1st shot and sun

Good Morning All!
Thank you for your quick response.  As far as the day I take my first shot, I have one more question.  I know in the last few months I've read here that you will need to stay out of the sun.  Do I remember that right?  Living in sunny San Diego CA, I would like one more day in the sun but I'm worried about being out in the sun all day and then taking my first shot that night.  I thought on Saturday nights, this would give me a day on the weekend of wellness (as far as sides) for my eight year old, and then hopefully pretty much over the sides of the shot by Monday for the school week.  I have really worked up quite a tan in anticipation of being out of the sun for a whole year, but it's going to be really hot this weekend inland and the beach is going to be beautiful this Saturday :).  And what about all the other questions I have once I begin?  Like, how to live on treatment as far as diet.  Do I come here as I normally do? Or shouldn't the doc have a little "how to" booklet?  I think that I read here once that while on treatment we should try to stay away from people that are ill, because of our resistance.  True?   Thanks again all, I really appreciate this site.  It's the only one I've found that I really like and the only one I've come to since last year when first approached about treatment.

Robin

[Fubarcat]

I live in Florida and went out on our boat last weekend for 8 hours.  I just slathered myself in sunblock #48 SPF several times and I was OK.  I notice I do tend to absorb more sun and tan a lot quicker than I used to.  I think if you use a lot of sunblock, keep a hat on and just be aware if your skin feels like it is burning to get out of the sun, then you will be OK.  I know Chevy advocates NO SUN at all (which is very good advice), but I have been a sun freak since I was five years old and I'm not going to give up one of the things that makes me feel healthy, especially while on treatment.  Just double up on precautions and you will probably be OK.

[layla]

We have a sailboat and I continue to spend time on it. I don't however spend as much time in direct sun as it definately affects me. I have gotten pretty sickly from it after long exposures. I am very careful to make sure if we are going to be out for extended periods I have plenty of sunscreen and a light weight coverings so at a certain time I can cover-up. Usually after an hour or two. If I am in the direct sun very long I do get sick from it. Even a half day is too much so I cover up. I tan very easily so I still allways have a tan. I also definately notice more dehydration and need even more water. I get cracks in my skin that take longer than normal to heal and things like that. It's uncomfortable  enough that I am very aware and wary of how long I am in the sun.  I use allot more moisturizer. Sooo personally I would be very wary of being in the sun all day. Everyone is different. Hope you have a sx free first time. Let us know. LL

[nolee]

My experience with the sun is that my eyes are much more sensitive to UV and IR than they used to be. Wear good sunglasses EVERY time your out and of course stay hydrated

[gonagetbetr]

I did a google search for hcv diet and got some really ggod info I think
Lots of veggies and very little animal protein
hard to change as my family has always eaten a lot of red meat but I cooked up some veggies on the grill last night and they were really good
Havent given up the meat yet but sure have cut it in less than half
Good luck to you

[DonL]

I wouldn't have made it as far as I have without this site. Haven't joined any local Hep C support group because why limit myself to one night a week when I can come here any time and find friends?

My eyes are more sensitive to sunlight on tx and I wear sunglasses (perscription in my case) and use Liquid Tears a lot. Liquid Tears are essentially saline solution that are great for dry eyes, etc. Find one without preservatives my opthamalogist recommended. I use GenTeel.

[new-sojourn]

Sun sensitivity can increase w/many kinds of meds-such as antibiotics-not just hep c meds.  AD's cause lotsa 'sun' reactions.  Many people get 'uncomfortable' in heat w/o sun.  Skin reactions to chemicals in pools, spas, sunblocks etc also are common w/meds.  Unfortunately, personal trail and error is often the only reliable test as to what you can tolerate.

As to diet, one wants to get as much essential nutriants w/the least work for your body.  that usually means simple fruits and veggies and low fat dairy and 'lite' animal proteins.  Juicing and protein smoothies are really the best from the point of view of your liver.  Fats, grease, salt, the whites (bread, sugar, flour, rice)--the usual American diet is the hardest for your body to process and give the least nutriants per calory.

