Hep C Discussion Forum

Scott18927 · Senior Member

RE: The Sovaldi-Riba Train is now boarding

Tig · Admin

Hey Scott,

You need to consider cutting back on the showering and bathing. Ribavirin has a harsh effect on your skin and if you start noticing a lot of itching, a rash, etc., it's likely the Ribavirin causing it. We recommend every other day showering with a very mild soap, baby shampoo, Ivory, etc. to keep the soap harshness at a minimum. If you're feeling kind grimy, it's probably the treatment as you suspect, but don't wash away all the benefits of your own skin oils, you need them. The Gold Bond is a great addition, as is an oatmeal additive in your bath water or soap. If you shower and bath too much, you stand the chance of making things worse. One thing I can recommend highly is the use of baby wipes. They can refresh you like nothing else available. They'll help keep that "PUNY" smell down, lol. There are wipes for sensitive skin, etc., that will help you stay clean and moisturized without completely stripping every bit of moisture from your skin that a shower will cause. You should also keep the water temperatures down at a lukewarm level. Hot water can aggravate/cause some additional skin discomfort. Ribavirin is a lovely drug that works, but unfortunately controls some aspects of your life while you're on it. Just play along and you'll be done with it's impact on your life before you know it!

Scott18927 · Senior Member

Today was a long day. I am a critical power engineer (Glorified title for an electronics technician). Anyway, It was supposed to be a quick 1 hour drive, 1 hour fan replacement, and 1 hour drive. But didn't get right parts and unit didn't come back online so I had to troubleshoot for a few hours before I finally fixed it. Troubleshooting and short term memory is very hard. It probably would have taken me 45 minutes extra 3 weeks ago.

Anyway, I am exhausted and I smell like what Tig was talking about in his not puny but another 4 letter word that stinks. I didn't even sweat. I have noticed from sleeping I wake up a little pungent. I guess it is the meds. My skin feels horrible, just dirty. I honestly can only handle 2 showers a day. I live in Colorado which is so dry. The water hurts my skin physically. So shower in the morning then take a nice bath at night. I lube up every day with Gold Bond Ultimate. It has eczema relief and oatmeal solution.

Today is going to be a cheat day. But before I do, I made myself drink a smoothie, heavy on the fruit. Tonight, I will get a cookie dough blizzard. I have already lost 5 pounds and went one belt loop in the good direction. And it is not because I have lost my appetite, it is because I have been eating very healthy. I think I will eat what I want on weekend within reason and as long as I eat the good stuff first.

Any suggestions on bath salts or anything to put in bath to make my skin feel better. I

Linuxter · Guru

Hey Tig,

Bike is a long range solution for bringing down blood pressure, reducing calories and helping my breathing, for now I'll use it some but more in the capacity of a mellow, no impact, exercise to keep up/ increase my cardiovascular strength a little ... I will use it as a tool to feel better but will be very conscious of being careful to NOT overdo it. I'm not in the mood to push it at all, reduced RBC may even keep me from using it ... just wanted another tool to feel a little better and use as a distraction for 15-20 minutes or so a couple/ few times a week during Tx as I feel good enough to do it.

Offer on the exercise bike is very nice and I thank you but this setup works because it's a nice easy transition from indoor to outdoor (on the road) exercise. I don't have a fancy bicycle but I'm used to it and that makes it more likely I'll use it.

4 wk Labs - 3.5 days

Dave

Tig · Admin

Hey Dave,

I think you'll be very pleased with your lab results next week. I'm amazed at how fast these medications put the whammy on the virus. So fast! Of course that's why you're feeling the way you do too. Can we just say you're feeling a bit "puny"? There's another four letter word, but I can't use it here. Let's just say it smells and assume everyone knows what I mean!

