My husband has been on interferom/ribviron for a month now an it has really made him feel bad and seems to be getting worst an looks like he is on his death bed ,has anyone ever experienced this for hepitits C. He is wanting to get off of it if his blood work is not better when he goes back to the doctor ,but he is suppose to stay on it for a year . Wouldn't it be risky to just quit an let hepetitis C go?
2006-09-10 11:57:44 · 3 answers · asked by SANDY G 2 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Infectious Diseases
if your husband is drinking an efficient amount of water (at least a gallon or as close to a gallon a day) his side effects would be lessoned dramatically.
Usually the day after the shot to 48 hours after are the hardest.
Is he on any other meds? Sometimes antidepressants that work on pain receptors are added along with an anti-anxiety. They also help put one in the right frame of mind (the medications ie., interferon and ribavirin- do have side effects that are reduced and do make a difference while on anti-viral chemotherapy) If he is not on anti-depressants he should of began them a good month or so prior to treatment. I have found that even though others don't have pre-treatment depression it still helps regardless of the mental status before treatment!
The meds can play a whopper on the brain and the body (but then HCV does too!)
Joining a support group either in person or online always helps too. Tell him not to give up as the longer he remains on treatment the better off his liver will be regardless if he responds or not.
PLEASE tell him to drink as much ice water as he can and take either tylenol or asprin (depending on the doc) anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour before his shot. Make sure he draws back on the syringe too as if he gets the medication in the vein it will make him feel real bad!
Tell him I said don't give up! Get mad and get even with the HCV!
The more positive he thinks, the easier the treatment as well!
Things that help:
smoothies made with frozen yogurt, berries, ice and cranberry juice (the colder the better!)
altoids will help with the constant dry mouth. suck on ice....do what it takes!
Its well worth the shot! (no pun intended) Treatment DOES get easier to tolerate....give it a few more weeks and see your doctor for medications that will help some of the sides.
There is ALWAYS a way through treatment of anykind!
Where there is a will there is a way!
HUGS TO YOU BOTH! Thanks for being supportive! Some folks don't have the support!
2006-09-10 12:39:08 · answer #1 · answered by giggling.willow 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My father is on that medication...you are just gonna have to give it time...he's gonna feel tired and malaise for awhile its how it works ...just be there for him is all you can do and give him milk thistle..its a supplement that helps the liver.....do exactly as his Dr says ...because its crucial...be supportive & considerate.. Risky?without the medications and all the technology he could be worse so you dont want to risk it .its a good thing you found out now before it got worse, he could be in line for a liver replacement and dialysis. we dont want that do we ?...he needs all the help he can get ...just believe he can beat this....with time and love and patience....good luck ...its was never said to be easy to care for a sick love one but the strength is within you to help him ...but please be patient and loving and supportive ....good luck with all the love ....peace
2006-09-10 19:16:01 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The side effects of the meds are horendous, but if left untreated death by Hep C is much worse. I have seen both sides.
2006-09-10 19:00:11 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