dizzy and feel sick

[simcha511]

I have been on riba and interferon for 4 weeks -- had a little over a 2 pt drop in hemoglobin at week 3 cbc -- week 4 I am extremely dizzy even while sitting - feel nauseated and hands tingling. I called my NP once and he said it was the riba -- no kidding!! -- called back the next day and gave him some suggestions of what might help-- nurse said she passed it on but no help from him -- this is Minnesota Gastro Liver Clinic -- I really thought that they would be on top of things -- it's the riba seems to be the best that this NP can do to help with side effects -- I told him I had to leave work early still nothing--- I am waiting for result from latest cbc -- I can say right now I have had yet another quick drop -- anyone have any suggestions on what might help at this point. What do I do about an unresponsive provider -- how can I help myself -- this is really frightening

[foofighter]

I think we had same NP. His response to my question regarding help with sides was "Well, I'm not going to come to your house and force you to take a shot."  More or less, you can deal with sides on your own or quit.

Sent you a PM.

Foo

[jusjames]

if you are dropping that quick only a reduction will help quickly ! epo is a longer term option ie takes 2-4 wks on ave to work, a reduction can be noticed in a couple of days
low hgb is unpleasant i know

[eureka254]

A 2 pt drop in hgb in three weeks is significant, and depending on where your hgb started, your hgb should be watched carefully -- it would be important to see where your hgb is now.  

Anemia can cause the symptoms you're feeling: the nausea, the tingling hands, and absolute crummy feeling overall were all things my husband experienced during his anemia.  I'm concerned that your nurse is not responsive, but in your situation I wouldn't hesitate to have the attending hep paged over the weekend if your symptoms continue to worsen (if your nausea progresses to actual vomiting, etc.).

Hopefully your anemia is mild, and you'll feel good enough to just rest and follow up with your doctor on Monday.  But, if you find you get to the point where you get dizzy/faint standing up, or feel out of breath with no exertion, you should have someone drive you to the ER. Good luck. ~eureka

[simcha511]

My hemoglobin dropped 13.6 to 12.7 to 11.4 in 3 weeks.My np said he did not know of tingling hands being related to anything in hcv tx. This is just so scary I feel so, so sick