The skin is the largest 'organ' and 'stressing' the skin takes away energy and nutrients the liver needs to heal.  Just try not to add 'insult to injury' as you work to not only kill the virus but heal the liver and body from the virus's damage.  Its only a short time.

[rsterling]

I just had to be polite and properly thank you all.  It's like most of you knew what I was too shy to say.  I really am afraid, but not chiken! LOL

Thanks All,

Robin

[cheriums]

Yes, trial and error with the sun -- but go slowly and carefully! Some folks do have a photosensitivity reaction, which can be pretty severe.  Like a combination of sunburn and allergic reaction.  But, not everyone does. To prevent reaction (and skin cancer!) read your sunblock labels.  You're looking not for just sunscreen, but one of the ingredients which actually blocks the sun: zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or Parsol.  This's especially true for your 8-year-old, too.  (Teens are now getting skin cancer, which never happened until recently -- because of our loss of ozone layer.)  I have yet to find an M.D. which had any advice about eating!! Come ask here. Mostly, you will eat what you can tolerate.  Try to get protein (but not a lot of red meat -- don't want the iron); your liver needs it for repairing, your blood cells need to be built and replaced with it.  Buy a protein powder (I like Designer Whey the best, on both texture and flavor) for making smoothies, if the day comes when it's the only/ best way to get enough. cheri

[cindee]

Hi again, all of your questions are great! About the sun thing...I was too told to stay out of the sun, but I also like to garden, I use lots of sunscreen on my face, wear al ight colored...usually white long sleeved shirt and long pants and as Chev said a hat!!!! My friend who was also on tx loves the sun...she @ her hubby are wealthy enough to take trips to Fl. and to Myrtle Beach( we are only about 3 hrs from Myrtle B.) living in S.C., but on the N.C. side), my friend has also been on crusies, but learned a very valuable lesson once, by staying on the beach in her swimsuiy trying to soak up all the sun she could. About 2 days into her beach trip, she ended up @ the hospital in Mytrle B.!!!!! She developed these horrilbe dime size blisters, that looked like "cold sores" on all exposed parts of her body. She now does like the rest of us and covers up @ uses sunscreen, and hats. She is 6 months post tx(treatment) and I am soooooooooo happy to say she is still clear of the "dragon"!!!!! But the blisters or sores have left her beautiful body covered in scars, that we are praying will go away!

I want to just say one thing....but in a very NICE way...as everyone has done before, ME INCLUDED....when you need to ask a question, just post it onto your previous post, and in the comment to: area just type in question like.....1st shot and sun. This keeps the posts open to new questions as we are only allowed an alotted amounts of POSTS each day. I'm not sure of the amounts...Chevy or someone w/ that knowledge can let us all know...once again. I've found that if the thread...has reached it's limits of comments...I just "break into the next post and reply there. IF I AM WRONG TO SAY THIS SOMEBODY PLEASE CORRECT ME."  Sometimes for some reason...week-ends tend not to be so busy.  It's just a suggestion, that I wanted to pass to you.

Again I want to say Welcome and we will learn from your questions, as you will find later...IF the brain fog...hits ya...even previouly asked questions, that I HAVE FORGOTTEN...sorta "pings" my brain and wakes me up! LOL I look forward to reading your posts...it's always nice to have a "new RAY of SUNSHINE" here!!!!! Best wishes and have a great time with your 8yr old. I have a 10yr old g.daughter who I have custody of, and you sure will be reading posts about her. I HAVE BRAGGING RIGHTS!!!! LOL!!! To me children and older people are some of the greatest gifts we have. MY grandmother lived almost to be 101 yrs old...she passed one month exactly before her 101 birthday. She was a "hoot" right up until the end...about 3 days before she lasped into a coma and then passed. You hang in htere and I will be saying many prayers and sending much love your way. Cindee