I`m glad you`re finding ways to deal with the heat, sounds like you`re on top of it. You can use us for support as much as you like, that`s what we`re here for.
-- Edited by Cinnamon Girl on Tuesday 9th of June 2015 08:19:58 PM
coolheat said
Jun 9, 2015
Thanks Jill, am hydrating so much I get somewhat water heavy, by morning, have lost 5 to 6 lbs of water weight. Greg D recommended staying out of direct sunlight. Thank you Greg D. We are Extreme massage therapist and work a lot of events outside, have many tents, but still out in the sun a lot. Suppose to be in Squaw Valley usa, which is around 6,000 some feet latter part of mo.. Are, or have there been problems with altitude, besides the sun.. I opted out with my trainer for workouts, as (it had been about a month since I had last worked out), but it felt like it harder to move the lactic acid out of my quads. And that was with massage help to move it. Man are we all lucky to a part of the newer science of the Hep C world. Even if failed before, such a better chance now for slaying the dragon. Suppose to be cooler here tomorrow, today staying in one room with fan and drapes closed. I'm taking up Indian cooking, cooking more with veges and beans and such. Mind feels so much more clear and focused, and this is only my 8th day on Harvoni. Thanks again Jill and thanks to everyone else. Part of my lifeline right now for sure. : ) Marsha aka coolheat
Cinnamon Girl said
Jun 9, 2015
coolheat wrote:
Hi Jill, we have been in and out quite a bit last few days. Our weather changed from like the 70's to the 100's and the heat is like super effecting me in a negative way. Wipes me out completely. We have to wait till next wknd to set up cooling in the house. Is this a side effect? Thanks, Marsha
Hi Marsha, sometimes people can become more sensitive to their environment when on such strong medications and to be honest I think most people would find those high temperatures difficult to cope with, whether or not they were on treatment. I know I would! Try and stay as comfortable as you can and make sure to drink extra fluids in the hot weather.
You must be so looking forward to having the cooling system sorted out!
Greg D said
Jun 9, 2015
Marsha,
On my treatment protocol, or with any if I'm understanding correctly, I was not drinking water because I was thirsty. Water is probably the vehicle to deliver the meds and the lubricant to prevent internal workings from drying up because of them. I am far from being an expert but looking back, if in fact water is used to help deliver the medication, copious amounts of water after treatment would help purge the body. At least that's the way I'm viewing things now, in hindsight.
For me, I started treatment in September which took me through a northern-ish Canadian winter and it was the bone chilling cold that I could not handle very well. So it wasn't a drink of water because I was thirsty.
Nothing scientific just an opinion.
The direct sunlight was something I was told to avoid. All the best!
coolheat said
Jun 9, 2015
Hi Jill, we have been in and out quite a bit last few days. Our weather changed from like the 70's to the 100's and the heat is like super effecting me in a negative way. Wipes me out completely. We have to wait till next wknd to set up cooling in the house. Is this a side effect? Thanks, Marsha
coolheat said
Jun 9, 2015
Thanks Greg D, do you think that in general you found you just need to hydrate more, or is it because the drug sticks in the system for awhile, or did your body change need more fluids post treatment? Maybe, who knows, but thought I would ask. Like hydration is always good. I'm in the gold country of calif., and we went from 60 to 100 mi. an hr. with the heat, and its kicking my a.., did the heat effect you when you were on treatment? Thanks, Marsha
Greg D said
Jun 8, 2015
Hi Marsha, good to hear that you had a better day today. On the hydration theme, one thing I should have done was kept drinking lots of water after treatment. As with Tig, I was on different medication but I think I would have had an easier time with side effects, if I had kept water flowing through me.
When I was done taking the meds I eased up and switched my focus on just eating well and, in my opinion, didn't drink nearly as much water as I should have which may have contributed to an apparent prolonged recovery. I'm not sure how long after but hydrating is never a bad idea....treatment aside, I've never been the type to carry around a water bottle and only seemed to drink when I was parched lol. Water is now a priority as well as a healthy diet and moderate amounts of exercise until I can handle more.
