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Hepatitis c and working

Hi

I am on the Pegasus treatment and am finding it difficult working did everyone on here continue to work because I can't be bothered
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Avatar universal
It does vary from person to person ---- extremely in a lot of cases

I took my dose Sun night and slept till Wednesday ---- I was totally unable to work through both treatments and haven't been able to since because of continued side effects

Best of luck and hope that you are one of the lucky ones that gets SVR without many problems
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I worked my way through 3tx cleaning houses. I never had to not go in..but then again I only had to work about half of the day.
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Avatar universal
Yes, I worked the whole time on the traditional interferon injections and ribavirin pills for 48 weeks.  I had a desk job as a budget analyst.  In the first 4 weeks, I didn't notice much but as the weeks went by I started getting more sides starting with nausea, diarrhea, and fatigue.

Then by the end of 8 weeks, I was having all the symptoms of the flu with a hacking cough, and brain fog.  The brain fog would slip into occasional hallucinations so that I had to stop driving to work.  I actually thought I was on a roller coaster while driving.  After that episode,  I had my husband or daughter drive me.

By the end of 30 weeks, I was able to work 3 days a week from home.  More sides accumulated such as excessive dry skin and hair.  My skin on my back started to become leathery and I felt like I was becoming a lizard! Yikes!

After all that 48 weeks, I got to undetectable but only for 3 months because it came back much to my disappointment.  That was 3 yrs ago.  Being a relapser, I am now on the off label Sovaldi and Olysio combo with virtually no sides!  

Hang in there, there is hope and much better paths to defeating this. Good luck!

sljl
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747988 tn?1396536878
absolutely not! don't beat yourself up,these are strong drugs.good luck with the treatment
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1669790 tn?1333662595
I did Inf/Riba for 48 weeks and continued to work through tx.  There were a few missed days for doc appts, etc., but didn't have any major issues to keep me from working.  Actually, it kept my mind active and was therapeutic.  I do have a desk job and was able to coast on the rough days, but did have decisions, meetings, presentations to make.  I wondered how I'd do, but always seem to get through it ok.  I came home exhausted many days, but it really helped the days pass quickly.  Everyone's response to the meds and situation is different, so do what you need to get yourself through tx.  
Helpful - 0
7469840 tn?1409845836
Hi, I am on the triple tx of Sovaldi, Pegasus, and Ribavirin, and have been working the entire time. Day 38 of 84. Timing is everything. I get my shot on Friday nights, am finding drinking tons of water, keeping calorie intake up really helps. Am eating lots of small meals during the day. Am ususlly fine by Monday. I can work from home... telecommute, so it helps in managing stress, and can rest when I need to. Otherwise, I hardly do anything else. Go to doctor appointments, grocery shopping once a week with hubby, try to conserve my energy.
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1815939 tn?1377991799
Side effects vary from person to person. Some people have fewer side effects than others. In addition, the severity of the side effects differs.

Some people do work during treatment. Many do not. Part of it depends on the type of job one has. Desk jobs are physically easier to do than a job which requires a great deal of physical activity. Brain fog is common so jobs that require thinking, decision making, precision, or accuracy can be difficult to do on treatment and sometimes could, in fact, be dangerous. (electricians, jobs that require climbing and balance, working around dangerous equipment, surgery, quick and/or accurate decision making, etc.) Memory and cognition can be a problem so jobs that require speaking or giving presentations may present a problem.

Personally, I could never have worked while on treatment. I had way too much brain fog as well as physically debilitating symptoms that prevented me from doing much of anything except getting to my weekly doctor visits and managing my complicated medication schedule.

If you have nausea, the doctor can order something like Zofran (Ondansetron) for it. I took 8 mg every 8 hours and that kept the nausea under control.

Also, if you are getting panicky, that can be a side effect of the drugs. You can talk with your doctor about getting something for the panicky feeling. Or see a Psychiatrist if necessary and get on a medication for it.

As far as water consumption is concerned, my doctor instructed me to drink a gallon of water a day. That worked out well although I had to measure it and keep track to be sure I got the full gallon. Water keeps one hydrated and it also helps flush the drugs from the kidneys.

It is important to stay on top of the side effects. Nothing can be done about many of them, but the side effects that can be treated, should be treated. (nausea, rash, depression, anxiety or panic, low blood counts, etc.)

Best of luck on the rest of treatment.
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Avatar universal
Taking the rest of the week off see if it settles down.  X
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Avatar universal
I have been getting blocked sinuses causing headaches and nausea.  Also feeling panicky and a mushy brain where you cannot concentrate on anything.

You go into work and sit there like a zombie I felt so bad on Friday I left at lunch time and didn't go back.

Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Yes I have also developed a style on my eye it is very painful.  I have sent my boss message telling her I'm gonna be off until things settle down now.  As I don't think its fair me going in and then having to leave due to being ill.

I think they will understand.

Every day is different isn't it x
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Avatar universal
i did not and am sure that everyone is different. i lost so much weight down to 90lbs and i was not tired but WEAKNESS took over my life. i did not care about much, and i did not know anyone to help me. i learned a lot about my self during this time. i met another lady in my drs office she had hardly any side effects, this only made me more depressed but i learned QUICKLY just how different this drug affects people. i felt great then i just wanted to die. this is normal i am told. hang in there and the light is shinning on you and soon you will be out the other side. good luck to you
Helpful - 0
163305 tn?1333668571
Honestly, I don't know how anyone can work on interferon though apparently some have, and do.
You are not alone.
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Avatar universal
I am sorry your having difficulty with tx.  Haven't treated yet so have no tx experience.  

One universal suggestion for any treatment is to stay hydrated be drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water a day 48 to 64 oz unless a doctor gives specific limitations.

Maybe providing more details about your treatment and specific side effects can help others offer suggestions and/or you can browse or search the forum.

Hopefully before starting treatment your provider asked you questions about your work like days, times work environment, specific tasks like sitting at desk. standing, walking, lifting or other.  Some will take their shot in the evening of their last work day of the week so they can have the next 2 days off if possible. It can be different but many feel the worst side effects after their shot for a day or two but others longer.

Is there any flexibility in your job such as days, hours, type of work, part time option or hour rest break?  Depending on your type of work and the laws where you live your condition/treatment may require employers to make accommodations.   What are the specific symptoms and times that give you the most trouble?  Have you discussed side effects with your doctor recently and been offered any suggestions or meds to help with them?

It is possible you may not be able to work. If this causes major financial difficulties hopefully some form of assistance is available. If really needed maybe a close trusted friend(of course not you) could organize a charitable benefit event for you.  

Please keep us updated about your treatment and wish early non detectable test results and successful completion with SVR

Helpful - 0
4113881 tn?1415850276
Some people have no issues and can work while others have a very hard time. I was one who had a hard time and could not work.
Helpful - 0
3093770 tn?1389739126
yea I worked all the way through. I did not have the luxury of stopping so although I could not be bothered, emotional and extremely tired and exhausted I still went to work.

But then depends, I work in an office. If hard physical work would have been needed I do not think I would have been able to do it
Helpful - 0
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