Side Effects

[punkyling]

I am on week 21 of my ribavirin and peginterferon treatment.  I am probably experiencing every side effect this medicine can deliver.  Have had 2 transfusions within 4 weeks of each other and the second one only increased my cell count from 7.5 to 7.7.  I was given Procrit and was told that I may have to have this injection every week.  I am also experiencing sores and problems in my mouth.  The doctor says that this is also a side effect to the medicine.  I will do what I have to do to make it through the end, but I just would like to know if there are others in my area that may go to HepC meetings, if they even exist.  My family, friends, and boyfriend are 100% with me but unfortunately it is so hard for me to explain to them what I am going through, physically and emotionally.  Is there anyone that knows of meetings for this cause?

PJ

[Rockerforlife]

Nystatin belongs to the group of medicines called antifungals. The dry powder, lozenge (pastille), and liquid forms of this medicine are used to treat fungus infections in the mouth.

Nystatin is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although this use is not included in product labeling, nystatin is used in certain patients with the following medical condition:

Candidiasis, oral (fungus infection of the mouth) (prevention)

[Bill1954]

No, magic mouthwash is prescription only, and in fact has to be compounded by the individual pharmacy. Insurance generally covers it, so it shouldn’t be too pricey—

Bill

[Rockerforlife]

Try a few drops of tea tree oil or a water based stevia extract in 1/4 water with a pinch of baking soda ,afterwards swiss some virgin organic coconut oil in your mouth...you will notice a big diff

[punkyling]

It is an over the counter item so I will definately give it a try.  Alot better than sticking the stupid q-tip in my mouth.

PJ

[punkyling]

Thank you for the heads up.  Thank goodness depression is not one of the side effects I have.  The only time I have ever taken Benadryl was in the hospital prior to blood transfusions.

Thank you again

[Bill1954]

LOL, I don’t know what kind of pink stuff they gave you, but Magic Mouthwash has lidocaine in it and it’s like turbocharged Oragel :o). It doesn’t last too long either, but it works *magically*. They prescribe it for cancer chemo patients frequently… maybe give it a whirl?

Bill

[Rockerforlife]

Dont take it either if you are on benzos or anti depressants.,just a heads ups.

[Rockerforlife]

effects of Benadryl abuse can include increased heart rate, insomnia, kidney and liver damage


http://allergyhero.com/more-and-more-concern-regarding-benadryl-abuse/

[punkyling]

Thank you so much for all the numbers.  I am sure that if they do have meetings down here, I will be attending many of them.  I refuse to allow myself to become bitter.  You know the "Why me" excuse for being a nasty person.  Too much good is in my life and I want it to stay that way.

Thank you again

PJ

[punkyling]

Yes, it is pink stuff that you rinse with then swallow.  The rinse wasn't so bad, but to swallow, no way.  But then I would have to brush my teeth because the stuff stuck to everything.  This stuff didn't numb.  The only thing I was able to use to numb everything was Orajel.  It doesn't last that long, an hour or so, but just long enough for me to be able to eat.  Since it has started up again, my doctor just gave me antibodies, and steroids.  I started them all today so don't know if they will do any good. I just have to keep my fingers crossed.

Thank you for your help

PJ

[Bill1954]

Regarding the mouth sores, have they given you any Magic Mouthwash yet? It’s a swish ‘n swallow Rx of lidocaine, Maalox, benadryl and sometimes nystatin; it numbs on contact, and really helps with thrush and other things.

Bill

[Mr Liver]

If these aren't near you perhaps they can find one that is closer for you if you give one of them a call. The contacts and numbers are about a year old.
Carson City [phone] Sandy Curl ***@****
Reno                 530-577-3111 Ken
Reno                 775-825-7434 or 775-450-3141 Darla & Carol

Meeting others personally in your area that face many of the same challenges or have endured them already can be helpful in countless ways. Its a good move and I hope you find one that you can attend. Good luck.
ML

[punkyling]

Thank you, again.  I really appreciate all the info I can get.

PJ

[Bill1954]

Hi, PJ--

I sent a private message to an old member here that might be more familiar with the Southern Nevada support network; bookmark this post, and check back in th next day or two and see if she responds,

Bill

[punkyling]

Thank you Bill.

PJ

[Bill1954]

Try calling CPMC liver clinic and asking them if they’re aware of local HCV support groups:

[phone]

Sorry I couldn’t be more specific—

Bill

[punkyling]

I live in Henderson, Nv.

[Bill1954]

Wow, sorry to hear you’re having so many problems with treatment. If you tell us roughly where you live, someone might be able to suggest a support meeting close to you. You can also ask the local hospital or your treating physician bout meetings close by.

Hang in there, and good luck with the results—

Bill