First shot next Friday night

I will be taking my first shot on the 17th.  Is there other people out there that started this and was never given instructions on giving yourself the shot.  I know there are instructions that come with it and I think I know what to do.  Just would like some thoughts on this.

Someone also told me to take Tylnol before the shot.  Should I do this and how soon before the shot.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

[NYgirl]

Welcome to the looney bin.  You will find you are in good company here and feel free to ask as many questions that you can think of - that is the best advice I can give you!  None of us are doctors but we've been battling this disease too.

As far as your shot - you don't say which one you are taking. One is a redipen and one is a regular type syringe which you mix the medication etc.  I take the Redipen (Peg-Intron) and it is very easy to do.  I had the nurse practitioner at my doctors office show me how on my first shot. I wouldn't have done it without her because I would have not known what do do.

For the first few months I did the shot at home I put out the instructions EVERY single time and went along with them jUST in case.

One bit of advice is to drink a LOT of water while on this treatment (they advise an ounce for every pound of HALF your weight...for example if you weigh 120 drink 60oz of water during the day).  The peg is VERY dehydrating - and the water DOES help.

I am on week 25 right now.  While treatment is not fun by any means a lot of us have found that the side effects are TOLERABLE and while it's no wonderland living in treatmentworld...it's DOABLE. We continue to work and live productive lives as best we can.

Ask any questions you can think of and please provide a bit more information on you when you get a chance. It will help everyone give you better advice (for example what genotype, stage and grade of liver condition and damage, your liver enzymes (alt and ast) things like that.

Also have you started any antidepressants before treatment?  One of the side effects is depression and I've (and others) have found that taking something like Paxill is a REAL help.

best of luck
Debby

[bobbyullc]

YES I WAS SENT HOME WITH A SCRIPT. AND NEVER TOLD WHAT TO DO. I THEREFORE INJECTED ALMOST TWICE THE DOSE FOR THE FIRST SEVERAL WEEKS. YOU LOAD UP THE VIAL WITH 7 MG THE ONLY DRAW UP THE REQUIRED AMOUNT SAY 4 OR 5 MG. IF YOU GET THE PRE LOADED SYRINGES IT IS SIMPLER. AFTER A WHILE YOU WILL FIND SHORTCUTS AND IT I EASY. I TAKE IT 4 HOURS BEFORE BEDTIME AS IT TAKES THAT LONG BEFORE THE SDS KICK IN, THEN I GO TO BED. THE SAME FOR TYLENOL. EXPECT REAL BAD CHILLS THE FIRST TIME AND KEEP AN EXTRA BLENKET OR SOMETHING CLOSE AS YOU WILL NOT WANT TO GET UP TO GET ONE. ALL IN ALL IT GETS BETTER AFTER THAT. GOOD LUCK AND WELCOME TO THE SITE.
BOBBY

[Dale_Ray]

My Doc told me to take two extra strenth Tylenol two hours before injecting on Friday nights. My doctors office offered to take me through the first injection and train me. I read the instructions and watched the video that came with the Pegasus and it wasn't a problem. Air bubbles bad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! be sure to pull back on the plunger and make sure you haven't hit a vein. I never have hit one. BUT seriously have your doctors office walk you through it. I'm thin so I have one option and that is in my stomach and my grandchildren call it the big purple pillow now. More like a pin cushion. Listen I hope you have good luck with your treatment and the sides aren't severe and like everyone tells me its only temporary. I'm at week 16 of 48 and responding to the treatment and doc is very positive and happy. If you need a pick me up during treatment or a shoulder to lean on the people in here are the absolute best. Period. Dale

[NYgirl]

We need to know WHICH medication you are going to be taken - you cannot follow instructions in here until then or it could be wrong!

You are getting advice on pegasys above but we don't know you are on that? Which PEG?

PLEASE CONSIDER HAVING THE NURSE PRACTITIONER SHOWING YOU HOW TO DO THIS SHOT THE FIRST TIME. IT ONLY TAKES A FEW MINUTES AND COULD SAVE YOU SO MUCH TROUBLE!!!!!!!!!