I wish I had known you needed an exercise bike. I've got a (like new) 10 year old Schwinn recumbent computer controlled exercise bike that I used for a few years, sporadically and then it took up space in my spare room. Paid $800 bucks for that thing and would give it to you if I could wiggle my nose and get it from one corner of the country to the other! It's so heavy it would cost twice what it's worth to ship it. So my wife made me move it to the garage, with the rest of my junk. Florida doesn't have basements, so the garage is full of stuff instead. I can't remember the last time I used it to actually park a car in. 2006 I think, when we had our last hurricane.

You're going to have those rough sections of track now and again. You're handling things very well though. Keep to your routine of hydration, nutrition and rest. It'll be over before you know it. Don't wear yourself out on that bike! Easy going is the order of the day!

Linuxter · Guru

Day 24

4 wk labs have been ordered for my local clinic so I can take them at my leisure (ID nurse said anytime within a few days of 4 wks is fine). My plan is to get blood drawn on day 28

Ordered a bike trainer stand (stand for my bicycle) and it arrived today ... so I can get some exercise even when it's raining out (rains a LOT here in Washington), now Jo and I both have one which should inspire both of us to get more exercise.

Exercise Bike + Headphones + Spotify = More Exercise

Yesterday I hit a rough section of track but I got nearly 11 hours of sleep last night and feel pretty good today.

Nice to be getting closer to 4 wk labs.

Dave

Linuxter · Guru

Scott,

Ya, time really flys by, glad to hear no anxiety for now, I would imagine the stress of uncertainty is a bit of a trigger, now you're as sure as I am that it won't be long before we're both HCV-FREE! Besides the occasional section of rough patches on the track it's smooth skatin' from here on ---------------------------> SVR

This may be a steam train but I hear they have Satellite Netflix and a Smoothie Bar in the lounge car ... think I'll go kick back for a while and enjoy the ride.

Dave

Linuxter · Guru

Gracie,

Whatever ya do save that recipe ... you can be the taste tester/ blizzard constructor and get the recipe perfected ... then you can post it over at the smoothie thread once you get it just right. biggrin

I'm pretty much really wanting one now!! blankstare

If I'm not careful I could really like these and I'll get kicked off the train for taking up two seats and have to roll on down the tracks on my own - LOL.

Dave

Scott18927 · Senior Member

Good Job Dave, can't wait for you to get your tests. My viral load will be taken on 23rd. Days are flying by. No more anxiety but it comes and goes and I never know when.

CHOO CHOOO Chugga chugga chugga

Gracie · Guru

I'm just about ready to head out to the grocery store to buy the ingredients for the OICB Smoothie... darn that sounds good. Maybe if I get the news of SVR, I'll treat myself with a super large one! Cheers!!!!

Linuxter · Guru

"Plan a special smoothie for that day!" ...

... might just have to save that "Oreo Ice Cream Blizzard Smoothie" for the news, we shall see.

... still need to hack into that db ... unless you can smuggle it out for me.

Dave

p.s. Just thinking about the "OICB Smoothie " made my day ... good thing I don't have any Ice Cream around now or I'd be testing recipes all night to be sure I got it right.

Shadowfax · Guru

Talk about not being able to wrap your head around something ... I'll be glad when I can look back and say "What a long strange trip it's been".

My favorite song by the GD.

I hope you have a better day tomorrow and 23 days is amazing. How will it feel when you get your first good news. Very much looking forward to your lab results when you get them. Plan a special smoothie for that day! smile

wmlj1960 · Moderator

wendyo wrote:
Or how about this....it is ok to sit on the pity pot for a little while, just don't get a ring around your a**.
Hugz,
wendy

Thanks Wendy! I was wandering what would be a good meeting topic for tonight. biggrin

wendyo · Guru

Jimmy,

don't beat yourself up (the meds are doing that enough). For many of us, HCV is a consequence of our past. We are sick people getting well. I like the 12 step saying"...we will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it..." Our experience can benefit others. It is ok to have a bad day now and then....no one promised us a rose garden. Or how about this....it is ok to sit on the pity pot for a little while, just don't get a ring around your a**.

