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

[uncledudeness]

hi junebug812,

i just took my first shot of Procrit 30 minutes ago. it burned a little. my HGB dropped from 10.9 to 9.7 in a week; along with the rest of my CBC's. i have the same problem as you with the coughing and flu-like symptoms. i sound like Don Corleone...it takes from 2-6 weeks for the Procrit to kick in. my chest pain and breathing has become a real problem. i hope the Procrit helps...

good luck on your journey

[Junebug812]

I am very much hoping my doc will prescribe Procrit. I can handle all the other side effects I have, I just can't seem to handle this breathing issue and now heart palpitations and pounding. I'm going to tell him tomorrow that it's getting unbearable.

Did you get the part of the doctor for the beer ad? ;)

[Junebug812]

I am very much hoping my doc will prescribe Procrit. I can handle all the other side effects I have, I just can't seem to handle this breathing issue and now heart palpitations and pounding. I'm going to tell him tomorrow that it's getting unbearable.

Did you get the part of the doctor for the beer ad? ;)

[paen53]

Are you seeing the Dr. again on the 15th? Hopefully then you can get the Procrit. Some say it takes a couple of days, weeks to really feel it, but I felt better almost immediately. One more shot a week and another blood draw til it stabilizes, but sooooo worth it. Try not to exert for the time being. In addition to the shortness of breath, added activity like walking up steps, made my heart feel like it was pounding out of my chest. After starting the Procrit, I could resume walking again and lite exercise for most of tx.

[James10500]

Don't force yourself to do anything.  Those numbers are low and you need Procrit.  I'm not a doctor but auditioned to play one in a beer ad.  Just a concerned hep friend.  Get some EPO girl !

[Junebug812]

This past week has been so hard. Breathing is hard even when I just stand up. Just got results from the latest blood work and my HGB has dropped to 9.7 now, hematocrit still at 29 so I guess that's good?

Good to know Procrit helps though I don't know if my doctor is going to give it to me yet. Thanks everyone for the helpful advice. I'm carrying water with me if I go out and I don't walk far from home when i go for walks. Forcing myself to walk actually as I'm guessing it's important to try to be active without pushing it.