Worst SX, Worst Day, So Far~

[BoceprevirGal]

So, I had my second 40,000 unit Procrit shot, 3 days ago, because my HGB had dropped, from 9.9 at 6 weeks, to 9.4 at 8 weeks. My second shot was given to me, on the same day as my 9th Inf shot. When I asked my Doctor, if the shots taken simultaneously, could reduce the efficacy of the Interferon, she just said, "no", with no furthur discussion.
    So, yesterday, when I got up to walk the dog, in the middle of my strolling, I felt a pain in the joint(socket?) ..where my thigh attaches to my hip (and rotates) I kept thinking I could just "click" it into place, because sometimes my knees pop out, but no such luck. As the day wore on, the nagging pain got worse, and I was only able to limp, as the right leg felt like it might collapse. The thigh bone hurt, the knee joint hurt, and the muscles felt like they were cramping. At a certain point in the afternoon, both upper thighs felt too weak to walk with, so I went home, and got into bed. At that point, my pain level was pretty high, and I couldn't relax, or sleep, until I treated with half of a tainted brownie, and then slept well, and woke up feeling much better.
    I have had minor pains like this, a few months prior to treatment, but I am wondering if the Procrit is what exacerbated it, to this extent. This is the first time in my life, that I have ever been unable to walk. Today, after resting, I am able to walk slowly, but I am not stretching the right leg at all, just taking baby steps, cautiously.
    Could this sx be the Interferon building up in my system, or a combo whammy of the Inf and the Procrit shot, or a sx of the hemolytic anemia? I have only been on Procrit for 10 days now, and still look chalky white, and getting winded, etc~

[BoceprevirGal]

Thanks, crigger : )  The funny thing is...yesterday I was thinking maybe the pain would be permanent, but like all the other sx, it passed, and I only have a small amount of pain today, much better then yesterday.
    Sometimes I also get a head-ache after the Inf shot, but not this week, so maybe that's a good sign...perhaps the Procrit is slowly kicking in, with a positive out-come, I'll be curious to see my new labs~

[crigger]

I had a lot of leg and hip pain when I did the procrit . I was never sure either.. if it was the shot or the hgb being at 8.3.   Hang in there! this too shall pass.

[BoceprevirGal]

Yeah, thanks, Sentinel~ I am gonna let her know, because not being able to walk is kind of a biggee! I know her goal is to get my HGB up pat 10, so I will be interested in what the HGB test shows, next week. The problem with Procrit dosage is the delay~  I am sure the Doctor just goes by what the labs read. From what I've read of other people's histories on here, with Procrit, it seems, we all react very differently to it: how much we need, low long it takes to affect us, or some aren't affected by it at all. (and the rare person, who had a bad reaction to it)

[Sentinel13]

Hi Bo: Sorry to hear of your experience.

Here is a quote from the Epogen web site (http://www.epogen.com/), "Common side effects of EPOGEN® include: Joint, muscle or bone pain".

As you may know, Epogen is the same as Procrit -- just a different brand name for Epoetin Alfa.

Red blood cells are made in the bone marrow. The largest bones are in the legs so I imagine the legs bones make the most RBCs. Probably best to inform your doctor of your joint, muscle, and bone pains. Best, GB

[BoceprevirGal]

Yes, thanks, LookingForward: I will keep moving forward, and use the shopping cart, as a handy little walker, until this Procrit kicks in : )

[LookingForward12]

So sorry the aches and pains sx have hit you. That's one I didn't have..... Can only say, take it easy.... There is no way I could walk Goldie on shot day or the day after. You are doing really great...just keep moving forward and feel better!

[BoceprevirGal]

Ah, thanks, Idyllic.  I knew it was gonna get worse...it's like the first time I gave birth...I wanted it to be completely "natural" and had this little list I brought to the hospital with me: # 1 on the list was "no pain meds please"...Bwhahaha!
   The funny part is, I do feel a little better today, not having that throbbing pain I had yesterday!

[Idyllic]

Aw, Sweety. I hate to see this happening. You do your best to provide comfort and assurance to so many others and now as your treatment progresses some of the more uncomfortable aspects of the sides are kicking in. I am phrasing it like that since I am not sure if it is the Procrit, Interferon, interactions or what. I have treated before so I knew what to expect yet when the same thing happened to me I was devastated.

I have two large animal dogs who I hike/walk 2-3 miles every day and I just can't do it right now. Like you, I almost ended up stranded a couple of miles from my house. Now that I am off the Incivek I can just about do it but it is not the same. My Hgb is 10.1 and I think I damaged every muscle in my legs yesterday mowing about an acre of our property.

As I look back that may not have been the most responsible thing to do. I think both of us can (and should) remain active but maybe we should be a little more realistic with what our bodies are capable of right now.  I think we are just about at the same stage of treating - so that is why I am lumping us together.

As you know, there are a few members who can easily respond to what probably happened and what is happening with you and your meds. I hope you feel better. Hang in there!! ♫