Hugz,

wendy

Linuxter · Guru

Day 23 (0.27380952381th of the way done)

Bit of an emotional roller coaster along this stretch ... perhaps the track just has a few whoop-de-doo's here.

Life will always have bumps, no mater how organized or in-control we think we may be. Those little bumps just appear somewhat amplified right now. Mind is trying to cope with physical changes but some of those physical changes apparently effect brain chemistry which alters the mind ... no wonder I feel a bit weird and confused. confuse (I'm beginning to think there's just no 'splainin' some of it ... I'll just hold on smile and try to enjoy the ride)

Glad not to be feeling much in the way of physical side effects but I think there's something definitely happening within the brain.

I know this is mild in comparison to the days when interferon was used in combinations with Riba, I can only barely imagine what a living hell that would be ... I'm most grateful to those warriors who broke trail so that we don't have to experience that.

Talk about not being able to wrap your head around something ... I'll be glad when I can look back and say "What a long strange trip it's been".

Received more meds today ... I get a 14 day supply each time. I now have in my possession, as well as have consumed, half my meds prescribed.

(A mini landmark, if you will).

Looking forward to Labs next week, I won't know anything for at least a few days after that but it will signify the 1/3 done point and soon I'll have some feedback on how the meds are doing in kickin' some Dragon tail.

Onward ...

HYDRATING!,

Dave

-- Edited by Linuxter on Thursday 11th of February 2016 08:18:48 PM

Linuxter · Guru

We apologize for any inconvenience ...

We will be in the process of painting The Sovaldi Riba Express green as we proceed on to SVRville ...

... Please do not touch painted surfaces until dry - Thank You ... The management.

train-logos-clipart-1 edit 80 80.jpg

We also apologize to anyone with chlorophobia - The Management

-- Edited by Linuxter on Thursday 11th of February 2016 07:45:46 AM

[Image edited to 80% to fit screen. Full size image attached]

-- Edited by wmlj1960 on Thursday 11th of February 2016 01:32:17 PM

Linuxter · Guru

"calm seas are much more appreciated after the storm" - I plan on proving you right Greg ... right now I'm busy learning to be a skilled sailor 'cause the wind just picked up and the water's startin' to get a little choppy ... smile (No thirty footers, mind you, just a little taste of what those before me have endured!)

Dave

p.s.

Day 22

Choppy waters this AM, two smoothies and a liter or two of H2O later and it's smooth sailin' again.

D

-- Edited by Linuxter on Thursday 11th of February 2016 02:16:47 AM

Groupergetter · Guru

I'm suspect we all have things we've done in the past that we regret. ironic for me, these shortcomings are often the most remembered, even when sometimes I wonder if I have a brain. confuse I'm reminded of a signature line from someone on the forum (paraphrased) because I can't remember the exact quote "Calm seas don't make a skilled sailor" I might add that calm seas are much more appreciated after the storm.

Tig · Admin

Jimmy,

Don't let that leftover Riba bring you down! You neither deserve this or are a moron. You're human, and we all have made mistakes in life. But we learned from it and bettered ourselves as a result. You're going to get past this, I have no doubt. You're a strong individual that has hit a few rough patches along the way. You've shown all of us a very positive side of yourself and we kinda like the Jimmy we've come to know and love, lol! So chin up, you're just a (almost) 63 year old kid, with lots of good living left to do. If we beat ourselves up over the mistakes we made decades ago, we'd all be walking around black and blue. Don't do that to yourself buddy. Leave room to appreciate the lessons life has taught you and do your best to throw out the negativity. The future is bright, let it shine my Brother.....

JimmyK · Guru

Greetings Mike;

"....partially caused by me also being a "professional alcoholic" in most of my past..."

Ok this is a bit upsetting I must confess.

Are you telling me I could have been getting paid to get ripped?

Just hopeless I guess.

