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HEP C

Hello my name is robby and i am from dublin ireland i have been on herion since i was 14 i have been on a methadone maintence program for about4 years.imnow 21 and in the last 7 years the longest i have been of everyting is about 3 months at the time i was out of the country. I have hep c and might be starting on interferon i dont know any one else who has had this tretment and have herd there are a lot of bad side effects i would be greatful if someone who has been on or knows someone who has been on interferon could reply to this. At the moment i am finding staying clean hard as all of my freinds are still on herion so i can go out with them and probley end up using or stay at home by my self doing nothing which i normaly do but i am relly sick of doing this, i feel like i am missing out on a lot and have no one to turn to, my only good freind has just gone to America to work which does not help i am working and have a good job this is the only thing i have, i dont know why i am writing this but why not,
well if any one would like to reply to this please do thanks for reading.


Robby
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Avatar universal
I am currently on daily Methadone Maintenance Tteatment (120 mg. per)and am currently on Interferon treatment for my cronic Hepatitis C. The interferon treatment is the most terrible experience that I've had to endure in my 43 years. I am grateful that the I am on the Methadone while on the interferon. since the Meth is easy on the liver. The psycological and emotional side effects of the interferon cannot be adequately explained by me, I assure you though that nothing could have prepared me for them. It has proven to be beneficial to me since my liver is responding positively, this fact alone sustains my commitment to continue its use. Having a consistant support system can make all the difference in the world while being treated, your attitude may prove to be difficult to control. I wish you the best in your decision to treat with interferon. You may also find the need to increase your Methadone dose since it may help to curb some of the negative side effects of interferon.
Take Care...

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.....BOO HOO! (uh, that's me crying...LOL)  Hey, I can't believe I missed it....****!  Don't know if you'll catch my msg to you in an earlier thread, but I haven't been on since Monday...My mom, dad, and two nieces and an x-sister in law came over for the 4th and it was non stop.....I did not get on one time...although I wanted to.....LOL  Glad everything went well.  I'm so glad you two met!
Angelica
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Yes, I remember rading some of Bright's posts before I started posting. She always struck me as a "voice of reason," kind, wise, & caring. I think it's really cool that you two are getting to meet. Have a great lunch...seafood? :)   -- Milo
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Thank you....your words mean alot to me....I guess we search for the geographical cure for everything from addiction to pain and heartache...maybe that is what I am doing    but just knowing that you understand helps more than you know I am going to lunch with Brighty in about an hour and I WILL NOT be down for this..I am sooo excited....do you know who Brighty is?  she is a forum friend who stuggled with her daughters addiction....she will be back soon.....thank you again   love to  all    cin
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To all my friends here I want to take this moment to thank you ALL for not only being there when I or anyone else on this forum needs you, but also for noticing when there is an absence of one of us for a while. This is the kind of friendship and caring that the whole world needs to take a lesson from. You people have also given me a sense of purpose besides my everyday life, which wonderful right now by the way, I said before that I wanted to give back to the forum that which I have recieved, and I shall use everything in my power with the help from above to do just that. I can only apologize for sometimes being absent from here but my job and family do have to come first. It is the close of a month for me which is a very busy time, but I will never be gone for long! I don't want my post to go on till you fall asleep so I'll end this one saying that I'll address a couple of issues with some of you with personal posts or e-mails.
The VERY GREAT NEWS is now that I'm off the "Dragon" my friends love me, my family loves me and most of all no matter how bad I was, GOD always loved me. So now I love me and I bought me my own Harley! yippee!!!!!! LOL The Wiz is riding again! So, for those of you in various states of recovery....IT CAN BE DONE!!!!!! Keeping you all in my prayers and thoughts, God Bless you.
Power & Magick 2 U,
Peace & Light on us all,
luv Wiz
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MY magical Mystical surfer dude....you are so right about the people here...this is the most caring place in the world....I have been to other forums...and belive me cheese wiz,,,,they can't compare to this one.....I remember the first time you posted here....I knew from the very beginning you and I would become friends and you would soon unknowingly worm your way into my heart, which you have done so very easily....you say the people here have been here for you,,,,have helped you....well my sweet surfer dude....you have helped us here,  you have been here for me when I have turned into the sniveling fool that I turn into sometimes....between you and these people here, you have helped to restore my faith after I lost my mom,,,,,you have helped me to see past my pain and hurt...I have some very dear friends that I work and play with but to be  hones with you,,,,you have been here for me in more ways than they have been......we have shared many "internet" talks about your family and other things from the heart...so when you say that your friends, family and god loves you,,,remember   so does dorothy  LOL      Love to al   cin
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Wiz -- It *is* good to hear you in good spirits, and having read some of your recent posts to folks who are hurting right now, I know you are already giving back so much to the folks who come here. Enjoy the bike!
Cindi -- I'm sorry you're feeling sad, and I know how difficult it can be to leave a "magical" place to return to everyday life -- especially with your grief & having to deal with the house, etc. Cindi, you are a kind, caring, & sensitive person, and that's the kind of person who feels the pain of loss most deeply. It's your wonderful qualities that make you such a good friend to us here that also leave you vulnerable to such pain. Let the sadness come, feel it, and then know that your mom will want you to enjoy the rest of your magical vacation. I'll say a special prayer for you tonight, my kind friend.
--You guys are the best, Milo
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hEY CHICKIE SISTA.....  wating for your phone number.....tomorrow my hot date with Brighty.....can't wait.........
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Hey hot dudes and dudettes......I'm glad you all oare well.....I kow I should be not sad down here but I am so sad today.....I have the mom blues....on the 25 of june it was 6 months that she died.....God, I am so sad....and I don't know what to do....it feels like all of a sudden it happened all over again....maybe looking at pics etc...Or just being around my dad.....whatever.....i dunno..maybe cuz i have to leave to go home on frida..as much as i miss doug i just wish i could stay here...but i have to go and sell the house..then we are on our way....going back to Ohio from such a beautiful place as this....man what a bummer dudes.......On the brighter side...I am doing lunch tomorrow with our dear friend Brighty..I'm taking pics and everyone gets one  lOL  well, I better get going    hope all is well with everyone.....Milo and wiz,  It is so nice to see you guys in such great spirits.....Wiz....you are just plain jolly lately  LOL    love to you all   cin
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....Glad to see your doing ok, and in better spirits.  Thank you for the cute e-card, and thanks for the consideration you have for  everyone,...its like you try not to leave anyone out.  I can only imagine what your "in the flesh" friends receive in the way of help and support from you....a true friend you are in deed.  (:

