Aa
Slush fund?
To Thanbey and all
Is there a hep C not for profit fund out there, just to benefit patients needing, but who can't afford treatment?.
Thank you.
Is there a hep C not for profit fund out there, just to benefit patients needing, but who can't afford treatment?.
Thank you.
Blackouts like that can be a sign of a serious neurological problem. Some types of seizures can cause this short term memory loss. People think a seizure is when your eyes roll back in your head and your tongue hangs out.
Not always so.
Advise your friend to call her doctor to have this checked out. If her doctor doesn't take it seriously, find one who will.
thanbey
Not always so.
Advise your friend to call her doctor to have this checked out. If her doctor doesn't take it seriously, find one who will.
thanbey
WOW, I too am so happy you are having very few sx. and still working. I wish my sx had not been so rough. I thought because my sx were so bad, that it was a "sign" that the meds (combo) were working overtime on me and that is was a good sign. Unfortunately I was wrong. I wish you the best on the rest of your tx. You must be one tough cookie!!!! My hat is off to you! Much love and many prayers, Cindee
Chev, I have a friend who I met, through a contact of mine. She is one month behind me. She will be going for a 4 month blood test in April. She is a hairdresser. She called me the other day and was freaked out. She had an episode of total loss of memory on Monday last week. She said she had done a cut and color on the girl who had introduced us. She didn't even remember doing it. She has her shop in the basement of her home and went downstairs to find a bowl of color. She then realized she had colored Terry's hair, and had no memory of it. She also remembered later, calling her sister-in-law, who always causes family problems....but she didn't remember what she had said to her! She was so up-set...so she called her sister-in-law and asked her, if she had indeed called her???? Her sister-in-law said yes. She asked her if she sounded okay, and was she polite to her. Again the answer was yes. I am so worried about her, wondering if this might happen again! God, what if she gets in her car and gets lost, or God forbid...something even worse! She had taken an ambien the nite before. She has been taking them for months now...off @ on. I'm wondering if this is a sx from the ambien, or maybe a left over sx. from tx???? Just wanted to add my 2 cents. I hope this post finds you well. Love ya bunches, Cindee
Chev, I have a friend who I met, through a contact of mine. She is one month behind me. She will be going for a 4 month blood test in April. She is a hairdresser. She called me the other day and was freaked out. She had an episode of total loss of memory on Monday last week. She said she had done a cut and color on the girl who had introduced us. She didn't even remember doing it. She has her shop in the basement of her home and went downstairs to find a bowl of color. She then realized she had colored Terry's hair, and had no memory of it. She also remembered later, calling her sister-in-law, who always causes family problems....but she didn't remember what she had said to her! She was so up-set...so she called her sister-in-law and asked her, if she had indeed called her???? Her sister-in-law said yes. She asked her if she sounded okay, and was she polite to her. Again the answer was yes. I am so worried about her, wondering if this might happen again! God, what if she gets in her car and gets lost, or God forbid...something even worse! She had taken an ambien the nite before. She has been taking them for months now...off @ on. I'm wondering if this is a sx from the ambien, or maybe a left over sx. from tx???? Just wanted to add my 2 cents. I hope this post finds you well. Love ya bunches, Cindee
I had been feeling worse lately on tx. Much more "brain fog" I could not concentrate well at all. My husband mentioned maybe it's becasue your taking ambian more often. Well I stopped and I feel much better. I think it was not a problem at first but the long term use did increase my "brain fog" This week I've taken a total of one pill. I feel much more clear headed. I also think it was making me dizzy at times. Of coarse I am not sure this is why I am suddenly feeling better (knock on wood)but that is the change I made recently. I did go from 1000 riba to 800 a month 6 weeks ago and think that also helped but I feel it's also the ambian because I tried taking it again a couple night and within 2 days I was foggy and dizzy again. I will still take it but not very often. LL
It's GREAT your having mild sx. I think it's important for you to share this with others like you mentioned. Often the anticipation of tx is worse than what it warrants and it helps people to be less frightened the weeks before starting to hear this. I think many people who don't have many sx and don't have to be so focused on their tx tend not to visit forums so people starting tx miss out on those stories. I don't belive it sounds cavalier at all and it seems very supportive and balanced to see different reaction. Myself I didn't have any sides the first few months. Sure I have some now but they are bearable and I still work full time and work out and I am on full tx week 58/72. I do try to mention this when new people show up and are so worried about this. In fact I am going for a run today. Granted it'll be a short one lol. Thanks for sharing , I think your story is positive and hope you share it more. LL
tobacco vs alcohol
Alcohol feeds the replication of the virus, thus increasing the viral load. On treatment you have a tug o war between alcohol and interferon.
