Aa
Alrighty then!
Raging headache almost daily for weeks ... check
Westminster Abbey ringing in ears .... check
Eye vessel hemorrhage/eye pressure pain ..... check
Bleeding in nose ... check
I went to the ophthalmologist today. There were two things going on.
One is that I've developed a cataract. It first showed up when I had my pre-tx baseline done. It grew and is causing the blurry vision in my left eye. I'll follow with him for that in 6 months, because it has to come out. He said that this sort of growth is typically associated with diabetes. I showed him my labs and glucose serum level was normal. Nothing INF related that he is aware of.
The other issue made him laugh a little. My blood pressure was through the roof (for me). Typically I'm around 120/70. Today it was 131/100. He said to get to my GP ASAP. I left the eye doctor and called them. They said the GP could see me if I got there in 25 minutes. Yeah -- I was 45 minutes away. I'll see him in the morning.
I'm a little surprised that no one has checked my BP in MONTHS.
If this is caused by the INF/tx, does it usually go back down after the drugs leave your system? I figured I'd ask today before I see GP tomorrow. I don't want to take drugs for hypertension if it's going to be normal soon. I also don't want to stroke out ....
Westminster Abbey ringing in ears .... check
Eye vessel hemorrhage/eye pressure pain ..... check
Bleeding in nose ... check
I went to the ophthalmologist today. There were two things going on.
One is that I've developed a cataract. It first showed up when I had my pre-tx baseline done. It grew and is causing the blurry vision in my left eye. I'll follow with him for that in 6 months, because it has to come out. He said that this sort of growth is typically associated with diabetes. I showed him my labs and glucose serum level was normal. Nothing INF related that he is aware of.
The other issue made him laugh a little. My blood pressure was through the roof (for me). Typically I'm around 120/70. Today it was 131/100. He said to get to my GP ASAP. I left the eye doctor and called them. They said the GP could see me if I got there in 25 minutes. Yeah -- I was 45 minutes away. I'll see him in the morning.
I'm a little surprised that no one has checked my BP in MONTHS.
If this is caused by the INF/tx, does it usually go back down after the drugs leave your system? I figured I'd ask today before I see GP tomorrow. I don't want to take drugs for hypertension if it's going to be normal soon. I also don't want to stroke out ....
Why do they create such frustration for someone who is experiencing high BP? I have low BP and I can feel it rising on your behalf!! Sheesh. You are a lucky person to have such a good sense of humor. Probably the best blood pressure med there is.
SQ reports that all is well in field! Almost ..
BP was even higher today when I went to my primary care doc. He gave me a script for a calcium channel blocker. Walgreens couldn't read it so they won't fill it until he calls them back. I tried to pick it up a few times and then gave up for the day. Oh dear, God. I'm starting to feel like they should stamp MURPHY on my forehead, but I kept my humor :)
You guys are all just awesome. Every single one of you!
BP was even higher today when I went to my primary care doc. He gave me a script for a calcium channel blocker. Walgreens couldn't read it so they won't fill it until he calls them back. I tried to pick it up a few times and then gave up for the day. Oh dear, God. I'm starting to feel like they should stamp MURPHY on my forehead, but I kept my humor :)
You guys are all just awesome. Every single one of you!
I had a head on collision, they used steroids to save my life, I also had addisons from all the trauma, I hit my head and only a small gash near my eye, but form all that I had to have eyes checked, all sorts.
When I went into have eyes checked that was the first question he asked me, Steroids?
Lapis it does say that. Mine also,
Take care all.
When I went into have eyes checked that was the first question he asked me, Steroids?
Lapis it does say that. Mine also,
Take care all.
My goodness, I am sorry you are having so many problems! At least it all makes sense, now you can put it all together. I am also shocked and actually outraged that they haven't been checking your BP!! That would seem to be such a no-brainer on tx such as this. Vital signs are almost as critical to determining how we're tolerating tx as labwork, in my opinion. It's one more thing you have to advocate for, for yourself, which should have been included in your standard medical care. The system floors me!
Your story, and the responses you've gotten, make me want to see my eye doctor soon. I noticed recently that my study consent form says I would get a dilated eye exam from an opthalmologist prior to tx, and I did not get that (and didn't even notice, in the flurry of it all). I did have a private exam last winter, so maybe it's time to do it again, esp now that I'm on tx.
Will be thinking of you, SQ, and looking for your updates.
Your story, and the responses you've gotten, make me want to see my eye doctor soon. I noticed recently that my study consent form says I would get a dilated eye exam from an opthalmologist prior to tx, and I did not get that (and didn't even notice, in the flurry of it all). I did have a private exam last winter, so maybe it's time to do it again, esp now that I'm on tx.
Will be thinking of you, SQ, and looking for your updates.
It's funny you should mention about tx having effects such as steroids. My opthamologist asked me if I was on oral steroids. The answer was no, only the tx.
