Hep C Discussion Forum

Gracie · Guru

RE: Sunday Movie And PJ Club

globetrotter · Senior Member

Gracie

Thanks for that looking forward to seeing them both still seriously cold so won't be going far. I have decided against AD's as I realise Im not depressed just emotional and slightly ragey and in a slightly less than sunny place for 3-4 days post jab..tonights the night so it will cycle in again. I know myself well enough now to let myself feel crap knowing I get three ish better days ...I know its hard to imagine but you will feel significantly brighter after Telap. Im still anaemic so have to pace myself...Scruffy told me about a Tai Chi DVD so tried the little warm up yesterday and today feel like I have been hit by a bus but its the first time I have wanted to even look at it...so progress!!!! Rest is important if you can otherwise it will come back to bite you a few days later.

Gracie · Guru

Hi Sandy,

Yes, I have been taking GRAVOL which is an anti nausea medication. It works ok, but makes me very sleepy. I'm so mad at myself for taking that dumb AD medication, but I guess I thought it would help, and you never know how a med will affect you.

Im still not good today, but better than I was yesterday so that's a plus.Think I'll muddle through with random tears and rage. It's way better than this queasy feeling.

Thanks for the good wishes! I know we all feel like crap and I'm certainly not the only one suffering these symptoms with this treatment. I'll get through this... Keeping my eye on the prize.

Gracie · Guru

Good for you Sally... Maybe this will cheer you up some. This weather over here as been nasty so don't forget to bring some winter boots. I'm feeling better but still not good so think I'll take a sick day. The world can turn without me for one day. I'll go back to bed and snuggle with my doggies. Best of luck on your trip State Side!

globetrotter · Senior Member

Fingers crossed for Doc's today and glad you managed to eat something ...I am flying to the USA on Wed for a month to see my Hubby who has been staying with our son since beg of Jan to support him during the polar vortex as he hasn't experienced/ had to live in these conditions before so fingers crossed for no flight delays or random tears mid flight!!!!

ucbgal · Senior Member

gracie,

so pleased to learn you're feeling a bit better. when i was on tx naseau was a big issue for me. just ou of curiosity have you tried otc meds for them? prilosec became my best buddy for a while there.

here's some movies that really lifted my spirits; old classics, flipper the movie, gilligan's island, mr. bean's series, mr. bean goes on holiday, le iceberg and rhumba.

good luck at drs. tomorrow.

sandy,ucbgal

Gracie · Guru

Well apparently I'm going to maybe survive this. I just ate a little dinner and it appears to be staying down. Something about those pills did not agree with me. Weak and shakey from not eating for two days, but feel I'm on the upswing. I am not sure if I'll try another AD or not. Right now i say no, but maybe ill feel different when i come around a bit more. Will talk to my hepologist tomorrow and see what he thinks.

Thanks everybody for the support. Nobody would understand like you guys. This forum has been a real lifesaver for me. Nobody except my immediate family knows I'm undergoing treatment, so I have limited people who I can talk to. My husband does what he can, but he often looks like a deer caught in the headlights ...lol. Maybe that is a good analogy... And me a Mack Truck!

Scruffy · Guru

Woh thats a good thing. I thought you were fed up with treatment. If the AD's made me feel that bad I know what I would do. Then again I seem to have a way of not letting myself fall into that depression pit. If you need them then change drugs until you get one that works for you.

Gracie · Guru

No, I've been taking GRAVOL every 4 hours. Feel like a bag of rags ... I never would have taken this had I known it would be this bad, but it does affect people differently, and maybe something else will work better for me. But I won't take another one of those evil little tykes... It's a bad enough icky feeling weekend with the triple, don't need to add nausea to the list of side effects. I'll be fine, but now know this particular pill isn't for me. Oh well, there was a huge snowstorm here last night, so it's a good day to veg out between my room and my lazy boy. Will try a boost for lunch. Hopefully by tomorrow they will be out of my system!

globetrotter · Senior Member

Just out of interest..have you started your sleeping aid and is nausea a side effect of that to? Sending you a big hug to help through this tough time

x

Cinnamon Girl · Guru

Hi Gracie, I think in your case I`d definitely ask your doctor to prescribe something else, there are many more AD`s available, as others have said. We all react differently to medications and you may well find that another one suits you fine. When I was on tx I took Citalopram which is an SSRI, and it helped a lot with the mood swings and irritability, and I didn`t have any troublesome side effects from it. It also helped with the insomnia which was a bonus. I wouldn`t say it completely eliminated all the `riba rage` symptoms but it smoothed everything out and made it all a lot easier to deal with. We need to do whatever we can to get through this treatment! smile

