Guest guest Posted September 20, 2005 Report Posted September 20, 2005 This is a good page showing skin manifestations of HCV..ric http://www.emedicine.com/derm/topic850.htm#target4 Quote
Guest guest Posted September 20, 2005 Report Posted September 20, 2005 Ric, Thanks for this information. It explains what has been going on with me over the past 4 years with various issues. I thought they were just part of getting older! Kathy Ric <richobbs1@...> wrote: This is a good page showing skin manifestations of HCV..ric http://www.emedicine.com/derm/topic850.htm#target4 It's a pleasure having you join in our conversations. We hope you have found the support you need with us. If you are using email for your posts, for easy access to our group, just click the link-- Hepatitis C/ Happy Posting Quote
Guest guest Posted September 20, 2005 Report Posted September 20, 2005 Ric, this is a great site,, thanks ,, Im keeping it,, jax KATHRINE SWANSON <kathrines@...> wrote: Ric, Thanks for this information. It explains what has been going on with me over the past 4 years with various issues. I thought they were just part of getting older! Kathy Ric <richobbs1@...> wrote: This is a good page showing skin manifestations of HCV..ric http://www.emedicine.com/derm/topic850.htm#target4 It's a pleasure having you join in our conversations. We hope you have found the support you need with us. If you are using email for your posts, for easy access to our group, just click the link-- Hepatitis C/ Happy Posting Quote
Guest guest Posted September 21, 2005 Report Posted September 21, 2005 Ok, reading the information on Lichen Planus, which I have, makes me wonder. Is this ALWAYS associated with HCV? My first bout with this skin ailment was in my very early 20's - years before I assume I contracted HCV. Does that mean I'm wrong about when I got it, and possibly had HCV much longer than I think? Nursey?? Jackie?? My brain can't handle deciphering all the technical medical jargon. Can you help? Thanks! > This is a good page showing skin manifestations of HCV..ric > http://www.emedicine.com/derm/topic850.htm#target4 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > It's a pleasure having you join in our conversations. We hope you have found the support you need with us. > > If you are using email for your posts, for easy access to our group, just click the link-- Hepatitis C/ > > Happy Posting > > > > Quote
Guest guest Posted September 21, 2005 Report Posted September 21, 2005 Hi Im not sure if it is ALWAYS associated with Hep, I hope silvia will come along soon to answer that, but it is entirely possible that you have had hep longer than you thought,, or maybe not, I sure with they could find a test that would be able to tell us how long we have had it,, usually I know they base it on how much damage you have and symptoms etc,, mine fit perfectly with the 23 years and the blood transfusion and the amount of damage I had.. jax moondancerx1 <moondancerx1@...> wrote: Ok, reading the information on Lichen Planus, which I have, makes me wonder. Is this ALWAYS associated with HCV? My first bout with this skin ailment was in my very early 20's - years before I assume I contracted HCV. Does that mean I'm wrong about when I got it, and possibly had HCV much longer than I think? Nursey?? Jackie?? My brain can't handle deciphering all the technical medical jargon. Can you help? Thanks! > This is a good page showing skin manifestations of HCV..ric > http://www.emedicine.com/derm/topic850.htm#target4 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > It's a pleasure having you join in our conversations. We hope you have found the support you need with us. > > If you are using email for your posts, for easy access to our group, just click the link-- Hepatitis C/ > > Happy Posting > > > > Quote
Guest guest Posted September 21, 2005 Report Posted September 21, 2005 You can have lichen planus without having HCV. The best way to figure out how long you've had it is by figuring out when your risk happened not amount of damage since damage happens at different rates depending on lifestyle.....for example....alcohol use will speed up damage. Silvia > > This is a good page showing skin manifestations of HCV..ric > > http://www.emedicine.com/derm/topic850.htm#target4 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > It's a pleasure having you join in our conversations. We hope you > have found the support you need with us. > > > > If you are using email for your posts, for easy access to our group, > just click the link-- Hepatitis C/ > > > > Happy Posting > > > > > > > > Quote
Guest guest Posted September 21, 2005 Report Posted September 21, 2005 thanks for answering this cuz I didnt know,, hugs to ya, --- silvianursey <Bhprice425@...> wrote: > > You can have lichen planus without having HCV. The > best way to > figure out how long you've had it is by figuring out > when your risk > happened not amount of damage since damage happens > at different rates > depending on lifestyle.....for example....alcohol > use will speed up > damage. > Silvia > > > > > > This is a good page showing skin manifestations > of HCV..ric > > > > http://www.emedicine.com/derm/topic850.htm#target4 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > It's a pleasure having you join in our > conversations. We hope you > > have found the support you need with us. > > > > > > If you are using email for your posts, for easy > access to our > group, > > just click the link-- > Hepatitis C/ > > > > > > Happy Posting > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote
