1 shot left!-- Got some ?'s... DOWN THIS ROAD--WHERE ARE YA?!!! NEWGIRL?

[peony]

Hi everyone! When I began TX last April I visited this site twice a day! I was familiar w/everyone! I haven't been here in a while...    I have 1 shot left for this tues.!! I can't beleive it's beeen 47 weeks. I'm 26 and I had Hep C. 160,000 viral load. That's extremely low! Cleared at 12 weeks or before and my #'s were terrific the whole time. I'm not saying it was an easy TX by the way. I had troubles w/ alcohol, and drugs. I'm wondering if I screwed up somehow. I hate that I've taken for granted this second chance in life... I'lle get myself together though.
  I have some minor problems. My teeth, like my gum line, has been giving me trouble. Bleeding and sensative. Also yellowing of the toe nails and brittleness of fingernails. Thinning of hair and major weight loss. Bloody noses(I guess from the dryness?) and depression. Muscle mass deterioration and hair growth on eyelashes and arms. I hate to admit it but I may have IBS.(irregular bowl syn.) My stomach is so messed up. I was very strong during tx. I worked the whole time and pretended I wasn't even doing treatment. Noone knew exept family. It was hard. Especially when the stomach pain or migraine would wake me at three in the am and I would have to call out of work. Hard to landscape it's just hell. My parents are in NY I'm in VA w/ a boyfriend who wasn't very supportive.
   ANYWAY!!!!!  I'm thankful that I'm clear and about to do my last shot... I am very out of shape and would like to live actively again. AND get my mind back...  HELLO to all my old friends!

[honey1616]

Peony....Wow..What an inspiration you are for all of us and thanks so much for keeping us posted.  I'm trudging along at week 10 but hope I get there one day!!

Firefghtr...So glad you joined us!!  I too have told noone except very immediate family and my best friend and that is all.  I guess...I don't want pity from anyone and just want to do my time!  Its funny because alot of days when I am out and see neighbors and they come and visit...which they would never know but then if I stand too long at times...LOL  I feel like I might pass out if I don't get too chair so make an excuse and tell them how great it is to see they are doing good and running to house and then down goes the garage door for the day!! LOL I guess everyone has their own ways of handling and getting through their tx time!  Hey...#30...Great...You are almost there!~!

[Firefghtr311]

I thank all of you for the warm welcome!!

[DH Bill]

Thanks man!!!!! some days sure get tough huh!
dh

[reposyco]

peony way to go girl i am glad you are at the end i hope you stay clear...fireman......stay with it and your not whinning ,tx is hard on us all some cope better than others some is in better health at the time of tx.and some get pegy which is said to be easier and some of us didnt.i am 42 1a on 11 of 48 and had good days and bad days..got a rash right now from the sun it itches so bad no energy and need to lose weight and get in shape dont always get a good night sleep and find i cry for no good reason but other than that and the flu every mon. and tues. i have nothing to complain about....lol...DELORES GOD BLESS EVERYONE AND KEEP FIGHTEN

[layla]

Don't feel like a whining weiner (haha that was funny) I actually feel about the same as before extended tx as far as sx go and mentally I think my attitude is better. The other people I talk to on extended tx also seem to be pretty positive. Probably because we are  officially counting down after so long but I do notice that. I'm at 100%c com. too and like it that way. I'm thinking tommorow morning I will get up and hit the road for a few days. When it's nice I love it! I also find it relaxing and much less streesfull than tradeshows. You can appreciate this I bet. Last year I was sooo lucky. I was on the road every week for 3 months and everyplace I went to it was 80 and sunny. Just beautiful. I have 13 different states so they varied and it was called a cold wet spring. I never saw rain last spring, not once. It was just a fluke but a great one for me. When my busy season starts after being slow I too always wonder "if I still have it". Bet you do! LL

[litecloud]

You know what the old saying says " When things get tough, the tough get going. I think that was a song too.

[LvdByGod]

HI PEONY, i sure remember you. i'm so glad to hear you have killed the dragon!!! that is great news and now your getting off this killer dragon bait.

i hope and pray for you... sounds like you've had a couple battles going on... drugs/alcohol too... you can be a killer of both battles!!!

i will be praying for you my friend!!! please keep in touch often and let us know how you are doing.


