Fatigue and Achy

[RobBetz]

feel very fatigued after shot 33.....all labs still look good...how do I combat fatigue an this achy flu-like-feeling....thx

robert

[NYgirl]

LOL you just made me laugh coffee onto my computer screen - the picture in my head was too much.  :)

You know whatever works works right?  It's amazing how high the hidden cost of treatment really is - I am glad you found a lotion that works for you.  It's like mom's good ole home cooking...they always seem to know the BEST don't they?

Well thanks for giving me and Mr. B the easier job ... but we'll have to take a turn with the oars as well... otherwise you guys will be more buff than we are ;-)

Debby

[strator]

Hey, after a few days of losing lots of sleepover due to the itch I went vack to basics. My Mom use to always use Keri Original Formula Therapy Lotion. She had very dry skin from a ton of heart and arthrius meds. It's really made a big difference. The TGBond just wasn't cuttin it for me. I even have TGB anti itch spray too. With the Keri I've noticed after a few minutes ttat area is fine at least for a few hours. Guess we all react to lotions different just like meds.

Well tx isn't the first time I've been up the creek without a paddle but sharing the rowing sounds good. Hey can't ya just picture all of us on one of those long slave boats from Roman Times. You and Mr B can take turns beating the drum and we'll all row in synchro.
Have a fun day(hope your weekend stress has subsided.)
Don

[NYgirl]

Oh boy you see...we are all in the boat together.  If you row one oar I'll row the other and maybe we will get somewhere safely?

;-)

RE: Hot baths - generally they aren't such a good idea as they dry out your skin and that exacerbates the Riba Rash...use the GOLD BOND TRIPLE ACTION LOTION.

That really helps.

[Dale_Ray]

I've got 37 weeks left if I am lucky but this is my second treatment in 7 years. The number one thing for me is to get more rest. I am naturally energetic so it was hard for me to say sit down pamper yourself. The more rest I get the better I feel the following day. My doctor gave me a light dose of Darvon for the pain in my hips, knees and ankles. It seems to cut the constant moving around trying to get comfortable. I don't know though if you talk to 100 of us you will find a 100 things we have found that help us. Each individual is different. Good luck to you. Dale

[NYgirl]

Well week 20.  Need to change my name to Baldy Bean shortly.  I can't believe the chunk of hair that was in the drain a little while ago. Every day I clean that thing out before I shower to keep an eye on things.......

Wow.  All of a sudden today I can run my fingers threw it and it's stuck in them even.

So I guess it's true - I always heard this would happen about week 16 or a bit after and well...yup there ya go.  I'm a little slow as always but what I thought before was "hair loss" was just normal this was sure not.

I think it will be cool to buy a good wig and give my hair a chance to grow back au natural... ;-/

Anyway if it's happening to anybody else here ... you are not alone. I intend to keep on fighting as long as I have to...hair is NOT as important as my liver or life but it is just another URRRGGHHH of tx that I've gotten to down the line now.

Different weeks different sx.  I seem to hate this one the most though - even more than the anemia (well not REALLY).

Debby

[FlGuy]

I tried to avoid tylenol altogether but relented during tx. Alternated with aspirin during tx. Didn't want the liver impact of tylenol or the platelete impact from aspirin - so went back and forth using tylenol on shot nite and next day, aspirin in low doses otherwise.  Was a late bloomer to ambien for sleep - wish I had pursued it sooner in tx, made a big diff for the 2-3 nites per week that I used it. Lack of good, regular REM sleep is draining, on top of everything else.

[jaroman]

dale: hang in there man! By now you know some days are better than others.... Try to get rest, you deserve it. I think the baths are a great idea. Drink lots of fluids.
NY: Honest, I think the hair loss has slowed the last 2 weeks or so. Whew.

[jaroman]

Oops! That above post of mine was for you(but dale, you get some rest too).

[friole]

Hey Deb -- try the Nioxin.  I know you have gobs of hair products, but honestly, my hair fell out for 3 months then I finally got some of that stuff and it stopped after a month of use(well, mostly).  They have a "starter kit" that has shampoo and treatment like creme rinse and then a leave in foam treatment. The beautician said I would know in a month if it was helping and it seemed to.  Now I can't be sure the because I have also read that hair falls out on 3 month cycles so maybe the cycle was done.  

I know what you are saying --- one more hidden cost of treatment.  I know what you mean -- $40 for the starter kit.  Recently  I have found giant bottles in the mall for cheaper.

hmmmm maybe you need a care package.....

[dyce]

Sorry you guys are havving a hard day with the sx's.Seems the animea really plays havoc on many who are on tx.

New York do you think the riba dose may be too high?I know from reading your post how bad you want rid of this virus and I think your putting a fine fight!I'm sure you'll be victorious in the end.

Dyce

[Snookmiester]

Try soaking in the tub.. Really, I'm not kidding here. There is a mineral bath, Batherapy, and it comes in lavender or natural. It will help soak away aches, and pain. I work a VERY physical job, and depended on this towards the end of tx. I also dropped lets say half a cup of olive oil in the mix to keep the skin from excessive drying.
Fatigue, try sports drinks.. I drank lots of Gatorade, Powerade, etc. Also, I was right where you are now when I started drinking protein shakes and meal replacements. I noticed a HUGE difference in energy levels when I drank these.
Your on the home stretch man!!!

[Forseegood]

Hey, for a guy with questionable politics you sure are right on when it comes to the body... ha ha! I do olive oil baths, (when I'm not having it on my salads, etc.) and I agree about the baths, nothing like hydro-therapy for aching muscles and joints...not to mention a huge stress reliver, when people tell me they can't make time for baths, I tell them well that might be the crux of their problems...

