip, mostly i am concerned about the symtoms (headaches, diarrhea, frequent need for bathroom breaks* etc.)and "not knowing" how i will feel or how i can deal with whatever comes my way while on the road. So if any of you hep C road warriors are out there i would like to hear your advice. I don't have to do most of the driving, mostly companion for driver. Thanks for your replies.

rose

[rosebud57]

also thank you for your comment. im sure post is now done.

[debfromoakland]

Just have a good ice chest and keep it icy, if you can't pick it up when you get "there".  If have motel, fridge at night until on road, then into icy  coler, undisterbed except for ice reprelenishment and treatment and or checking on it.  I drove 8 hrs to LA  several times.  

[susan400]

You're fortunate that you will not be driving alone.  I have a problem with driving more than a couple of hours at a time by myself.  I get too drowsy.  And this is off of treatment! On treatment, I had issues of having periods of time where I was in a total confusion, fuge state.  It particularly scared me on one occasion where I couldn't remember how to get home (back to my Mom and Dad's home where I was going back to) and I had a big problem with it.  I know now, that if I'm going to be driving a long way that I need another person with me, most especially on treatment.  My being the drive, alone, on treatment is a danger zone.

Susan

[rosebud57]

Hi susan,
I know what you mean my job involves a lot of driving and verbal communication, i was irritable, forgetful, unable to determine when i would feel good enough to work. I quickly opted for full disability. school is all i do right now. Even so.I get scared driving a familiar path. This experience gives a good snapshot of what it is like to have alzheimers. im in such a fog familiar roads and driving paths look strange and unfamiliar to me - ususally the fear i would make a driving error  makes me hyper-alert.

Needless to say I don't like to go out.

I will probably only drive 2-3 hours out of each day of an anticipated 10-12 hours of daily driving. More if i can tolerate it.

The night we get where we are going I take the shot, needless to say i will not be out and about too much those 2 days than drive back this way again.
Rose

[rosebud57]

Hi Frijole,
I don't know i would have to remember (ha) where i put the labs, i tried to read them when i asked for copies, and don't know what line to read, when RN said i was undect. i wanted to see for myself, but can't read the lab... i am guessing the test was RNA something, i remember seeing a note on the paper that this test replaces one that was once used. (that mean anything?). I am a student, keeping things neat not a priority, really messed up (disorganized) when you add riba & peg-intron to the mix i would have to look around to find the labs. Maybe sometime tomorrow. I don't even know how many weeks i have gone yet. Maybe 10. Began 11/25 or so. Tonites the night. What's really messed up is i really have a lot of writing i need to do and usually Saturday, is all about frontal headaches, and sensitive eyes, usually can't even look at a comuter screen, let alone want to open my eyes.. then occassionally get a better weekend. They just put me on procrit everyother week, this is also the week for that. Problems with sleeping on that I said to RN, she said no, that would be the peg-intron. 10 weeks and i still haven't figured that one out.
Rose

[friole]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

Always carry a copy of your script for the INF.  I made a copy and just stuck it in my wallet.  Also, be incharge of all your meds.  I took a trip with my sister on tx and she left my Pegasys out of the cooler in the hot sun all day.  It was my fault.  I should have checked it everytime we went into the cooler.  So take charge of your meds.

I think getting tired will be a big issue. Are you sharing the driving?  That is a lot of miles in a very short time.  Do drink lots of water and stop often.

And congrats on being UND at 4 weeks.  With your starting VL that is remarkable.  Do you know the sensitivity of the test?
frijole

[rosebud57]

i seem to have access to this again.
thank you for sharing your experience. I guess that is what i anticipate, more frequent stops. bring cooler.
still value any other comments from others.
how about when taking meds out of state, do i need some kind of note in case get pulled over with meds? or is script label enough?

[rosebud57]

Hi, I don't know what is wrong but i can't access the threads to this post, so can't see what you wrote, don't know what to do about it. I really am not too familiar with this kind of website how they work (sometimes don't work like they should). I did make second post that might be better, or later this might clear up whatever hangs it up...

[Rastiss]

I made a road trip of about 1500 miles each way last Summer. The only problems I had were getting tired earlier and having to take a few sudden unplanned breaks on the side of the road. Sounds like you know what to expect.  If you have to take your IFN, bring a cooler.

[rosebud57]

thank you for your posts. i am not recently accustomed to long dist. travel. my daughter needs a companion for this long trip and her schedule demands a quick turn around. i worry about that more than anything, that this trip will exhaust me and the unpredictable way i am affected by the meds. total 4200+ miles in 6 days - she is only allowing for 2 days rest (injections fall there) and return home.

i like the suggestions to treats, and warm blankets and hydration. when the astronaut news broke that brought diapers to mind...hmmm. no think not.

still seeking more advice from the more seasoned travelor who has done long trips as this on meds.

rose

[FlGuy]

Sounds like you already know the twists and turns to expect in the way of sides.  The same ones, just at 70 mph.  Stay hydrated, even if it means frequent stops.  Eat as wisely as you can.  Books on CD make the time go fast and fill those empty conversation gaps.  Just make sure that you keep your meds safe (cooler refreshed often for the peg).  Make sure someone at home has access to meds you don't take with you. Assume you're not leaving the country. Take phone numbers and your favorite pillow and blankie. Bon voyage.

[nygirl7]

I didn't have to go that far during treatment Rose but I'd bring a nice soft fleece blanket with me...you know one of those real nice little ones that don't even cost a lot?

That way if you get cold the other person won't have to turn the heat up all the way. I just think women are ALWAYS colder than men and a woman on treatment....well....it must drive a man nuts!

I don't have any REAL advice but wanted to wish you good luck none the less.

Bring yourself lots of treats....just because you DESERVE THEM!