Completed TX , What is " Normal" For side effects AFTER Treatment?

[TheSoxRock]

Hello all, just came here a week ago, thanks for being here.
I just completed TX, was a rapid responder, and stayed clear for 24 weeks, very fortunate.
Last shot/Pills 5 days ago.
NOW far more tired and exhausted then at any time in months, itching badly, feels like the virus is back!
So Im wondering, AFTER TX ends, is there any pecial forum or place on the web to go to to talk, listen, and learn from the experiences of others, WHAT if anything is NORMAL to expect upon immediate cessation of a " Sucessful" course of treatment?
OH yes, 24 weeks TX, Hep c Type 3, 5 Million Load virus to start, alt and ast very high, now all " normal" and have been for 20 of the 24 weeks.
Thank you!

[SJL]

Can you comment more regarding the infrared sauna baths? I have never heard of this, and I have been looking into infrared laser treatment. I have done all 3 interferons, never clearing, and now on Rituxin for Cryoglobulemia.
SJL

[GrandmaA]

Everyone is different. I am 65 years old. I treated for 51 weeks ending in mid Sept. Half of my brain fog went away the first week after tx. It took another 2 1/2 months and supplements for the rest of it to go. I had 10 infared sauna baths right after tx. They helped get the toxins out. Sleep was my biggest problem. I became addicted to Ativan on tx. I just got off them a week ago. I relapsed 3 mos. after tx. Genotype 1a. I started walking twice a week the 34th week of tx. I'm still walking 2 miles twice a week. Exercise really helps. I never had any joint pain. I lost 17 lbs. on tx. Gained 10 of it back. I hope you feel better.

[pigeonca]

I treated for only 13 weeks and was pulled off meds because of severe sides.  Nonetheless, I achieved SVR.  BUT the post tx side effects took a long time to subside, probably six months before I began to feel like myself.  Now, nearly a year after stopping, I still don't have the high level of energy that once was normal for me.  But every week seems to show improvement; it's a gradual thing, almost imperceptible except by comparison to the week before.  Best wishes for your recovery.

[sfbaygirl]

I don't hate the Sox, and was glad when they won the penant!  I just like the Giants.  Hey welcome and keep reading and posting...My muscles and joints hurt for a long time. Hope you feel better as time goes by, I do.

Linda

[bobbyullc]

sorry but now 2 years post tx i still have mild depression, fatigue and skin problems? do not know how long that will last?

bobby

[TheSoxRock]

Thank you so much for all your help.

I am 21 years Drug and Alcohol free, and have always looked for anyway " give back" but that there are people who who have,and do,deal with this, and take the time to " give back" is very heartening, very helpful, and I am very grateful
:)

I took  all avice and searched some of the past threads, didn' know you could do that! ( I was born before the internet, so it can be a challenge at times to navigate it, anyone have a good pinball machine, I OWN those!)

I found many threads that spoke to the experiences of people that finished treatment, and had side effects.
I found them sobering, but not daunting. My decision to undergo treatment was made, which means I am ok dealing with whatever comes.

As far as those of you who hate the Sox, thats cool! Thanks for helping me anyways, even Yankees fans!

Now, my legs are screaming at me! The pain, my God I have never had muscle pain like this, im 7 days after treatment ended.

For anyone thinking about "OHNOES I wont have the treatment as the side effects during and after the treatment seem daunting," Im well aware that I should and could be dead, and im NOT dead now, so for me, onward,higher, faster and swifter, and again as a newbie here, thanks so much for your help, and I look forward to being able TO help, in whatever way I can.
Go Sox!
:)

[merryBe]

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/show/370191

several tapering discussion in here....try to find them....it may help you.

[merryBe]

mounting evidence than slow withdrawal frm INF is safer and cause less relaspe...
of course you wuld have to get your doc to agree and wtite the extra shot...and maybe pay yourself......

here's a discussion about tapering where HR weighed in:

Title:Hepatitis Researcher or Anyone one else with a good idea
Forum: The Hepatitis Forum

Topic: Hepatitis C


From To Post
St. George

01/03/08
  

[sfbaygirl]

What kcrandy said sounds about right. I had some bad sx after tx, but that isn't the norm. As far as where to post to talk about what is going on with you...This is the place!! You won't find a better spot to talk, chat, laugh and commiserate with others. We are the hottest board on the web!  Welcome and NO I don't like the sox, I want the SF Giants to win the penant this year.  

Linda

[kcrandy]

my sides after two months have really started to subside tremendously.  for some it could take longer.  what i found out from the pharmacy and doc is that the blood in our system takes apprx 3 months to recylce and create new blood therefore taking apprx 3 months for sides to reduce.  for me it seems that each day i am getting stronger, but somr other days i start to feel lousy but the lousy is being outnumbered by the good days the further i get from my last dose.

hang in there i pray it will get better for you the longer you are off of tx.

[sldb]

post tx experience:  exacerbation of joint pain, headaches, b/c very nervous and impatient, felt like i was withdrawing for 2 to 3 months.  Symptoms suddenly disappeared, now i feel great.  

[goldenrule]

i completed 36 weeks of tx. and for me, the sx after tx were very harsh for the first 3 months. I opted not to take anti depressants while treating, however, i needed them badly about 2 weeks after stopping..
On the brighter side, all my blood work was normal the first 4 weeks post tx..