Aa
How many are on treatment?
Just curious how many on this board are on treatment? I am a 2a genotype who is on shot 21 now. I had normal alts going in and still have the same alt level. No change from treatment. I live in southern ca. Unfortunatly, I worked during treatment. I even traveled for work( leaving Monday on a jet plane). My worst momemts were around shot 12 to 18. I was anemic and may still be. I have not taken a blood test in six weeks. Too lazy to find the doctors lab slip. My hair is now starting to thin, however I am manageing the sides beter now with some end in site. How are all of you doing?
Hi All, I thought I might be one of the older ones out here, I am 62 years old, type 2b, along with AIH, and am on week 11/48 due to the AIH. I can only take a blood booster for my red cells due to the AIH,so white cells & platelets low. I don't post much because it helps me when I see so many out here on longer treatment programs then myself, I can't complain & so sick much of the time afraid I would. Love & prayers to you all.
Jody
Jody
59 year old male; treatment naive; geno 1b, pre-tx viral load 1.5 million; 176lb pre-tx, 150lbs current; week 40/48-60; Pegasys 180/Riba 1200; non-detectible (<5) at week 6; major sides -- anemia, GERD, psoriasis, upper respiratory infections, earaches, sinusitis plus just plain feeling sick and tired.
-- Jim
-- Jim
Jim, you mentioned weight loss. Yours is almost identical to my husband's who is also 59 & 1b. Same tx, Pegasys 180, Riba 1200. I've lost 15 lbs myself. Just want to mention to everyone out there considering tx, you may want to pack the pounds on before you start, especially if you are already thin. It has taken it's toll on us....hard to find any fat to stick that needle in.
Isn't that true though -- just can't find that inch to pinch LOL.
Still, not sure it's a good idea to gain weight before tx unless you're underweight to start with. First of all, a lower body weight can help the meds work -- especially Pegasys -- and second, some people gain weight on tx and you won't know until you start. I don't know about your husband but most of my weight came off very fast during the first 4-5 weeks. Fortnuately it finally leveled off. At one point my doc was talking about testosterone or even steroid therapy if I kept losing.
-- Jim
Still, not sure it's a good idea to gain weight before tx unless you're underweight to start with. First of all, a lower body weight can help the meds work -- especially Pegasys -- and second, some people gain weight on tx and you won't know until you start. I don't know about your husband but most of my weight came off very fast during the first 4-5 weeks. Fortnuately it finally leveled off. At one point my doc was talking about testosterone or even steroid therapy if I kept losing.
-- Jim
I have a hard time with the inch to pinch also, cannot go into stomach area or upper arm because I have a very very bad week if I do. I try to stay around the upper thigh area but it is difficult even there. My weight is at 145 because I am also on steroids for the AIH, was at about 125 prior to treatment for that. I don't know if I will lose weight or not, have not so far but certainly do not eat as I used to prior to this treatment. Food tastes so bad. Going to kitchen sink & turning on water smells like metal, along with the continual taste of it. Hair which was thick & curly falling out, going to cut it shorter hoping that helps somewhat. :) Jody
53 yro 150lb male,1a grade 2, stage 1-2, pre tx VL(3mos prior to tx) 18,000,000. Doing shot 12 tonight. PCR at end of week.1000mg Riba daily, Pegasys 180mcg. (What does the 0.5ml convroc after it mean?)
Still pretty fortunate mostly. Hemoglobin was at 12.1 for 8wk cbc.(started at 14.4) The fatique does drive me nuts. It comes and goes a few times a day. At some points I just wanna sleep rigt where I am, even standing up.So I'm lucky to have the energy to still be able to do physical work. But can work an hr or 2 getting all set up for a project, and then boomdadaboom. Can give me hangover type headaches but they dissipate after a while. Energy takes a left when I'm taking a right. Feel the most energetic from 8pm til 12 which means I don't get to bed early and have to get up at 6:30. Also I get up almost every hr or 2 for about 20 minutes. The last 3 nights have suffered murderoous charley horse in arms and legs. Scares me waking up like that, makes me worry I'm gonna have a stroke one night.I absolutely hate getting up in am. Probably has a lot to do with recent irritability. In recovery we refer to it as HALT. Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired. A lot of problems don't seem noticeable if you eat, react better, have company & support and get good rest.