You know fellas before my breakthrough and until about a week or so ago I was completely miserable. Could not sleep, lost 25 lbs, ached everywhere and got my picture posted in Wiki next to the definition of "PISSED".

The way I went about getting through it all was by reminding myself I deserved EXACTLY how I felt. Mind you that may not apply to or work for all, but in my case it worked wonders.

Looking forward to my next reminder that I did it to me. I will get through that somehow purged and then have earned the right to be free of The Dragon that stalks me still.

Ok that calls for a JimmyTune!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIsomh4L-bo

62 soon to be 63 and still a moron. LOL

JimmyK ;)

-- Edited by JimmyK on Wednesday 10th of February 2016 11:17:11 PM

Linuxter · Guru

Hey Mike,

Great listening and images, Thanks for yet another tool to help navigate life's ups and downs.

It's appreciated!

Dave

wmlj1960 · Moderator

I meant Sov/rib rather than Harvoni. Sorry about that typo. I blame it on brain fog probably partially caused by me also being a "professional alcoholic" in most of my past.

I know what you mean about the "TV, my phone, and lights" and thinking too much. When I was having anxiety and taking Zoloft during the last half of my 24wk Sov/riba Tx in 2014 a phone ringing would make me almost jump out of my skin and feel like I was having a heart attack.

One trick that did help me that you might want to try in your spare time was to lie down and listen to Belleruth Napersek's Affirmations and guided imagery or something similar. When it was suggested for me I didn't expect it to help any but it did help sometimes.

Hang in there and stick with your plan and I suspect you will start seeing a change for the better. Keep telling yourself SVR, SVR, SVR. smile

Scott18927 · Senior Member

They started me on the Zoloft with the correct doses. They did this to treat the panic disorder I have been having for last 2 years. I just kept thinking it would pass and finally couldn't take it anymore. I mean 2 trips to the ER because I thought I was dying, is not cheap. Then they shoot me full of diazepam and I am normal again then they monitor me for 4 hours and out the door I go. They have been getting further apart. It used to be a nightly thing. Now I can go several days without or just have mild ones that I catch. But sometimes they go from 0 to 100 and I just have to ride it through. I have read lots of literature on all techniques to get through. I have to shut off the TV, my phone, and lights because I am extremely sensitive. Then I do some controlled breathing. The hardest part is to not think. I mean you pulse is skyrocketed so your chest is tight and throbbing, if you start thinking then it makes it worse.

Anyway, I was a professional alcoholic. I am pretty sure it is lasting effects from that. Its been over a year. Oh and I am on Sovaldi/Rib.

Today, I am going to continue to be active but I am going to take regular breaks throughout the day. Tonight is my first night job since I have started treatment. I have 3 sites I have to go to from 10 to about 1am. So, I definitely have to plan for a nap. Before treatment and sobriety, I could nap any time. now I have difficulty sleeping during the night let alone during the day.

Thanks for your feedback. Oh, I advised against them starting both at the same time. Because of my last treatment with Interferon, my Hep C doctor thought it would be a good idea to be on both. She said ideally, we would have started the Zoloft one month prior but with my insurance it was crucial to get started because they have an approval length. If you don't meet that, we would have to go through the whole approval process, and who knows what would change between then and now. I feel great this morning.

wmlj1960 · Moderator

Scott18927 wrote:
I had full blown anxiety attack. lasted like 45 mins. Both my doctors are aware of these. I have had them before treatment. PCP scripted me Zoloft and trazodone. Been on them for as long as I have been on the solvadi/Rib. Still got the attack. I get chest pains and my lower chin starts to hurt which freaks me out. They did a stress test and EKG and said my heart was good.. But when you are having a panic attack, doesn't matter if they told you your heart is healthy, you feel like your having a heart attack.

I did some breathing exercises and it lasted a bit. The after affects aren't fun either. I have to shut the text volume off my phone because noises startle me and can send me right back into it.

