Things to do that can reduce Sx

[shupeg]

Hello Everyone,

I am writing to ask for those of you in treatment and those post treatment to share any tips regarding things you may have done or found to reduce Sx during treatment.
So far I have noted that some of you commented that eating a rich meal before taking a shot helped.(can someone who has found this to be true also comment on what thay ate that was rich-milk fats, animal fats, etc.
I know that drinking a lot of water will help keep one hydrated as well as help flush the system.
I would like to compile as many tips as possible to post on a website or send to those in need.

I know that for myself, during treatment I will be working full time and taking care of my family. While it would be nice to have a support group of people to help out, I have already found through other experiences that while most people mean well, they can not always come through with support beyond a phone call or e mail. Regardless, any thing that can be done to reduce Sx will be appreciated by all.


Thanks,

Shupeg

[Trinity4]

If I allow myself to become overly tired, the sx worsen.  I notice low grade fevers, aches and pains and overall crankiness occur more frequently.  Of course when we're tired we all get brain fog but if I go past the "usual tiredness, the brain fog is terrible.  I am in my 17th week and haven't needed AD's yet, just coping as best I can.  I've tried them on several occassions, PMS and change of life but I didn't get any relief so haven't pusued that avenue with tx.  Stay well hydrated, rest as often as you can and don't tax your body.  Keep the excerise within reason.  
Trin

[R Glass]

I agree with marc1955

I never was a Big Fan of Anti-Depressants. My Gastro suggested, I start taking them soon after treatment because I was complaining about the sx. I was “Hard Headed” and refused.
At about week 12 I realized a made a mistake and got on them. If I had taken them when recommended, tx would not have as bad. You may not need them but don’t hesitate if you do. R. Glass.

[ADESI]

Sx head is what goes on in there during treatment-not nice-to include depression,
confusion and fogginess.(anyway thats how it is for me)
My massage therapist is actually in Calistoga on Washington Street.
Andy

[Marc1955]

One other thing that hasn't been mentioned is to consider going on an antidepressant at the beginning of tx. The interferon messes with the serotonin receptors in your brain leading to various psychological side effects.

At first, I resisted and wanted to tough it out. I didn't want to take another strong medication and I didn't have any history of serious depression. But after a few months of a slide I finally relented. I'm glad I did. For me, the antidepressants are an important component of keeping side effects at bay. They don't make you feel any less tired, and they don't improve your appetite, but they give you a little more mental agility in coping with the other side effects.

Good luck!

[shupeg]

Wow! 37 weeks out. Amazing. Deep tissue massage is a wonderful idea. It may also be a key to help sleep better.
I know that hot baths etc are considered a no no during Tx because of the sensitivity of the skin/dryness/itching. However ( i noted your location) when you're post Tx and ready, you have to get up to Calistoga and have yourself a mudbath. It will help leech out the toxins and you will feel the warmth right down to your bones.

What did you mean by
(Still got sx head though).?

Shupeg

[scruples]

"So far I have noted that some of you commented that eating a rich meal before taking a shot helped.(can someone who has found this to be true also comment on what thay ate that was rich-milk fats, animal fats, etc.)"

I used to eat things like Chicken burger/ Sandwiches, drum sticks, Fried chicken pieces (99% its chicken with spices) but just before the shot. The time gap is hardly 5-10 minutes. Working for me so far.

One more thing if its not against your body mood, then take as much milk with honey as you can.

Forget about being fat coz Tx do reduces your weight and muscele size so try to bridge that gap by taking good food.

[ADESI]

two month's ago I strained my back and went for deep tissue massage (that was on about week 25 of tx) a couple of times. Well as the back was healing I was noticing a real surge of energy and less achiness which I was attributing to  the advil.
Well the back finally got better so I quit massage therapy ,but started feeling as bad
as ever if not worse sx.
Two weeks ago I put it together and went and got another massage. Felt great!!!!!!! Great energy by the end of the week. Last Sunday I went again and an even bigger improvement this week. NO ADVIL ALL WEEK- good energy (Still got sx head though).
Maybe the deep massage isn't letting tx settle in muscles , don't know but I'm sold.
Who couldn't use a massage while going through all this anyway ?
Week 37 and going strong .

[FlGuy]

Pacing, rest, good diet, exercise, expanding knowledge of the disease and it's treatment, and not being consumed by the treatment.

TX is a tough slog for many people; six or 12 months of this stuff can wear on a person physically and emotionally.  I've always thought that the treatment is the battle, not so much the disease.  You can best navigate treatment by being as healthy as possible otherwise.  Keeping your body AND mind as nimble as possible is important. Keep active, find an exercise program that you can keep up with and avoid, as much as possible, turning into a carb eating couch potato.  Try not to be a social shut-in and try to exist as normal as possible.  To do this you need to find a pace, which can be difficult but worth the effort.

Stay focused on the med and lab schedule and get involved with the treatment plan by finding a go-to person in the doc's office, if not the doc himself.  Track your progress.