Alcohol also acts as a toxin on the liver, even in healthy people. The liver's ability to function normally and the degree to which it is already impaired (added to the amount of alcohol consumed) can increase or decrease the damage it can do to the liver. After a night of drinking alcohol, the healthiest person will have increased liver enzymes temporarily.
In those with hepatitis C, the combination of the virus and ingesting alcohol has time and time again shown that alcohol can damage the liver and increase the viral load. Therefore, it use during interferon treatment is counter-productive.
Tobacco
Tobacco has been studied similarly to alcohol, however, there seems to be no corrollation with viral load. It has been shown to independently (of any other factor studied, including alcohol) increase fibrosis of the liver.
So, it likely will not affect the SVR, but will affect the condition and health of your liver, and the rest of you if you are experiencing extrahepatic manifestation of hepatitis C.
On treatment, any underlying heart conditions are of great concern as the treatment induced anemias are a risk for both stroke and heart attacks in those so disposed. Those predisposed are anyone of a certain age since the symptoms of heart disease are too often undiagnosed until a crisis event occurs. Treatment is a time of extra vigilence. (We could start into the need to be heart healthy diet-wise all the time to prevent any of the cholestral issues, high blood pressure, overweight, etc that would put someone at risk for heart trouble.) It's all inter-related.
Likewise the new data on insulin reistance and diabetes associated with hepatitis C. Lifestyle matters for these reasons, whether a person decides to treat or not.
There is plenty of data on healthy lifestyle and the importance to heart health, depression and the like. A person considering treatment would be very well advised to make sure all things are in order and that they are in the best physical shape before, during and after treatment thzat they can reasonably achieve. Studies have shown that side effects are less intense in those in good condition and that those who are of average weight respond in greater numbers than those who are not.
"But I am also curious about the med docs put us on."
To my knowledge these medications can increase the tolerability of the interferon and keep someone who would otherwise stop treatment, on it longer and thus increase the potential for an SVR. There really is a point of diminishing returns for those who are having extreme sides or who have adverse events.
Every medication comes with its own set of precautions. Working with specialists, including but not limited to your liver doctor, to prescribe and monitor your progress on other drugs is something I would highly recommend. Your pharmacist can be a great resource on this if you take the time to let them know about your condition and your concerns about the medication you are taking.
And lastly, "side effects" (the term) while used often to refer to those uncomfortable side effects like headaches and other things is a term also used for side effects like strokes, cerebral hemorrages, heart attacks, and other very serious events that must be taken into consideration when making a decision about treatment, and the adjunct medications. There are side effects and there are adverse events, and knowing the difference can save your life, eyesight, and reduce the chances of residuals beyond therapy.
Similarly, "outcome of treatment" can include those events mentioned above and any residuals of interferon therapy can surely be affected by the medications taken. But they are not known (by me, anyway) to affect the potential for SVR.
I hope this helps,
thanbey
Great that you're running and doing well!
I am aware that serious sx could be manifesting themselves internally and I have weighed the odds very carefully. Right now, I'm optimistic that regular Dr/Nurse check ups and monitoring blood tests will reveal any potential problems; if I need to stop treatment, I will. So far, so good..?
Education is power!
Good luck:).
I am aware that serious sx could be manifesting themselves internally and I have weighed the odds very carefully. Right now, I'm optimistic that regular Dr/Nurse check ups and monitoring blood tests will reveal any potential problems; if I need to stop treatment, I will. So far, so good..?
Education is power!
Good luck:).
Hi Chevy,
I understand all you said. I too, asked my nurse for Ambien, then once I took it, I couldn't remember if I had taken my morning does of Riba? The cap was twisted on the pill bottle so I believe I did take it:).
I was taking 2 R moring and three R at 4:00pm. My nurse switched the dose to three pills am and two pills pm, I do believe that has helped the insomnia a bit. I will only allow myself an Ambien two or three x each week, max. (I'm working toward two, then none). I am afraid it's efficacy will be compromised and that I'll become addicted if I don't control the usage. I did cut the Ambien pill in two, I'm trying to trick myself with the placebo effect:).
As for this Forum becoming addictive, I think that's a valid concern. I came here for information. I have a terrific support system at home so wasn't looking for that neccassarily, but while here I've witnessed some really kind people reaching out to those in need.