Gracie · Guru

Thanks Tig... I will ask for something else for sure. Its making it hard to eat when I have to take my pills. And it woke me up in the middle of the night last night as well. Feels like I've had a two day hangover....lol. I just choked down some mixed nuts this morning to take the incevik and hope it stays down. What a shock to the system, and you would think with all the other meds, that this one would be a walk in the park. This is week 8 for me, big week and don't want to mess it up by throwing up pills. I need to be UND.....

Tig · Admin

Gracie,

I looked up your medication and the one you listed is the generic name of Effexor. My daughter works for a pharmacist and I checked with her about your troubles with nausea. She said that they hear that from a lot of people. I did some Google searches related to it and nausea and it does indicate complaints of wide spread nausea when people first start taking it. Many people change to something else, but many also stated that after a couple of weeks it went away and worked very well. If you're going to see your doctor this week, ask to change it if it's that severe. I don't think you need to go through that kind of misery when there are other meds available. It obviously causes this in many people, so you're not alone.

Tig

Gracie · Guru

Its Teva-venlafaxine. I've had to take 6 GRAVOL (anti nausea) today just to be able to drink water. I'm thinking I may need something different or just a smaller dose. Not eating is worse than mood swings and crying a lot.

Tomorrow I have The Notebook, The Hobbit and Dances with Wolves on the pvr, so should be a good crying day anyhow....

I just thought they would make it easier, but it's been the two toughest days so far. I'll ask the hepologist on Monday what he thinks I should do.

newmex · Senior Member

Gracie,

I know they suck but you really need them. I tried adjusting the time I took them, eating a few saltine crackers wuth them or when ever the made me nauseous. Once I found a good time, if I stayed with the schedule it helped and kept my blood levels stable. With all the drugs in your system, you wont feel 100% good but you wont feel as bad.

OldenSlow · Senior Member

I feel for you, Gracie. The AD's are too often touted as something of a cure all and are over-prescribed, in my opinion. For some, they can be a life saver. For others, such as myself and possibly you, they simply don't work and may serve only to make matters worse. I have been placed on AD treatment twice preparatory to beginning treatment for HCV. Once about 6 years ago (Peg/Riba, which I ultimately declined), and later when Incevik became available (declined that, too). But I gave various AD's a shot (Wellbutrin, Lexapro, Zoloft and a couple of others I can't remember) and in each case ended up informing the doc that I wouldn't be taking them any longer. They didn't make me physically ill, but all of them (even given their distinct differences) made me feel displaced from myself in a way I didn't care to tolerate.

Hard to explain. Just want you to know you're not alone. I don't know what they have you on but, for what it's worth, if I absolutely had to do one long term, it would be either Wellbutrin or Zoloft. Take care of yourself. Things will get better. wink

Wayne

Gracie · Guru

Oh Scruffy... I'm talking about the anti depressants. They have made me very nauseous. So bad I haven't ate anything today which presents a real problem as its almost incevik time. I'm not gonna quit the therapy, just the anti depressants as they are making me sick and more depressed! And the effects could last a couple of weeks, and of I can't eat the fat for the incevik then I'd end up with more problems! I hate them.... They suck worse then incevik which is bad.... Maybe if I feel better tomorrow I'll reconsider, but for right now, the anti depressants are history!!!!

Wow 36.... I'm doing needed 8 tonight.... One more bites the dust!

Scruffy · Guru

"I can't deal with feeling this way for a couple of weeks. No way!"

(Shouts)... Gracie shame on you!

What would you do if some one had you trapped and they had a knife. Inside you know they are going to rob you and leave you dead. You would fight for your life tooth and nail. This is no different.

I just did shot 36.

No more "I can't posts" take it day for day.

Gracie · Guru

HB 10

Platelets 50

ANC 57 (or .57)

The platelets if they get below 50 think then I get a transfusion. ANC if that hits .50 then I have to stay home as I'd catch anything. And yes I feel crappy. These ADs make me feel more crappy. Number 2 made me feel worse. I'm stopping and seeing if there is anything else. It ruined my one day a week I feel good which is Saturday. Home feeling sorry for myself and it's shot night too which will go well with this AD nausea. I will deal with the mood swings. Hopefully they will get better after the incevik ends. I can't deal with feeling this way for a couple of weeks. No way!

globetrotter · Senior Member

Never heard of them Im afraid but will google them.. by the time we finish we could be the 'Pin Pricks' ! I have the luxury of the jab tomorrow and my visit to the hospital ..wonder which day/days the tears will flow after!!!

