brooklynblessed
Posts: 10
Joined: 1/6/2007
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Monday began another chapter in my treatment history; and thank God I'm optimistic & as usual put it all in God's hands..if I did not have to drink of this cup I'd prefer it..but once again I am at the forefront in a try at a treatment for hep c & the recent diagnosis of cirroshis. You see I am not in a trial or anything like that it's just that I am the first patient of my liver specialist to try this type treatment (his world reknowned boss who sometimes sees me has only had one) so...if this is successful it may be another treatment avenue more widely used in the future for others that suffer from the combo of hiv & liver disease. Saturday I picked up the ribavirin that I must orally take twice a day & Monday night I began the CONSENSUS INTEFERON, that I will inject daily for one year. The inteferon must be refrigerated & the reason I had all of these recent tests: biopsy, endonoscopy, colonoscopy, mri & stress test was to make sure that I was up to the daily injections & oral meds. On the other past version you will recall I had 2 hospitalizations for blood transfusions and am prone to anemia. So, I ask for you to pray for success that my hep c viral load will go to undetectable, the liver scarring melt away & no side effects like anemia & these other ones: SIDE EFFECTS: Flu-like symptoms following each injection (fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and pains, malaise) occur with all of the interferons. These symptoms vary from mild to severe and occur in up to half of all patients. The symptoms tend to diminish with repeated injections and may be managed with analgesics such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl).
Tissue damage at the site of injection occurs with all of the interferons but more commonly with interferon beta-1b and pegylated interferon alfa-2b.
Depression and suicide have been reported among patients receiving interferons; however, it is unclear whether depression and suicidal thoughts are caused by the diseases being treated or the interferons themselves. Therefore, all patients receiving treatment with an interferon should be observed for the development of depression and suicidal thoughts.
Other side effects that may occur with all interferons and which may be caused by higher doses are fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, joint aches, back pain and dizziness. Still other possible side effects are anorexia, congestion, increased heart rate, confusion, low white blood cell count, low platelet count, low red blood cell count, an increase in liver enzymes, an increase in triglycerides, temporary skin rashes, mild hair loss or hair thinning, swelling (edema), cough or difficulty breathing. Know though that whenever a health care professional sits me down & says Mr. ******* you could experience____________ or_________________ or____________ my response is no I won't. So there we are on the verge of another year (God willing) of daily injections & oral meds w/ me believing that within the first three months my test will show an UNDETECTABLE hep c viral level & by the end of a year the scarring on my liver will show it's melted away. Thanks for your prayers and concern; and as always if you ever need advice in this area for friend, family, fellow church member or you--- feel free to contact me in confidence. God is still on his throne & there's no better doctor, amen ? God bless you,Rick/Ps. 118:17 Started shots before midnight Mon, will inject around same time everyday...had slight feverish symptoms & restlessness..this should decrease in ahile. THANKS for the prayers.
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~~Jesus IS The Great Physician~~
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RE: ~~High Anxiety,Pt.II~~ - 
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