Muscle Cramps and Spasms

[Mimi4141]

My husband has been gets real bad muscle cramping/spasm in hands, feet, shoulders, & legs.  It

[FlGuy]

There you are! Lots of folks been wondering about you. You ok?

[NYgirl]

The first time they have you come in and show you how to do the shot and then you have to do it at home yourself (Beagle is the only one who does not...he has Thalessemia (can't spell it) which means he has VERY low HGB to start with so I guess the doc makes him come in so he can monitor him).

This will work out well for you as it will save on doc visits...but you need to get working on a way to have someone provide the Procrit for sure!  It's too expensive! I am sure somehow it can be covered but don't know about those things as I only stay at my job so I HAVE insurance right now LOL.

10.8 is low but not tooooo bad - they won't prescribe until you hit under 10.  Right now mine is around the same as yours and I am already taking it - it keeps dropping a little at a time which is a good thing ... as long as it goes down very SLOWLY you have a chance at not being devastated. It's when it bottoms out all at once that it really hurts BAD.

Make sure you are keeping on top of getting your blood checked - it can easily drop down to 9...then you will need it fast because it takes WEEKS (at least 2 - 4) for it to begin to work.  You won't feel better right away.

I hope that you don't ever need it and that your hgb starts to go up! It can happen!

Debby

[amirtracy]

Debby,
Thank you for such a quick response! i've called procritline.com just now and she said she thought i'd qualify for free meds since i qualify for schering-ploughs program. that it takes 2 days for approval and they ship the meds to my dr. after that i can get a pharmacy card. Whew! what a relief! i've been freakin' just a little  but i'm day-after shot day also and can't tell what ache or pain is from what. :) One question if you can...it's once a week right? and do you have to stay on it thruout tx once you start? thanks again debby and take care of yourself.   tracy

[Mister beagle bailey]

Hi Deb,

The reason for the PCR at week 22 is in case (and God forbid) I'm not clear, there won't be a break in the treatments.  Even though I have been clear since week 12 he doesn't want to take a chance with any thing.  This way if the virus is back there is no break in treatment, I will just continue as I have been.  The doc with the procrit will give me about 4 extra shots to take home with me post tx so I can get my #s up and I'll get my HGB tested in FL and faxed to the dr.

BEAGLE

[sfbaygirl]

That's great you got a responce from Procritline. I am also having a tough time with hgb. Got my first shot today, so I am hoping it works soon! That dizzy, light headed breath taking feeling has got to GO!

Are you getting the drugs in a few days?  Probably not until next week.  Hope you are feeling okay.

Linda

[FlGuy]

In your post you said you'd do the blood in Florida.  Most of my blood was done at a hemotologist's and that was fine.  A few weeks ago I was at a Quest location, with a prescription, and asked them if I could just walk in to get a blood test some day(I didn't specify what test).  They said that for all blood work, they need a Dr. order or a perscription for it. Guessing it's at least a state-wide requirement (don't really know).  The point is that if your NY doc needs some of your FL blood you may need soemthing in writing from the NY doc unles you have a FL doc that's playing along.