I would take the AD as you do need to give them chance and get advice...my HB went down to 9.0 but has come up to 10.5 off the Incivek which doesn't give me enough energy to exercise but has allowed me to get out a lot more... Ribarvarin I was told kills off the Red blood cells before they have time to mature therefore reducing oxygen levels = haemolytic anaemia = feeling really c**p basically and the Interferon surprises bone marrow production. Im sure someone will correct me if Im misinformed on this. We are as you dose reduced first, can understand why you don't want to reduce again, then prescribed EPO if needed (don't use Procrit at my Trust) and transfusions but didn't need any..what is your Hb? Everything has side effects.

Peeing tell me about almost getting bored of seeing the inside of the bathroom but its keeps those bl***y kidneys working

Tig · Admin

Hi Gracie,

As GT mentioned, it takes a couple of weeks for you to start getting the best affect from the AD. I've taken them on and off for years, starting the first time after I got severely depressed on Interferon mono therapy. I believe something changed as a result of taking Interferon because I had problems with depression for years following. I NEVER had problems with it before, something seemed to click when I started Int. and it didn't take long to figure it out. I stopped taking AD's years later and when I decided to start triple therapy with Int/Riba/Vic, I told the doctor about my past experience with it. He agreed that Int. was a well known cause of depression and started me on Wellbutrin. I had taken Zoloft previously. Wellbutrin is a mild AD and doesn't cause the "separation anxiety" when you stop taking it. Nonetheless I'm still weaning myself off of it now just to be sure. I didn't have any issues during therapy at all. AD can be hard to deal with, especially with all the other things being thrown at us during treatment. I would discuss your stomach upset with your doctor and as GT mentioned take your meds with food and plenty of water. If you're sure it's the AD causing the nausea, it may just be that particular medication upsetting your stomach. There are too many others to mention and your doc will be able to help you determine something else. Hang in there, it won't be long and all of this will be far behind you and your new happy hep free life! Good luck!

Tig

Gracie · Guru

We can be called "The Tragically Hep"... Lol.. (there is a Canadian Band called The Tragically Hip - not sure if you hear them over there). I can't sing either but heck, lots of bands out there that can't sing. We'll just rap! "I did my 8th needle and it stung like a bee .... I drinking so much water all I have to do is pee ...". Hmmmm maybe I should work on that. Lol

I was debating whether to take one today or not (my AD) but think I will. I go see my hepologist Monday. Apparently the nurse thinks I should speak to him because I don't want to decrease my dose anymore. She says he will explain it all to me how it works. They don't give the Procrit here in New Brunswick and I'm going to ask him why. If it makes me feel stronger and better, why not?

I picked up Tylenol for aching muscles. That should work i hope. Enjoy the Hobbit and keep on picking... One more week down!

globetrotter · Senior Member

Gracie

AD's can take a couple of weeks to get used to and is a normal effect it should get easier I believe...are you taking them with food? I did get some joint pain and still have low level aching but nothing I can't handle. I don't know if anyone has any suggestions for you...I have been told to only take paracetamol not any NSAID'S.

I might watch the Hobbit on Netflix as everyone is raving about it.

As for the guitar I needed something to do and usually my hobbies are all adrenalin or sport fuelled, can't sew, cook, paint do girly things so this sprung to mind. I use an online course which seems ok. Perhaps will will be the next biggest selling Lady duet to take the world by storm...I can't sing which might be a small hindrance thats just a minor issue biggrin biggrin

You will definitely feel better off the Incivek you can't be far away?

keep your chin up lovely

Gracie · Guru

Sally... I have a guitar I can play a bit on. Maybe 5 or 6 chords. I should actually start playing more now that I have the down time.

Not feeling good today. Queasy. Maybe from the AD. If this is a side effect of that, I'll stop taking them. I'd rather be sad than sick. Also getting some joint pain, hips and knees. Did you have any of that happen? Hope it's only temporary as I don't like it one bit.

Going to watch the hobbit this Sunday.... Preparing today for my day of rest tomorrow by getting some housework done.

