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Post Tx Residual side effects.
Since many of us are finished with therapy, or close to it, it would be nice to compare short and long term after-effects as we proceed along the path to recovery. It sounds like most of us are experiencing at least some noticable symptoms after tx. My biggest problems are skeletal: joint pain in neck, back, hips, and recently in small joints: fingers, elbows, ankles, etc. I also have shoulder pain and numbness, similar to peripheral neuropathy. At seven months post-tx, and SVR status, my symptoms are pretty much the same, if not worse at times. My thyroid is still slightly abnormal, but surprisingly tested NEGATIVE for autoimmune antibodies...which supposedly bodes well for long term thyroid recovery. I am definitely very easily fatigued, physical labor in the yard knocks me out pretty quickly, as opposed to pre-tx, and I wake up with very dry, gritty eyes daily. Lots of inflammation in mucous membranes...eyes, sinus, and throat. Although in lots of ways I feel more healthy, if that is possible with all these accompanying problems, I am very curious as to the permanent, or just long term effects that we will be subjected to from the interferon. I personally believe that it is logical to assume the heavy doses of Pegylated interferon frequently provoke autoimmune disease which may become an on-going fact of life. I am not sure if or why it would resolve, once it has become chronic.
Willing, and other post-tx'ers out there: Keep us posted on your experiences, both good and bad, after therapy. Let's see what we are dealing with. Best wishes!!!
Willing, and other post-tx'ers out there: Keep us posted on your experiences, both good and bad, after therapy. Let's see what we are dealing with. Best wishes!!!
Pegory: Thanks for the response. The dermatologist prescriped Olux foam for my scalp; Desonide Ointment for my face and ears; Diflorason Dia(?) ointment for the rest of my body. I had to use ointment because the dr said gel would burn too much (which it did). The treatment period with the cortisteroid pills helped knock the psoriasis, but the itching did linger for a while and the bumps took a while to fade, -- the ointment helped with residual itching.
Glad you got through it also. I'll keep you in my prayers that you have a SVR!
I'm intereted if anyone else had major problems with psoriasis at the end of treatment (not the "normal" itching) and did it ever recur or did it stay away.
Glad you got through it also. I'll keep you in my prayers that you have a SVR!
I'm intereted if anyone else had major problems with psoriasis at the end of treatment (not the "normal" itching) and did it ever recur or did it stay away.
I'm sorry you are having some of the same problems. My regular doctor (not gastro) prescribed a med called Diprolene in two different ways. One is a gel in a tube that you rub into affected sites, the other a liquid in a small squeeze bottle for the scalp. The liquid, of course, is a better application for the scalp due to the hair. I'm not sure I would have made it through therapy without Diprolene. Increased auto immune problems, i.e. psoriatic activity is an absolute side effect of inteferon and some folks can't go through the treatment because of it.
I had that annoying itching side effect too, but it wasn't related to the psoriasis at all. I think many of us get that one. It went away fairly quick after I finished therapy.
I sure hope this helps. Let me know if if you have other questions
I had that annoying itching side effect too, but it wasn't related to the psoriasis at all. I think many of us get that one. It went away fairly quick after I finished therapy.
I sure hope this helps. Let me know if if you have other questions
Hey sweetie, I just stumbled across the way you named your kitty's! (well I know God took me there) "nothing just happens"! LOL You know what I mean. That was so precious of you to say those nice things about me. Now I'm really smiling!!!! I feel like a "new Mommy"!!!! LOL
I was with my best friend a few yrs ago, when her dog started having her puppies. My best friend was already in the bed, but I was in the bathroom with her dog, when she went into labor. When the puppies started delivering....I ran in my b.friend's bedroom and said "WAKE UP.....you've got to see this....It's just like Christmas morning"!!!!!! We still talk about that nite, it was so much fun! Those kitty's are lucky to have you as their grandma! Much love, Cindee
I was with my best friend a few yrs ago, when her dog started having her puppies. My best friend was already in the bed, but I was in the bathroom with her dog, when she went into labor. When the puppies started delivering....I ran in my b.friend's bedroom and said "WAKE UP.....you've got to see this....It's just like Christmas morning"!!!!!! We still talk about that nite, it was so much fun! Those kitty's are lucky to have you as their grandma! Much love, Cindee
Honey, hey girl....You are such a sweet person, and I didn't see that Sandi had named a kitty after me. That makes me ((((smile))). I will be starting tx again soon. I go to my new doctor on this Friday @ 3:15. I am so ready to start again and rid my body and mind of this horrible nasty 'ole dragon! I read your posts often and you have the most precious demeanor about you. I am so lucky to have you as my friend. I will be here Friday nite and post the new findings w/ my new doctor...he is a hepatologist. And I heard from the doctor @ Duke, a very respectable one at that! I love ya bunches girl and always will! Cindee
LvdByGod.....Hey there! Honey just told me you named one of your kitty's after me....that's soooooooooooo sweet. I feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I love kitty's. They are so playful and they are really smart! My g.daughter had one...but it ran away :( . That cat's name was Katie.