[anise]

I am taking my 4th shot tomorrow (shot 4 already, wow).  Since I have a serious needle phobia, my nurse is taking it slowly with me.  So far I have not done it myself, but tomorrow is the day, sigh!  I am a real 'chicken little' with this.  I can break bricks with my hands (martial artist) but I can't give myself a shot, go figure.  

I never get reactions from the shot, maybe a few chills, but the riba is a bit nasty when that kicks in.  So you never know how you will react.  Some people have bad chills, etc. and some have little to nothing.  Good luck and let us know how it goes.

[can-do-man]

you said.... I can break bricks with my hands (martial artist) but I can't give myself a shot, go figure.
_______________________________________________________________

"YIKES" Note to myself... Be nice to anise.... Best of luck to ya

[anise]

Thanks Can-do-man, you had me laughing.  

Any pearls of wisdom regarding platelets?

[anise]

I should clarify platelets.  I mentioned it in a thread below.  My platelets are dropping.  after two weeks they went from 228 to 175.  Is this something I should be concerned about?  Thanks.

[SnoWav]

Most of the people that hang at this board are ones who have problems with TX. There are many people that sail thru TX without many problems.Stay positive and don't worry about what might happen just deal with what happens.bobbyullc I never had chills or many other after shot sides. NIK12 What you can count on is traveling your own TX road different than everyone else here.The best thing I found was to stay too busy to worry about how I felt. Good luck and fight the good fight. finished 48 weeks Jan 6 06

[can-do-man]

platelets relate to how fast your blood clots. Mine are at 101 which is low but not anything dangerous. Yours should still be in the normal range. Best of luck to you

[GoofyDad]

You guys have loads of room before platelets become a worry. Anise, 30 or so is the trouble zone.... very unlikely you'll see that, IMHO.

Note to self, excercise caution when asking Can-do for pearls  - of any sort......

[can-do-man]

with breaking bricks with bare hands and road rage, pitch forks, shovels and guns!

platelets is the LEAST of my worrys. Me is wondering though if that pearls bit was "a shot in the dark" by you?

NA, thinking about it, can't be coming from you.

[Dale_Ray]

Other than Snowave I've yet to meet anyone that says this treatment is a piece of cake. Maybe after I've gone the 48 weeks I will forget how difficult it was and just think there wasn't much to it. I've met a lot of people at my docs office and have gotten to know all the nurses there and only comment they have made is that the girls seem to tolerate the treatment better than than the boys and it seems to have little to do with age. Don't set yourself up for shock by thinking there is nothing to it and there are people in here who are post treatment and still suffering affects. I tend to be a realist and Snowave is right we all travel a different treatment and side affect trail but my doctor told me on the front end it is some nasty stuff. Again I'll give the wavester this one, staying busy even when fatigue is severe is the best thing in the world. Dale

[Forseegood]

good luck to you on your journey...we'll all be watching...anyway, since it's on the 17th, are they gonna give you a green beer chaser with your first shot? just wonderin...becha a few guys here will be bellin' up to the bar for theirs...

[anise]

Thanks guys, I will wait until my next blood test to see if it is still dropping.  No need to worry yet.

[Forseegood]

I tend to agree with you, I don't want any surprises either, I want to know most of the possible outcomes...although I do know some people who are doing "pretty well" on treatment..and they say it is "doable" (what a mysterious statement that is, ha ha!) I just figure with most people, it'll probably be one of the hardest, if not the hardest, things they will ever have to do, but the ultimate pay off is worth it to the majority of people who take it...

I actually know of a few people who felt better on the meds, if you can believe that, they didn't want to go off them...but I really think, (and this isn't scientific by any means) that these people are in the minority...such is life huh? sometimes we get some curve balls...

