my side effects carousel

[old_newb]

As I near the last 4 weeks of tx, I've been compiling a list of all the fun sx I've had. I call this my sx carousel because some of them seem to be starting up again, after disappearing for a while. Oh joy!

   Side effects carousel : the cycle of sx in approximate order of occurrence over 5 months:

   1)  bad poop, 3 ways= color, texture, frequency (and expelled force) followed by anal bleeding

   2)  anxiety and insomnia- inability to sleep more than 3 hours plus jaw clenching and night grinding

   3)  gag factor, nausea, difficulty swallowing pills

   4)  morning sickness, vomiting up the pills

   5)  uncontrollable weepiness

   6)  hair starts falling out

   7)  funny metallic taste in mouth all the time. Chocolate tastes weird and spicy foods are too hot

   8)  muscle aches and pains

   9)  anemia starting: dizziness and lightheadedness + heartbeat increase = fun on stairs

   10) severe anemia- fun with Procrit

   11) no energy plus worsening aches and pains plus headaches

   12) receding gums and sore teeth

   13) tinnitus

   14) rash, starts in one small spot, soon gets bigger, then starts up in other places

   15) brain fog setting in.... worsening case of CRS (can't remember stuff)

Because of the CRS, I probably left a few out..... The next 4 weeks might be the longest ever!

[old_newb]

Thanks, everyone, for the sympathy! To answer questions: #12 lasted about a month and was possibly triggered by eating candies (lemon and mints). My teeth are normally pain-free.

I'm in a study taking 240 mg of protease inhibitor study drug once a day, plus peg-ifn and 1000 mg. ribavirin, 2x/day. Been UND for awhile, but suspect that I'm in the study arm where the drug was switched for a placebo at 12 weeks. Having been a previous responder and relapser, it goes without saying that I'd be massively disappointed if I relapsed again.

Trying to stay off the ADs this time around.... Luckily, I don't cry all the time, just 3 or 4 hours a day ;-)

Thankfully, at least I don't have burning hands and feet!! Itchy.... yes, burning, no.

Oh, forgot one: riba rage! That's always a fun!

[FaithforHealing]

Oh, Lordy!  I'm just in week 4!! Tell me it ain't so, LOL!

[LookingForward12]

Yes -can definitely relate to this list!

Guess you haven't had the burning feet and hands at night syndrome. That one is a doozie too! Mine showed up at the end of Incivek - last night I had to try to sleep with an ice pack wrapped around each foot.

[JasmineT]

Yep.  Been there done that.  Consider ADs for the weepiness. It will keep getting worse over the next 4 weeks and takes time to get better.  Clinical crest for gums may help a little.  Hoping you are svr, its one heck of a ride.

[Jillybean65]

I had to just laugh..been there, done that. If you are like me, the list is going to expand for the next couple of months.

[flcyclist]

Don't expect your sx carousel to stop immediately at the eot, especially with your long list.  Hopefully some go away quickly and completely, but some may linger for a while as the meds slowly leave your body.   It does get better, hang in there.

[crigger]

I know what you are talking about . You are almost at the end. Hang in there.

[Idyllic]

Oh boy can I relate. The one that scares me the most since it has happened before and indicates a host of serious dental problems is this:

   12) receding gums and sore teeth

The receding gums is not a good sign and other then maintaining good dental practices there is not much you can do about it right now.
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Anyway, I could tell from your posts you have been treating for a while and hat you are in a study but that's about it. Are you UND yet? I guess you must be since you started several months ago and are still treating.