Fatigue

[joyla69]

i started on pegasys/Ribavirin/Incivek on 2/24/12 and Iam exhausted!! Not to mention kinda short tempered is this typical???

[brianmo]

Oh yes, if you can get blood work done often. I do it once a week.

[brianmo]

Oh my, yes. Short temper and Irritated!  Did you hear my story about women in heels?  I was in a grocery store and a few isles over was a gal in heels, click clack, it drove me insane!  I had to do everything I could to get away from her before I said something. That noise still gets me. Never noticed it pre tx. Along with other stuff but I have learned to contain myself and say. "it's the drugs, it's the drugs". Hang in there, some days are worse than others.

[crossroadsec]

All good advice: watch hgb levels etc. I've been fighting anemia since before tx. Had transfusions before n after I started. Yes low labs will male you tired.
I use B12 sublingual when I have to have energy. Ask your dr if you can use it. Even a 1/2 dropper has helped me keep working this last year.
Hang in there. Fatigue is kind of a roller coaster w the tx. Enjoy any good days and keep your eye on the prize. Rest n drink h2o.
Karen :).  Having a lazy evening... Lol

[pooh55811]

Fatigue is a problem many, many people complain of. Fatigue, but also no energy, lack of motivation, just feeling like they have the flu.

Hopefully you are having your blood counts done at least every 2 weeks so that the doc can catch any serios drops sooner rather than later.

Let your doctor know about the side effects you are having. There is not much to be done about the fatigue except try to get plenty of rest, but some side effects can be treated successfully. I agree with the others, if you are having mood problems you may want to discuss an anti-depresant with your doc.

I know you have been on treatment only a short time, but I am pretty sure you will feel a lot better after you are done with the Incivek. The Peg and Riba are no picnic, but the Incivek really adds to the problems and side effects.

[1oftheclub222]

yes, to varying degrees,  but it can be pretty tough for some people.  Sometimes your HGB's drop and you get really tired, so you should keep an eye on your bloodwork, let your doc know you are so exhausted.  

The Rib can cause you to feel irritated, the Peg can cause you to get short tempered, or depressed, keep your doc informed on this as well, they may want to put you on some AD's to help you during this period, there are lots of folks who go the AD's and it helps, just don't wait for your sides to get too bad, they can spiral before you know it.  Alwasy keep your doc update on how your feeling and don't be afraid to ask for help, they have things to make some of the sides more managable...no need to suffer anymore then you have to...

[mikesimon]

Yes, fatigue not at all unusual. Neither is irritability.

Keep an eye on your hemoglobin because drug induced anemia (hemolytic anemia) is a common side effect of ribavirin/interferon. This is often the major cause of fatigue. There are drugs to address this side effect and it's best to intervene with rescue drugs before your hemoglobin gets too low. Discuss this with your medical team to learn how they approach anemia.

Good luck,
Mike

[flcyclist]

Yes, you mentioned 2 of the most common side effects.  Some days will be better than others, including the mood change.  If your temper becomes an issue, it may be worth discussing an AD with your doctor.  Also, keep an eye on your cbc's, especially your Hgb which if too low can lead to further exhaustion.  

Welcome to the forum and we wish you the very best moving forward.  Don't hesitate to ask questions and post often.  Good luck.