Re: side effects

[Guest guest]

Hi Everybody I've been a part of the group for a month or so. I have just been soaking in all ur emails and notes. I have not been a part of any discussions. My boyfriend has HEP C and is genotype 1, he is on his 5th week of treatment today. I have to say everybody has been wonderful, this forum has been tremendous w/ info and support. I'm overwhelmed. Friends and family don't know what to say or do. U guys have been my support system. I have an idea what is normal and or not and the whole progression of things. Treatment is hard, it's so hard to see what he is going through. He is always tired, weak, sleeps a lot. Doing his best to work. I have some concerns about the side effects and a question about his viral load. One of the side effects is twitching....but it's getting worse, more so at night. His body

twitches, or his legs or arms, it was small twitches, but getting worse, it's scary. Is that normal, has anybody experienced it? His viral load, the VA hospital does not do a viral load check for 12 wks, I would think sooner, it's his 5th week for the shot today, I'm thinking of having him ask them if they can do a check today? What do u think? And his digestive system, it's so hard for him to eat something w/ out getting heartburn or pains. What can i do for him? And I wonder if this is normal, he gets these spells i guess u can call them. Waves of nauseousness...he gets dizzy, nauseous, and almost feels like he is going to vomit, but doesn't. I'm afraid he is going to get them when driving, but he knows to pull over. It's just scary. I'm not sure if I read this in one of the emails in the past and I understand everybody is different, is the

first 3 months the hardest or is it hard to say? If you guys can help, that would be wonderful. Thank you

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[Guest guest]

, you boyfriend's side effects are very similar to mine when I was on the peg and inf. I hadn't heard anyone say before how much the smell of cooking bothered them. I tell ya, I could hardly stand the smell of cooking or a lot of other things for that matter. I lost 20 lbs. The symtoms for me at least got worse as time went on so I wouldn't hope for things to improve. The thing is his red blood count may keep decreasing because that's a side effect of the riba. And this is one of the major things that makes one feel bad. Sorry to tell you that but I wouldn't get my hopes up that the worst is over. It's just something you have to get through. They don't check the viral load that often because it's an expensive test from the standpoint of the insurance company or whatever. Hang in there for 12 weeks and then wait a week or two more for the

results to come back. If it hasn't dropped significantly then he probably won't clear. I've done three treatments and I'm waiting for a new drug to try but all the new ones are done with peg + inf so Oh Joy I'll get to go back jack and do it again. Good luck. We just do what we have to do to make it. regards,

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[Guest guest]

Hi , My name is Kim. I'm new to the group. I've been on

treatment for 18 weeks. I'm still suffering the side effects. My

doc didn't recheck viral load until 12 wks and I didn't clear, it was

depressing. I wouldn't recommend rushing the protocol. This

treatment is a long term thing. I'm having a hard time learning to

accept slowing down. As everyone says, and I'm a worst offender,

have your BF drink all he can. Often instant breakfast is my only

meal.

>

> One of the side effects is twitching....but it's getting worse,

more so at night. His body twitches, or his legs or arms, it was

small twitches, but getting worse, it's scary. Is that normal, has

anybody experienced it?

>

>

I don't know about twitching but in the beginning my legs and arms

were so sore they were like paralyzed and I couldn't move them. I

still get overcome with fatigue after exercise.

>

>

And I wonder if this is normal, he gets these spells i guess u

can call them. Waves of nauseousness...he gets dizzy, nauseous, and

almost feels like he is going to vomit, but doesn't. I'm afraid he is

going to get them when driving, but he knows to pull over. It's just

scary.

>

I got meds from my doc to help with nausea.

> I'm not sure if I read this in one of the emails in the past and

I understand everybody is different, is the first 3 months the

hardest or is it hard to say?>

>

Well I joined the group when I hit my 4 month mark. It is still very

hard for me. Good luck and take it a day at a time.

Kim