She would fetch rubber bands! It was so funny, we had a large area rug in the living rm. and hardwood floors underneath. We would shoot a rubberband and she would take off on the carpet and then loose her traction on the hardwood floor, and slideeeeeeeeee across the foye'. It was soooooooo funny! Then she would get the rubberband and bring it back and drop it at our feet to do it again! (she loved BLUE colored ones the best).
We also played chase w/ her and we'd trick her @ one of the doors and UP the door facing she would go! We also made videos of her..I would say, do you like to sleep in the florida room? (My sister would have the camera on her face,) and I would hold a rubberband in my hand and motion back and forth to make it look like she was shaking her head "no". Then I would say, do you like to sleep w/ Gigi (my nickname) and then I would shake the rubberband slowly up @ down and it looked like she was saying "yes". We had so much fun w/ that cat!
I think she was in heat when she took off. We made flyers w/ her pic on it and posted @ grocery and gas stores and even put them in mailboxes, but never got any news. BOO HOO :( But we also prayed for that cat that God would see that she was happy and possibly making a new family of her own. You are so sweet to name a kitty after me. (((((KISSES)))))))) I love you, Cindee
dheana...WOW...talk about ESP !!!!!! I just mentioned you in a post awhile back, but had forgotten your screen name! I look and here you are today! I'm sorry you are having depression problems. I will pray for you like always. I relapsed after the 48 wks, but I'm sure I will start another round again real soon. I go to a new doctor this Friday. About the depression...I don't think I could ever hide it either. I cry too much when I'm depressed and I tend to go into my "shell". Best wishes and it was surprising to see you here again! Please touch base w/ us every now and then. love ya girl, Cindee (used to be "Almost Done 2") remember me now? (((((((HUGS))))))))
LvdByGod.....Hey there! Honey just told me you named one of your kitty's after me....that's soooooooooooo sweet. I feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I love kitty's. They are so playful and they are really smart! My g.daughter had one...but it ran away :( . That cat's name was Katie.
She would fetch rubber bands! It was so funny, we had a large area rug in the living rm. and hardwood floors underneath. We would shoot a rubberband and she would take off on the carpet and then loose her traction on the hardwood floor, and slideeeeeeeeee across the foye'. It was soooooooo funny! Then she would get the rubberband and bring it back and drop it at our feet to do it again! (she loved BLUE colored ones the best).
We also played chase w/ her and we'd trick her @ one of the doors and UP the door facing she would go! We also made videos of her..I would say, do you like to sleep in the florida room? (My sister would have the camera on her face,) and I would hold a rubberband in my hand and motion back and forth to make it look like she was shaking her head "no". Then I would say, do you like to sleep w/ Gigi (my nickname) and then I would shake the rubberband slowly up @ down and it looked like she was saying "yes". We had so much fun w/ that cat!
I think she was in heat when she took off. We made flyers w/ her pic on it and posted @ grocery and gas stores and even put them in mailboxes, but never got any news. BOO HOO :( But we also prayed for that cat that God would see that she was happy and possibly making a new family of her own. You are so sweet to name a kitty after me. (((((KISSES)))))))) I love you, Cindee
dheana...WOW...talk about ESP !!!!!! I just mentioned you in a post awhile back, but had forgotten your screen name! I look and here you are today! I'm sorry you are having depression problems. I will pray for you like always. I relapsed after the 48 wks, but I'm sure I will start another round again real soon. I go to a new doctor this Friday. About the depression...I don't think I could ever hide it either. I cry too much when I'm depressed and I tend to go into my "shell". Best wishes and it was surprising to see you here again! Please touch base w/ us every now and then. love ya girl, Cindee (used to be "Almost Done 2") remember me now? (((((((HUGS))))))))
we're going to shake all this - let's just give it time and keep the faith. I do believe the lingering post tx effects get magnified by other unrelated issues. For example, I've been blesssed with two bouts of flu since tx. Last night, while spewing out both ends I kept thinking - gee, this all seems *so* familiar...