When I realised you and I were about the same age, same genotype, Friday night shots, and so close in treatment, I started following your posts more actively. You're upbeat, a fighter and sound like a fun person to be around. I also really enjoy Thanbey, Scott and Indiana, their styles are compatible with mine, just the facts:)
I don't want to read about depressed patients, I want to read about successes and positive comments and helpful tips on coping with the adverse effects of treatment. I want knowledge about this disease. But the reality is, patients do become depressed. Some people struggle terribly with uncaring Drs., financial burdens and pure loneliness and that just about breaks my heart; I don't want that to be anyone's truth... :(
I'm learning a lot from you and everyone else posting here. There's something for everyone on this Forum and I think we have to learn to give what we can, take what's meaningful and useful to us and understand that we can't be all things to all people.
We all have different styles and needs and hopefully, we can each find what we're looking for here.
Again, good luck and have a great day!
I understand all you said. I too, asked my nurse for Ambien, then once I took it, I couldn't remember if I had taken my morning does of Riba? The cap was twisted on the pill bottle so I believe I did take it:).
I was taking 2 R moring and three R at 4:00pm. My nurse switched the dose to three pills am and two pills pm, I do believe that has helped the insomnia a bit. I will only allow myself an Ambien two or three x each week, max. (I'm working toward two, then none). I am afraid it's efficacy will be compromised and that I'll become addicted if I don't control the usage. I did cut the Ambien pill in two, I'm trying to trick myself with the placebo effect:).
As for this Forum becoming addictive, I think that's a valid concern. I came here for information. I have a terrific support system at home so wasn't looking for that neccassarily, but while here I've witnessed some really kind people reaching out to those in need.
When I realised you and I were about the same age, same genotype, Friday night shots, and so close in treatment, I started following your posts more actively. You're upbeat, a fighter and sound like a fun person to be around. I also really enjoy Thanbey, Scott and Indiana, their styles are compatible with mine, just the facts:)
I don't want to read about depressed patients, I want to read about successes and positive comments and helpful tips on coping with the adverse effects of treatment. I want knowledge about this disease. But the reality is, patients do become depressed. Some people struggle terribly with uncaring Drs., financial burdens and pure loneliness and that just about breaks my heart; I don't want that to be anyone's truth... :(
I'm learning a lot from you and everyone else posting here. There's something for everyone on this Forum and I think we have to learn to give what we can, take what's meaningful and useful to us and understand that we can't be all things to all people.
We all have different styles and needs and hopefully, we can each find what we're looking for here.
Again, good luck and have a great day!
Apologies, but earlier thread on this post closed and I really would appreciate hearing feedback:
Your posts are all so helpful and informative. I enjoy reading opposing viewpoints, debate encourages us to think for ourselves. Oftentimes, on this site we read more about terrible sx of treatment because those people need the most support, but there are others like me out there whose sx are really mild in comparison. I am loathe to post the relative ease with which I'm managing these sides because I don't want to sound cavalier to those suffering debilitating sx.
I understand that I'm only at 9/48 and sx could worsen but right now I'm doing really well. I do have sx, shortness of breath, fatigue, dryer skin, but no depression or major problems to complain about. Yes, I am concerned about damage to my immune system, but it was a choice; I want to clear this virus. People considering treatment would probably like to hear more from patients like me who are managing sx with few problems.
It would be really helpful for me and others too, that if those of you posting about failure to respond to treatment would add info on your meds. Did you all complete the treatment? Every pill? Every shot? Did you all stop drinking alcohol? etc.,
I'm just wondering what the success or failure rate is given each patients' committment to treatment.
In the meantime, I thank everyone for the invaluable information I have learned here. Your kindness and support of one another is a pleasure to observe:).
Your posts are all so helpful and informative. I enjoy reading opposing viewpoints, debate encourages us to think for ourselves. Oftentimes, on this site we read more about terrible sx of treatment because those people need the most support, but there are others like me out there whose sx are really mild in comparison. I am loathe to post the relative ease with which I'm managing these sides because I don't want to sound cavalier to those suffering debilitating sx.
I understand that I'm only at 9/48 and sx could worsen but right now I'm doing really well. I do have sx, shortness of breath, fatigue, dryer skin, but no depression or major problems to complain about. Yes, I am concerned about damage to my immune system, but it was a choice; I want to clear this virus. People considering treatment would probably like to hear more from patients like me who are managing sx with few problems.
It would be really helpful for me and others too, that if those of you posting about failure to respond to treatment would add info on your meds. Did you all complete the treatment? Every pill? Every shot? Did you all stop drinking alcohol? etc.,
I'm just wondering what the success or failure rate is given each patients' committment to treatment.
In the meantime, I thank everyone for the invaluable information I have learned here. Your kindness and support of one another is a pleasure to observe:).
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Hepatitis C Community
Learn about this treatable virus.
Getting tested for this viral infection.
3 key steps to getting on treatment.
4 steps to getting on therapy.
What you need to know about Hep C drugs.
How the drugs might affect you.
These tips may up your chances of a cure.
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
