Hello everyone
Just a few hints on how to deal with the Glivec side effects. The
only one and wonderful Brian Druker recommended using Preparation H
under the eyes to reduce puffiness, apparently the top models use it
before the shoots. Also to reduce the fluid retention, drink as
much water as you possibly can and wheat is best avoided and also
stick to a low carbohydrate diet. It really does work and the
weight will not pile on. A lot of STI patients have said that they
now crave sweet things such as chocolate, whereas they did not eat
these things before, I am one of those people. So watch out for
these cravings also. As far as cramps go, a good calcium/magnesium
supplement should help. Some people have also been prescribed quinine
to deal with more severe cramps.
Of course gentle exercise is always good but I do appreciate that not
all of us have the energy or inclination for this.
Nice to see you here Richard and Jill and very happy to know that
Jill is feeling much better. As you probably know I usually post on
the UK site but I think this list will be a very useful arena to
share our problems/side-effects/etc. of Glivec. I have had a rough
start but hopefully things will improve from now on.
All the best and Take Care
Elizabeth Rees
Diag. Feb.99 - Hydroxyurea 16 months
IFN 5 mths - intolerant
STI 6.12.00 - stopped 18.12.00 due to severe rash and temp.+ elevated
liver enzymes - hospitalised - restarted STI 50mg+20mg prednisolone
24.01.01 -increased to 150mg+20mg prednisolone 07.02.01 - so far all
liver functions normal and no rash !