Just started treatment

[ashlimurphy]

Hello comunity, I have a question. I just started doing the interferon treatments a couple of weeks ago. I was preparing for the worst as far as side effects because I have heard some horror stories. However, I do not feel that bad at all. What is confusing me is the mixed messages. My nurse said they will start out bad and my body will get used to the meds. But someone else told me that it is accumuative and it won't start making me crazy until it is in my system for a while. So, what should I really think? Has anyone accutally done well on the treatment?

[Trinity4]

You may never have severe side effects.  You hear the horror stories but it's from the story teller's perspective. Fever, chills, flu like symptoms may overwhelm one person and the other person just blows it off.  It's an individual experience.

As the meds accumulate in your system, typically fatigue sets in and blood values start to drop.  You will notice a difference in your energy level and occasionally you may spike a fever and experience arthralgia.  A side effect from treatment is low hgb and hemolytic anemia can occur.  Anemia will increase the fatigue and make treatment more difficult. The helper drug Procrit is given to raise the hgb which in turn will make you feel much better.  

Mood swings, insomnia, skin irritations are just a few that can be controlled with medications.  Most people lose some weight on treatment so it's important to keep hydrated and take your ribavirin with some food.  You have to eat something, whether you feel like it or not because it will make you feel better.

In my opinion, I did very well on treatment.  Good luck with yours.  

Trintiy

[hcbyebye]

If you feel good, then don't worry about it. I think a lot of my problems have been mental - I wonder when I am going to start feeling bad and then I do!

Just make sure and drink a ton of water. Everyone says it, but it really is key. If you have problems sleeping, with rashes, etc, tell your doctor. They can easily treat some of the most annoying problems.

Good luck!

[merryBe]

everyone is different...my first week was fine...second week not bad...third week ouch..

I think the build up of riba has more effect on a lot of folks than the INF....the INF we already have naturally high levels due to having the virus...so we are used to some fatique...the riba as it builds tend to cause more skin and nerve and mental issues.

you may escape both issues because your age is a plus...younger folks usually repair tissue better a night, and ergo spring back or are more resilient.

also, in here you hear the horror stories...the folks who sail thru often just keep working or whatever...and don't frequent forums for help as much...so the horror stories are disproportionate in here, folks may get the idea everyone has a rough ride...rough is relative, so do, some don't.

In any case, it's best to keep your mind occupied and not worry about it...know what the symptoms of reactions are...so you can get to your doc and get help if you need it, but focus on getting through and getting cured...otherwise it can drive one batty.

it's unfortunate that we have to spend so much time talking about the side effects in here, but that's the only way the folks having them can get the help they need, so you have to keep that in mind and not let it get to you.

mb

[Trinity4]

Interferon can and does cause as many if not more side effects than the ribavirin.  Your body produces interferon on its own but nothing like the weekly injections and  onslaught of side effects that comes with it.  Both interferon and ribavirin are very powerful drugs so if you do experience side effects from either of these drugs just be prepared for some discomfort.  It may quite do-able for you.

Trinity