We love you too Wizard!
Angelica  {>?<}  (Look wiz, its angel wings....LMAO)..or an optical illusion????lol
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Lea -- thank you so much for asking! I'm doing OK. Still haven't gotten past this bout of insomnia, but in time I know it'll pass.
Wiz -- glad to hear ya sounding so happy! Let me know how things are going.
Cin -- now I'm just plain jealous of your great vacation! Granted I had fish for dinner last night and *thought* of Florida, but it's just not the same! :) Glad you're having such a good time.
Jenny -- have strength & courage, my friend -- thoughts & prayers are with you!
--Milo
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Hey you guys ok? You four have been alittle quiet the past few days? Wizard what's up? The forum magician's got us worried. I pray you all are ok, I know a couple of you have had some hard days here recently, I just wanted to check. I miss you guys or as Cindi would say "you hot Dudes". Take care I am thinking of you....Love Susan
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Thanks for looking out for me it's 11:30 p.m. California time and I just jumped onfor a quickie look. All is FANTASTIC for me and I'm OKAY :-) God, I just read the above posts and I feel so bad that I don't have time toanswer right now but all of the "angels" here seemed to have picked up the ball and ran with it with the best advice that I have ever read. Jenny,dear, PLEASE head the advice above. I have seen your pics of you and the kids too and you have a lot going for you. I will pray for you all tonight and I PROMISE to get back here in the morning.Cin, Milo Susan, Angelica, Thomas, and everyone I love you all. God Bless and Keep you.
Power & Magick 2 U all,Peace & Light upon us all,
Wizard
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Thanks to everyone for replying its good to know that iam not by myself, i had my apointment with the doctor and he said that there is a new kind of interferion coming out in october i dont know the name but he said i had the better geno type, C i think and there could be from 50 - 70% chance of it clearing up the hep for good which sounds very good to me, iam in work know so i have to go but im going to come here again and thanks for replying i hope ill here from yous again,

Robby
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Avatar universal
Moses, I don't think that any doctor can answer your setback question truthfully.  Plain and simple, you relapsed!  The drug won and got you under control again. Sure you will feel pretty darn good for a while, but the craving will start up again bigtime. I hate it when this happens to me. I feel like a total failure and half a man. Just keep trying!

