Post Treatment Worries

[Floribunda]

I'm new to this community and finished the S/O treatment in May. The side effects that have bothered me (& hubby) the most was the change of my temperament (grouchy & emotional) and mental slowness. I was always fast in the word games I play online and now not so much. I am not as unbearable as I was but I hope my quick thinking returns. Has anyone here experienced one or both of these symptoms? I am a cirrhotic, 1b with no previous brain fog. Please tell me it's temporary!

[Dbzc2]

The S&O brain fog IS temporary! Thank goodness. The only permanent side effects are the ones you had BEFORE treatment. Diets and heeding your body--go slow when necessary, is the best you can do. Don't fight the treatment!

Then learn to adapt! It's better than dying from hep c.  : )

Btw, I'm a ditz for the first time ever and it's hard to hold a grudge when you have short term memory loss! So find the positives! Really, they are there, you just have to calmly look!  Good luck and I hope your treatment is successful!

Best, dbz

[Livelife777]

Hi and welcome.   It seems most all of the drugs taken have similar side effects.   What your experiencing is Brain Fog, and Riba Rage.  Even tho Ribavirin was not part of your cocktail (combo) rage is also evident to many on the Sovaldi and Oyslio regimen as well.  Brain Fog also feels like you are kinda detached from your body, looking in, and can manifest itself in paranoia, or mental confusion.  What appears to be the scariest aspect is the ideology that this is permanent and you will never return to your normal fun loving self.
THIS WILL GO AWAY ONCE TREATMENT ENDS!   Actually what I should convey is that it takes several weeks, if not a month or so before the drugs are eliminated from your system.  I do believe that we are not pre warned in advance how devastating some of the side effects will be, and therefore scared silly when it happens to us.  Especially when the treatment affects our mind and reasoning skills.
The best way to counteract this feeling is to load up on liquids as much as you can get down.  This will flush these very potent drugs outta our system but it does take time.  Anxiety enhances our fear, as adrenaline causes the mental confusion to become worse and then compounds the existing fine line we call sanity.    That's why  excersice is also needed to reduce the triggers that fuel the fire in regards to stress.   By this I'm referring to get your heart rate up, or breaking a mild sweat.  A rapid walk is perfect!
Logically knowing that this is what is causing your brain fog will help you understand to be less fearful.  In turn, with less fear (adrenaline rush)  you will think more clearly as you are aware that this is caused by the meds.
Hope this helps.
Take care
.....Kim

[Dee1956]

Hi there! I did not treat with S/O but with Incivek, Peg, Riba and I had the same problems.  It does improve, it just takes time.  I know how hard it can be on both of you.  It will get better.
Hopefully someone who has been on the S/O will chime in here.
Take Care
Dee