Guest guest Posted September 21, 2005 Report Posted September 21, 2005 I'm not sure it's lichen planus, but I've got a major skin condition that started about the 4th month of treatment and is getting worse. What different treatments are people trying for their (probably differing) skin conditions? On 9/21/05, Jackie on <redjaxjm@...> wrote: > > thanks for answering this cuz I didnt know,, hugs to > ya, > > --- silvianursey <Bhprice425@...> wrote: > > > > > You can have lichen planus without having HCV. The > > best way to > > figure out how long you've had it is by figuring out > > when your risk > > happened not amount of damage since damage happens > > at different rates > > depending on lifestyle.....for example....alcohol > > use will speed up > > damage. > > Silvia > > > > > > > > > > This is a good page showing skin manifestations > > of HCV..ric > > > > > > http://www.emedicine.com/derm/topic850.htm#target4 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > It's a pleasure having you join in our > > conversations. We hope you > > > have found the support you need with us. > > > > > > > > If you are using email for your posts, for easy > > access to our > > group, > > > just click the link-- > > Hepatitis C/ > > > > > > > > Happy Posting > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote
Guest guest Posted September 21, 2005 Report Posted September 21, 2005 Sylvia?? you said I think once that you could help with coding epotin ot neupogen so the ins. co's would pay for it, right? Can you help with that? ric Quote
Guest guest Posted September 22, 2005 Report Posted September 22, 2005 I figured it out the hard way....when a patient was anemic and needed Procrit, the insurance company and even the Patient Assistance Program (free meds) denied it because the doctor used the diagnosis code for Hemolytic anemia.....and the doctor said....but that's what this is, and gave up. I emailed everybody I could think of and got a couple of responses from hepatologists. Since then, several patients have used this code and had no problems. V58.1 CHEMOTHERAPY Remember that Interferon is considered chemotherapy. If your doctor uses the code for Hemolytic Anemia it will NOT be covered because the FDA has not yet approved Procrit for this indication on Hepatitis C patients. Renal and cancer patients yes, but not Hep C. That's why many times the docs send you to see an oncologist/hematologist so he can order it. If you're very anemic and you have to wait for an appointment to see an oncologist, plus 4 more weeks until the Procrit works, that may endanger your treatment. Also, if you use another anemia code, you'll have to submit lab work that shows that the hemoglobin is below 10 and doctor notes saying that he tried to correct the anemia some other way ....like maybe using iron, folic acid, B12......and that you took it for at least a few weeks and it didn't work. Docs note also has to say that the anemia is causing symptoms ....like chest pain, dizziness, arrhythmias, etc. So it's alot more trouble and it will take longer.....Plus, if the hemoglobin ever goes above 12 they will no longer pay for the Procrit. Your results have to stay between 10- 12. With the chemotherapy code you have more leeway. It is very important that anemia be treated as soon as the hemoglobin gets to 10. If I see someone has let's say a 10.5 hemoglobin, I suggest they don't wait 4 weeks to recheck. Besides depression, chest pain, and heart attacks, prolonged anemia can cause brain ischemia and Left Ventricular Hypertrophy (thickening of heart muscle) which can be permanent. It is very upsetting to me when people are allowed to remain anemic for a long time. So if a doctor is refusing to treat the anemia, then I have the patient print this and take it to doc. The guide for treating anemia and low neutrophils....written by well known hepatologists. It's very hard to refuse after they see this. " New data managing anemia with growth factors for patients on anti- HCV therapy " . http://www.projectsinknowledge.com/Init/G/1615/1615-TxReporter.pdf I try to teach people about anemia BEFORE they get anemic. It's very difficult for somebody with a 9 hemoglobin to understand all this. Re: Low white cells and Neutropenia (low neutrophils). White cells defend you against infections. During treatment, it doesn't matter how low the white cells are....as long as the neuttrophils are okay. Sometimes you have to explain this to doctors believe it or not. Neutrophils are also white cells....but they defend you against BACTERIAL infections.....and lymphocytes defend you against VIRAL infections. So if your neutropils are low and you get a bacterial infection, there is the risk that it will go to the bloodstream (sepsis)and you would need IV antibiotics. However, studies have shown that even when neutrophils were low, the cases of sepsis did not increase...so docs have learned to relax...now they allow an ANC of >500 If the neutrophils remain low, specially on someone who has cirrhosis, then doc should order Neupogen instead of decreasing the Peg dose. Most people take it once a week but a few have to take it twice a week. Info on dosing is on the same article as anemia. Any questions on any of this? Sorry Ric....I can't seem to make my answers short. Silvia > Sylvia?? you said I think once that you could help with coding > epotin ot neupogen so the ins. co's would pay for it, right? Can > you help with that? ric Quote