Doctors are on this new approach of "taking charge of your illness". It's like telling us to "just say no to drugs". I think that maybe we need to work on our self esteem and the dreadful depression we suffer during withdrawals. As far as easy answers, there are none....Just a lot of trial and error and hard work in a twelve step program. J.B.
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Avatar universal
Setbacks happen dude. How far it sets you back is up to you. Now this is just all my opinion based on my own past experiences so it doesn't mean I'm right, just my opinion. If you were feeling better even though you weren't feeling great then I think you were on the raod to the light of freedom. If you took the oxy and now it's gone then continue where you left off. That is if you really want to do this now and are REALLY ready to commit. I know it's hard man, it's the hardest thing I've ever had to face in my life. But I know that I can't fall into the "just this once" routine. It just does not for ME. I have found that I "just this once" it everyday as long as the supply lasts. I know it's an addictive behaviour that I need to control. The important part for you Moses, is that you never give up, never stop trying if that is the ultimate goal for you. You must be true to your heart man. Do not beat yourself up on this note. Many of us have had to try many, many times before we reach the point of control over our addiction. I will always be an addict. I just pray that I will continue to be a non using addict. If you read the post a couple of days ago that I wrote you will see that we all have are bad days. As Cindy said We ARE human. As such we are not infallable. "**** Happens" But can we rise to the occasion and turn it around? This is where I think our heart comes into play and with Gods good graces we CAN turn it around. It's never to late to start another journey down the road to recovery. God bless you Man! I'll be praying for you my Brother.
Power & Magick 2 U,
Wizard
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I was in Germany before Nam. Yes I know about that hash. Kick your butt... The drug culture was sure strong in the military in those days, wasn`t it. Confession time. Got my hands on 120mg. M.S. Contin yesterday. What a relief. What a stupid thing to do!! Question. I think I was over the worst of my heebee jeebees. Still felt like **** but was doing a little better. How much will one blast set me back as far as withdrawls. Feel pretty good yet today as I`m sure I still got some goodies in me. The good thing is I won`t be able to get more. Anyone out there experienced enough to give me an answer? Doc, do you ever read these? How about an answer from you. Thanks. Moses   P.S. Wizard & J.B., Feel a special bond with you. Hang tough!!
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I want to salute the both of you my brothers. Reading the last 2 posts brought back some memories of some sad, turbulent times. It looks like we are close to the same age or so J.B. The stuff you talked about made it's way down to the missle silos I was stuck in too. I was in the Army around the same time. We didn't have too many friends that weren't in the military then. Wasn't popular you know? I feel the same emotions sometimes. The demons come and go. I got out in 72 myself. God bless you both and peace be with you. Some day the struggle will be over for us all. That I'm sure of. Stay strong Brothers.
Power & Magick 2 U both,
Peace & Light on us all,
Wizard
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Good luck to you, i hope that you respond to the treatment, and that it isn't too awful to go through.
Please, never feel funny about posting here on this board, we have all experienced quite a bit ourselves, and this board is full of very knowledgable, understanding people!!  I hope you stay with us, and i'm sure you won't be sorry!
You are so young, and deserve every chance of getting help, and trying to work on getting yourself better!
You have so much more of life yet to experience, have faith, and come back for support!
Good luck to you!
You're in my prayers!
BTW, my husband and i are both opiate users, and my husband is currently taking methadone also.  He does pretty well with it.
Jenny (from Florida)
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Boy, kind of a tough night last night. All of that long lasting oxycontin is out of my system, and man do I know it! Oh well, another day, and forward I shall go.. Trebor, I do have some experience with H,albeit many years ago as I just turned fifty,and now am struggling whith a legal opiate, no fun either.Although it`s been thirty some years ago, I was in Viet Nam. We used to suck a finger nails worth into a cig. and smoke it. This might seem like a poor way to deliver the drug into your system, but the purity and price made it quite effective. To let you decide wether we acomplished our goal, this is what I remember doing on several occations. Smoking our doctored cigs,guzzling water or sodas until we were stuffed, then having splash contests, seeing who could vomit the farthest. The pure smack made us tremendiously thirsty so getting ready for the contest was not a problem for any of the partisipants. I used sporatically, on stand down, becouse the rest of the time I was in a posision I had to stay alert. However the last week I spent in country, the Nam, I was in what was a secure area, if there really was such a place. Anyway, I had no responsibility and I made the most of it by indulging in above goodies plentifly, along with everything else that was easily acuired. Any way, as I finaly get to my point. I found myself in Fort Cambell, Kentucky, feeling like **** for two weeks! My first experience with the monkey, and you Trebor jogged my meamory as to how it was. The thing that saved me is being in a strange invironment, plus a small quite voice I now know as the all powerful God, and I was young and resileint, as you are Trebor!! What was it? Seven years using. I can`t pretend to know just how hard that will be, but I do know that it can be done, and is being done every day. I`m aware of how well the econimy is in Ireland,and I celibrate it, as I am of Irish descent, and can claim no Jewish ancesters, as my name implies. Surely there are places you can get pro. help. You will need it. And I pray you seek it out. When I say I am praying for you, I meen it. God Bless you Trebor, and everyone else who struggles...... Moses                  
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I'm also a Viet Nam veteran.  Sadly, I know what you are talking about. At the time, it seemed like the right thing to do. I went from morphine to heroine to opium and back to morphine.