I hope this helps.
coolheat said
Jun 7, 2015
Thanks for responding Tig56. Today it has made a big difference for the better to hydrate and eat somewhat smaller meals. Got that with can call Gilhead if I need to. The small but consistent changes for the better are amazing. Really don't tire as quickly, eyes are clear, whites are whiter, puffiness all over leaving, have light headache, but Tylenol keeps to a distance. My dr. said 4 @ day are ok, spread out, dose 325 mg., Start wk 2 mon.. Thanks again, Marsha aka coolheat
-- Edited by coolheat on Monday 8th of June 2015 03:55:13 AM
Tig said
Jun 7, 2015
Hey Marsha,
I'm sorry to hear you had a rough time last night. As you're beginning to notice, diet and hydration do indeed impact the way you feel during these treatments. I didn't have a robust appetite during my treatment either, but did find that smaller meals, (good meals) were far easier to tolerate. I also am a strong believer in extra hydration as well. One old rule of thumb is to try and drink half your weight in ounces and drink good filtered water. For some that might be too much, but it assures you that you're getting enough. Another good guide is the color of your urine. Try to keep it a pale yellow. You'll be able to gauge how much is right for you that way. It will help the nausea and headaches. May not get rid of it entirely, but hopefully it will make everything more tolerable.
Best advice I can give is to get as much rest as your body demands. I had to take naps because I didn't sleep well. Different medication of course, but your body is responding to some powerful drugs and right now they are controlling much of your life. Don't try to expect as much from your body as you were accustomed to. It's time to treat yourself with care and Kidd gloves if need be. This will be over before you know it and you'll then have plenty of time to get back on track. Treat your felt complaints (side effects) symptomatically and with the help of your doctor/nurse if things begin to be too much. I would like to mention that if you need to speak with a professional and your doctor's office isn't available, you can call the Gilead Support Path Help Line and speak with one of their nurses. They are available M-F 9AM-8PM EST 1-855-769-7284. There is also a lot of info online at Gilead.com. Let me know if I can ever be of any assistance. Hang in there, you got this!
Cinnamon Girl said
Jun 7, 2015
Hi Marsha,
You`re right in saying that drinking adequate water and establishing an eating pattern that suits you best do play an important part of managing the side effects during treatment and can make a big difference in how you feel day to day.
I hope you have a peaceful sleep tonight! Thanks for your update, keep in touch.
Best of luck!
coolheat said
Jun 7, 2015
Like many who haven't had many, if any side effects, I did not eat as well as have been yesterday, did not drink as much water, had a small amt. of sugar, paid for it last night. Through the night I experienced nausea, insomnia, acid stomach, muscle discomfort. I will correct this today and pray the calm and sleep come back with a direct diet and hydration approach. Thanks all for sharing as well. Marsha
Thanks for the link to the water recommendations, Jill. That's going to be very helpful!
Got it, thanks.
HI again Marsha, here`s a fact sheet on the benefits of drinking adequate water and other liquids while on treatment...you might find this useful.
http://hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/factsheets_pdf/SEM_water.pdf
I`m glad you`re finding ways to deal with the heat, sounds like you`re on top of it. You can use us for support as much as you like, that`s what we`re here for.
-- Edited by Cinnamon Girl on Tuesday 9th of June 2015 08:19:58 PM
Thanks Jill, am hydrating so much I get somewhat water heavy, by morning, have lost 5 to 6 lbs of water weight. Greg D recommended staying out of direct sunlight. Thank you Greg D. We are Extreme massage therapist and work a lot of events outside, have many tents, but still out in the sun a lot. Suppose to be in Squaw Valley usa, which is around 6,000 some feet latter part of mo.. Are, or have there been problems with altitude, besides the sun.. I opted out with my trainer for workouts, as (it had been about a month since I had last worked out), but it felt like it harder to move the lactic acid out of my quads. And that was with massage help to move it. Man are we all lucky to a part of the newer science of the Hep C world. Even if failed before, such a better chance now for slaying the dragon. Suppose to be cooler here tomorrow, today staying in one room with fan and drapes closed. I'm taking up Indian cooking, cooking more with veges and beans and such. Mind feels so much more clear and focused, and this is only my 8th day on Harvoni. Thanks again Jill and thanks to everyone else. Part of my lifeline right now for sure. : ) Marsha aka coolheat
Hi Marsha, sometimes people can become more sensitive to their environment when on such strong medications and to be honest I think most people would find those high temperatures difficult to cope with, whether or not they were on treatment. I know I would! Try and stay as comfortable as you can and make sure to drink extra fluids in the hot weather.
You must be so looking forward to having the cooling system sorted out!