Guest guest Posted September 22, 2005 Report Posted September 22, 2005 I figured it out the hard way....when a patient was anemic and needed Procrit, the insurance company and even the Patient Assistance Program (free meds) denied it because the doctor used the diagnosis code for Hemolytic anemia.....and the doctor said....but that's what this is, and gave up. I emailed everybody I could think of and got a couple of responses from hepatologists. Since then, several patients have used this code and had no problems. V58.1 CHEMOTHERAPY Remember that Interferon is considered chemotherapy. If your doctor uses the code for Hemolytic Anemia it will NOT be covered because the FDA has not yet approved Procrit for this indication on Hepatitis C patients. Renal and cancer patients yes, but not Hep C. That's why many times the docs send you to see an oncologist/hematologist so he can order it. If you're very anemic and you have to wait for an appointment to see an oncologist, plus 4 more weeks until the Procrit works, that may endanger your treatment. Also, if you use another anemia code, you'll have to submit lab work that shows that the hemoglobin is below 10 and doctor notes saying that he tried to correct the anemia some other way ....like maybe using iron, folic acid, B12......and that you took it for at least a few weeks and it didn't work. Docs note also has to say that the anemia is causing symptoms ....like chest pain, dizziness, arrhythmias, etc. So it's alot more trouble and it will take longer.....Plus, if the hemoglobin ever goes above 12 they will no longer pay for the Procrit. Your results have to stay between 10- 12. With the chemotherapy code you have more leeway. It is very important that anemia be treated as soon as the hemoglobin gets to 10. If I see someone has let's say a 10.5 hemoglobin, I suggest they don't wait 4 weeks to recheck. Besides depression, chest pain, and heart attacks, prolonged anemia can cause brain ischemia and Left Ventricular Hypertrophy (thickening of heart muscle) which can be permanent. It is very upsetting to me when people are allowed to remain anemic for a long time. So if a doctor is refusing to treat the anemia, then I have the patient print this and take it to doc. The guide for treating anemia and low neutrophils....written by well known hepatologists. It's very hard to refuse after they see this. " New data managing anemia with growth factors for patients on anti- HCV therapy " . http://www.projectsinknowledge.com/Init/G/1615/1615-TxReporter.pdf I try to teach people about anemia BEFORE they get anemic. It's very difficult for somebody with a 9 hemoglobin to understand all this. Re: Low white cells and Neutropenia (low neutrophils). White cells defend you against infections. During treatment, it doesn't matter how low the white cells are....as long as the neuttrophils are okay. Sometimes you have to explain this to doctors believe it or not. Neutrophils are also white cells....but they defend you against BACTERIAL infections.....and lymphocytes defend you against VIRAL infections. So if your neutropils are low and you get a bacterial infection, there is the risk that it will go to the bloodstream (sepsis)and you would need IV antibiotics. However, studies have shown that even when neutrophils were low, the cases of sepsis did not increase...so docs have learned to relax...now they allow an ANC of >500 If the neutrophils remain low, specially on someone who has cirrhosis, then doc should order Neupogen instead of decreasing the Peg dose. Most people take it once a week but a few have to take it twice a week. Info on dosing is on the same article as anemia. Any questions on any of this? Sorry Ric....I can't seem to make my answers short. Silvia > Sylvia?? you said I think once that you could help with coding > epotin ot neupogen so the ins. co's would pay for it, right? Can > you help with that? ric Quote
Guest guest Posted September 22, 2005 Report Posted September 22, 2005 OK, I think this thread is officially hijacked. :-( On 9/22/05, silvianursey <Bhprice425@...> wrote: > > > I figured it out the hard way....when a patient was anemic and needed > Procrit, the insurance company and even the Patient Assistance > Program (free meds) denied it because the doctor used the diagnosis > code for Hemolytic anemia.....and the doctor said....but that's what > this is, and gave up. I emailed everybody I could think of and got a > couple of responses from hepatologists. Since then, several patients > have used this code and had no problems. > > V58.1 CHEMOTHERAPY > > Remember that Interferon is considered chemotherapy. If your doctor > uses the code for Hemolytic Anemia it will NOT be covered because the > FDA has not yet approved Procrit for this indication on Hepatitis C > patients. Renal and cancer patients yes, but not Hep C. That's why > many times the docs send you to see an oncologist/hematologist so he > can order it. If you're very anemic and you have to wait for an > appointment to see an oncologist, plus 4 more weeks until the Procrit > works, that may endanger your treatment. > > Also, if you use another anemia code, you'll have to submit lab work > that shows that the hemoglobin is below 10 and doctor notes saying > that he tried to correct the