FIREMAN, welcome to our family. it is so nice to have people who understand what we are going through, and that have our concerns...those who can look out for us. this is a great place to come daily.

i hope you post alot so we can get to know you. GOD BLESS YOU, YOU ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.... sandi

[DH Bill]

Thanks! I do have a flexible schedule and am on the road and in the office. I have stopped all other meds like effexor and that has helped. I do take ambien sparingly when I finally need to sleep.
I'm 100% commission but work has been very good with draws due to my track record.
It is so hard to get motivated.
At #55 you make me feel like a whiner or is that weaner or both. I think it is helping just to vent some of this frustration here.
We have been in our slow season but now it's changing and I need to pull it together. Thanks again!

dh bill

[layla]

It's very tough to stay on top of sales being "brain fogged" in. I really feel for you. Here are a few thing I do that help me get through certain situations Is your schedule flexible? Are you mostly at tradeshows, in the office, or on the road. I have found lack of water and sleep/rest to be the most hindering factors. I really go out of my way to get both of these. I wouldn't normally sleep 8 or 9 hours but now I try to even if it means taking ambian. I break them up and take one when I want to get to sleep and if I wake up I take the other 1/2 if I need to. For me the more sleep I get at night the better and the less sx. Eating some fruit helps me on the road. I keep apples and bananas with me which seems to help my energy level while driving long distances.  A little exercize will go a long way even if it's 10 minutes on the floor without really sweating. Commuticating to my family I will be unavaible for no reason other than resting is also important. Are you taking meds other than tx? I was for a bit and found that they greatly increase my brain fog though I know this may not be optional for many. If it helps any suddenly my brain fog seems to have lifted quit a bit even though I am on week 55 (and have other health issues) and I have a more energy. I'm not sure of your personal situation. I try not to make any plans and keep my life as calm as possible. I know this may not be possible. I don't know if any of this helps but I really know what you mean and the stress of sales just makes this all worse. The moticating of oneself is a real difficulty. If your in an office all day I think that would be much harder. LL

[AK - Hepper]

50??? you guys are older than dirt!!! :-} Hell, I'm 45 but I only feel like 65 most of the time, so is that a good thing? I can't decide. Hey, I know it seems like forever, but this **** does end eventually, it did for me and it will for you too. Got my 4 week post tx blood work tomorrow, don't really know what the point is since my enzymes were out of whack all thru tx, but it's been a while since my last needle stick, so I guess I'm due. Hang tough, dragons gotta die, or at least suffer some...
Faithfully yours in the fight,         Timbo AKHepper

P.S. Still 2 feet of snow on the ground, is spring ever gonna get to the great white north this year??????????

[Firefghtr311]

Hello to everyone. This is the first time I've been to this forum.  I'm a 26 year old, male, firefighter. I tested positive for Hep C, donating blood about 1.5 years ago. I am genotype 1a, with a viral load 1,000,000, Fibrosis stage 1. I decided to go on the combo tx.(1 shot weekly, 5 pills daily) I'm on #30/48. Undetectable after 12 weeks. I'm still working, though its very hard; especially in my job. I've experienced all the sx. Flu, terrible headaches, itchy/dry skin, acid reflux, brain fog, sexual disfunction, dry nose, personality changes, and a lot of other ones, but I dont want to ramble. I know I dont have it as bad as some of you, sorry if I sound like a baby!! I guess I just need someone to talk to. I havent told anyone except my dad and he's across the country. And you all sound so supportive for each other, maybe thats what I need. I know I'm further along in tx then some of you, so if there is anything I can do for any of you, like advice or encouragement, please let me know.  

I'm so sorry we all have to carry this terrible burden, and I pray for all of you to rid this nasty disease from your bodies. You all are very strong.

I hope to chat with all of you soon!!!!

And to Peony- I know your also 26 years old, I was wondering how the tx has been for you. Have the sx gotten better or worse?