I just sent doc an note earlier today because I had one shopping the other day. Seems to come in when I am exhausted. Anyway, anyone else have these issues? Not med related. I have been getting them for over a year. But I'm sure they don't help.

Since your anxiety was happening before treatment this may not have anything to do with it and it IS "med related". When I was started on Zoloft in 2001 it gave me horrible anxiety and panic attacks which was extra bad mainly because the stupid doctor / pharmacist started me on 50 mg from the start. The correct dosing is to start @ 25 mg, then after a week increase the dose to 50mg. I hope they did this for you. If I understand your post correctly, they started you on Zoloft, Trazodone and Harvoni all at the same time. I'm not second guessing your doctor but I would have wanted to start them at least a week or two apart. There are many meds that cause the worst Sx at SOT but then level out. Harvoni and Zoloft were both like that for me. The good news is that after 2-3 weeks my body settled down and Zoloft work well for me. I hope it does for you and your anxiety / panic attacks improve and you start feeling better. HCV Tx is hard enough without having anxiety beating on you too. smile

Zoloft Dosage Guide

-- Edited by wmlj1960 on Wednesday 10th of February 2016 04:42:24 AM

-- Edited by wmlj1960 on Wednesday 10th of February 2016 06:45:19 AM

Sydhanrahan · Guru

Hi Scott,

i am8 weeks into treatment with sov/dac/riba. Like you, I feel better but in some undefinable way that makes me realise how sick I have for at least a year or two. However the riba is playing havoc with my head. I was taking the antidepessive Pristic before treatment but the Hep C dr has told me to double the dosage. I have and already feel much better. I think your panic attacks are akin to my depression - a side effect of riba. We're both obviously predisposed to anxiety and or depression but the riba really screws around with your emotions.

Do you remember those meccano sets boys used to have with metal and nuts and bolts? Well I feel like some cranky old bastard has got into my my head with a screw driver and is making merry with the rusty meccano set.

They say it begins to improve after Riba Is stopped.

Take care,

Syd

Scott18927 · Senior Member

Thanks. I know I need to be in control and not over do it. When I feel good, I, I feel great. This is a new feeling for me. I have felt so crappy the last few years that when feeling great, it is hard to stop. And it doesn't happen slowly, I can't feel it coming on. It happens within a second.

I think, I need to plan rest whether I need it or not. That might be how I go forward. If I am doing something for 2 hours, I must take a half hour or hour of down time. I am starting to think clearly again.

Linuxter · Guru

Sorry to hear that you have to deal with that right now. Just need to pace yourself while on Tx, slow down and above all stay hydrated ... and don't forget to eat. Good idea on the breathing exercises, keeps you occupied as well as regulates the oxygen.

Dave

Tig · Admin

Scott,

I have heard this from others and think you have found a reason for some of it anyway, fatigue. Your body is experiencing a huge change, which results in a lot of issues you're not aware of. Your body reacts to those stresses by going into overdrive to combat the reaction. Try to take this time to reduce your physical and mental stress and I think you will notice less anxiety. It's not something you can consciously avoid when it's a metabolic reaction to treatment. If you feel exertion and the resulting fatigue is the root cause, avoid it when possible and reduce it if necessary. Rest easy my friend and let the AD's do their job for time being. After treatment, you will notice improvements, i guarantee it!

Scott18927 · Senior Member

Thanks for the info on numbers. This isn't my first rodeo, but I didn't pay much attention on my first 2 tries. I put all the faith in the doctors. Now, I want to know what is going on. So this is a great site.

Scott18927 · Senior Member

I over did it again today. I had full day of stuff to do and then had energy still so was cleaning place since I am moving and it hit me like a freight train. I had full blown anxiety attack. lasted like 45 mins. Both my doctors are aware of these. I have had them before treatment. PCP scripted me Zoloft and trazodone. Been on them for as long as I have been on the solvadi/Rib. Still got the attack. I get chest pains and my lower chin starts to hurt which freaks me out. They did a stress test and EKG and said my heart was good.. But when you are having a panic attack, doesn't matter if they told you your heart is healthy, you feel like your having a heart attack.