anemia some other way ....like maybe > using iron, folic acid, B12......and that you took it for at least a > few weeks and it didn't work. Docs note also has to say that the > anemia is causing symptoms ....like chest pain, dizziness, > arrhythmias, etc. So it's alot more trouble and it will take > longer.....Plus, if the hemoglobin ever goes above 12 they will no > longer pay for the Procrit. Your results have to stay between 10- > 12. With the chemotherapy code you have more leeway. > > It is very important that anemia be treated as soon as the hemoglobin > gets to 10. If I see someone has let's say a 10.5 hemoglobin, I > suggest they don't wait 4 weeks to recheck. Besides depression, chest > pain, and heart attacks, prolonged anemia can cause brain ischemia > and Left Ventricular Hypertrophy (thickening of heart muscle) which > can be permanent. It is very upsetting to me when people are allowed > to remain anemic for a long time. So if a doctor is refusing to > treat the anemia, then I have the patient print this and take it to > doc. The guide for treating anemia and low neutrophils....written by > well known hepatologists. It's very hard to refuse after they see > this. > > " New data managing anemia with growth factors for patients on anti- > HCV therapy " . > > http://www.projectsinknowledge.com/Init/G/1615/1615-TxReporter.pdf > > I try to teach people about anemia BEFORE they get anemic. It's very > difficult for somebody with a 9 hemoglobin to understand all this. > > Re: Low white cells and Neutropenia (low neutrophils). White cells > defend you against infections. During treatment, it doesn't matter > how low the white cells are....as long as the neuttrophils are okay. > Sometimes you have to explain this to doctors believe it or not. > > Neutrophils are also white cells....but they defend you against > BACTERIAL infections.....and lymphocytes defend you against VIRAL > infections. So if your neutropils are low and you get a bacterial > infection, there is the risk that it will go to the bloodstream > (sepsis)and you would need IV antibiotics. However, studies have > shown that even when neutrophils were low, the cases of sepsis did > not increase...so docs have learned to relax...now they allow an ANC > of >500 > > If the neutrophils remain low, specially on someone who has > cirrhosis, then doc should order Neupogen instead of decreasing the > Peg dose. Most people take it once a week but a few have to take it > twice a week. Info on dosing is on the same article as anemia. > > Any questions on any of this? Sorry Ric....I can't seem to make my > answers short. > Silvia > > > > > > > > Sylvia?? you said I think once that you could help with coding > > epotin ot neupogen so the ins. co's would pay for it, right? Can > > you help with that? ric > > > > > It's a pleasure having you join in our conversations. We hope you have > found the support you need with us. > > If you are using email for your posts, for easy access to our group, just > click the link-- Hepatitis C/ > > Happy Posting > > > > Quote
Guest guest Posted September 22, 2005 Report Posted September 22, 2005 , My understanding is that a rash is a normal side effect of the tx. You're right, since it started after you began tx, it probably isn't Lichen Planus. I have weird allergies and have always got strange rashes. The standard treatment is to use 1% cortisone cream or a steroid cream, which requires a prescription. If it itches, an antihistamine such as Benedryl should help, but could make you sleepy. I don't recall where you said your rash is, but I had a doctor once have me apply cortisone and then cover it with a plastic wrap, such as Saran Wrap, overnight. This really helped, but can't be done every night. Also, keep it moisturized. He told me that dermatitis problems thrive on dry skin. Again, I am not a medical professional and am only speaking from my own experiences. > > > Sylvia?? you said I think once that you could help with coding > > > epotin ot neupogen so the ins. co's would pay for it, right? Can > > > you help with that? ric > > > > > > > > > > It's a pleasure having you join in our conversations. We hope you have > > found the support you need with us. > > > > If you are using email for your posts, for easy access to our group, just > > click the link-- Hepatitis C/ > > > > Happy Posting > > > > > > > > Quote
Guest guest Posted September 22, 2005 Report Posted September 22, 2005 Thanks . The topical Rx isn't helping much. I may try Benedryl or something similar. Keep well, On 9/22/05, moondancerx1 <moondancerx1@...> wrote: > > , > > My understanding is that a rash is a normal side effect of the tx. > You're right, since it started after you began tx, it probably isn't > Lichen Planus. I have weird allergies and have always got strange > rashes. The standard treatment is to use 1% cortisone cream or a > steroid cream, which requires a prescription. If it itches, an > antihistamine such as Benedryl should help, but could make you sleepy. > > I don't recall where you said your rash is, but I had a doctor once > have me apply cortisone and then cover it with a plastic wrap, such as > Saran Wrap, overnight. This really helped, but can't be done every > night. Also, keep it moisturized. He told me that dermatitis > problems thrive on dry skin. > > Again, I am not a medical professional and am only speaking from my > own experiences. > > > > > > > > > > > Sylvia?? you said I think once that you could help with coding > > > > epotin ot neupogen so the ins. co's would pay for it, right? Can > > > > you help with that? ric > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > It's a pleasure having you join in our conversations. We hope you > have > > > found the support you need with us. > > > > > > If you are using email for your posts, for easy access to our > group, just > > > click the link-- Hepatitis C/ > > > > > > Happy Posting > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote
Guest guest Posted September 22, 2005 Report Posted September 22, 2005 Sorry . I tend to do that....start on one topic and end up with something totally different...LOL A rash can be caused by either the Interferon or the Ribavirin. A rash from interferon is usually small pinpoints, it comes and goes and it's not really itchy......so you live with it. The one caused by the Ribavirin is usually spread out more and is very itchy. This rash is dose dependent so it will get better if you decrease or stop the Riba and can get worse when Riba is continued. Things you can do for a rash: 1. Bathe with tepid water, not hot. 2. Avoid pulsating shower heads and rubbing with towel....Pat dry instead. 3. Use hypoallergenic soaps and shampoo. 4. Avoid dyes and perfumes. 5. Oatmeal brath or products like Aveno bar and lotion. 6. Use hypoallergenic moisturizers right after your bath. 7. Use sunblock when outside prolonged periods of time. DO NOT rub sunblock vigorously. 8. Avoid being in the sun, use long sleeves, hats, sunglasses. Avoid tight clothes and dark colors. 9. Avoid sweating. Drink plenty of fluids. 10.Use hypoallergenic soap for clothes, rinse clothes twice. 11. Use cortisone ointment sparingly. Chronic use will cause systemic absorption. 12. Review any new meds including herbals for possible allergies. If the rash continues or becomes severe: There are two histamine sites that you need to turn off to be able to turn the allergic reaction off. One is in the stomach....and it is turned off by taking prilosec, reglan, tagamet, etc. The second one is on the skin...and it is turned off by taking Benadryl ON A REGULAR SCHEDULE (which can cause sleepiness)...other options....Allegra, Zyrtec. So you would need to take both on a regular basis. If all fails remember.....a rash does not itch underwater. Well look at that....I'm still talking about rashes....LOL Silvia > > > Sylvia?? you said I think once that you could help with coding > > > epotin ot neupogen so the ins. co's would pay for it, right? Can > > > you help with that? ric > > > > > > > > > > It's a pleasure having you join in our conversations. We hope you have > > found the support you need with us. > > > > If you are using email for your posts, for easy access to our group, just > > click the link-- Hepatitis C/ > > > > Happy Posting > > > > > > > > Quote
Guest guest Posted September 22, 2005 Report Posted September 22, 2005 Sorry . I tend to do that....start on one topic and end up with something totally different...LOL A rash can be caused by either the Interferon or the Ribavirin. A rash from interferon is usually small pinpoints, it comes and goes and it's not really itchy......so you live with it. The one caused by the Ribavirin is usually spread out more and is very itchy. This rash is dose dependent so it will get better if you decrease or stop the Riba and can get worse when Riba is continued. Things you can do for a rash: 1. Bathe with tepid water, not hot. 2. Avoid pulsating shower heads and rubbing with towel....Pat dry instead. 3. Use hypoallergenic soaps and shampoo. 4. Avoid dyes and perfumes. 5. Oatmeal brath or products like Aveno bar and lotion. 6. Use hypoallergenic moisturizers right after your bath. 7. Use sunblock when outside prolonged periods of time. DO NOT rub sunblock vigorously. 8. Avoid being in the sun, use long sleeves, hats, sunglasses. Avoid tight clothes and dark colors. 9. Avoid sweating. Drink plenty of fluids. 10.Use hypoallergenic soap for clothes, rinse clothes twice. 11. Use cortisone ointment sparingly. Chronic use will cause systemic absorption. 12. Review any new meds including herbals for possible allergies. If the rash continues or becomes severe: There are two histamine sites that you need to turn off to be able to turn the allergic reaction off. One is in the stomach....and it is turned off by taking prilosec, reglan, tagamet, etc. The second one is on the skin...and it is turned off by taking Benadryl ON A REGULAR SCHEDULE (which can cause sleepiness)...other options....Allegra, Zyrtec. So you would need to take both on a regular basis. If all fails remember.....a rash does not itch underwater. Well look at that....I'm still talking about rashes....LOL Silvia > > > Sylvia?? you said I think once that you could help with coding > > > epotin ot neupogen so the ins. co's would pay for it, right? Can > > > you help with that? ric > > > > > > > > > > It's a pleasure having you join in our conversations. We hope you have > > found the support you need with us. > > > > If you are using email for your posts, for easy access to our group, just > > click the link-- Hepatitis C/ > > > > Happy Posting > > > > > > > > Quote
