Lab results - still confusing

[Junebug812]

Hi all,
I started tx for genotype 3 on 12/3/10. I'm really struggling and having lots of side effects but am determined to keep going, especially since I only need to do tx for 6 months. My VL was 0 at 4 weeks which was very encouraging. The other lab numbers are confusing to me though. My doctor is talking about putting me on another injectable because of my hemoglobin.

As of 1/27, this is where I'm at and this is where I started:

ALT  start: 27, now: 24
Hematocrit start: 39.7, now 29.6
Hemoglobin start: 13.5, now 9.9
WBC start 5.7, now 1.9
Platelet start 238, now 130
RDW/RBC start 12.9, now 15.1
Red blood cell count start 4.13, now 3.11
Absolute neutrophils start 2.7, now 0.8

These seem like the important labs(?). My doctor called me last night expressing concern about my hemoglobin levels. He asked me what side effects I'm having and I told him I'm having problems with my breathing. I can't walk two blocks without assistance or needing to sit immediately. My bronchial tubes feel all messed up and I cough so much that I now have chest pain. Before tx, I was very healthy, fit, vibrant. I am now a shell of myself. I have also lost 10 lbs since starting tx. I'm 5'9 and went from 145 to 134 in 5 weeks. My skinny jeans fit now, but hey, not even sure that's worth all of this!

My doc is going to do blood work again on Feb. 15th, mainly to see where my hemoglobin goes. What is this injectable he is talking about? Anyone know? Should I be worried about a 9.9 hgb? Anything I can do on my own to get it to move upwards?

Thanks for any advice.

June

[Junebug812]

Thanks for the tips. Maybe I'll do a better job with it next week. Was kind of clumsy this go around. Burn or no burn, I'm just glad I was able to get the stuff. I hope it works!

June

[spectda]

How's everything going with you?  Hoping to follow in your boce induced svr before long.
Be Well,
Dave

[can-do-man]

Yes room temperature and inject it slowly makes a huge difference!!

[spectda]

I don't know if room temperature was accurate, but let the procrit warm up a bit by leaving it out or holding it in your hand for a while to warm it up. It really makes a difference in taking the burn away.
- dave

[spectda]

leave the procrit out of the refrigerator for about 20 minutes so it can get to room temp and inject it slowly. That should take away any sting you are feeling.
- Dave

[Junebug812]

Hi uncledudeness aka Don Corleone,

Just took my first shot of Procrit as well. It does burn, doesn't it. Was also a little confusing working out the injection since the Procrit comes in a vial rather than pre-filled syringes. I hope you have success and feel better soon, and I hope I do as well.

June, aka Kathleen Turner