My Health Issues

I had Chronic Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) at birth in 1957. Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) is a disorder of the blood. Antibodies, part of the body's immunologic defense against infection, attach to blood platelets, cells that help stop bleeding, and cause their destruction.

Becaue of this, I received many blood transfusions as a child. Too numerous for me to know exactly, but I can confidently say it was dozens. Before the age of Two I had a Splenectomy (removal of the spleen). This led to my aquiring another blood disorder Hepatitis C (HCV). It took the next thirty years to slowly destroy my liver. As a result of Cirrhosis caused by the HCV. I required a Liver transplant in October of 2004.

The transplant was a success, but I am still dealing with the effects of the treatment I am taking for the HCV which still inhabits my system.
I am taking Peg-Intron.

It is not unusual to experience side effects to HCV therapy within six to eight hours of injection. The most common side effect of HCV therapy is mild-to-moderate "flu-like" symptoms - fever, headache, and muscle aches. This combination of effects is also called "flu-like syndrome". These symptoms are very likely to appear at the start of therapy and can be treated. The good news is that, as the body gets used to therapy, some of the symptoms usually lessen after a few weeks.

I have been on therapy (tx) for 11 weeks now and still I feel the above effects after taking the treatment. This is very discouraging for me, as well as making me extremely weak and tired all the time.

I am experiencing all of these symptons.

1. Depression.
2. Impatience.
3. Restlessness.
4. Inability to relax.
5. Difficulty concentrating.
6. Trouble sleeping.
7. Lack of enjoyment of things or activities once enjoyed.

I am being treated by the best doctors in the world. The Liver team at Lahey Clinic in Burlington, MA. I am exceptionally lucky to be under their care.