preparation

[montanabln1]

Interested in collecting information on when most on theraphy began  to experience  mild to severe side effects and whether they reduced in their effect in the long term administration?
Thanks.

[newleaf09]

I kept a journal and wished someone had clued me in to a few things before hand.  I'm 21 wks into treatment.  I began getting very tired after 3 weeks from hemoglobin drop; had expected it to take much longer but I was wrong.  Started getting bloodwork of concern (low platelets & neutrophils) at about 5 weeks, then had them start to crash at about 8 weeks.  They've never really stabilized but I use Procrit and neulasta when they are dangerously low.  By 8-10 weeks I started mood disturbance from the interferon, in my case anger & irritability.  I think my worst adverse affects were encountered while trying to find an anti-depressant that I could take.  Several acted on me like speed.  If you try one like that you'll know right away by the insomnia; stop it and try a different one.  The anti-depressant induced mania was much less bearable than all the fatigue.

Anyway, the side effects don't take terribly long to start kicking in.  Everyone does NOT have all of the possible side effects.  I never had the reaction to the interferon shots.  You might be lucky.  

[GSDLADY]

What is anti-d?

[Isobella]

I had a rough time week 7...but increasing my anti-d fixed that.

Weeks 17, 21 and 22 were a little rougher than most.....the rest has just been coasting along waiting to be done.  I am presently 37/48...and in general itching, scratching, napping and gettin' it done.

Good luck to you.

[santana13666]

I began experiencing side effects within about 5 hours after my first shot - really bad flu-like symptoms - felt like ****.  I'm on week 30/48 in treatment and some weeks the flu-like symptoms aren't so bad and some weeks it feels like the first shot all over again.  It's the same with all of my side effects - some days are worse than others - water really does seem to help - but some days I get to the point where another glass of water makes me want to scream.