I did some breathing exercises and it lasted a bit. The after affects aren't fun either. I have to shut the text volume off my phone because noises startle me and can send me right back into it.

I just sent doc an note earlier today because I had one shopping the other day. Seems to come in when I am exhausted. Anyway, anyone else have these issues? Not med related. I have been getting them for over a year. But I'm sure they don't help.

Shadowfax · Guru

Linuxter wrote:
3 wks Today ... 1/4 of the way done.

That is just great news to hear. It really does seem that the side effects were and are transient. I don't blame you for calling them if you don't hear from them when you should. I agree, we need to be proactive since the people who have control over this, have many patients and things get overlooked. It is why I call and ask for this and that.

The squeaky wheel gets the grease!

Tig · Admin

You are all doing GREAT! Quarter of the way Dave, better start paying attention to the scenery. You'll be at your destination before you know it! Keep up the routine, it's a good one.

Scott, those numbers are fabulous. They don't reduce Ribavirin until your Hgb approaches 10 and at 14.4 I wouldn't let them do it. There's room to reduce if necessary, but these results show no need to be concerned at all. I dropped to 9 and was on 1200 mg for 28 weeks. Felt like crap, but it worked! Hang in there...

Alert: HYDRATE!

Linuxter · Guru

3 wks Today ... 1/4 of the way done.

Feeling Ok, no major sides, I do have a light cough from time to time but it's not bad. Don't feel like running any marathons but also don't feel as zapped as I did early on. Have had a lot of tension in my shoulders this whole past week.

It'll be good to get some labs in a week to see how my RBC is doing ... and, of course, VL. I assume they'll do a CMP but I'm not sure at this point.

Should be getting a call tomorrow for another 14 day batch of meds, if they don't call me, I WILL be calling them.

(The pharmacy called me last week which was a week early then asked why I called ... duh,they called me, I think they have minimum wage workers manning the phones, they don't seem to know much about anything except for exactly what's on their script (no pun intended) I have absolutely nothing against minimum wage workers, but IMO they just aren't qualified to be in a key position between these drugs and the patients depending on them.) ... wish we had an eyeroll emoticon.

That's alright, I'll keep 'em in line, it's the folks who aren't proactive that really need to worry.

Dave

p.s. Scott, my guess it they'll let it ride for a while longer to get you totally saturated in the stuff ... but that's merely a guess.

-- Edited by Linuxter on Wednesday 10th of February 2016 12:10:33 AM

Shadowfax · Guru

Mike,

Just think Oreo ice cream blizzard smoothie and that should work.

Scott, I wish I could help. I just looked at the numbers and so many are within range. I hope the small difference between 4.47 and 4.76 is not a big factor but yes, your doctor will have to confirm it all. We all love to second guess these things about ourselves and I am probably one of the worst. A work in progress I suppose.

Good luck and I hope you get what you need to do the trick and give you peace of mind.