I really like what Dana Reeve said (wife of Christopher Reeve who just passed on due to lung cancer, and she was a non-smoker) I paraphrase: "life isn't fair, and there is a lot of pain involved in thinking it is fair and you are singled out for punishment..best thing to do is think that life can be meaningful, no matter what situation you find yourself in...

[chellski]

welcome to mh! i just took my last shot (48/48) and i went home from the doctors with a box which included pills, 4 prefilled syringes, and a video with instructions....it really wasn't hard giving myself the shot...i took my shots on sun nite (i do too much on sat & sun with kids to be feeling crappy) and don't enjoy mondays anyway....with my shot i would take two tylenol pm's - they helped me sleep thru the night...if i needed to during the day i would take advil.....good luck - there were days i thought i couldnt make it but i just kept looking forward, and reading here everyday...
michelle

[NYgirl]

Said and they say it is "doable" (what a mysterious statement that is, ha ha!) I just figure with most people, it'll probably be one of the hardest, if not the hardest...


First off have you ever given birth?  Wow talk about a totally torturous event - horrific and painful BUT totally doable LOL.  Treatment for most of us ain't NEAR that bad.  Yeah the one's of us who hang out in here are the ones complainning.

Since pretty much with EITHER thing...once you start there ain't no stopping...it's a matter of MIND over MATTER just keep telling yourself you'll be FINE and then when you get the riba bumps complain like crazy!  One thing you have to remember is...we can't complain to the outside world...people in here understand - and it's not just the complaints really although posting them gives us a sort of "club" or something and makes us feel not so ALONE in the whole thing.

A LOT of people just DO go through treatment with no complaints and never need to look to an internet forum.

On a SERIOUS NOTE PERSONALLY I HAVE DONE THINGS IN MY LIFE MUCH HARDER THAN THIS...and i've not had the sides really be good to me.  It's just you have to want to DO IT and KILL it and then it really makes you think - OK I can!

That's the big secret to it all.

It won't be nearly as bad as you think.  As long as I don't have to give birth during this...it is DOABLE LOL.

[flojohead]

i am doing shot 2 tonight.  i did my first shot with the nurse practitioner, she read the instructions and i did the shot...it was rather easy...not a big deal.

i waited to see if i was going to have any side effects, and, well, i did.  in retrospect, i would have taken two advils before i went to bed.  i didn't start feeling any effects until about five hours after the shot. i got teeth chattering chills, a high fever, and felt like i was beaten with a baseball bat.  after i took two advil, my fever dropped and i felt so much better.  very, very tired for the first few days.  

since i am only doing shot two tonight, i don't have a lot of experience to offer, other than what i just shared.

i do drink lots of water and the folks on this board are life savers for me.

good luck, and we'll all be here for you.

[Forseegood]

Of course I agree with you, and yeah, I opted out of the whole "giving birth" thing...OUCH!OUCH!OUCH! - I've often thought if guys had to give birth there'd be much less of an overpopulation problem, ha ha! (although anybody giving birth for 48 weeks wouldn't live to tell about it, ha ha!)

But remember, I said for "some people" it'll be the hardest thing they ever had to do, and if they go into it knowing that, and toughen themselves up for the task, they'll be better able to pull it off I should think...remember a pretty high percentage (relatively speaking) drop out of treatment, I think that might happen (in some cases) because some people go into it with rose colored glasses...the meds do hit certain people harder than others....I know some of them, and they aren't just whiners...I know a guy who gladly did two tours of Vietnam, and he told me that the meds just laid waste to him and he couldnt get out of bed, some others with similar stories as well...

That being said, I do know of many, many people who are able to work, take care of their kids alright, everything they did before...2Irish, a member here, is really pretty fine (she also was pretty healthy beforehand) and she's still doing Pilades, etc and she's surprised she is having such an easy time of it...there are a lot of people like her, I've read so many...these meds treat everyone differently, they run the gamut...

I just don't buy this (and I've often heard it said) that the only real whiners about treatment come into these boards, I know of plenty of people who don't go onto boards that have had it tough...

