Fellowship needed please

[swiftgirl]

I would really appreciate some support as i feel like the only person in the world with TB.

Do you think the drugs make you feel anxious and low?

i am on rifampicin, isoniazid, ethambutol and pyranzinamide and have completed 10 weeks now out of 9months. I feel tired, nauseous, tingling in fingers and toes, itchy skin, aching muscles. I am trying so hard to avoid tyramine as this really makes it worse. Even i am fed up with my list of complaints (imagine my husband).

i have a few better days then a new side effect emerges.

Anyone able to give me some encouragement or hope please?

many thanks, Emma

[HelenC Partner TB Alert]

Dear Emma, I know I am now in touch with you by email but just writing in response to your specific queries - and hoping that some of our other adocates will also jump in. I suspect it is not the drugs themselves having an affect on your mood, more so the isolation that comes with a TB diagnosis and the horrible affects of both the illness itself and the side effects from the drugs. Hopefully, we are now in train to get you the support you need. Also, be reassured that side effects generally do settle down eventually. Good nutrition can help - so lots of small, high protein meals per day of you are finding it difficult to find an appetite. Best wishes, Helen

[swiftgirl in reply to HelenC]

Thank you so much for your support and advice. I really appreciate it 🙏

[Marocean]

I know you posted this two months ago, so hope things are better for you. I'm sorry to hear that you're having these side effects. While I'm not in your specific situation, I do know what it's like to feel frustrated and anxious about these things. One question: I see you're in the UK and wonder if you have access to the Calm app? I've used this for some time now and it's just fantastic. Lots of mindfulness and breathing suggestions, calming music and sounds, sleep stories, etc. I live in the US and I get it free now through my Medicare provider but did pay for it before. You may also be able to get it free through your health system, maybe? If not, you might want to try their free trial period. Let me know if you're interested and I can send you a link for a free trial period for a friend. Hang in there. Debbi

[Vortex78 in reply to Marocean]

Sounds like a great app (calm)... Unfortunately I don't have medical aid as here in South Africa it is VERY expensive... And I work for myself...

[Vortex78]

Hi... I see this is a oldish post so I would like to know how things worked out for you as I am in my 1st week of treatment and have already resorted to drugs to help with side effects of tb meds...