Also, you told me about a nutrition powder some time ago and like a goof I did't write it down, could you please tell me what it is again, promise I'll write it down this time...hope youre well and your sides are abating...

[giddyup]

Hi, I took Vicodin For aches from tx and it worked miracles for me . also regular tylonol rest and lots of water.

[Snookmiester]

The powder is called Myoplex.. One of the best on the market, and you can get a formula tapered more for your  lifestyle. Such as Lite, Sport, original, etc. Formulas have different calorie intake. I found the best prices on Ebay, as retailers such as GNC charge nearly $2-3 a shake.

All is good, and still undetectable. 6 month post PCR in March.

[homer125]

Hi all, I've been reading this forum everyday since dx of hepc 4 months ago.I started tx last friday and now that I,ve begun to experience the infamous sides I feel like I'm finally part of your group.I'm 44yr m  geno 1a grade 2-3  stage 3-4   Saturday after shot I froze my tail off!  Sunday was better except for headaches and today I just ache all over.I'm on pegasis/1000 riba.Just wanted to say thanks for all the great info you all share,I feel like I already know a lot of you.Wish you all the best!

[can-do-man]

Welcome to the club, were not as crazy as we seem to be. Oh sh*t yes we are. Who am i trying to kid,  But don't let that stop you. Any way welcome aboard and hope to see you post often.

[beamishboy]

welcome to the zoo,please feed the animals-they like ice cream with their pills....glad to see ya posting...

[NYgirl]

Homer welcome to the looney bin! Unfortunately the longer you are on tx the crazier YOU will seem to other people but more normal to us! (And vice versa!)

Remember when times get bad we ARE here. It's so great to have people who UNDERSTAND. THAT has been a GODSEND and made this all tolerable.

Dyce...I am so insane with this fight that when I got back my 12 wk PCR and it was just about the same as my 4week (at 411) I thought hum...maybe I should take some MORE Riba! ACK!

It's the good ole American mentality - more MUST equal better right?  ;-)

I have 4 more weeks till the 24 week PCR and then I either continue on, change meds or stop....so I guess we will see then what's what.

I totally wouldn't advise taking more Riba unless somebody was under a doctors care with it cause it DEFINITELY makes worse sides (anemia, Rash, all the jiggie wiggies).

[Waiheke]

I agree with the bath. I damned hot bath helps when it gets really tough.  I thought it would make me more tired but I really helped with the aches and pains (not straight away as I have them really really hot so I throb all over) but within 1/2 an hour the aches have subsided significantly as well as my headache.  Only problem for me is that I live on an Island (Waiheke Island) and we are on tank water so now that it is summer, we have to be careful of using too much water!!!

[Mister beagle bailey]

Hi and welcome,

Glad you decided to post and do tx, I just want you to know the day you found out you had Hep C you belonged.
Oh yes the infamous sx's, just remember to drink a lot of water or you'll dehydrate--it happened to me.  For the riba rash usr GOLD BOND TRIPLE ACTION LOTION.
You'll always find help and people who care here,

    The Beagle

[strator]

homer125 - Welcome, not to worry, sometimes I think we are all just one big split personality. Amazing the things that make us feel 'not part of the loop'. I felt that way the first 5 mos in the the hep support group I attend. Then I started tx and -'hey wow,I'm on toxic meds' now I feel like I fit in. Guess most of us actually been 'in' this long before we even knew what hep c was. Isn't the chill something. That first week I was shakin too much to get my sweat clothes on. Hang in and keep postin, it'll help as all.

robert- Since wk 3(I'm on 20) I've pretty much kept to 1 regular strength tylenol a few days a week. Keep em in my tool bucket for late  in the workday when the muscles and joints decide to sing to me loudly. Today though I left the house to take my Dad to the docs, went to grab some tylenol to take as it would be a long visit. Said naw, I'm fine. Maybe 15 blocks from the house the boys in the band  went symphonic. How do the aches come on so fast? Man, I got a better shot at the roulette table than figuring this out. Wish you the best.

NY...Thought of you tonight. Dropped a guy off from a meeting, was at the corner stop sign, foggin away,watched as a beautiful silver porsche turned onto the street I was about to cross, started to go as he crossed my path, and HE turned towards me. Missed his rear bumpr by inches. My move was so stupid I kept lookin in the rearview mirror to see if he turned to chase and rage me. I don't doubt he had his signal on either, just these lots moments in space..
Don

[NYgirl]

Some weeks seem to be better than others for me. Today I think I've got another hgb drop because I had to stay home from work and I NEVER EVER stay home no matter how bad I feel but I could NOT get up and get in the shower. Achy, fluish, ringing in my ears and extreme lethargy.

Sounds like treatment huh?

I guess we just have to grin and bear it.  Nobody said we'd have fun on tx...I completely have compassion for you today let me tell you!

Hoping you feel better soon.

[Lynne5477]

Grin and bear it.  No, seriously, I'm just not sure there is a lot you can do other than make sure you are getting the fluids and eating a healthy diet.  I did 48 wks and remember that toward the end I was just getting so tired of being tired all the time and having no energy and feeling like **** some days.

You are doing good.  Only a few wks left and you'll cross the finish line and jump on the SVR bus with the rest of us.

Good luck on your remaining wks.

[dodger1]

Well I feel the same as you do.  My body aches all week and the only day I feel half way decent is Friday and then I have to take my shot again.  I take Tylenol when I have to.  I noticed that since it is winter time that I am not drinking as much water as I should and that could be my problem. I just started drinking aloe vera juice and that seems to be helping me a little bit.  My throat is so dry all the time now for some reason.  I am also on week 34 Friday.  We will be crossing that finish line together.  If it wasn't for this website I would have quit along time ago.  You guys are what keep me going everyday.  It seems like no one else knows what we are going threw but all of US. Thanks for all the support here.