For Marie... From Grace - RE: Rebetol sides

[Guest guest]

Hi Marie,

I have struggled some with depression, but for personal reasons will

not take an anti-depressant. I'm not fond of taking meds in the

first place and don't want to have to deal with the additional sides

that come with not only taking anti-d's, but the withdrawal

afterwards. I have struggled with anxiety as well and a short temper

at work. Most of the time I handle it fine, but I'm under a lot of

stress at work right now with deadlines, long hours and heavy

travel. It's kind of a catch 22 for me - I love working and it keeps

my focus off the virus and the meds, but it can exacerbate the sides

on occasion as well.

I have had some instances of low white and red blood cell counts and

can feel that in my body as well. I'm out of breath frequently. The

Ribavirin also acts somewhat like an amphetamine to me and I don't

care for that at all. Other sides that I have experienced that are

annoying but not earth shattering is hair loss (I've lost over half

of my hair), which really doesn't concern me too much - like I said

it's just an annoyance. The others are dehydration and constant

sneezing. It's been like hay fever times 50 with me. And of course

with that comes the constant nose running and blowing - and painful

cracks in my nostrils from all of that. I'm trying to drink at least

100 oz of water a day and do notice a big difference when I don't

drink that much.

I think it's just gotten to the point that I'm tired of it and it's

wearing me down. I'm ready to be done, but will hang in and on until

I get through the full 48 weeks, providing my body allows. I'm

really looking forward to getting my sense of humor back - I vaguely

remember it, I used to be really funny :-)

Take care - you'll be in my thoughts.

Grace

> In a message dated 12/12/02 12:59:56 AM Pacific Standard Time,

> amazing_grace10@y... writes:

>

> > I struggle with the 800mg a day

> > as it is.

>

> Hi Grace,

>

> What sort of problems are you having with the Rebitrol?

>

> (who is hoping it is not chapped hipps and cracked lipps

<sic> LOL)