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Hep C Discussion Forum -> On Treatment -> peg - interferon ribavarin treatment
Post Info TOPIC: peg - interferon ribavarin treatment
mindovermatter


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RE: peg - interferon ribavarin treatment
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Thanks Jill, Malcolm, Tig and Isiscat.

 

Isiscat you mentioned about the the possibility of something more serious.

Are you talking about lung infection?

Coz, I went to a A GP (not the hepa) for the cough. She put a stethascope on my chest and asked me to breathe in and out.

Thereafter, she said that there is some congestion in my lungs.

I hope its transient and only Ribavarin induced.

I really do not have the heart to fight against another disease in the near future.

 

Thank you all, I will get in touch with my doc and report back to you.

 

 

 



__________________

31 year old Indian

Starting viral load 2.3 million

Started treatment: 31/12/2013 with pegylated interferon and Ribavarin.

Fibroscan score : 5.3 kpa

GT : 3

EOT: 16th June 2014
mallani


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The ESR is so non-specific it's rarely done these days. It was included on my batch of tests for polyarthritis, and was 8 mms/hr. (Normal range 0-20).

It's supposedly elevated in any type of inflammation but has largely been replaced by the C-Reactive Protein (CRP).

Don't worry about it. Your blood tests show a mild Ribavirin anaemia but the platelets are just normal. If you're concerned about the cough, see your doctor.



__________________

Geno 1b, IL28B CT,  x3 prior relapser,  ex-cirrhotic, 75 yo, did 48 weeks with Victrelis/Peg./Riba.  VL 1.28m at start, UNDET. at 8 ,12 ,16 ,24 ,30  and 48 weeks.  EOT 15 Feb 2013 , UNDET. at EOT + 28 weeks. SVR!  Still Undet. at EOT +5 years

Malcolm
Cinnamon Girl


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Yes, I agree with Isiscat about the cough, and it would be sensible to speak to your doctor about that just in case there`s anything else going on.  I have read that ESR levels can be elevated when an infection is present so that is also a possibility. 

Let us know how it goes. 

 



__________________

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.

 

 
Isiscat2011


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Hi MOM:

The persistent cough seems more troubling than the elevated ESR although not alarmingly so. Persistent cough is a fairly common side effect with the I/R combo.  It may be transient, and stop when the tx stops, but in rare cases it can be a bit more serious and require some additional medication.  I would definitely discuss this side effect with your doctor.  He/she may want to do a chest x-ray.  

 



__________________

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


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Hi MoM,

I read an article recently that may help to put your mind at ease. It mentioned it's very common to see an elevation in the ESR whenever anemia is present, for whatever reason. Considering you are exhibiting some signs of anemia, that may be an easy explanation for the elevation. There is also information that shows an elevation when there is evidence of arthritis. Interferon can aggravate and cause forms of arthritis. I'm experiencing that now and wonder if my ESR would be elevated if tested. I'll bring that question up next time I speak with my doctor. As Jill mentioned, I wouldn't be too concerned about it, there seem to be reasons to explain it and it's all to do with your body's reaction to Tx. For being on week 24, your CBC is showing some signs of anemia but you're still doing very well and should be pleased. Looks very good to me and I'm glad you're hanging in there!  I'm also glad you're keeping in touch and letting us know how you're feeling. Let us know what your doctor thinks next time you go in, okay? Good luck....

Tig



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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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Cinnamon Girl


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Hi again and thanks for posting your cbc report.  Your RBC and Hbg have dropped a bit since you last posted your results back in March, but they`re holding up very well.

The ESR test isn`t one we usually see discussed here and I suppose your doctor had a reason for including it.  I shouldn`t think it`s anything for you to be particularly concerned about, your doctor is monitoring your blood levels and I`m sure he would tell you if there was a problem.  If you`re worried though I would speak to him about it.

Best of luck!

 



__________________

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.

 

 
mindovermatter


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Hi Cinnamon Girl,

Being here always calms my nerves.

I am a little worried. Please find my cbc report.Apart from persistent cough I have no other symptoms.

Isn't it common for ESR to be elevated during peg interferon/ ribavarin treatment?

I actually thought so. 

Yes, its huge to make it thus far. It wouldn't have been possible without the support of you all.

Please find my report attached. I am beginning to get a bit worried.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Attachments
__________________

31 year old Indian

Starting viral load 2.3 million

Started treatment: 31/12/2013 with pegylated interferon and Ribavarin.

Fibroscan score : 5.3 kpa

GT : 3

EOT: 16th June 2014
Cinnamon Girl


Guru

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Posts: 5629
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Hello M-O-M, good to hear from you again.

ESR (Erythrocyte sedimentation rate) is a non-specific measure of inflammation which is occurring somewhere in your body.  Your result is rather high and maybe mallani (Malcolm) would like to comment on that.  Hopefully it will settle back down when you`ve finished your treatment.

Have you spoken to your doctor about this result, and if so, what did he say?

The persistent cough could be caused by the ribavirin as it can be a side effect especially if you have love Hgb levels, although on the other hand it`s possible you could have an infection which is causing it.  Would you be able to give us some more recent lab results, including your Hgb, please? 

Well done for getting to week 24!





__________________

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.

 

 
mindovermatter


Veteran Member

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Posts: 70
Date:
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Dear All,

I am in week 24 of my p-interferon / ribavarin treatment.

I underwent a CBC and ESR test today. My ESR levels came at 20 (it was 2 before starting treatment).

I also have persistent cough that refuses to go away.

What could be the reason for this elevation in ESR?

Could anyone help?

 



-- Edited by mindovermatter on Sunday 8th of June 2014 10:56:12 AM

__________________

31 year old Indian

Starting viral load 2.3 million

Started treatment: 31/12/2013 with pegylated interferon and Ribavarin.

Fibroscan score : 5.3 kpa

GT : 3

EOT: 16th June 2014
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