Scott18927 · Senior Member

Component	Your Value	Standard Range
WHITE BLOOD CELL COUNT	7.2 10*9/L	4.0-11.1 10*9/L
RED BLOOD CELL COUNT	4.47 10*12/L	4.76-6.09 10*12/L
HEMOGLOBIN	14.4 g/dL	14.3-18.1 g/dL
HEMATOCRIT	40.9 %	39.2-50.2 %
MEAN CORPUSCULAR VOLUME	91.5 fL	80.0-100.0 fL
MEAN CORPUSCULAR HGB	32.2 pg	27.5-35.1 pg
Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration	35.2 g/dL	32.0-36.0 g/dL
PLATELET COUNT	227 10*9/L	150-400 10*9/L
MEAN PLATELET VOLUME	10.4 fL	9.6-12.8 fL
RED CELL DISTRIBUTION WIDTH CV	13.3 %	11.7-14.2 %
RED CELL DISTRIBUTION WIDTH SD	43.9 fL	37.1-48.8 fL
Neutrophil %	52.4 %
LYMPH PERCENT	36.0 %
MONOCYTE PERCENT	9.2 %
EOSINOPHIL PERCENT	2.2 %
BASOPHIL PERCENT	0.1 %
IMMATURE GRANULOCYTE PERCENT	0.1 %
ABSOLUTE NEUTROPHILS	3.8 10*9/L	1.8-6.6 10*9/L
ABSOLUTE LYMPHOCYTES	2.6 10*9/L	1.0-4.8 10*9/L
ABSOLUTE MONOCYTES	0.7 10*9/L	0.2-0.9 10*9/L
Absolute Eosinophils	0.2 10*9/L	0.0-0.4 10*9/L
Basophil (Absolute)	0.0 10*9/L	0.0-0.2 10*9/L
Immature Granulocytes Absolute	0.0 10*9/L	0.0-0.05 10*9/L
NUCLEATED RBC	0.0 %	0 %
NRBC ABSOLUTE	0.00 10*9/L	0 10*9/L

wendyo · Guru

Good for you Mike. I agree, the support here as well as my 12 step fellowship has been invaluable. Have a great today!

wendy

Linuxter · Guru

... another that's got your back Mike ... I haven't been here long but DO care deeply about everyone here and that means You!

I can supply Gorilla Tape if needed ... smile

... Oh, and all the Green Smoothies you can drink!!

Dave

-- Edited by Linuxter on Tuesday 9th of February 2016 08:33:04 AM

wmlj1960 · Moderator

Yes I know you'll take care of me Tig and that bubble wrap is certainly a lesser consequence than what it will be protecting me from. But, I doubt I'll be needing it seeing as how I've got so many excellent reasons to stay sober, including the members of this forum, my AA support group, and all the effort I've put into saving my liver from both HCV and alcohol. I am truly grateful! smile

Tig · Admin

If you feel yourself slipping Mike, just let me know and I'll come find you. I've got that roll of bubble wrap ready to go. You don't want me to do that, trust me! You stick with it my friend, the rewards for sobriety are far greater than the alternative. We're always going to support you and everyone else that has made the right decision to give it all up. Stay committed Brother! I know you can do it and you will, because you want to...

wmlj1960 · Moderator

Tig56 wrote:
Of course there's a few things I'd like to do in moderation that I can't have, so common sense is the cure for that. Darn it.........

Me too, and the fear of the consequences keeps me in check in case my common sense fails me, which is very possible with this ole burnt brain. biggrin

wmlj1960 · Moderator

Scott18927 wrote:
20 years later and F3, it is causing mood swings, and I do feel irritated because I can find interest in anything but it doesn't feel like lie in the bed all day depression. Over all I am happy but restless. I guess that what is hard for me is not having the energy or interests, but my brain is so active. So I don't want to lay around and I want to find something to do but just can't.

Scott18927 wrote:
I also started a PLC programming class just for fun, I did 48% of it before treatment but just can't get into it now. I start and then forget the last few pages and have to start over. I would imagine the same would happen with a book.

I had those same restless feelings bad and mood swings when I was on Sov / Riba. I still have a problem with lack of interest and restless feelings some days but not near that bad.

Scott, do you have a link so I can check out that PLC class? Maybe that will give me something to occupy myself with when I get restless, bored or depressed. With my brain fog I may have a problem but I used to program PLC's at my job so maybe it will come back pretty easy. PLC's were always interesting and entertaining back then so it's worth looking into for me.

