EPO injections

[shattock]

Is anybody else here having EPO injections ?

[VGCarer]

Every 5 days. What's your question?

[pryderi]

Yes three times a week, its a drug that acts in the body to encourage red blood cells and thus haemaglobin levels to increase from their lowered levels caused by kidney problems. So its basically used to treat/prevent anaemia and will help you not to be short of breath.

[shattock in reply to pryderi]

Thanks for your reply. Very helpful.

[poppydolly]

I love my weekly EPO injections, they make me feel so good and have helped my HB to increase from 60 to 106 and counting

[shattock in reply to poppydolly]

Well, worth knowing, Poppydolly. I self inject them every two weeks but haven't really noticed a vast improvement.

[phillen]

Yes my husband had them since being on dialysis he has found his HB stays up at a good levels so don't need them!

[shattock in reply to phillen]

Thanks for your reply. I am not on dialysis but wondered if anyone else was receiving them.

[Hidden]

NeoRecormon twice weekly, self injected.

Why do you ask?

[shattock in reply to Hidden]

Hi Jman,

I noticed that nobody had mentioned having these as part of their treatment for CKD and was beginning to wonder if I was the only one, and if so, why. Thanks for replying.

[phillen]

Yes a lot of people do have these i think it is usually in the later stages & i think its not mentioned as most people don't get any problems with it! they get delivered & put in your fridge for you!

[Pennyruss]

Hi Shattock,

I saw the anaemia specialist nurse at the renal dept of my hospital because of anaemia and she first arranged an iron infusion and then started me on EPO injections fortnightly. About a year later I was able to come off them and have not needed another infusion either. I do have a monthly blood test to check my full blood count and might have to go back onto the EPO if it drops and possibly have another infusion, but so far, so good!

[shattock in reply to Pennyruss]

Thanks Pennyruss,

Good to hear of your experience.. At present, I seem to be having iron infusions & also EPO injections every 2 weeks. I felt much better after the last iron infusion. Anyway, I am seeing the consultant tomorrow so will see where we go from there.

[Pennyruss in reply to shattock]

Hello again Shattock. I hope you had some encouraging news from the consultant. I'm glad you are feeling better with the infusions.

[shattock]

Hi Penny,

Not too bad, thanks. Apparently I am fairly stable at the moment wit slight improvement in the anaemia (thank you, EPO !)

However, I was also reminded that things would get worse as I get older - no surprise there then ! - but I feel fairly OK apart from the tiredness, breathless & Oh, the itching !!

Is itching symptomatic of CKD ?

I have difficulty with the dietary advice for CKD being at odds with the advice for Diabetes. Had to smile when told to cut out a piece of fruit & have a cake instead !!!!Guess I will just carry on with all things in moderation.

Good to hear from you.

[phillen]

Yes itching is a side affect of ckd my husband uses E45 itch relief

[shattock in reply to phillen]

Thanks, Phillen

[Shahabbah]

For anemia take 1kg carrots apples beetroot lemons honey (pure) cut/slice small .squeeze lemons leave overnight put in honey....take a spoonful everyday see hb shoot up.

[shattock in reply to Shahabbah]

Yuk ! I hate honey but thanks !