[mamaknows]

(. . . and not just because I am blonde!)
Hi. I have some questions re: my husband. He has Hepatitis C. He could have been exposed to it in VietNam when he used heroin a few times. Or it could have been when he was exposed to the blood of his companions who were blown up next to him when they stepped on the mine. Or it could have been when he and the others in his company searched the fallen bodies of the enemy looking for information. And then again, as a nurse, he could have easily picked it up at work. I know about that because I am a nurse also. Anyway he is really private about having HCV because he feels it has a bad conotation, i.e., that he is a druggie.
He is now taking the peg-interferon in combination with ribavirin therapy from the V.A. and it is kicking his butt. For the last 3 months he has intermittently felt like he has the flu. It starts about 24 hours after the interferon injection, lasts about 24-48 hours and then goes away or not. There is no way to predict when it hits or how long it stays. It makes it very difficult for him to work and has had to call off many times. Our income has been cut in half.
So here the thot plickens...He has taken Vicodin (some left over from other Rx's) in large doses in order to feel normal. He does not get a euphoric feeling. He is just able to go to work or to walk the dogs or just enjoy watching a TV program. He was able to talk a NP (nurse practioner) into giving him a prescription for the Vicodin but because he takes three 5/500's and then about 3-4 hours later takes two more he goes through the bottle that is suppose to last 30 days in about 10 days. He has about 24-48 hours of no Vicodin and then it is time to take the weekly injection. So the whole merry-go-round starts all over. He has had access to Morphine Sulfate and to MS Contin. Both of those were very effective but not recommended for an impaired liver.
And now for the true confession...We are afraid to tell the NP or the doctors at the VA because the reaction is one that he is drug seeking. The NP said that she has never given narcotics to treat the symptoms of interferon. My husband can not actually say that he has pain. But I think he is not telling all. I hear him moaning and I see how weak he is and I see him break into a sweat...over and over. I can tell when he has enough of the Vicodin because he looks just like you and me. He actually smiles and jokes and is able to go to work.
I know the difference between the withdrawal of drugs and the symptoms of flu. I used to work in a county jail. I was called in many times to treat inmates who were on their 3rd day after lock-up and sure enough. . . achey bones, diarrhea, sniffles. My husband doesn't complain of achey bones. His muscles hurt like you do when you have the flu. He has headaches. Not the cluster headaches that he got after VietNam. The kind you have when you have the flu. No sniffles. And his symptoms start about 12-24 hours after the last dose of Vicodin. Not 72 hours later like withdrawals.
So does it sound like I am rationalizing? Does is sound to anyone that he is addicted? Has anyone gone through interferon therapy? Please talk to me.


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[mpvt]

He shouldn't be taking anything with tylenol in it if he has HCV.He would be much better off with the ms contin.....Dave

[SWEETMAMEEYES]

Hi,
I worked in a dental clinic..in 1991.
As the Head Assistant,responsible for ALL
personel's training,in Infection Control,
OSHA Regs., office procedures,
along with other responibilites.

Vicadin was the new "wonder drug".
The drug rep for Vicadin,
couldn't and didn't inform the owner
of the true nature of Vics.


We were to Rx as much as possible...
for $ kick backs &
the contract he signed with the drug company,
stated so many Rx's would be dispensed.

We went through more Rx pads in one week,
than the first 9 months I worked there.
Pain meds were seldom written...

I was in control of providing Rx pads for
any DDS who wanted to write Rx.
As they were to be locked up.

Since I was a "lowly assiatant" and very curious,
I spoke with the drug rep about Vicadins as
many were calling and asking for refills...
The literature stated it WAS a NARCOTIC,
contains Tylenol and Coedine...
highly addictive with nasty side affects.

Could he be having an allergic reaction to it?
Try doing a word searh on Googles.. for Vics and Allergic reactions.
Also the person who said NO TYLENOL for people
who have Hep..is right..
I recieved all my " OSHA required Training"
at Mt. Sinai Hospital with the CDC in Miami.FL
in 1991..
All this was discussed for the '"safety" of all dental
personal.

Then I had to discuss and set up the whole office for Hep.
innoculations with the nurse that the owner hired to
do the Hep. series.

I was in charge of OSHA Regs. within the clinics.

The nurse who adminstered the Hep Vacs. and drew the blood,
made the same statement...
Also if you are on any form of antihistamines you WILL test positive for
Hep.... I did...then went off them and I tested "negative".

Hope he gets better soon..

Tell him thank-you for serving our country...We are grateful for his
sacrifice.I was too young to totally understand this war.I do know what they went through as a result..it is a SHAME on our country,the way our men who served were treated..Now not treated correctly by many VA s.My son is learning the truth about our brave and noble troops...and the abuse they recieved..as many are clueless.

We'll be HONORED to keep him in our prayers too...

God bless both of you...may the truth be reveal as to what is causing his medical issues...may he get the proper care for it.
Also the honor that is due him,for serving...

NANCY GORDON
email address<itsnanceg@yahoo,com>
If you ever need to talk or ask for prayer.
I have an unlimited calling plan too.

It would be a great honored to be there for him and you too.
The lest I can do for what he did for us..

P.S. I am a natural blond too...
and proud of it...LOL