Ken - glad to hear everything's coming up roses. Better start clearing off some space on the mantle for that certificate - I'll bet you're going to need it.
BNR - my psoriasis was nowhere as acute as Pegory's but it sure proved a challenge. It started at about 2 months into tx. The various creams and the Zyrtec helped but what got me through the year were short, thrice-weekly UV treatments (like a tanning booth but at a specific wavelength) prescribed by the dermatologist. I kept it up for about 8 weeks post-tx and now it has cleared up.
DD - please keep us posted on your investigations. I hope they all come up empty-handed and time works its healing magic.
Ken - glad to hear everything's coming up roses. Better start clearing off some space on the mantle for that certificate - I'll bet you're going to need it.
BNR - my psoriasis was nowhere as acute as Pegory's but it sure proved a challenge. It started at about 2 months into tx. The various creams and the Zyrtec helped but what got me through the year were short, thrice-weekly UV treatments (like a tanning booth but at a specific wavelength) prescribed by the dermatologist. I kept it up for about 8 weeks post-tx and now it has cleared up.
DD - please keep us posted on your investigations. I hope they all come up empty-handed and time works its healing magic.
Hi all
Haven't been here for ages, I thought that my tx is far back...It is not. I have finished tx on 26 dec, I was negative at 3 months after but feeling not too good. I haven't had bad side efffects except of depression and anxiety.
I am faar better than I was during tx but the depression seems to
be the "conqueror". I have tried 5 AD, now I'm taking some other **** AD and my mood and level of energy is sometimes so low I can't walk. Sometimes I sleeep 12 hours, sometimes I don't sleep several nights in a row.
Just one question. Someone told here that she can hide her depression, how can I do this? I don't want my family to see me suffering and not knowing what to do...
Any advise would be helpful.
Thanks a lot
Haven't been here for ages, I thought that my tx is far back...It is not. I have finished tx on 26 dec, I was negative at 3 months after but feeling not too good. I haven't had bad side efffects except of depression and anxiety.
I am faar better than I was during tx but the depression seems to
be the "conqueror". I have tried 5 AD, now I'm taking some other **** AD and my mood and level of energy is sometimes so low I can't walk. Sometimes I sleeep 12 hours, sometimes I don't sleep several nights in a row.
Just one question. Someone told here that she can hide her depression, how can I do this? I don't want my family to see me suffering and not knowing what to do...
Any advise would be helpful.
Thanks a lot
Pegory: How did you deal with the psoriasis? I developed psoriasis towards the end of treatment on Pegasys and it continued after a bit until cortisteroids from a dermatologist helped clear it up. My doctor feels like I had a reaction to the "peg" part of the interferon. (I may not have explained that correctly) The dermatologist also said she felt the itching was a reaction to the interferon. I developed the psoriasis while on PEGASYS, but did not develop it while on PEG-Interferon from Scherring or the regular 3x a week dosage of interferon/ribivarin. Although I did show undetectable at 48 weeks with the PEGASYS, the virus has come back. I am reluctant to go back on the PEGASYS for a longer treatment time because of the psoriasis -- it was truly unbearable for me. I felt like there were ants crawling over my skin. If you don't mind sharing, I'm interested. You said you had psoriasis previously? Not as a reaction to the PEGASYS? How did your doctor treat you? Any information is appreciated. For me, any other side effects were tolerable. This degree of itching was not.
Thanks. PJ
Thanks. PJ
I am 5 months post therapy. I have had auto immune problems, specifically psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis with oncholysis (which is lifting of the fingernails) for 20 years. The therapy sent this problem into high gear, in addition to the many side effects we all know of. My arthritis worsened, four of my fingernails crumbled away, and the psoriasis was almost unbearable. In addition to increase meds to manage those problems, I had to be on a regular regimen of neupogen and procrit for the last 5 months of therapy. It was a tough year.