Happy "one more week down" day!

globetrotter · Senior Member

I know what a B***h she turned out to be. Haven't got the olympic tears as UK not really on the same level re medals wink .

Trying to teach myself guitar at the moment ..that is a slow process!!!

Sal

Gracie · Guru

Love Sons of Anarchy, but still cannot get over the end of last season. Man, can't they just once have a happy ending..lol. Not that kinda show I guess. Ill give Breaking Bad another go.

And I'm with you on the tears... Having a hard time watching Canada get their medals as it puts me in a crying fit. This stuff is so much fun!

globetrotter · Senior Member

Netflix is my life saver..breaking bad,slow to start then very addictive, The Good Wife, Lie to Me, Sons of Anarchy, comedy etc etc have filled many an hour!!

I can't watch anything too sad or soppy as it makes me blub whether I want to or not....

Sally

Gracie · Guru

I've thought the same thing Rebeca. Actually thought maybe Id try a quilt, but with my numbers so low, I'd probably prick my finger and bleed to death...lol. Maybe I should try a Disney Marathon starting with Sleeping Beauty to remind myself why I shouldn't quilt.

Does anybody have Netflix? I've heard you can get series on that and that would take up a day or two every week. I started watching Breaking Bad but couldn't really get into it.

Also thought about going through old picture boxes and sorting pictures. All of this is at the "thinking about" stage of course. Cause I'd actually have to have energy to physically do it... Groan.

rebeca · Veteran Member

What about hobbies?
Sometimes I think that when I am in treatment I will make a dollhouse.
I think maybe it's some " frustrated desire of my childhood" ha, ha ...
It can be fun!
I think doing things with my hands gets my attention, and I can get away from the physical discomfort.

hrsetrdr · Guru

What a cool discussion topic- I love it! I kind of get on a 'kick' for watching movies with certain actors; for a while it was re-visiting a lot of Clint Eastwood's post-spaghetti western movies such as Pale Rider, Outlaw Jose Wales plus some from the Dirty Harry series. Recently I've pretty much exhusted the supply of Jack Nicholson movies of the '90s and early 2000s. Morgan Freeman is another favorite, Can't tell you how many times I've watched The Shawshank Redemption. Tom Hanks- another favorite actor(Green Mile, Forrest Gump).

Because I've never been a fan of going to the movie theater, and because I always slept through VHS tape rentals(80s, 90s) I have like 30+ years of movie entertainment to catch up on!

mindovermatter · Veteran Member

Shawshank Redemption, Brokeback Mountain, The Rocky Series, Sweet November and Titanic - The movie that made me fall in love with Kate Winslet. I was in my teens back when the movie was released and all Indian boys my age dreamt and sighed about having a gf like Rose Dawson!

I kind of like the underdog story too. Like the Rocky series because of the way Stallone's character is depicted. He isn't your typical in your face alpha male boxer. He doesn't let his celebrityhood define him. And I like that. I always have a soft corner for people who refuse to let success or failure change their core personalities.

-- Edited by mindovermatter on Monday 10th of February 2014 04:02:33 PM

-- Edited by mindovermatter on Monday 10th of February 2014 04:03:15 PM

rebeca · Veteran Member

What relaxes me is to see Classic Movies. I like Hitch**** :
Marnie, Strangers on a train, Suspicion, Vertigo, The Birds, Topaz, The man who new too much, Rebecca...

And others like , Breakfast at Tiffany's, Gilda, Murder in the Orient Express, Casablanca.
Just hearing the music of these films I feel good.
I do not care to see them often.
I always enjoy

A big hug

Scruffy · Guru

I curl up in my room eat cheetoz and watch porn all day!!!

Just kidding....I don't eat cheetoz. I learned my lesson about cheetoz and porn.

Sry I just couldn't resist.

I walk in the park some times in my pj's (they don't look like pj's)

Gracie · Guru

Since there are so many of us in this weekend pj club, perhaps we should start a topic on how we cope, what are good movies to watch, or just to hang out. I just watched "Two Weeks Notice" with Sandra Bullock and Hugh Grant. A funny older romantic comedy. And I am doing laundry all day two. I got a four section laundry hamper that is on wheels so I can wheel it out to the laundry room and do laundry without having to carry too much which makes me winded. It's nice to feel like I'm doing something on rest besides laying around with the dogs. What are others watching? Olympics are a good distraction and our Canadian girls hockey team are doing fantastic!

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