Guest guest Posted September 22, 2005 Report Posted September 22, 2005 >>11. Use cortisone ointment sparingly. Chronic use will cause systemic >> absorption. Thanks for all the advice, Nursey. I try to use it sparingly, but the rash is so widespread, I'm going through a lot of it. What are the systemic sides? On 9/22/05, silvianursey <Bhprice425@...> wrote: > > > Sorry . I tend to do that....start on one topic and end up with > something totally different...LOL > > A rash can be caused by either the Interferon or the Ribavirin. A > rash from interferon is usually small pinpoints, it comes and goes > and it's not really itchy......so you live with it. The one caused by > the Ribavirin is usually spread out more and is very itchy. This > rash is dose dependent so it will get better if you decrease or stop > the Riba and can get worse when Riba is continued. > > Things you can do for a rash: > 1. Bathe with tepid water, not hot. > 2. Avoid pulsating shower heads and rubbing with towel....Pat dry > instead. > 3. Use hypoallergenic soaps and shampoo. > 4. Avoid dyes and perfumes. > 5. Oatmeal brath or products like Aveno bar and lotion. > 6. Use hypoallergenic moisturizers right after your bath. > 7. Use sunblock when outside prolonged periods of time. DO NOT rub > sunblock vigorously. > 8. Avoid being in the sun, use long sleeves, hats, sunglasses. Avoid > tight clothes and dark colors. > 9. Avoid sweating. Drink plenty of fluids. > 10.Use hypoallergenic soap for clothes, rinse clothes twice. > 11. Use cortisone ointment sparingly. Chronic use will cause > systemic absorption. > 12. Review any new meds including herbals for possible allergies. > > If the rash continues or becomes severe: > > There are two histamine sites that you need to turn off to be able to > turn the allergic reaction off. One is in the stomach....and it is > turned off by taking prilosec, reglan, tagamet, etc. > > The second one is on the skin...and it is turned off by taking > Benadryl ON A REGULAR SCHEDULE (which can cause sleepiness)...other > options....Allegra, Zyrtec. > > So you would need to take both on a regular basis. > > If all fails remember.....a rash does not itch underwater. > Well look at that....I'm still talking about rashes....LOL > > Silvia > > > > > > > > > Sylvia?? you said I think once that you could help with coding > > > > epotin ot neupogen so the ins. co's would pay for it, right? Can > > > > you help with that? ric > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > It's a pleasure having you join in our conversations. We hope > you have > > > found the support you need with us. > > > > > > If you are using email for your posts, for easy access to our > group, just > > > click the link-- > Hepatitis C/ > > > > > > Happy Posting > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote
Guest guest Posted September 22, 2005 Report Posted September 22, 2005 >>11. Use cortisone ointment sparingly. Chronic use will cause systemic >> absorption. Thanks for all the advice, Nursey. I try to use it sparingly, but the rash is so widespread, I'm going through a lot of it. What are the systemic sides? On 9/22/05, silvianursey <Bhprice425@...> wrote: > > > Sorry . I tend to do that....start on one topic and end up with > something totally different...LOL > > A rash can be caused by either the Interferon or the Ribavirin. A > rash from interferon is usually small pinpoints, it comes and goes > and it's not really itchy......so you live with it. The one caused by > the Ribavirin is usually spread out more and is very itchy. This > rash is dose dependent so it will get better if you decrease or stop > the Riba and can get worse when Riba is continued. > > Things you can do for a rash: > 1. Bathe with tepid water, not hot. > 2. Avoid pulsating shower heads and rubbing with towel....Pat dry > instead. > 3. Use hypoallergenic soaps and shampoo. > 4. Avoid dyes and perfumes. > 5. Oatmeal brath or products like Aveno bar and lotion. > 6. Use hypoallergenic moisturizers right after your bath. > 7. Use sunblock when outside prolonged periods of time. DO NOT rub > sunblock vigorously. > 8. Avoid being in the sun, use long sleeves, hats, sunglasses. Avoid > tight clothes and dark colors. > 9. Avoid sweating. Drink plenty of fluids. > 10.Use hypoallergenic soap for clothes, rinse clothes twice. > 11. Use cortisone ointment sparingly. Chronic use will cause > systemic absorption. > 12. Review any new meds including herbals for possible allergies. > > If the rash continues or becomes severe: > > There are two histamine sites that you need to turn off to be able to > turn the allergic reaction off. One is in the stomach....and it is > turned off by taking prilosec, reglan, tagamet, etc. > > The second one is on the skin...and it is turned off by taking > Benadryl ON A REGULAR SCHEDULE (which can cause sleepiness)...other > options....Allegra, Zyrtec. > > So you would need to take both on a regular basis. > > If all fails remember.....a rash does not itch underwater. > Well look at that....I'm still talking about rashes....LOL > > Silvia > > > > > > > > > Sylvia?? you said I think once that you could help with coding > > > > epotin ot neupogen so the ins. co's would pay for it, right? Can > > > > you help with that? ric > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > It's a pleasure having you join in our conversations. We hope > you have > > > found the support you need with us. > > > > > > If you are using email for your posts, for easy access to our > group, just > > > click the link-- > Hepatitis C/ > > > > > > Happy Posting > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote
Guest guest Posted September 23, 2005 Report Posted September 23, 2005 Thank you all for the great information lately. Many of the symptoms discussed on this site is helpful since I was not sure of the ones related to my brain injury and those related to hcv. (I may have written this before and apologize if I am repeating.) The aches, pains, and mental confusion is extremely hard to discuss with anyone and no one really wants to hear it. My MD has not given me much information so I have to find out through others as in this group. I am very worried about starting the therapy next month, but find some relief in knowing what others are going through that have started on it. Thank you all again for the information. Kathy Quote
Guest guest Posted September 23, 2005 Report Posted September 23, 2005 Thank you all for the great information lately. Many of the symptoms discussed on this site is helpful since I was not sure of the ones related to my brain injury and those related to hcv. (I may have written this before and apologize if I am repeating.) The aches, pains, and mental confusion is extremely hard to discuss with anyone and no one really wants to hear it. My MD has not given me much information so I have to find out through others as in this group. I am very worried about starting the therapy next month, but find some relief in knowing what others are going through that have started on it. Thank you all again for the information. Kathy Quote
Guest guest Posted September 25, 2005 Report Posted September 25, 2005 Systemic means that it's absorbed into the bloodstream....so it would be like taking oral steroids but in smaller amounts.....and steroids are contra-indicated during treatment if at all possible. Here's info on side effects..... http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/skin_hair/eczema_corticosteroids_003762.htm What concerns me is that you are really not treating the underlying CAUSE of the rash....just the symptoms....so it will keep happening....and allergic reaction tend to get worse the more you are exposed to an allergen. Let me just give it to you straight. I have seen how bad rashes can be. I've had patients that had to stop treatment because of them....and I've had others that were willing to do anything to continue with the treatment so we did whatever we could to control the rash. If you're using cortisone oint all the time, that tells me IT'S NOT WORKING! You need to try something else. At least I would recommend taking Benadryl at bedtime. You need something that turns the release of histamines off. It will probably not be enough to cover you all day but it would certainly help....plus it would help you sleep. Make sure you okay with with your doctor. Herpatologists let you have benadryl so it shouldn't be a problem. You could also ask your doctor to give you something like the Allegra or Zyrtec during the day....they don't make you sleepy. Do something else before the allergic reaction gets worse. You need to consider how long you have to stay on treatment and do something that will allow you to finish. Have you seen a dermatologist? If you do....the first thing they'll want to do is stop the Ribavirin....you tell him no, that's not an option....I want you to give me something that will allow me to continue without itching to death.....okay so a little exaggeration there....LOL Silvia > > > > > Sylvia?? you said I think once that you could help with coding > > > > > epotin ot neupogen so the ins. co's would pay for it, right? Can > > > > > you help with that? ric > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > It's a pleasure having you join in our conversations. We hope > > you have > > > > found the support you need with us. > > > > > > > > If you are using email for your posts, for easy access to our > > group, just > > > > click the link-- > > Hepatitis C/ > > > > > > > > Happy Posting > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote
Guest guest Posted September 25, 2005 Report Posted September 25, 2005 I've seen a couple of derms...neither suggested stopping the ribavirin. Good advice...I'm going to investigate the Benadryl option. Thanks again, On 9/25/05, silvianursey <Bhprice425@...> wrote: > > > Systemic means that it's absorbed into the bloodstream....so it would > be like taking oral steroids but in smaller amounts.....and steroids > are contra-indicated during treatment if at all possible. Here's > info on side effects..... > > http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/skin_hair/eczema_corticosteroids_003762.htm > > What concerns me is that you are really not treating the underlying > CAUSE of the rash....just the symptoms....so it will keep > happening....and allergic reaction tend to get worse the more you are > exposed to an allergen. > > Let me just give it to you straight. I have seen how bad rashes can > be. I've had patients that had to stop treatment because of > them....and I've had others that were willing to do anything to > continue with the treatment so we did whatever we could to control > the rash. If you're using cortisone oint all the time, that tells me > IT'S NOT WORKING! You need to try something else. At least I would > recommend taking Benadryl at bedtime. You need something that turns > the release of histamines off. It will probably not be enough to > cover you all day but it would certainly help....plus it would help > you sleep. Make sure you okay