Hepatitis C Support Group

sorry, I havent heard of it,barb

Erythropoeitin is a drug which stimulates the production of red cells in the bone marrow (essential for exchange of O2 in lungs). It should reduce your anemia. But here in Aussie we are given the 2nd generation chemical Darbapoietin (Aranesp) (free), which requires only one shot per week because its much longer acting. Maybe your health system needs a major shakeup - see Obama. Don't worry there are no major side effects if you keep your blood monitored, and a few stings from the shots  will see you with lots more energy. 'Tis better than transfusions. I am on dialysis for diabetes-induced kidney failure and use the long acting form fortnightly to keep my red cells normal. Before kidney patients had to endure lots of transfusions because the kidney is v. important for the balance of your blood cells - one of the many other things kidneys are important for (apart from making urine!) Lotz of good vibes for treatment success, Mindy xxx

May I ask what your RBC is?
Mine is 3.74. When do they decide to treat?

I took procrit, once a week shot. It does the same thing, stimulates bone marrow i.e. RBC = red blood count Mesadarlene. I had major sides from the procrit, mostly psyche issues, it made me cry about constantly, and I mean constantly. I was in the 4th month of tx, and a bunch of other family stuff was going on at the time. So....I think just like the tx, the ppl that take RBC stim drugs all have different sides from it. All the best to you. xoxo