Interferon

Going through treatment
21

Thank you very much Erica …i will do …Smiddy :+1:

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22

I hope your injections are going well. I am just about to do my 5th weekly injection now.
I was away for a couple of days with my partner (to North Norfolk) last week and did my injection in our nice room at the Red Lion, Stiffkey!
The day after I thought I might need to take it easy and not do much, as I had felt quite tired and off colour the day after each previous injection- but I was fine and we had a busy day- looks like the side effects have just about gone.
Must admit seeing my 3 month supply of syringes sitting in the top of our fridge did make me realise that this is it for the long haul- no cure pending- but at least it can be managed, and my platelets are coming down nicely.
Wishing you well with it all, and hoping that you get on well with the interferon.
All the best, Fem

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23

Hi @Fem. I’m really glad the side effects didn’t happen this time around and that things are going in the right direction. :blush:

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24

Hi everyone thought it was time for a little update :blush: hope everyone is doing well .i am feeling a bit better the interferon injection hasent helped my platelets if anything they have went up. back to hospital every 3 weeks just now . dose of injection was put up last vist so iam hopping for better news next tues .i have a terrible itch all over my body driving me nut … see what they say next week … sorry if this is a bit long winded. Just good to get it out there xx :+1:

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25

Oh @SMIDDY so glad that you put it out there and I certainly did not feel it was a bit long winded at all.
Yes, I would certainly ask if they can suggest something for your itching.
Others on here might have handy hints for you too.
Please let us know how your appointment goes.
Look after yourself that itching must be horrible

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26

Hi @SMIDDY, I’m sorry to hear that you are suffering from all over itchiness. I too am a fellow Interferon injector, and have been jabbing myself for a little over 5 & 1/2 years now, at varying rates and doses, but have been on 90mcg every 3 weeks for the last 3 years. I too am quite itchy, mostly the back of my thighs and other, close by, zones. It can be quite frustrating but I don’t know if the itchiness is a cause, or effect, of my fatigue, which seems to be getting worse as time goes by. I also don’t know if it is just part of the ageing process; I’m 58 now and was diagnosed with Essential thrombocythemia (ET) just over 5 & 1/2 years ago, having suffered a heart attack 6 months prior to this.

Take care, stay safe, keep smiling and remember to be kind to yourself.

Jimbo165

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27

@SMIDDY @Jimbo165

I would strongly advise getting your iron levels and ferratin levels checked. Every time I get persistently itchy it’s most 100% to do with my iron.

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28

Thanks Rammie i am getting all bloods done on mon. i will check that one with them :+1:. i am hoping my platelets are down a bit too i go to hematology tues :+1:
Thanks again Smiddy :+1:

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29

Thank you Erica . i will do.
Doc says could be a joint connection to the treatment and the Essential thrombocythemia (ET) i am hoping my platelets are down a bit too :crossed_fingers:.

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30

Thank you very much for your feed back …as i am new to the treatment its try and error at the min… i was on hydroxycarbamide for 4 years.i am on 180 mg interferon once a week but hopefully that will chang when my platelets go back down a bit … specialist says the itch could be a combination of the treatment and the Essential thrombocythemia (ET) .time will tell …i am 70 by the way … i wish you well look after yourself :+1:

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31

Good morning @Rammie18, and thank you for your kind response.

My apologies for the delay in replying, but I’ve now been able to check my latest blood test results and both my iron and ferritin levels are fairly good, so I assume it is just my body that doesn’t like me! :rofl:

Take care and stay safe.

Jimbo165

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32

No worries on the timing of the reply. As long as you’re doing well that’s the most important thing.

Good to hear your iron levels are good! That’s a really positive sign.

Definitely worth mentioning to your medical team to investigate further. Maybe recommend some antihistamines.

Though it may not seem anything major to them, I know too well how itching can impact your quality of life

Keep us posted :slight_smile:

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