HELP!!!! please

[Bri1313]

Okay, I got my liver biopsy back and I am a 3 with 4 being the worst. They started me on the interferon treatments. I have been doing it for a little over 3 weeks and at first it was fine. But now, I can barely move!!! I can not say a whole sentence without having to catch my breath. Everything is so hard and I feel literally like I am dying. Does anyone have any advice on what I can do to help my body feel better??? I am almost willing to try anything. I do not want to feel like this the whole time. Its just me as a single mother, and I have a life that I have to keep up with. Thanks

[IAmTheWalrus]

What you complain of sounds like the symptoms I have had. I lived with it for as long as I could and then got on Procrit. I have noticed a significant improvement in the breathlessness since then.

I agree it sounds like you are not well prepared for TX. Read here and you will learn a lot more. This is where I really learned what TX was all about. The Drs. often just won't take the time to educate their patients about all the ins and outs.

Good luck. I'm pulling for you to get through it.

[Marc1955]

Bri – You need to hang in there. It sounds like they started you on the treatment without a whole lot of preparation, not that that necessarily helps. For many, like myself, this is by far the hardest thing we have ever done. It affects so many of your systems - digestion, mental functioning, fatigue. It is a total b***h!

Generally the advice they give to minimize side effects is to drink  large amounts of water and try to exercise, even if it only means walking around the block.

As others have said, the side effects will likely get somewhat better. They are not awful the entire time. But they are tough. I have an oncologist who says that Interferon therapy is worse than chemotherapy.

But you need to hang in there. You'll develop new baselines. You'll get through. If you start to get depressed, definitely go on an antidepressant sooner rather than later.

You'll do it! good luck.

[jmjm530]

It sounds like it may be anemia caused by the pills (ribavirin). Do you know your pre-treatment hemoglobin levels and what they are now? If this is the case, there is a drug called Procrit (epo) that can help. You should speak to your doc right away about this.

-- Jim

[Trinity4]

Treatment is usually the most difficult during the first 12 wks.  It's not uncommon to have severe side effects after starting treatment.  However, you have metioned you are out of breath which could indicate your hgb is low and anemia is setting in.  It's best to talk with your doctor about the side effects you are experiencing so that he can evaluate your blood work.  Blood work should be monitored very closely during the first twelve weeks and lets just assume because we do not know at this point that you are anemic, rescue drugs such as procrit can be given to increase red blood counts.  Also, platelets can drop and ANC can drop so it is advisable you speak with your doctor as soon as possible.  Some people experience side effects such as shortness of breath from the medication itself so it's very important to discuss things with your doctor.  
Many, but not all tend to level out after about 12 wks and start to feel a bit better.  That was the case for me.  If all checks out well at the doctors, then I suggest you try to modify your lifestyle and concentrate on only the tasks that must be done.  As a single mom, the burden falls primarily on you so you'll have to be careful not to over extend yourself.  If you are working full time, it can be even more difficult but many of us work full time jobs while treating. Call upon friends and family to help while your body is adjusting to the medication.  I say this often, it's a constant juggling act to get through treatment and when you find something that works well for you, stick with it.  I can also say with a fair amount of certainty that your life will not be the same during treatment so you may have to lower your expectation level.  Treatment is tough, but we get through it day by day.  Good Luck and please talk with your doctor about the breathing problem.
Trinity