Most weeks had been use to constant muscle and joint aches but less constant the last few days. Itch and dry skin all the time-might try a dehumidifer in bedroom like suggested here. Hands are a constant battle. 3 knucles cracked open and bled within 1 hr yesterday. Daily battle with them.
Don't know about brain fog. Had it all my lifethough I seem to 'lose my place' more often. Sometimes I think besides all the damage from years of psyhedlics, coke and lots of booze I may have been ADD to begin with. Work on that in my next life.
Some stuffiness and shortness of breath(hate it that I'm still battling to be totally free of smoking.)
New to me- in a recent post on dental problems I said I haven't noticed anything unusual. All of a sudden started getting lower jaw pain and tenderness to teeth and gums. A lttle less noticeable this week. Takes a while to get appt at dental clinic though.
Still pretty fortunate mostly. Hemoglobin was at 12.1 for 8wk cbc.(started at 14.4) The fatique does drive me nuts. It comes and goes a few times a day. At some points I just wanna sleep rigt where I am, even standing up.So I'm lucky to have the energy to still be able to do physical work. But can work an hr or 2 getting all set up for a project, and then boomdadaboom. Can give me hangover type headaches but they dissipate after a while. Energy takes a left when I'm taking a right. Feel the most energetic from 8pm til 12 which means I don't get to bed early and have to get up at 6:30. Also I get up almost every hr or 2 for about 20 minutes. The last 3 nights have suffered murderoous charley horse in arms and legs. Scares me waking up like that, makes me worry I'm gonna have a stroke one night.I absolutely hate getting up in am. Probably has a lot to do with recent irritability. In recovery we refer to it as HALT. Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired. A lot of problems don't seem noticeable if you eat, react better, have company & support and get good rest.
Most weeks had been use to constant muscle and joint aches but less constant the last few days. Itch and dry skin all the time-might try a dehumidifer in bedroom like suggested here. Hands are a constant battle. 3 knucles cracked open and bled within 1 hr yesterday. Daily battle with them.
Don't know about brain fog. Had it all my lifethough I seem to 'lose my place' more often. Sometimes I think besides all the damage from years of psyhedlics, coke and lots of booze I may have been ADD to begin with. Work on that in my next life.
Some stuffiness and shortness of breath(hate it that I'm still battling to be totally free of smoking.)
New to me- in a recent post on dental problems I said I haven't noticed anything unusual. All of a sudden started getting lower jaw pain and tenderness to teeth and gums. A lttle less noticeable this week. Takes a while to get appt at dental clinic though.
Come to think of it, both of us lost the weight early on. He has used testosterone cream on his arms & chest since wk 3 due to the rapid weight loss.
Here's to fitting in those bagging clothes again! LOL, never thought I would want to GAIN weight.
Only 8 wks left for you! I wish you SVR and a happy, healthy post tx life.
Here's to fitting in those bagging clothes again! LOL, never thought I would want to GAIN weight.
Only 8 wks left for you! I wish you SVR and a happy, healthy post tx life.
Jim.....did you ever try the prescription Nexium for your Gurd? I took it about a week before starting treatment, got my esphogus healed and have not had a problem since. If I do feel like i am fixing a have a problem, I take one and am fine.
Oh... 1A, 46 yrar old female, tonight is 13/48.......so far so good! No unmanagable sides. Hair thing, just whacked off 6 inches 2 days ago. I actually like it!
Best to all...
Fisheress
Oh... 1A, 46 yrar old female, tonight is 13/48.......so far so good! No unmanagable sides. Hair thing, just whacked off 6 inches 2 days ago. I actually like it!
Best to all...
Fisheress
How did the test cream work? Did it help him gain any weight or muscle? Any unwanted sides? I still have the rx.
