1 week post treatment, UND, still heavy sx

[JasmineT]

Got my 24 week blood work back.  Still UND!  Good news makes it all worthwhile.

I have not seen a lot on recovery during the first few weeks post tx so thought I would share how it's going so far for me.  Recovery is probably relative to how you felt on tx.   I felt like I was hit by a Mack truck 24/7 for the last few weeks, brain shut down often, major fatigue, fighting volcanos of rage constantly, etc.  The last 6 to 8 weeks were a bad downward spiral.

1 week post tx, the Mack truck has been downgraded to a big bus. The volcano is really pissed but erupting less. The hair is of course still falling out and the brain is still shutting down too often.  The appetite still gone.  Still dehydrating.  Was unable to work the last few weeks, still cannot and have been told bed rest by the doc   Week 1 is not a miracle improvement but am grateful it is improving a little and hopeful the curve will increase.

Need to actually start ADs now, should have a while back I am sure, after the doc saw me crash in her office after being stuck in her waiting room for 2.5 hours, she was adamant it was not going to get better quick enough and I couldn't walk around like that. Guess her brain works.

Hoping for good health soon.  Looking forward to a mullet hairstyle (signs of new hair growth) or at least no more clogged drains and hair in my food  Hopefully that bus will downgrade to an suv next week or even a civic if I am lucky.  The fog has got to lift.

By the way, the doc mentioned that incivek is now showing results that may indicate shorter timeframes for some.  Brain to fogged to ask for details, sorry about that, but you may wish to ask your doc if you are still treating.

Slay the dragon and survive the battle!  Onward to SVR.

[Gerbils]

Hi,
Congratulations on completing the tx and the UND results. I finished same 8 wks ago. I had a lot of severe joint pain and aches for several weeks afterward. I was crabby too. My hair continued to fall until the 8 weeks point (right on, working dog?). The curve gets better. The brain fog lifted  a few weeks ago. My energy level is close to normal now. The emotional issues are also under control. I have started growing baby hairs like mad in the past week. I have long hair but have hope that it will blend somehow.

You are on the down hill side of recovery. Hang in there! The worst is behind you.

Will be interested to hear about the incivek showing results that may indicate shorter timeframes for some. I am also hoping they will retest after tx sooner than 6 mos. As we all know, the test is too expensive to pay for on your own.

I am so happy for you. Congratulations again,
Take care,
G

[JasmineT]

Thanks for all of the supportive information and thoughts.  It's good to hear how things have gone for others.

Billy, after ready your posts and watching your struggles with tx and your eyes, it lifts my heart so much every time I see your posts now.  

SVR to all!

[JasmineT]

Hi Crigger, I actually wasn't angry.  I knew I needed help and was not leaving.  There was a huge backup so something happened.  Two of the hours were spent in a chair with my head propped against the wall and my eyes closed.  I jus got exhausted.  By the time I saw the doc I was an emotional mess and the brain fog was so bad I couldn't communicate well.  What a mess!  I was not the person I expect to be but too out of it to be angry.  My hgb is up to 11.4!  You would think I could handle it so ADs it is.

But I am done!

[orphanedhawk]

ADs take 2 weeks to kick in. Although symptoms do remain for a while post tx, I too would be reluctant to begin them now.
If my doc was caught up with an emergency in the hospital, I'd forgive a 2+hour wait. I've never waited more than 15minutes or so, and he's a busy guy, who does work in the hospital, does research etc.

The first time I did tx, I began to feel a lot better after 3 months. I relapsed and it didn't last but the point is, it takes time.
Good luck.
OH

[kmatucson]

Congrats on the UND.. and I hope you feel better soon..

[working dog]

i had very bad symptoms on tx...i had pretty nasty symptoms for a couple weeks post tx...then still not great for a couple more weeks...headaches that wouldn't stop...then after 4 weeks things started to improve fast...by i think 5 or 6 weeks post the headaches went away...just like that...one day i woke up no more headaches...i was so freaked out that i would be one that couldn't beat the sides...anyway...at 10 weeks post i have some symptoms left but just nothing to complain about much...some brain fog...some rashes...i was on an ad during tx and glad of it...i snapped a couple times but not too bad..never was on any ads before.....i'm really glad i was on zoloft...now i've been easing off the ad..and things are getting way better...i can drive for hours..a little freaky about using compound saws..but i'm being careful...i'll bet things will get better for you soon...good luck....billy

[spyderman370]

Yes, the detox is a bit slow and the after effects do linger. I am now 6 weeks post treatment and still have a bad ithc and slow growing hair. But, it is worth it so far since we have a good chance of going SVR in June. Good luck.

[crigger]

I would be pissed too if I had to wait 2.5 hours. I would really question going on AD now because of that.  Unless you are having suicidal thoughts.That DOc needs to learn about customer service. Unless she had an emergency surgery there is no excuse for 2.5 HRS.   Oh congrat on finishing. You will feel better soon ,it does take time.  What do your labs look like? Has your Hbg came back up.

[1oftheclub222]

Glad you are seeing signs of improvement already...i have heard since we treat for a long time,  it just takes a while to recoup, I have also heard we should still be drinking alot of water even after stopping treatment...hope next week is even better for you!

And yay...UND!