Geno 3 - 24wk TX - breathing problems - SOS

[MontanaBlue]

Hello All,

New to posting, but have been reading for 14 weeks as this is my 14th week out of 24 -- Geno 3.  I have had the usual side effects.  About 3 weeks ago I have had a hard time breathing, shortness of breath, can't catch my breath.  Got really worried and went to see a Pulmonary Doc.  He said he has had one other person come in with the same side effects. I am an X smoker as of 14 weeks ago. Why not kill two dragons at one time.  Have not had a cig since.  Doc tested me for COPD, don't have that.  Going in for lung xray to see if I have fluid in my lungs.  I will know the results Thur.  He also said I might need an Cardiac Echogram, that is the second step as I could have pulmonary hypertension, NOT GOOD.  Just wondering if anyone else has had breathing problems with these meds - Sovaldi and Rib. I am hoping it is a side effect from meds cuz I just cant handle anymore pressure. I have search the boards and only found on other post about breathing problems.  She never wrote about what her doc said.  I hope she is fine.  Anyway, any one else having breathing problems?  I am really worried as it is getting worse everyday.  Please share your thoughts with me as depression is setting back in.  BTW - Had Hep C since 1980, no other treatment, virus cleared at 4 weeks, Liver biopsy stage 3-4 before starting TX.  I felt what do I have to lose if you know what I mean.  Thanks for reading and look forward to reading your thoughts.  God Bless and thank you to everyone on this site.

[Philadelphia]

I'm going to assume you've had your haemoglobin levels checked. Low hb can also cause some difficulties in breathing as you work harder to get enough oxygen. Or that's what I found when I had a primary lost partum haemorrhage and had a monumentally low hb resulting in a blood transfusion (and hello, hep c, welcome to my life).

[KimInTheForest]

Hi Montana Blue. The breathing problems you are describing sound exactly like what one would expect while on ribavirin - and for the reason Philadelphia mentioned. Ribavirin induces hemolytic anemia in most people.

I just completed 12 weeks of Harvoni+Ribavarin. And had exactly your breathing symptoms. My trial nurse told me repeatedly that it was due entirely to the ribavirin,  which was destroying my red blood cells (temporarily - problem goes away after treatment). And so, your blood is not carrying enough oxygen - hence, shortness of breath, feeling like you need to catch your breath, getting winded after climbing a flight of stairs. Also elevated resting heart rate (mine was 95-100) since the heart tries to pump more blood to make up for the lower than usual amount of oxygen in your blood while on ribavirin.

The important thing is to make sure your liver doctor is monitoring your hemoglobin levels while you are on treatment so you don't get into trouble (i.e., fall too low in hemoglobin), in which case your doctor will reduce your ribavirin dose.

best of luck with treatment. hang in there. it will be worth it in the end to be cured of Hep C.

kim

[MontanaBlue]

Thanks KimInTheForest,

I have my blood tested every thirty days.  Doc calls and tells me number are good.  My Rib was reduced from 1000 to 800 for bad depression and suicide thoughts.  I am on Welburtrim since starting meds.  I cried everyday and wanted to give up on life, needed to reduce Rib.  Was undetected in 4th week with reduced Rib. I feel I need to get these lung test done for peace of mind.  The breathing is so bad I don't know if I can finish treatment.  I work across the room or go up three stairs and I am winded.  I will keep you posted on my lung tests.  Thank you so much for your thoughts and advice.