[cuteus]

This infection is the worst reason to be part of this forum, but a blessing in that it has brought you to this bunch of caring, knowledgeable people.  
You will get info, support, and at times laughter to ease the burden placed upon you by life.
I am also geno 1, mild damage, double your age, #39 and still dragging my butt to work.  It is hard so many mornings, but It would be worse if I stayed home under my blankie.  My daughter keeps me anchored.  Only my kids, boss and some friends know of my struggle.  It is so important to have others going through the same to talk to.  I have yet to find a support group in NY that will return my calls.  That is why we are here, to be big babies and to give comfort when we are not.  Keep coming back, we might have a few spats, but they get resolved one way or another.
I hope we all become svr permanently.

Be well

[DH Bill]

Hey man! You hang in there. This **** is tough no matter who you are. I admire you for still doing your job.
I'm at #33 going on #34 thursday. Welcome and keep coming back.

dh bill

[litecloud]

I have been in this forum since March 18. I have found the people here are great, some are sicker then others, but we are suffering from the same thing. I to have not told any of my friends, I did tell my mother, she took it pretty well, but I really do thing she trully understands, she is ablout 67 yrs old.My boss knows since this whole thing started as a work accident.Keep coming back here you can help yourself and help others. If you need to chat out of here you can reach me at ***@**** that goes for anyone else also. Love to hear from you guys love yah!! Glad I found you guys, Am beggining to feel part of this strong family.

[DH Bill]

If I remember right your in sales as I am though different field.

I seem to be having a hell of a time. I have no ambition which is not doing my job any good as I have a lot of strong compitition in this trade.

How are you doing? I'm just out of it and can't seem to pull it together.

[DH Bill]

Sorry about the bubble. Some mornings it's hard to get out of bed. Unlike last year at this time when I was feeling and acting like a young buck that most 40 yr olds couldn't keep up with.

dh

[layla]

Glad to see your finishing. What a good thing to get over with. I do remember you. I hope things go well for you. LL

[Tri-guy]

Way to go peony,  I also remember you from last year.  I had just finished up my last shot a couple of weeks ago (still undetectable) and am soooo glad to be done with the tx.  I didn't have bad sx and have been happy at how quickly I've popped back from it (and I'm 50 no less). Just hope i've permanently killed all those little dragon eggs.  

Anyway peony, your almost there. I wish you the very best in the long life you have ahead of you.
Brian

[cuteus]

EXCUSE ME!  50 is NOT old!   That has been my mantra for 2 yrs. Don't bust my bubble so soon.

[DH Bill]

So glad to hear you have made it to this point.I remember you from last year. Try to keep in mind that you are very young and have your whole life ahead of you. I didn't pull my head out my ass until I was almost 30 although it still gets stuck there at times.

How I envy you being at #47. I'm at #33 and struggling every day not to quit. I'm tired of this **** and want my life back but hearing from you is a boost for me.

Indy is right this is something basically we have to do alone. It does take stength to finish this and you did.

Hang in there girl! I've had this since 67 when I was dx with non A/B Hepatitis playing around with drugs back then.

Your 26 yrs old and have a shot(no pun intended)at a whole new life. Don't cry over spilled milk. MOVE ON. You will heal quick at your age unlike old farts like me in my fifties. CONGRATULATIONS!

dh bill

[twotells]

I'm glad to hear you made it through tx.  It sounds like it hasn't been easy, especially without alot of support at home.

I wish you the best,  Dave

[Indiana]

Hey there gal......Good to see ya again.
I'm Sooooo happy to see that you've made it to the end. I was worried about ya at first when you had all those "other" problems. The last I remember I thought you went home to do your tx there? How ever you managed to get it done I am happy to see your time is almost done.
Your numbers look good. You will be a better person  for having done this and proving to yourself that you could.....in spite of the lack of support on the home front. We all are basically alone in our journey through all this. Thats why we seek each other out in Cyberland for understanding and support.
You will start to feel better pretty quickly a few weeks after you are done. Then it will slowly get better and better for the next 6 months.
Keep us posted on those final tests and all.
Congratulations and Good Luck.................

[cuteus]

I remember seeing your  name back then, shortly after I was Dx, I could not recall your story, but I am happy you are in the home stretch.  Stay clear, I hope you are permanently svr!  
will be joining you in two months.