Field agent Deb reporting in! I wondered that also, if tx has effects such as steroids. It is hard to find info on a lot of this stuff. I have found a good source of info pharmicist from my drug company.
Do you have a nurse from the drug company? I will ask mine also.
Hang in there! We will solve and find the answers!
Field agent Deb now going to nap! lol!
xox
Do you have a nurse from the drug company? I will ask mine also.
Hang in there! We will solve and find the answers!
Field agent Deb now going to nap! lol!
xox
Poor Sunqueen! You have been thru so much....and yet-still that sense of humor...you go girl!!
My BP was elevated from the time of dx until about week 20. It was around 160/ around 96ish for a bit. It has since come down on its own.
I know there's no great tid bit of advice there, just wanted to let ya know you're not alone.
I don't want you to stroke out either...so please get that taken care of---and of course, keep us posted. I'll be watching for the next report from the field.
Izzy
My BP was elevated from the time of dx until about week 20. It was around 160/ around 96ish for a bit. It has since come down on its own.
I know there's no great tid bit of advice there, just wanted to let ya know you're not alone.
I don't want you to stroke out either...so please get that taken care of---and of course, keep us posted. I'll be watching for the next report from the field.
Izzy
SQ here. Yes chief, I was out in the field LOL! I even got a few things on my list marked off! I had no idea that the ones I listed today could be tied to BP since it's never been an issue and no ever seems to check it.
In the last few years, I was referred to several different doctors to deal with pain in my joints (and one of them even thought to test for HCV!). I would get a shot of cortisone in my shoulder(s) or hip(s) and yet another MRI ordered. Even after the hep dx, some doctors still did the cortisone shots up until right before tx. My eye doctor suggested they could have impacted the cataract. So, yes - you have a very good point.
sunshine - I am relieved to know that your vision is clearer after tx. It gives me hope that some of these things will resolve slowly over time. I'm only a week off tx and not sure which issues could be tied to INF/Riba at this point, and will go away eventually if I'm patient. Now I'm curious if the tx might have exacerbated the cataract! I'll have to go google a bit.
In the last few years, I was referred to several different doctors to deal with pain in my joints (and one of them even thought to test for HCV!). I would get a shot of cortisone in my shoulder(s) or hip(s) and yet another MRI ordered. Even after the hep dx, some doctors still did the cortisone shots up until right before tx. My eye doctor suggested they could have impacted the cataract. So, yes - you have a very good point.
sunshine - I am relieved to know that your vision is clearer after tx. It gives me hope that some of these things will resolve slowly over time. I'm only a week off tx and not sure which issues could be tied to INF/Riba at this point, and will go away eventually if I'm patient. Now I'm curious if the tx might have exacerbated the cataract! I'll have to go google a bit.
You have been in the field! HQ!
After I had accident I had a cataract, it was caused by steroids, it stop growing as soon I with drew from them. Glad you went! I was just thinking of you and sending a note then saw this.! One day it will have to come off.
The Doc should always check your BP, mine are low, they check me all the time, ask the vamp to check it for you, if its an office,
After I had accident I had a cataract, it was caused by steroids, it stop growing as soon I with drew from them. Glad you went! I was just thinking of you and sending a note then saw this.! One day it will have to come off.
The Doc should always check your BP, mine are low, they check me all the time, ask the vamp to check it for you, if its an office,
Hi Sun,
I've had vision probs as well on tx. The vision in both my eyes has deteriorated especially in my left eye. I've seen an optometrist and opthamologist, and have had 2 eye Rx changes since I've been on tx. I've also developed a bit of a cataract in my L eye, and my corneas were thrashed. I've been put on eyedrops 2 types. My Dr. thinks this is due to tx, also I have read about a relationship between cataracts and HCV tx.
Having said all that, I am post tx 2 months, and just this past week my vision seems clearer. Obviously the cataract won't go away (not that bad), But I do see better. I hope this reassures you somewhat. I had the nose bleeds and funny little bruises, towards the beginning of tx, turns out my plates were low. I had to take a dose reduction, but that prob resolved itself.
I'm surprised they haven't been checking your bp either. Mine was checked, regularly, along with my other vitals.
I've had vision probs as well on tx. The vision in both my eyes has deteriorated especially in my left eye. I've seen an optometrist and opthamologist, and have had 2 eye Rx changes since I've been on tx. I've also developed a bit of a cataract in my L eye, and my corneas were thrashed. I've been put on eyedrops 2 types. My Dr. thinks this is due to tx, also I have read about a relationship between cataracts and HCV tx.
Having said all that, I am post tx 2 months, and just this past week my vision seems clearer. Obviously the cataract won't go away (not that bad), But I do see better. I hope this reassures you somewhat. I had the nose bleeds and funny little bruises, towards the beginning of tx, turns out my plates were low. I had to take a dose reduction, but that prob resolved itself.
I'm surprised they haven't been checking your bp either. Mine was checked, regularly, along with my other vitals.
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