Joint

[BronxRican007]

Friends,

Took shot 6 or 7 friday (I can't remember) and felt like the interferon REALLY kicked my ass this time. It was the worse experience so far. I hadn't drink enough water before hand, took my tylenol after the interferon shot and it's been all downhill since friday night. I'm miserable; I can't eat, i have mouth sores, everything tastes nasty, I'm weak, headaches, joint and upper left quadrant abdominal pain.

Anybody else felt this bad, this early in the treatment? Anyone having to deal with tongue and mouth sores?

Any suggestions to feel a little better and have more energy?

Thanks
br007

[BronxRican007]

Talked to my doc and got something for the mouth sores and I'm finally feeling better today ... but it's thursday so....
tommorrow is going to suck!

Thanks ALL
BR007

[Healed24]

Hi, I can totally relate to what you are saying. Although it may seem like it sucks (and it does), you are pretty lucky. By week 2 (second shot), I had to stop working. I too was at work one day and I had to take a nap at work. The only thing with me is that once I went to sleep I didn't wake up. That was on a Monday, and by Wednesday I was on disability. And, all that happened by week 2. From there on I was nauseated and vomiting like crazy, and everything seemed to hurt. The sx did get better, but I still get nauseated and vomit from time to time, and the headaces are terrible. I'm on week 22/48 but the sx did lessen by week 12 so I wouldn't get to depressed over it. The sx come and go, but yeah they are normal while on tx. Just pop some pain meds and you'll be fine. Now if you start to get nauseated that's another story. Hope this helps.

Brooke
GOD BLESS

[NYgirl]

Kalio

Thanks for making me feel like I'm not going crazy with this pony tail feeling thing on my scalp. I too never wear a ponytail but it just feels like my hair is pulling out or something!

BronxRican

I actually had to go to sleep at my desk the other day (Monday) for an hour during lunch time. Quite honestly I could not make it. I didn't even know about my five point hgb drop...I couldn't make it from the parking lot into my desk without sitting down. I am tired ALL of the time. I think probably most of us in here are.

It sucks.

I have started to have the URQ pain now the day after my shot. I figure maybe this is a good thing - but it hurts like h3ll!

Have your bloodwork done if you can - my doctor did not keep up on it and they ordered the WRONG work (hep panel not CBC as well) and I had the drastic hemo drop in only 11 days.    You need to make sure you aren't dropping too so you can get on procrit if you are. Believe me I know the feeling.  From on NY'r to another....ugh!

Debby

[couldn't think of a nickname]

Bronx, I am no expert on this, and have not tried any treatment yet, but I have a possible explanation for your abdominal pain.
When the liver remodels itself, it can cause the capsule around it to inflame, causing pain. From what I remember reading from others, I think it starts to happen around this time of treatment (others please correct me if my memory is not correct).

If your ALT's have been normalized since treatment started, maybe it is starting to heal. It is something to at least ask the doctor. I hope that's what it is-hang in there, and feel better soon.

[new-sojourn]

I recommend smokin' that joint.  I also recommend long walks, hot baths, herb tea and cakes!  Yummy fruit smoothies w/protein powder, cold crsip apples and just right bannas, skip the oranges.  Baby yourself.  Noone gets extra credit for beatin' themselves up trying to still do 'everything while on TX'.

I still get out of things by reminding others that I do have an 'incurable, progressive deadly disease-hep c.'  altho I consider my self cured.

[zoltrix]

Sorry to hear you're having a rough time!  Here's the "recipe" for Magic Mouthwash

Base:
Dexamethasone/Stevia triturate 0.030%
Nystatin Powder  0.280%
Diphenhydramine HCI Powder  0.125%
Xanthan gum  0.200%
Stevia Powder Extract  0.200%
Sodium Saccharin USP  0.100%
to:
Simple Syrup  100%

Optional Additions:
Acylovir  5%
Misoprostol  0.0024%
Lidocaine  1%
Lidocaine  2%
Tetracycline 1.25 %


This is right from the compound pharmacy that made the mouthwash up for me.  My regular pharmacy didn't have all the ingredients!
Hope this helps.

sueb
P.S.  I found the Biotene mouthwash burned like h***.  The toothpaste was mild enough, but I only tried the mouthwash once. OUCH.

[snook_man]

Your smoking what? Just kidding, but it will help lighten the load!! Just kidding again, not really?
Like they said above, Biotene mouthwash!! Check wbc's, and ask Doc for rx for "magic" mouthwash.. He should know exactly what it is, and stuff works wonders. Numbs pain in mouth, and helps heal..
Also, gargle with warm saltwater.. Will also help heal and cleanse until you get something else.

Tx is a roller coaster ride, up and down, up again, then down.. Strap in and enjoy the ride my friend....Just got to hold on and wait for the ride to come to a complete stop!!

[jmjm530]

You can expect everything you mentioned from tx and more. So far, from what I've read, you've been sailing through tx like a champ. As often happens, sometimes you run into some big punches along the way.

Two important things to check right now with your doctors are your abdominal pain and your hemoglobin levels. Regarding the abdominal pain it could be anything from something serious to reflux. Well, actually reflux is serious.

Your hemoglobin level, and how far you it has dropped from your pre-tx level will tell if you're anemic. If you are, you'll need Procrit right away. When was your last complete blood count and do you know the Hgb? I'd get another right away anyhow.

Meanwhile, try to get some food down so you can take the riba and try and maintain some strength. You may have to experiment with different foods as your taste appears altered, which frequently happens. Tongue and mouth sores are common and I'm sure someone will come up with some remedies. I also remember you had some skin problems pre-tx? If so, be very vigilant because they have a tendency to flare.

Hope this blows over fast but if not, just dig in harder.

-- Jim

[cougareyes]

Welcome to the funhouse, actually I felt really bad right out of the gate. If you're not ready for a rx for your mouth, try Biotene toothpaste and mouthwash; it may help sooth the irratation.
Please try and struggle down whatever food you can get down, not eating also adds to those headaches. I got into a cycle like that and it took me days to get out of it. Then when I finally got myself to get some food down, and starting to eat more regularly scheduled meals and snacks; I started feeling a little less zombie like. Meal replacement shakes and snacks, fruit, whatever you can get down and it will all start to get better. And of course keep track of your own blood counts. Good Luck I hope you feel better soon.

[BronxRican007]

Sorry about the stupid subject title...I meant to type: Joint & upper left quadrant abdominal pain