Post Treatment side effects

[gdr]

I am nearing the end of my 24 week treatment with pegasus and copegus.  I have experienced a variety of side effects from treatment and would like to know what physical/mental side effects I can expect post-treatment?

Thank you very much.

[AmIDoneYet]

You bring up a good point about the incidence of side effects.  I just can't understand how anyone can go through this treatment and not experience some type of side effect.  I have heard stories of people who have experienced no side effects.  The thing that amazes me is seeing a statistic like 30% of people experience flu-like symptoms.  While taking the treatment, I tried to minimize the Tylenol and Advil because of the liver toxicity.  I don't understand how anyone who doesn't take Tylenol or Advil would not feel bad after the shot.  The Tylenol and Advil definitely minimized those side effects but if I didn't take them, I experienced flu-like symptoms every time.  Even with the Tylenol and Advil, the brain fog was there.

[simpleman]

I finished Thanksgiving and I feel much better. I didn't cry but instead it affected me by making me mad at everybody and everything. That is much better already. I've noticed myself smiling a few times. The last three weeks I told myself every day  that since I had this day started I was going to finish it, but tomorrow I was definately going to quit. RBC low at the end but that's much better too. Not short of breath,cold,and legs don't feel like they weigh 100 pounds. My stomach felt better within DAYS of stopping pills. Except for low WBC I think I handled the interferon OK but the pills made me feel bad.
Kennedge-hang on you WILL get there.

[BethUK]

I agree that depression is a documented side effect, but if you read the side effect statistics on the drug companies web sites the incidence of depression is less than 30%.  Yet on this board  the vast majority of people go on AD's.  I know I may sound contraversial but dont you think some of you are confusing feeling a bit down with clinical depression?  Or are your doctors in the US, so wrapped up in the lawsuit culture that they stick all the patients on them to keep them quiet?

[MajNeni]

Dheanna,
One of the documented and serious side effects of interferon is depression.  Not everyone gets it; and if you don't and have never had depression, it is easy to pass it off.  But it can be a very serious,debilitating, dangerous, physically induced effect of the chemicals and your brain and nervous system.  You can't will it away.  Right diet and exercise may relieve some depression, but they are not always enough.  
You have 2 more weekly cycles of tx.  When your 49th "shot day" comes and you no longer take a shot - that is when the chemicals will start to be worked out of your system.  The complete clean-out of interferon will be gradual, but most of it should be gone in 1-2 weeks.  I believe you'll feel less and less dark as each day goes along.  For now, remember:
IT IS THE MEDICINE.  It can play havoc with your perceptions and judgement.  I was certainly warned not to make any very important decisions, or take any life-changing actions while on tx.  
Just get through one day at a time, Dheanna, and please tell your doctor how you are feeling.  Let the doc give you some  medicine; it's not all addictive.  Really!  and you'll be done with meds at Christmas, so you can look forward to that freedom now.  
Best,
Maj Neni

[DreamAngel]

I know all of us have our own opinions, But I for one, Believe strongly that taking a Pill is not always the answer-Your Body is being bombarded with Unknown Chemicals enough as it is. We , all have different levels of depression to cope with, there are other alternatives-Like Exercise-Getting out and Walking-Breathing Fresh Air-Listening to your favorite Music-Most of all do something for Yourself. If that does not work, then by all means, something is definitely wrong, and you should seek Counceling. Not all People On TX are on AD's. We are all very Different. Just remember you are almost to the finish line, and if you think Ad's are the answer, then Please talk to your Doctor ASAP, and let your Doctor help you make the right decesion. Let us know how things work out, I will keep you in my prayers.

[Galen]

Please don't let anyone tell you that a positive attitude or anything else can always beat the depression that comes with tx.  Interferon is known (the package warnings say it also) to cause chemically induced depression.  I never suffered depression in my life yet, had to take an AD on tx.  I am 10 weeks post-tx and have been off the AD for the past 6.  If you need help, please get it.  TX is tough enough!