The good news is that I was still clear 3 months post TX and the sides have slowly disappeared. My main concern was that the arthritis and psoriasis would go back to more manageable levels. And they have!! Even the fingernails continue to grow back. My blood work is all within normal parameters, hair is growing back, energy is increasing, brain fog decreasing, memory is improving, I have gained back 20 lbs. of what I lost, and I don't want to gain back the other 10. The therapy shot my thyroid so I continue on synthroid which is a small price to pay.
The thing is, I was one of those who just knew I wouldn't have problem with sides....geeez was I wrong. So after therapy, I determined to not be anxious over lingering side effects. Some are not completely gone, but I am doing so much better that I have confidence they eventually will.
I hope this will help to encourage others. Hang in there, and check with your doctor if necessary. I highly recommend anyone with joint, back, or hip pain to see a reumatologist. My 6 months post therapy bloodwork is due in one month. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers, and I will report back with results.
The good news is that I was still clear 3 months post TX and the sides have slowly disappeared. My main concern was that the arthritis and psoriasis would go back to more manageable levels. And they have!! Even the fingernails continue to grow back. My blood work is all within normal parameters, hair is growing back, energy is increasing, brain fog decreasing, memory is improving, I have gained back 20 lbs. of what I lost, and I don't want to gain back the other 10. The therapy shot my thyroid so I continue on synthroid which is a small price to pay.
The thing is, I was one of those who just knew I wouldn't have problem with sides....geeez was I wrong. So after therapy, I determined to not be anxious over lingering side effects. Some are not completely gone, but I am doing so much better that I have confidence they eventually will.
I hope this will help to encourage others. Hang in there, and check with your doctor if necessary. I highly recommend anyone with joint, back, or hip pain to see a reumatologist. My 6 months post therapy bloodwork is due in one month. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers, and I will report back with results.
I had the terrible pain in my legs, and also had to go to Pain Mgmt. was given Phentanil / Morphin. Thank goodness that the pain is gone. Some aching joints remain, and Brain Fog- please tell me when this will end . I am currently 3 months post TX
Hey there Lady! Its always so great to see you and your postings are always so uplifting to everyone here! You are a God Send to all of us! I just wish you could visit more often! I'm so sorry to hear that you are feeling so bad with the fibromalga,,,,and wondering if that is from you having hep c or previous tx...or none of the above and just something you have.. I can't even imagine having to be on morphine and know you must be suffering! You will be starting tx soon right? I'm praying that you have an easier round this time...maybe just knowing what you are up against will make it easier! You are in my prayers and thoughts daily and we all will be here for you! haha Did you see where LvdbyGod named a kitty after you?? Keep us posted (((((Hugs)))))
Hey DD!!!! I don't know if I'm the best one to answer questions about sx...since I relapsed, but when I couldn't stand the pain any longer I had my GP refer me to a pain specialist. There is also a great pyscologist there who is studing the lasting effects of the lastest combo we've most all been on. He says it causes deep tissue damage and fibromyalgia. He confers w/ my pain specialist as she doesn't know as mush as he has learned, but dang if she's not learning very fast! !st they tried me on 15mg of morphine 3x a day...it just didn't work completely...then she changed my morphine to 30 mg 2x a day, that was an increase of 15mg per day. Well the morphine didn't last 12 hours...maybe 5 to 7 hours (I've always been on a fast release morphine...allowed one a day for break-thoough pain...when it's really bad). So the last time I went in was last wk and I told her I was hurting so bad some days I was crying. She told me NOT to ever wait until my next appointment to CALL her. So this time she changed me to 30mg of morphine 3x a day...with only 15 fast acting mophine pills; they are 15 mg per pill. So far so good. The pain is much better now. She told me to take the morphine about 6 hours apart during the day...then by nite the morphine would be built up in my body so I could rest at nite. It IS WORKING. The psycologist says from what he has studied that it can take up to 2years to get better, and get off the morphine. He is a GOD send! I was worried about being on moprphine and starting tx again real soon, and I addressed this to my pain doctor. She says he shouldn't have a problem w/ it because it's not so bad on the liver as other pain meds. I'll keep you all in-formed! Love and prayers, Cindee
RING!!!!!! Hey girl, it's good to see ya back. I tried that other forum, but my computer is soooooooooo slow, that it just didn't work for me. WELCOME BACK and I hope you're here to stay!!! I love ya bunches girl. Hope you are feeling well. Cindee
RING!!!!!! Hey girl, it's good to see ya back. I tried that other forum, but my computer is soooooooooo slow, that it just didn't work for me. WELCOME BACK and I hope you're here to stay!!! I love ya bunches girl. Hope you are feeling well. Cindee
ok lets see...speakin of ...my eye vision cleared up immensly after tx... feel like i am eagle eye again..i go for 6 mo post in about 3 week...have already gained bak 20 lbs of the 30 i lost...gonna miss those 18 yr old abs...ha can hardly fit my 34's anymore...too much energy...seems like i am going to climb the walls if i am not doing something....still some dry mouth...and i really don't know what my mind was prior to tx...just know it does not talk to me as much now...i will see doc first time after tx on june 30...i guess to pick up "My Dr cured another" award.....