Linuxter wrote:
Must have hit a plateau where my mind and body have compensated for most all of the side effects and they aren't such a bother any more.
Dave

I believe that happens with medicine Sx's. Even with my HIV medicine. Years ago, when I started taking it I felt like I'd rather just not take it and die sooner if I had to live feeling like that. But either my mind and body have compensated or it's just that I've forgotten what normal feels like. The good news is that the Ribavirin is temporary so when you get through with treatment , and after the riba works out of your system, you'll feel sooo much better. Keeping that big picture in mind makes this thing more doable. Hang in there guy's. This too shall pass! smile

Linuxter · Guru

I'm stickin' with my Green Smoothies ... I don't want the heavy crash of a massive sugar rush, too depressing and not very good for the liver either.

That philosophy has worked so far for me during Tx, I'm going to try to stick with the lower amoints of fructose from bananas and other fruits along with vegies, protein and limited carbs from here on till EOT.

Full Disclosure: I did have a few Fig Newtons earlier today and they're really not sitting well, I wish I hadn't pushed my luck.

Dave

Scott18927 · Senior Member

mmmm DQ. I always shoot for the cookie dough blizzard. I love those. When I quit Drinking, My body craved sugar. I must have eaten 1, large per day for 2 weeks and didn't gain a pound. I guess my body was adjusting.

Now I get one per month and I get a small. It does the trick. But, it has been cold so I don't crave ice cream when it is cold out. Sure sounds good though.

Gracie · Guru

Mmmmm banana split... I wonder if the DQ drive thru is open tonight with this darn snowstorm starting. Maybe I'll have to go hunt for one of my cookie stashes instead.

Olivia Pope and Oreos... Sounds like a good way to spend a cold Stormy night.

Linuxter · Guru

I settled for Fat Free Fig Newtons instead ... I'll pass on the Interferon injections but thanks, I'd rather walk from my house to your house to lose that 55 lbs!

Ya, there are a couple of things that are off the "in moderation" list for good, dang common sense will just have to do, that's not such a bad thing.

HYDRATING,

Dave

Tig · Admin

Hey Dave,

You can always through in weekly injections of Interferon, that'll keep the weight down! I lost 55 pounds on treatment. It was a swell (?) diet plan... Whew!

I think you can afford to have the occasional Oreo! Now I remember talking with Gracie during treatment and she had a Dairy Queen fixation. I enjoyed sending her jpg's of banana splits and stuff. She's got a great sense of humor! Your advise from Aristotle is spot on, all things in moderation. Of course there's a few things I'd like to do in moderation that I can't have, so common sense is the cure for that. Darn it.........

HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE!!

Linuxter · Guru

Thanks All,

I just may have to join you in the occasional Oreo ... haven't had one of those for a very long time but it sounds pretty good about now for some reason.

I have to watch my sweet tooth or it'll tilt the scales in a direction I don't like to see ... Aristotle got it right with ... "Moderation in all things,"

... got my feet up on the seat across from me, in the second story of the lounge car ... the car's a rockin and the track's a clackin ... onward to SVR.

Dave

Shadowfax · Guru

Excellent news Dave,

It`s comforting to know you are starting to feel better and not have to deal with those side effects. One day away from three weeks. You are well on your way to SVR and we cannot wait to hear you announce it. We will be here.

Water,water,water and a dash of Oreo Cookie ...

Scott18927 · Senior Member

Good to hear Dave. Just sit back and listen to the clingity Clang of the rails.

Linuxter · Guru

Day 20

No side effects today other than the tiniest bit of brain fog and the shortness of breath is still happening a little but I've learned to deal with that mostly.

Must have hit a plateau where my mind and body have compensated for most all of the side effects and they aren't such a bother any more.

Haven't changed anything med wise or diet wise or even exercise wise ... so my only conclusion is that the Riba has become the norm.

Looking back I guess I've seen this before with other meds. I took an SSRI a number of years ago and it was the same way, lots of sides initially then not so much then it was just the norm. Getting off the SSRI was an entirely different story, I never EVEN want to go there again and won't. (No more SSRI's for this guy, period ... YMMV)

Pretty nice not having to deal with many distractions now though, this ol' train is on smooth tracks and is flyin along.

Drinking LOTS of Water,

Dave

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