A Punch in the Stomach

We never received the complete results of Steve's week 8 blood test.  Apparently, the RNA level was never taken.  So when the doctor ordered the week 12 blood test, he included another request for the RNA level.  By this time, we were both anxious to see the results.  So once they were in, rather than play telephone tag with the gastro's office staff, we decided to drive over and pick up the results.

What we received was news that we weren't expecting.  So I asked my husband to jot down a few words for the blog describing how he felt about the results.  I literally thought he would just write a few words.  He wrote almost 2 pages.  So rather than hear it from me, these are Steve's own words.

A Punch in the Stomach-Round 2 of Triple Therapy

On February 15th, we got the results of my week 12 blood test.  It was a full test with the RNA level.  I was very anxious to get the results because for the past few weeks now I have been feeling worse.  I've been getting short of breath again and feeling so tired that I can hardly stand sometimes.  The nausea is also getting a lot worse, and it's very hard to concentrate.

This is actually my second time getting the week 12 test results.  The 1st time was October 13, 2009 during my first round of triple therapy.  I was pretty sick then too.  So I was also anxious to get those results.  As it turned out, the good news was...I cleared the virus.  My viral load was normal with a big 0.  My AST & ALT were also normal.  Talk about a happy day!!

The bad news was that I was extremely anemic, and since I was having chest pains and shortness of breath, my doctor took me off the treatment.  Then he ordered me start taking procrit and see a cardiologist for a stress test and echo of my heart.  No more treatment until he got the results.  By the time I had the tests, 4 to 5 weeks had gone by.   The results were good though and the doctor gave me the ok to go back on tx. 

The only thing was I had to start over from week one again.  This time the first ten weeks weren't so bad.  Then I started get the same symptoms back:  shortness of breath, chest pains, itching.  So that's why I was anxiously waiting for the 2nd round of week 12 results.  I thought I might be anemic again.  I wasn't concerned about my RNA level.  I was just assuming I was still clear. 

So when we picked up the results, I didn't open the envelope until we got into the car.  I looked at my platelets which were very low (81), and my AST was a little high, but the real kicker was my viral load was 280.  280...I know that's not high.  But it's back.  It's back!  It was like getting punched in the stomach.  I tried to hide it but it really bothered me.  I kept thinking to myself ..."What's happening?!"  I feel worse for my wife.  The next day when my wife went to work it really hit me.  It really hurt.

Disability Hearing and Week 5 Update

On Wednesday, Steve gave himself shot #5.  The weeks seem to be flying by since he is back on the triple therapy.  He has been doing really well this time.  Recently he has experienced some dizziness and started itching but nothing like before.  So hopefully, the addition of the Procrit will keep him from developing anemia again (and the breathlessness that went along with it).

He went to his disability hearing on the 4th.  I went with him, but I wasn't allowed in the room when he was testifying.  The lawyer wanted me to be a witness.  He informed me when we got there, so I was totally unprepared.  When I went into the room, the judge swore me in.  And quite honestly, I was so nervous that it took me a minute to distinguish my right hand from my left.  Then the lawyer asked me a bunch of questions, and I just answered to the best of my recollection.  It was hard to remember the exact timeline of everything- especially since the questions were referring to 2002.  Had I known I was going to be a witness...I would have gone through Steve's medical records again and committed the dates to memory.

One thing I can say is that I believe the judge and the vocational expert knew we weren't BSing.  At one point, while I was talking, I looked over and saw that Steve was crying.  I felt so bad.  He tried to hide it but the tears just came pouring out.  And I know the judge and vocational expert saw it as well.  After the hearing, Steve and I sat around talking about all the things we forgot to mention. But I guess the most important thing is that we were honest, so whatever happens is what is meant to be.

Safe, Healthy, & Happy Holidays to Everyone!!!

Finally Stopped the Itching!!

Steve was going out of his mind from the itching.  He said he felt like something was crawling all over him.  It got so bad that he wasn't sleeping at all. He just wanted to jump out of his skin.  The medication that our primary care physician prescribed ( Hydroxyzine HCL 25mg and Triamcinolone 0.1% Cream FOU) wasn't working at all. 

So Monday I called a dermatologist, and they were nice enough to get Steve in the same day.  The dermatologist prescribed Clobetasol Propionate Foam, 0.05%.  The first night he used it my husband was able to sleep, and it has been working ever since.  He itched a little here and there the first few days but nothing like before.  He isn't itching at all anymore.  He uses the foam twice a day (in the morning and before he goes to sleep).