6 months post TX:
Joint pain -- neck, fingers/hands, shoulder area, knees; muscle ache; still have peripheral neuropathy in hands and feet, although since the weather has gotten warmer, this is less. Still have weird dreams/nightmares. Hearing still blocks up occasionally.
However, the brain fog is much much better -- able to concentrate. The itching is gone. I have more energy than I did on treatment, although I still get fatigued.
Although I did relapse, I am much much happier overall and feel pretty good most days. Good luck to all and hang in there!
Joint pain -- neck, fingers/hands, shoulder area, knees; muscle ache; still have peripheral neuropathy in hands and feet, although since the weather has gotten warmer, this is less. Still have weird dreams/nightmares. Hearing still blocks up occasionally.
However, the brain fog is much much better -- able to concentrate. The itching is gone. I have more energy than I did on treatment, although I still get fatigued.
Although I did relapse, I am much much happier overall and feel pretty good most days. Good luck to all and hang in there!
I'm sorry to hear that things are not great at the moment. It would be so nice if while we are on tx....People would just allow us to do as we want and need and of course understand us fully also. That would be the key! I'm sure its hard for him at times not going through tx. I mean...think about it...at times I don't even understand me or some of my moods lately..Its all such a change for us so....how can our loved ones understand us and support us at all times? I think this will definitely be a lesson, life changing experience for all of us. Should you date...sure if its definitely over however...if you miss him...Give it your all and tell him! Sometimes people miscommunicate at times and therefore don't connect at that moment and relationships can be lost. I could and will...LOL Look for you at Cupid Junction while looking for my mom a boyfriend...Just for back up! haha I know its got to be hard for you at times raising a teenager on your own and then going through this...You know my email...***@**** if you just want to talk about how life sucks at times LOL And I could even toss in a few things myself...For that matter...anyone that ever needs something or just to vent...No problem...I understand!
ringy is back in Canada, she posted she overdid the uv exposure down there and ended up looking like a cooked canadian lobster. maybe I'm exaggerating...a little. How is your energy?
BF and I still apart, might be over for good :((( When will I stop missing him? Should I start dating again? I want to feel like I matter to someone other than my family at home and here. I went on Match.com...I don't want anyone else right now...boo hoo. I now it will stop hurting and I know that there is someone deserving of my love out there....where is "out there"...why can't love click off faster? I guess being in" that time of the month" and shot night it s a triple whammy for my mental health.
He resented my time on the forum. maybe we should start a thread: how the forum aided/hlndered our love life?
I needed a little venting today...Is there a support group for those going thru breakups, online?
hope hubby and you are well
BF and I still apart, might be over for good :((( When will I stop missing him? Should I start dating again? I want to feel like I matter to someone other than my family at home and here. I went on Match.com...I don't want anyone else right now...boo hoo. I now it will stop hurting and I know that there is someone deserving of my love out there....where is "out there"...why can't love click off faster? I guess being in" that time of the month" and shot night it s a triple whammy for my mental health.
He resented my time on the forum. maybe we should start a thread: how the forum aided/hlndered our love life?
I needed a little venting today...Is there a support group for those going thru breakups, online?
hope hubby and you are well
BNR...Glad to hear you are doing well these days and will you try tx again or are you now just enjoying and taking a much needed break?
