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Hep C Discussion Forum -> On Treatment -> Menstruation
Post Info TOPIC: Menstruation
Cinnamon Girl


Guru

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Menstruation
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Hi OMJ, the subject of menstrual problems while on treatment has been brought up in the past and it`s a perfectly acceptable topic..anything relating to our experiences of Hep C and treatment is open for discussion here! 

The treatment combo is of Olysio and Sovaldi is very new of course, so we`ve had limited feedback on side effects, but certainly with the old standard of care tx of peg/riba I`ve heard of women noticing variations with their normal cycle.  Many medications can have an affect on our bodily functions so it does seem possible that what your are experiencing is caused by the tx drugs, although I can`t say that for certain.

I can understand your feeling anxious about infecting others through contact with your menstrual blood, but please don`t let it rule your life.  As Isiscat said, it`s extremely unlikely, if not impossible, that mixing your washing with the rest of your family`s clothes during your menstrual cycle could pose any risk to them, and her suggestion of taking plastic bags with you to work or when you`re out is a very sensible and practical solution to the garbage issue.

It`s always wise to take sensible hygiene precautions where Hep C infected blood is concerned but remember that it has to be blood to blood contact for transmission to another person, so try not to get too stressed about this. 

PS - Just a suggestion - I noticed you`ve very helpfully written your tx and personal Hep C info in your profile biography, and it would also be very useful for us if you could write just a few details in your `Signature` line, for example the treatment combo you`re on and the date you started, your genotype etc, and then it will show up underneath all your posts.  Just go to your user details and select `Signature` in your profile info box.  Thanks!  smile

 

 



__________________

Jill 

(71 yo, lives in UK)

Was Gen 3a, 

24wks Peg Ifn/Riba, Sep 2010 - Mch 2011

UND @ Wk.4, UND @ EOT, 

SVR Nov 2011 --> Still UND @ EOT + 4 yrs.

 

 
Omnamahshivaya


Senior Member

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Posts: 107
Date:
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Thank you so much! I'll definitely look into ThermaCare!



__________________

OMJ - started treatment April 25, 2014

Prior to treatment VL 14 million. Liver Levels Abnormal but under 70.

Sovaldi/Olysio

VL: SOT = 14 million.    SOT +2 weeks = 28

AST/ALT: Normal

Week # 7 = UND
Isiscat2011


Guru

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Posts: 1724
Date:
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Hi Omna:  Have you ever used ThermaCare heat wraps?  They are like portable heating pads that are designed to stick on whatever part of your body that hurts and they stay warm for hours.  There is one specifically for menstrual pain that you apply to your lower abdomen area.  They also make ThermaCare heat wraps for shoulder, back, and knee pain. 

I have become borderline paranoid about anyone getting near my blood as well so I can relate.  The thought of infecting someone else is horrifying.  I have had medical professionals try to take blood draws on me without wearing gloves!  I don't recall seeing this subject discussed here so I'm glad you brought it up.  

Perhaps you could carry some plastic baggies during that time of the month.  Wrap the used product in tissue then place it in a plastic baggie.  That should be safe and will save you a trip to the outside trash bin.   The odds are extremely remote that you could casually give it to another person, and it seems nearly impossible it could be transmitted in your wash cycle because it does require blood to blood contact, but I understand your concerns.  



__________________

Diagnosed in 2011, Incivek triple in 2011, tx discontinued, Genotype 1a, CT, VL 7mill, cirrhosis dx in 2012, age 67, waiting for new DAAs.
Omnamahshivaya


Senior Member

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Posts: 107
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Thank you Tig. Yeah, I'll keep checking and asking questions. I have insurance, but my hep doc needs to write the script so I can go to my clinic via my work that charges me only a $25 co-pay but my hep doc is hard to reach. I don't know. I'll try to figure it out tomorrow. Thanks for the prompt reply. :)

 



__________________

OMJ - started treatment April 25, 2014

Prior to treatment VL 14 million. Liver Levels Abnormal but under 70.

Sovaldi/Olysio

VL: SOT = 14 million.    SOT +2 weeks = 28

AST/ALT: Normal

Week # 7 = UND
Tig


Admin

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Posts: 9284
Date:
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Hi J,

I'm not able to help or provide any information regarding menstruation, perhaps one of the female members could elaborate on that better. It's not something I recall being discussed recently, but we'll find some information if you don't get a reply. As for the cost of a viral load test, it depends on a few things. There are differing tests, some with different sensitivities, etc. But the tests most of us are having done right now, the quantified RNA test, which provides an actual number of virus per millileter (IU/ml) can be expensive. My lab charge $1000 - $1500.00 per test. It depends on your insurance company. Some get substantial discounts for recommending a specific lab for their blood tests. It's also important to ask the lab before testing is started if they will give you a cash discount. Most will if you're having to pay for it out of pocket.  It's all about the money!

Tig



__________________

Tig

68yo GT1A - 5 Mil - A2/F3 - (1996) Intron A - Non Responder, (2013) Peg/Riba/Vic SOT:05/23/13 EOT:12/04/13 SVR 9+ years!

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Omnamahshivaya


Senior Member

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Posts: 107
Date:
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Hope this topic is PC. I'm currently having my first period after starting treatment. This period seems more painful and more excessive (bleeding). I'm wondering if this has anything to do with cleansing the dead virus from my blood. I still can't express enough how stressed I've been (and still am) when I get my period that my blood will get anywhere near my family. I don't even wash my clothes with theirs during my menstrual cycle. two more periods and I hope I can be free of this concern FOREVER! Today at the nursery school, I surreptitiously took the entire bathroom trash out to the curb trash bin so nobody could get anywhere near my blood. I can't wait to not worry about everyone -- myself included. 

 

An aside... does anyone know how much the VL test is without insurance?



__________________

OMJ - started treatment April 25, 2014

Prior to treatment VL 14 million. Liver Levels Abnormal but under 70.

Sovaldi/Olysio

VL: SOT = 14 million.    SOT +2 weeks = 28

AST/ALT: Normal

Week # 7 = UND
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