Thanks for the wishes and good luck on your tx. Did your husband finish yet or are you treating together?
-- Jim
Thanks for the wishes and good luck on your tx. Did your husband finish yet or are you treating together?
-- Jim
47 M ; Geno 3a; Stage 4-5/6 (ISHAK); Grade 2; Shot: 12/??; Peg/Copeg; Procrit&Neupogen; Currently Working; Addtl Complication: Cranial Rectosis
I've been on double-Nexium for about three months now. Even though I still have symptons my doc suggested phasing down to one a day -- but with only 8 weeks left I think I'll stick with the two. anyway, I'm hoping the GERD will get better once I'm off the meds. They certainly can't be helping things much. LOL.
Glad your esophagus healed but my problem goes higher up into the larynx (laryngopharyngeal reflux). That area has very little of the esophagus' protective coating and therefore heals much slower.
-- Jim
Glad your esophagus healed but my problem goes higher up into the larynx (laryngopharyngeal reflux). That area has very little of the esophagus' protective coating and therefore heals much slower.
-- Jim
I have the same problem with the gerd since starting treatment with the steroids almost 4 yrs ago so I guess mine will be a lifetime thing since you can't cure AIH.
Female, 44, Type 1, a/b undetermined. Started 2nd round of tx last night. So, merely 1/48, wow, that sounds discouraging. Infergen, 15 mcg 3 X weekly along with 1000 Riba. Pre tx VL 827,000...go for 4 week PCR January 3rd. Definitely didn't get a good nights sleep last night, guess I'd forgotten what these meds can do...the headaches began shortly after taking morning Riba yesterday. Still early, but hopeful I make it through with minimal sides. My hair was just coming back in nicely, still a few, well, quite a few grays, but no more curls! :)
My husband is on the same schedule as I am. His muscle tone was much better in the beginning with the test cream but he was also working out. It hasn't been easy for him to do for several wks now. His weight has been stable. The cream may have helped, I don't know. He said in the beginning that it seemed to give him more energy. He does not suffer from anemia as much as I do. He does have gerd, nausea, headaches, muscle & joint pain and what he calls "the crawlies". Says it feels like his skin is crawling. It drives him crazy.
Still on tx here! 47yo female, 1a,on 27/48. All the above sides, but managing most days. Getting very worried about 24 week PCR results.
All-Should have mentioned that despite all the babble about my sx- I've actually been more productive and more organized on tx. Maybe cause I don't feel procrastination is an option in case the bottom suddenly falls out with the blood counts. But regardless it has been kind of a blessing. I've gotten way more accomplished around the house and with this board helping me to be a more proactive person with tx it has spilled over to the rest of my life. Then there's the tx putting things in perspective -what's important and whats not.
ASmile4U - Not to worry about the 1/48. I can't believe I'm 12 weeks in. Last week thought I was actually 1 wk less into tx. It blows by even if certain days or hrs feel like they are in slow motion.
Goof - The good thing about you and cranial rectosis. All the laughter you give us must create quite the imressive acoustics up(or down) there. And the ECHO!. OMG!!
Jim - what the heck is gerd anyways? Is that the reflux thing? I don't feel nauseus much but get real close to losing my innards the time or 2 a day I start to cough. Kinda like the dry heaves I use to have before a quick 1/2 pint for breakfast.
Hope all have a day filled with little blessings. They add up.
Dynon Don and his Bang, Bang Western Moving Picture Show is off to Home Depot to buy remodeling supplies for the house. Might actually do something with 'em too. The overhead here is worse than work.
I just need to remember to eat my binding foods regularly. I can usually mask the the gurgling, but it can sure make a sticky mess out of a thong!
I'm 47, male, 1b, did shot 15 of 48. hair, rash, exhaustion, pain in my liver, insomnia, etc. I work everyday but brain fog is a problem at times.
Peace
br007
Peace
br007
1a, 45 yr old male on 22/48, Sunday is shot night for me. I've settled into what I call a restless zombielike state. I am miserable but everything is managable at this point. Not only is my hair thinning badly, I just noticed small patches of complete baldness. My hair was to the middle of my back when I started.
