procrit sides and other questions

[doll face]

I just did my second shot of procrit. Did the injection in the stomach area just like doctor said. I have done alot of my tx shots there too so I know how and where to inject. Last week I had a burning sensation at the injection site but just for a few minutes, and had flu like feeling for about 24 hours. Today though after my injection I have a burning in my belly button that won't quit.It has been about 4 hours now and can't get ahold of my doctor. Has anyone else had this? I just took pain meds but shoukld I be watching for any other sides?

[doll face]

Thanks I talked to doctor today at the Priority health care who sends my meds. He said that I must have nicked a nerve. (No big deal)Easy for him to say. Said to just watch for any brusing at the navel or swelling. Feeling much better today flu feeling not as bad this week.

Simpleman congrats on finding the finish line. I guess you will be having dragon instead of turkey this Thanksgiving :)

[layla]

Congrats on getting to the finish line! I hope the end of the riba comes fast enough. Man this gives me great thoughts and hopes of finishing. LL

[berlynn]

Wow Steve, way to go! It sounds like you did everything you could to make this tx a success. On your way to SVR!!!!!!!   My prayers are with you, and when I sit down to thanksgiving dinner, I will be thinking about what a special day it is for you. When I say grace, and think of all the things in my life that I have to be thankful for, I will think of everyone on this board, my HepC family.    God Bless,        Berlynn

[simpleman]

Been doing Procrit for 38 weeks now. Most usually burns for a minute but nothing like you described. Shot 48 tonight,last pills Thanksgiving. I've been trying to figure how I was going to express my appreciation to everyone. Then I realized if you are here then you know how I feel, so THANKS. I'm going to post a couple of simple things that helped me in the hopes it might help someone else. Benadryl was a great sleep aid for me. Two would knock me out for the whole night(I didn't have much problem with sleep though). About week30 I developed gout. The more it hurt the more I thought about it, the more I thought about it the more it hurt. Took about 2 months for the medicine(Allopurinol) to relieve it. Don't dwell on the bad and try to keep a positive attitude. Easier said than done. I had a period of weight loss. I could usually eat oatmeal and chicken noodle soup. I would usually be constipated 1 or 2 days after my shot. One cup of coffee relieved it. I was <5 at 12 weeks but I was 100% compliant. Never missed a shot or a pill, at full dose, for 48 weeks-I was a couple days late with the shot once because of pharmacy screw-up. Everyone have a great weekend I am.

Steve

[Ambush]

Steve, Congratulations on reaching the finish line!  Have an especially HAPPY Thanksgiving and best wishes for SVR!
ambush :)

[seashell55]

I have been doing procrit for several months now.  Every time I did my injection whether in the top of my thigh or stomach it always burn/tingled.  I hate giving that particular shot but it has helped my hemogobulin (sp) stay around the 13 mark.  Mine drop to 9 and the doc put me on it.  I am doing shot #34 tomorrow and have had no reduction in meds at all.

Just taking it one shot at a time and approaching the finish line slowly.

I have attached an interesting site for those just starting Pegasys treatment. Hopefully it will be a benefit to some.

http://www.pegassist.com/

[hph5477]

doll face - Sorry to hear you're are experiences difficulties with your Procrit injections.  I have no advice; am hoping to make it thru tx without that kind of help.

CaliDavid - my GIPA doesn't get concerned with WBC til it drops to 1.5 or below; and my Hemeglobin(sp?) drops to 10.  I'm at week 6 shot tomorrow and my last blood was drawn 1 wk ago; my WBC was 2.6 and Heme 12.0.  She also told me most of the counts drop in the first 8 wks so if I make it til then with counts still above the low mark, I should make the full tx without the help of Procrit or Nuepogen(sp?).  I do tire easily which had me a little concerned for awhile but guess that is just normal with this tx.  I was an avid bicycle rider and now my exercise consist of walking 2 miles 3X week.  Overall, I do feel good though.

Good luck to both of you.

[CaliDavid]

I can't help you with that but I am curious as to when people are given Procrit and Neuprogen (sp).  My RBC's and WBC's are below normal and continue to slowly drop.  How low do they go before intervention takes place?  This is a very important guestion as I don't want my MD to take me off the meds if I complain about it.

David