WingedHorse's Journal

COMMON SIDES with relief

This is as much for my benefit as for others. A lot of times, when journaling or discussing side effects, emphasis is put on the more serious ones. I find myself forgetting to mention the ones that are easier to remedy, or happen more frequently. I am putting this list together along with any known relief as I happen to think of them, or as they come up in conversation. These are sides that I have experienced myself, or that some of you have experienced during "our time" with treatment. This list can be edited on an on-going basis, and may change frequently. Additions are welcome, just send me a message. 

(For a more complete, in-depth list, please refer to the A-Z Combo Survival Guide written by others during their treatment experience.)

Before Starting Treatment: Check in to available leave time from work in case the sides get too bad to continue working everyday. With FMLA you may have up to 6 months available

Better Post-Shot Experience: Eat a healthy, non-greasy, non-fatty meal the day of, make sure you are well hydrated-plenty of water day before, of, and after

Bruising at injection site:  don't move syringe or pull plunger back once inserted

Coffee & Tea drinkers: just drink an extra 8 oz of water for every cup to off-set dehydration

Dry, Itchy eyes: Try "Systane" OTC eye drops

Hot flashes, sweating around hairline: more common on shot day and next 2-3 days. Try a cold rag on back of neck

Increased appetite: stock up on fresh fruits & veggies, yogurt, whole grain cereals & bread. Eat smaller meals, snack in between

 Insomnia/broken sleep: usually worse on shot night, next night. Schedule shot night a day before non-working days, nap when possible (May talk to Dr about sleep meds)

 'Junky' cough, tightness/rattle in chest, shortness of breath: usually happens immediately following shot, even with non-smokers. Cough it up, spit it out! Use throat lozenges

 Nausea, slight to moderate: Ginger is good for nausea; flat Ginger Ale, ginger tea, Ginger Snaps

 Nausea following Ribavirin: make sure to take with food to avoid nausea. if vomiting occurs after more than 10-15 mins following ribavirin, do not take more until next scheduled dose as they have probably already been at least partially absorbed. If nausea continues, use supp. an hour before taking ribavirin 

 No appetite: drink boost for vitamins & protein, and sports drink to keep electrolytes in cheque

 Red spot/rash surrounding injection site: after inserting medication, rub area lightly to move concentrated medication away from the point of injection

 Swelling in legs, abdomen: Generally, water retention. Talk to Dr about water pills, but only if he checks you to assure it's nothing more serious 

Taste buds messed up: Don't know what to do about this, other than adjust the spices. It comes and goes. Sometimes mouth feels raw, some foods taste really spicy, almost burn your mouth. You’ll discover what tastes good, and what you can’t eat. After eating frozen entrees for a week at work, my mouth tasted like a salt mine! Watch that sodium!

Vomiting: Hope the nausea never leads to vomiting, but if it does they have meds (suppositories!) that can help. Avoid dehydration!

Water: suggested formula is, [your weight in lbs '/, 2 = oz of water to drink daily] for example, if you weigh 150 lbs, drink 75 oz of water per day. Also, tap water is not suggested due to the additives, esp. fluoride - drink bottled water instead

  REMEMBER: replace toothbrush and razor after undetectable status is reached!!Never share these or nail clippers with anyone! Sanitize clippers with bleach, or replace them too.