I've been wotking a limited work load for 2 days a week, and for the month of December I'm trying to do 3 days. Peace
I've been wotking a limited work load for 2 days a week, and for the month of December I'm trying to do 3 days. Peace
You are about the same age as me. I will be 45 in March. This hair thinning thing sucks. I am thinking about looking at wigs. I still have a full head .. it is just thin. Good luck to you.
Hi Mistybean
I'm also from Southern California, I am type 4, stage 2 and just did shot 27 last night. I worked for the first 8 weeks of treatment, then I started getting severely disabling headaches. These headaches lasted until shot 22. During that period I could not eat or sleep very much and lost 20 lbs ( I was a skinny vegatarian to begin with) then I went on disability. Since then I still get headaches that are sometimes bad, but they are not the constant severe ones I had before.
When I think back to that period of headaches I really don't how I stuck with the tx.
I now have brain fog, a good deal of fatigue, losing hair and a very itchy whole body riba rash. But these are nothing compared to the headaches.
All in all, with the headaches diminished, I feel good these days, put back about 8 pounds and have renewed hope of actually making it through the tx.
Misty and to everyone else on tx, I hope that the days ahead are kind to you
I'm also from Southern California, I am type 4, stage 2 and just did shot 27 last night. I worked for the first 8 weeks of treatment, then I started getting severely disabling headaches. These headaches lasted until shot 22. During that period I could not eat or sleep very much and lost 20 lbs ( I was a skinny vegatarian to begin with) then I went on disability. Since then I still get headaches that are sometimes bad, but they are not the constant severe ones I had before.
When I think back to that period of headaches I really don't how I stuck with the tx.
I now have brain fog, a good deal of fatigue, losing hair and a very itchy whole body riba rash. But these are nothing compared to the headaches.
All in all, with the headaches diminished, I feel good these days, put back about 8 pounds and have renewed hope of actually making it through the tx.
Misty and to everyone else on tx, I hope that the days ahead are kind to you
46 male, live in UK, 5/24, G 2/3.
Sides horrid up untill this week, feels a bit easier now, not so much fatigue, tried ADs a few days ago cant do um, not now, by the way I rarley have an erection, and libido may as well be an island in Greece! The mood swings are very difficult, loads water as directed by otherthreads, changed my times for the evil RIB now do 8.00AM and 6.00PM, on the pig/interferon, one shot weekly, waiting for results of first bloods.
Sides horrid up untill this week, feels a bit easier now, not so much fatigue, tried ADs a few days ago cant do um, not now, by the way I rarley have an erection, and libido may as well be an island in Greece! The mood swings are very difficult, loads water as directed by otherthreads, changed my times for the evil RIB now do 8.00AM and 6.00PM, on the pig/interferon, one shot weekly, waiting for results of first bloods.
49 yr old female, 1a. Did shot 21 of 48 yesterday. Very bad anemia, waiting for procrit. My hair just started falling out in the last couple of weeks. It was very thick, long & curly. It's stopped growing and is coming out in clumps.
I am not working right now and give all of you out there who are a whole lot of credit. Some weeks seem to be better than others. Other sides include brain fog, nausea, fatigue, extreemly dry skin & itching, joint pain, you name it, I think I've had it!
Mistybean, I'm so glad you see the end in site. Hang in there, you've almost done it.
Best to everyone.
I am not working right now and give all of you out there who are a whole lot of credit. Some weeks seem to be better than others. Other sides include brain fog, nausea, fatigue, extreemly dry skin & itching, joint pain, you name it, I think I've had it!
Mistybean, I'm so glad you see the end in site. Hang in there, you've almost done it.
Best to everyone.
49 yr old male type 1b stage 2;lvel2--week 3 peg/interferon&riba1200--brain fog? you bet!! lethargic,nauseous,joint pain(had plenty pre-trx too) i am doin ok,but sleep is more difficult then usual..i am not even tryin to work during trx....Just tryin to take care of this damnable virus...Good luck to all---Farewell
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