with with your doctor. Herpatologists > let you have benadryl so it shouldn't be a problem. You could also > ask your doctor to give you something like the Allegra or Zyrtec > during the day....they don't make you sleepy. > > Do something else before the allergic reaction gets worse. You need > to consider how long you have to stay on treatment and do something > that will allow you to finish. > > Have you seen a dermatologist? If you do....the first thing they'll > want to do is stop the Ribavirin....you tell him no, that's not an > option....I want you to give me something that will allow me to > continue without itching to death.....okay so a little exaggeration > there....LOL > > Silvia > > > > > > > > > > Sylvia?? you said I think once that you could help with > coding > > > > > > epotin ot neupogen so the ins. co's would pay for it, > right? Can > > > > > > you help with that? ric > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > It's a pleasure having you join in our conversations. We hope > > > you have > > > > > found the support you need with us. > > > > > > > > > > If you are using email for your posts, for easy access to our > > > group, just > > > > > click the link-- > > > Hepatitis C/ > > > > > > > > > > Happy Posting > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote
Guest guest Posted September 25, 2005 Report Posted September 25, 2005 Okay....I'm going to say it because if I don't I would feel guilty. Dear : A recent brain injury that may be causing mental confusion turns on flashing red lights in MY mind. I would consider it a contraindication for starting treatment UNLESS you get cleared by a neurologist.....someone who specializes in this and can assure you that it is SAFE for you to take the treatment. I didn't say it before because I probably would have scared you and everybody would have beaten me up.....LOL But a doctor who doesn't give you much information and doesn't listen to your complaints of mental confusion has no bussiness treating you. If I remember correctly, he's putting you in a study. He knows you have some mental confusion so that means he's violating the guidelines for obtaining an informed consent. Clearly, he doesn't have your best interest at heart....dump him! You deserve much better. I hope I didn't upset you. Silvia > Thank you all for the great information lately. Many of the symptoms discussed on this site is helpful since I was not sure of the ones related to my brain injury and those related to hcv. (I may have written this before and apologize if I am repeating.) The aches, pains, and mental confusion is extremely hard to discuss with anyone and no one really wants to hear it. My MD has not given me much information so I have to find out through others as in this group. I am very worried about starting the therapy next month, but find some relief in knowing what others are going through that have started on it. Thank you all again for the information. Kathy > > > Quote
Guest guest Posted September 25, 2005 Report Posted September 25, 2005 Silvia Its very important that YOU say what you think,,its NOT confrontational and might help and THAT is what is important! Im glad you spoke up! jax silvianursey <Bhprice425@...> wrote: Okay....I'm going to say it because if I don't I would feel guilty. Dear : A recent brain injury that may be causing mental confusion turns on flashing red lights in MY mind. I would consider it a contraindication for starting treatment UNLESS you get cleared by a neurologist.....someone who specializes in this and can assure you that it is SAFE for you to take the treatment. I didn't say it before because I probably would have scared you and everybody would have beaten me up.....LOL But a doctor who doesn't give you much information and doesn't listen to your complaints of mental confusion has no bussiness treating you. If I remember correctly, he's putting you in a study. He knows you have some mental confusion so that means he's violating the guidelines for obtaining an informed consent. Clearly, he doesn't have your best interest at heart....dump him! You deserve much better. I hope I didn't upset you. Silvia > Thank you all for the great information lately. Many of the symptoms discussed on this site is helpful since I was not sure of the ones related to my brain injury and those related to hcv. (I may have written this before and apologize if I am repeating.) The aches, pains, and mental confusion is extremely hard to discuss with anyone and no one really wants to hear it. My MD has not given me much information so I have to find out through others as in this group. I am very worried about starting the therapy next month, but find some relief in knowing what others are going through that have started on it. Thank you all again for the information. Kathy > > > Quote
Guest guest Posted September 25, 2005 Report Posted September 25, 2005 Absolutely . Sylvia is right. You are in no condition to start treatment. Some one else recently said she was starting treatment with a history of depression and a suicide attempt. I don't remember who it was but I told her definitely don't do treatment. I know it's a personal choice, but sometimes it seems so obvious that they shouldn't treat. Also obvious that some doctors are still lining their own pockets by pushing drugs. Doctors are practicing' on you. Use with caution...r Quote
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