Kennedge..Congratulations on coming up 6 months and sounds like things are getting back to normal for you. I was glad to hear you have so much energy now...That is one thing...I miss so much and will never take for granted once I get it back! The mind thing...yes I know exactly what you mean and I'm ready for mine to shut down sometimes LOL Good luck!
Kennedge..Congratulations on coming up 6 months and sounds like things are getting back to normal for you. I was glad to hear you have so much energy now...That is one thing...I miss so much and will never take for granted once I get it back! The mind thing...yes I know exactly what you mean and I'm ready for mine to shut down sometimes LOL Good luck!
Thanks for all the follow up and feedback on your post-tx experiences. I think it is very interesting to see how our lives change after eradicating the virus, and what we all must endure to finally get to a much better place. I hope I did not sound too negative in my post, since the reality is that in many ways I feel better and healthier now than in years....it's just those couple of really annoying symptoms that seem to 'crash the party' at times. I am optomistic that things will resolve over a year or two in my case, and I will keep working toward improving my conditioning, diet, and stress levels...as well as pursuing any necessary medical testing as needed. I want to eventually feel like a brand new me! I think we all cling to that hope. Great to hear from all of you.
Willing: Good luck in continuing your recovery from tx. Let us know if you do decide to 'sneak a peek' at your vl status, with a PCR after tx. I know you planned on waiting a few years. I will keep all of you up to date on my post-recovery issues and victories (and struggles). My next appt. is with a top Johns Hopkins thyroid doc. to see what a specialist advises regarding mild hypo-thyroid abnormalities due to long term interferon tx. After that, possibly the rheumatologist, if autoimmune problems continue. Beat the virus!!!!! Tx works!
Willing: Good luck in continuing your recovery from tx. Let us know if you do decide to 'sneak a peek' at your vl status, with a PCR after tx. I know you planned on waiting a few years. I will keep all of you up to date on my post-recovery issues and victories (and struggles). My next appt. is with a top Johns Hopkins thyroid doc. to see what a specialist advises regarding mild hypo-thyroid abnormalities due to long term interferon tx. After that, possibly the rheumatologist, if autoimmune problems continue. Beat the virus!!!!! Tx works!
I did 50 weeks of the Peg/Intron tx shortly after it was first approved. I had no real symptoms before I started. I was hit pretty hard by the sides but always considered myself "middle-of-the-road" on them compared to some of the others who were simply Flattened. I worked as much as I wanted to that whole year and just crawled to the finish line. My sides started to go away withing just a few weeks. Some help on for 6-8 minths but were noticeably less every month. I am now almost 1 1/2 years post tx and I feel better than I have in as long as I can remember!! I have NO lasting sides that I can attribute to tx. The whole Hcv experience has actually improved my outlook on life greatly to the point that I am MUCH more actively involved in helping people through all kinds of life situations. Overcomming all the things related to Hcv....the shock, the fear, the tests, the attitudes of others, the waiting, the sides, more fear, more waiting, ALL of it......made me a much better person and filled me with a passion that I only flirted with before. I am happy, and healthy, and FIRED UP on helping others these days!
So.....for me.....Life after tx is GREAT!!!!!!!!!
So.....for me.....Life after tx is GREAT!!!!!!!!!
Willing....I can see where you are coming from...not wanting to visit a dr. After a year of visits, blood work...I know I for one will not be eager to visit another dr unless an emergency! Glad to hear that you have already eliminated many sides and hope the others continue to subside!
Ring,,,Glad to hear you are feeling good and I'm thinking you are in Costa Rica right now and hopefully enjoying yourself. Good Luck on your MRI...I know it has to be hard for you, Couch and many others in Canada. Sounds like going through tx...you pretty much on your own and that can be scary not getting regular blood work! Good Luck
Ring,,,Glad to hear you are feeling good and I'm thinking you are in Costa Rica right now and hopefully enjoying yourself. Good Luck on your MRI...I know it has to be hard for you, Couch and many others in Canada. Sounds like going through tx...you pretty much on your own and that can be scary not getting regular blood work! Good Luck
At 4-5 months I'm happier listing the sides that have cleared: itching, psoriasis, thin-brittle skin, run-to-the bathroom "gastric distress", intense anemic fatigue, depression all gone, gone, GONE. However I can definitely relate to the descriptions of sore, achy joints, lingering brain fog (mostly language-processing and memory) and reduced stamina. I turned 50 in Feb. and, as Raheem points out, this may now be the lay of the land, but at this stage I feel like a way-old 50 whereas I went into this as a pretty-young 49. Yoga helps a lot with the joint aches, hopefully time will help with the rest( I'm really encouraged by posts like lacklustre's or galen's that point towards eventual improvement).
