hang in there , hopefully the rescue meds. will grt you through to the end snd you will be done!

I know it sucks big time, I've been there. When I was treating, I could barely tie my shoes without getting winded.

But believe it or not, anemia is actually a sign the meds are working, at least with the old treatment protocol:

http://hivandhepatitis.com/hep_c/news/2011/0111_2010_a.html


Bob

I hope it gets better for you soon! I will be starting on 600 mgs of Riba, so hopefully won't have any anemia issues. They gave me a baseline test last week and it looked OK. I was told not to take iron supplements though.

I felt better very soon after Riba was reduced to 600! I'm sure you will too. Keep up the good work!

Standing and brushing my teeth wears me out. Really?? So looking forward to feeling better. You're a great bunch! Thanks for the kind words.

Sorry Kathy. I was anemic both times on tx & it's rough. You are 1/2 done so that's great! Wish it had been a predictor of the meds working for me but that wasn't the case. I don't think you have any worries since you've got Solvadi & that's the key!! Pace yourself & get through to the end. There's light at the end of the tunnel. Then you get to go through recovery which is a lot better. :-)

Kathy, yes, anemia can wear you out just from brushing your teeth. Pace yourself and keep up the great progress!!

10.8 is low enough to make you feel the way you do but it's not a terrible number considering you're on treatment. Sounds pretty typical for riba.

As with what others have said - definitely try to 'pace yourself' if possible. Many people just don't understand how it feels to be physically weak. Most of my days are managed well if I just pace myself, lie down when needed, stretch legs and shoulders and eat decent food. Sometimes I think this must be what it feels like to be around 85 years of age !

My hemoglobin is 8.6 right now, rbc 3.2. I've been anemic for at least 2 years now, and haven't even started treatments yet. (Did have transplant 3 1/2 years ago). My doctors say my body has gotten used to the anemia. Of course, since I'm 69, I have a light schedule and can blame some of the anemia on my age. As soon as it's approved, I'll start Sovaldi and Olysio.

Technically speaking, a patient isn't considered to have "hemolytic anemia" (anemia caused by meds) until their HGB is at 10. or lower. And at that point, the Riba can be reduced to 800 mgs, before 600 mgs.
What week are you at?

Oh, and which Treatment are you on? Like Marilyn mentioned; our
bodies can get used to the anemia. If you have a heart condition, they twend to worry more. My Hemoglobin went down to 9.9 by around 7 weeks, when I was on the Triple Treatment with Boceprivir, but I didn't lower my Riba until week 19, instead, I used a "rescue med" called Procrit. But that was in 2012, now they tend to just lower the Riba, but after a person has had a Undetected lab result. Have you had a viral load. also test yet? (okay, I've asked you 3 questions now)

My number was 10.2 and the doctor will not lower my dose of Riba because I was not UD at week four. They treat with procrit as soon as you drop to 10. You are anemic but not low enough to treat. That number was at 6 weeks. Friday is the end of eight weeks and another blood draw.

I was undetectable at 2 weeks, I am on week 6 of sovaldi/riba. I did 5 weeks of 1200mg riba. Doctor says lowering riba is safer than going on Procrit. The 600mg dose is short term until they can eliminate a heart problem- then it's going back up. I asked the doctor about the efficacy of 600mg. He said I will be fine. I can finally walk without losing my breath and my heart has calmed down. The other was debilitating. We having fun yet! Darn right- I vision a life HCV free.

Found out myself on tues ..anemia.. injection week 9 on monday same thing..lowered my does from 1200 to 600..little upset..will it change outcome 6 months down road? ...could tell tho ..outta breath just going up 5 steps n dizzy if bend over....dr says no wont change outcome....just staying positive I am almost done tx!!!

Update- today the doctor upped my ribavirin to 800mg. I will stay at this level for the second half of tx. I was also told to watch my activity and heart rate. If I go too far, I could have a heart attack. Oh geez. Funny doctors. I don't move to fast or too far, so I'll be just fine.
We can do this! One day at a time. Take care all.