Marsha,
On my treatment protocol, or with any if I'm understanding correctly, I was not drinking water because I was thirsty. Water is probably the vehicle to deliver the meds and the lubricant to prevent internal workings from drying up because of them. I am far from being an expert but looking back, if in fact water is used to help deliver the medication, copious amounts of water after treatment would help purge the body. At least that's the way I'm viewing things now, in hindsight.
For me, I started treatment in September which took me through a northern-ish Canadian winter and it was the bone chilling cold that I could not handle very well. So it wasn't a drink of water because I was thirsty.
Nothing scientific just an opinion.
The direct sunlight was something I was told to avoid. All the best!
Hi Jill, we have been in and out quite a bit last few days. Our weather changed from like the 70's to the 100's and the heat is like super effecting me in a negative way. Wipes me out completely. We have to wait till next wknd to set up cooling in the house. Is this a side effect? Thanks, Marsha
Thanks Greg D, do you think that in general you found you just need to hydrate more, or is it because the drug sticks in the system for awhile, or did your body change need more fluids post treatment? Maybe, who knows, but thought I would ask. Like hydration is always good. I'm in the gold country of calif., and we went from 60 to 100 mi. an hr. with the heat, and its kicking my a.., did the heat effect you when you were on treatment? Thanks, Marsha
Hi Marsha, good to hear that you had a better day today. On the hydration theme, one thing I should have done was kept drinking lots of water after treatment. As with Tig, I was on different medication but I think I would have had an easier time with side effects, if I had kept water flowing through me.
When I was done taking the meds I eased up and switched my focus on just eating well and, in my opinion, didn't drink nearly as much water as I should have which may have contributed to an apparent prolonged recovery. I'm not sure how long after but hydrating is never a bad idea....treatment aside, I've never been the type to carry around a water bottle and only seemed to drink when I was parched lol. Water is now a priority as well as a healthy diet and moderate amounts of exercise until I can handle more.
I hope this helps.
Thanks for responding Tig56. Today it has made a big difference for the better to hydrate and eat somewhat smaller meals. Got that with can call Gilhead if I need to. The small but consistent changes for the better are amazing. Really don't tire as quickly, eyes are clear, whites are whiter, puffiness all over leaving, have light headache, but Tylenol keeps to a distance. My dr. said 4 @ day are ok, spread out, dose 325 mg., Start wk 2 mon.. Thanks again, Marsha aka coolheat
-- Edited by coolheat on Monday 8th of June 2015 03:55:13 AM
Hey Marsha,
I'm sorry to hear you had a rough time last night. As you're beginning to notice, diet and hydration do indeed impact the way you feel during these treatments. I didn't have a robust appetite during my treatment either, but did find that smaller meals, (good meals) were far easier to tolerate. I also am a strong believer in extra hydration as well. One old rule of thumb is to try and drink half your weight in ounces and drink good filtered water. For some that might be too much, but it assures you that you're getting enough. Another good guide is the color of your urine. Try to keep it a pale yellow. You'll be able to gauge how much is right for you that way. It will help the nausea and headaches. May not get rid of it entirely, but hopefully it will make everything more tolerable.
Best advice I can give is to get as much rest as your body demands. I had to take naps because I didn't sleep well. Different medication of course, but your body is responding to some powerful drugs and right now they are controlling much of your life. Don't try to expect as much from your body as you were accustomed to. It's time to treat yourself with care and Kidd gloves if need be. This will be over before you know it and you'll then have plenty of time to get back on track. Treat your felt complaints (side effects) symptomatically and with the help of your doctor/nurse if things begin to be too much. I would like to mention that if you need to speak with a professional and your doctor's office isn't available, you can call the Gilead Support Path Help Line and speak with one of their nurses. They are available M-F 9AM-8PM EST 1-855-769-7284. There is also a lot of info online at Gilead.com. Let me know if I can ever be of any assistance. Hang in there, you got this!
Hi Marsha,
You`re right in saying that drinking adequate water and establishing an eating pattern that suits you best do play an important part of managing the side effects during treatment and can make a big difference in how you feel day to day.
I hope you have a peaceful sleep tonight! Thanks for your update, keep in touch.
Best of luck!
Like many who haven't had many, if any side effects, I did not eat as well as have been yesterday, did not drink as much water, had a small amt. of sugar, paid for it last night. Through the night I experienced nausea, insomnia, acid stomach, muscle discomfort. I will correct this today and pray the calm and sleep come back with a direct diet and hydration approach. Thanks all for sharing as well. Marsha