DD: that stimulating your immune response into overrdrive for a year or more is bound to leave the body shell-shocked for a good long while makes sense to me too. Unfortunately there's little data on this and it's not clear anything but time helps. As I flamed below, if some lawyer makes himself a few million by prodding Roche/Schering into pursuing the long-term effects in more detail that's fine by me. Also, unless things deteriorate significantly, I have zero interest in having a Dr. investigate any of this. I never used to have white-coat anxiety, but now I don't even like to drive near my old clinic...
Kimmy : good luck with your MRI.
DD: that stimulating your immune response into overrdrive for a year or more is bound to leave the body shell-shocked for a good long while makes sense to me too. Unfortunately there's little data on this and it's not clear anything but time helps. As I flamed below, if some lawyer makes himself a few million by prodding Roche/Schering into pursuing the long-term effects in more detail that's fine by me. Also, unless things deteriorate significantly, I have zero interest in having a Dr. investigate any of this. I never used to have white-coat anxiety, but now I don't even like to drive near my old clinic...
Kimmy : good luck with your MRI.
Sounds like it could be optical migraines! If that's the case then nothing to be done that I know of. I'd suggest you see your eye doctor asap though since it could be a retinal detachment which you don't want to mess with!
Kim
Kim
hey girl, course i remember you darlin.....hope you are not pushing yourself to much and are trying to take it easy.....the drops in counts and weakness that come with it can be very frightening and come on in a split second.....i rarely eat meat but noticed through out tx i CRAVED RED MEAT and listened to my body...good thing since i got no additional meds to compensate for the drops, hopefully you will and can maintain reasonable levels....anyway, thanks for the well wishes....
stay cool
kimmy
stay cool
kimmy
I'm 5 weeks post Tx-treated for 26 wks. with PIG/RIBA Combo. Overall, I'm beginning to return to NORMAL, more or less. Specifically, hair is still dropping out, appetite improved although not able to gain weight-lost +20 lbs during Tx. Taste, smell, hearing are slowly rolling back to pre-Tx stage. Fibromyalgia is more pronounced on some days & tolerable on others. Sleep has not improved so I continue taking Ambien. The STRANGE DREAMS/NIGHTMARES that I have exprienced at the last stage of the Tx, have vanished. Energy levels are better on some days than others....& I still get tired quickly. I continue talking Escitolapram 10 mg-daily which is a new SSRI.
I did suffer from reflux & heartburn for years, prior to knowing that I have HCV. I guess that's somehow related to HCV, since now after Tx I don't feel the heartburn.
According to medical literature:
The PIG-Intron is active for over a month after finishing TX & RIBA continues to be active in our bodies for ADDITIONAL 6 MONTHS!!!
Let us hope that our IMPROVEMENT continues....since the Tx was HARD on my Family.
GOOD LUCK to ALL aboard USS INTERFERON!
I did suffer from reflux & heartburn for years, prior to knowing that I have HCV. I guess that's somehow related to HCV, since now after Tx I don't feel the heartburn.
According to medical literature:
The PIG-Intron is active for over a month after finishing TX & RIBA continues to be active in our bodies for ADDITIONAL 6 MONTHS!!!
Let us hope that our IMPROVEMENT continues....since the Tx was HARD on my Family.
GOOD LUCK to ALL aboard USS INTERFERON!
I read all your posts and hate to hear this. Geeze...this is what we are all so afraid of that we conquer the virus and maybe left with the leftovers of the meds. Doubledose...Have you talked to your Dr about all your symptoms? Pearce, Sioux, Doubledose....My prayers are with you in feeling good again and gaining your energy! I know so many have stated that are through that it takes quite a while to feel normal again and could be you are still in that healing stage and maybe even take 6 months to a year....I don't know but please keep posting and let us know how you all are doing! ((((HUGS))))
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