From Nam, I was sent to Germany and had all the drugs I ever dreamed about. That was in 1972. Opiated Hashish was a dollar a gram and morphine went for about a buck and a half per quarter grain. Some war story, huh?

I want to salute you, my brother, and wish you the best! Will our struggle ever end?  J.B.
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Living a life with HCV, eh? Most people respond to the Interferon and Rebetrol therapy! I went through this in 1998 but was a non-responder. You have to have the right geno-type of virus to respond, of course. Also, no alcohol or Tylenol or anything that is harmful to the liver. Proper diet, of course!

Barring severe liver damage caused by cirrohsis or cancer, you should have a long life ahead of you.  In fact, few people have died from HCV(if you believe what they tell you). It's all the other problems that a failing liver can exacerbate that "kills" you.

I think that you will be just fine!  J.B.
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Hi,
I am an addict I have been clean for a little more then four months. I was on any opiate I could get my hands on. I had to go through a mediacl detox and rehab, it took two months. My husband has Hep-C also, he had a liver transplant in 1999 and is doing very well now. I know he went on the interferion and had a hard time with the side affects. They were flu type symptoms and he used to do hard physical labor outside in the 110 to 120 degrees weather so it was very hard for him. We live in the desert where it gets very hot. He had to stop the interferion because it was too hard for him. His doctor told him the introferion had a 15% chance of getting rid of the Hep-c, I don't know what your doctor has told you though. I would talk to your doctor about your concerns if I were you. One thing I know for sure is if you keep using you will damage your liver very fast. My husband stopped using in 1982 and 18 years later he still needed a new liver.
I don't know if this has helped, I hope it did.
Hang in there,
Jackie
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Avatar universal
Hello, Robby. My name is Janaki and I live in Florida, USA. My husband was also a heroin user and everything else he could get his hands on from about your same age you started. He found out he had hepatitis c, had had it for about 16 years and if he didn't do anything probably wouldn't have many years. I just got off the cell phone with him, he told me to tell you it works, do your injections at night(you don't have to deal with the side affects during the day), take some ibuprophen just before you do them, and to ice the site down afterwards. Robby this is two years later for my husband and he shows no virus in his blood. It's not easy, its sounds like you have a tough decision to make but I also hear that you want to live. I also wanted you to know my husband is 49 years old. Has been clean for 11yrs. Hang in there. If you need somewone to talk to write back, give and address if you like.  Will be thinking of you, Janaki
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