Since Infergen was the treatment of choice this is what we will discuss, as we proceed

We were told, right up front that there would be side effects similar to flu-like symptoms. Boy, was he right. The injections were given Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 7pm.. Then to bed. The first night there was a temperature elevation as well as diaphoresis. Aching in muscles and slight headache also occurred.

As daylight approached and there was no sign of stirring from Mary, I went to her bedroom and she was totally exhausted. Not from activity but just from the Infergen. She decided that bed was the best place for her as she could hardly hold herself up. Sleep was a welcome relief from the aches and pains.

The days following the injection (Tues., Thurs., and Sat.) were not much better, however,a little exercise was tried. Needless to say, Monday was her best day as she had no Infergen since Freday nite. But, at its best, it was not very good. Thus, the end of the first week. Oh yes! she was getting 9 m at the beginning.

So as not to discourage anyone from taking and sticking with Infergen Therapy, it did get a little better as time wore on.

There was a consistency in the types of sides , however. Listed below are some of them
-nausea
-headache
-muscle aches
-slight fever
-diaphoresis
-extreme fatigue
-loss of appetite
-loss of hair

It is now into the second 6 month period that Mary is taking Infergen. The suffering from the side effects persists, however the viral count is down.

I feel that her loss of weight must be implimented with some good , wholesome, nourishing food. Diet is VERY important now and as she eats small amounts 4-6 times a day I cook things for her that she likes.

The side effects that are most pressing are, diaphoresis, weakness, nausea, muscle aches and eye strain .

Mary has a doctor's appointment soon ( a few weeks) and at that time further decisions will be made. Mary is a trooper and she want to give the INFERGEN the best possible chance of killing the virus.

June 1999---from her lab tests you will see that the viral count is still down. We praise the LORD for that. A new side effect, and one that she really did not anticipate is that her hair is falling out. Flu like symptoms???? It is more like CHEMOTHERAPY, which, in fact, it really is. It is rather devastating to a pretty girl, however, she had her hair cut short and it looks cute.

Just a few more months , until October, that she is on Infergen. The rest of the SIDES are very nasty. She is quite ill on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

August 1999-- Well it has happened... Her hair is falling out.. not is large clumps, however..No wigs yet. It will soon be October and then we shall see the results of this period of one year in therapy.