I'm not saying anything earth shatteringly profound here, any newbie who wants to research scientific and anecdotal will probably find out many of these same things...and there does seem to be these people who are already experiencing symptoms who actually feel better on the meds...

I'm just hoping that I will fall into the category of a little tough but doable as well...more shall be revealed, ha ha!

[Dale_Ray]

All I am saying is if in the woods with a bear at least tell me I may have to deal with a bear. My wife God love her is a cheer leader and guess what it doesn't make me feel one bit better with her shoving sunshine up my backside or down my throat. If I feel good I feel good if not simple math applies. I always want to be in a position on knowing the answer if possible and not selling myself a feel good load of c**p that serves no good point other than setting ones self up for disappointment. Chances are overwhelmingly high that if you take this virus killing drug and it is helping you that you won't feel like yourself and will feel worse on somedays than the other. I don't mean to say that there are not certain people that feel good while on treatment but it could be from lack of hang overs and not punishing the body with booze. Fear of death and change of life style may be offset the affects of treatment. I just believe it is rare to feel GREAT with the treatment or at least I would like to have some of the drugs involved in making one feel that way. It probably isn't prescription. Ha! Dale PS: I never mean to spin anyones sombrarro but

[Forseegood]

just forgot to say, I really admire the positive attitude you employ while you are doing this treatment...I realize it is essential for us to be positive...you and so many others here inspire me as well...

goof: smoking you out dude...get off the golf course and check in!

[Chriskid]

Interesting article on rx drugging and driving.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11726645/

[SnoWav]

no peace of cake my friend just too busy to cry about how I was feeling worked best for me.Just tring to dwell on the positive.What good is it to tell someone they should worry about getting some TX sides that you had, sounds like the glass is half empty.It has been proven that people do better keeping a positive attitude.later

[jmjm530]

Rock,

I've heard it both ways on the pulling back thing, and it is the recommended procedure by the drug manufacturer, at least for traditional syringes.

The point of pulling back is a safety valve because you can accidently hit a vein or artery whether it be due to bad injection site selection or an errant vein or artery.

Personally, I found it very awkward to pull back until about my 12th shot and therefore didn't  But like anything else, your skill set gets better with practice and now it's no big deal at all. To me, the key seems to be first loosening up the barrel by rotating it a little prior to pulling back. That and getting a good two-handed grip on the operation so only the plunger goes back and not the syringe.  

BTW "pulling back" is for traditional syringe injections like the pre-filled Pegasys syringes. Peg Intron's Redipen is a different animal with I believe a shorter needle and no instructions for pulling back.

-- Jim

[beamishboy]

my doctor told me about 'possible' sides-said"these are just awful toxic drugs,i hate to put you on them";i read the med lit w/ % of patient reaction-sometimes suicide!!..I also come to this forum & kinda let it all hangout-works for me-bettr to dump it here than where ya live...I'm glad that you are too busy to cry..is that the kind of 'positive' spin we should aim for? i know keeping real busy&involved can help take the focus off sx like dpression,anxiety but shouldn't we also honestly & candidly talk about how much these meds sux???

[PKCO]

If you have the type of syringe where you can pull  back and check for blood, by all means do it ! I have hit 2 capillary veins (which are quite reachable especially for men)and the resulting rushes were not real pleasant. Both times I was using a redi-pen with the intron A.
PK

[Forseegood]

hi, was wondering about you, I'm glad youre still here among the living, ha ha! hope youre on your way out of this circus, please give us updates, there are people who are watching you! (to add to any paranoia you might already have! ha ha!)

[Forseegood]

dont know if this is bad form but there is a woman who is having loads of problems w/ psoraisis (psoriasis)(?)from the meds on janis, just think this is under one of your fields of expertise, no?

[jmjm530]

Rock,

My understanding is that blood vessels can be found almost anywhere, if not in the fat tissue, then close by, especially on or near the waist line. But even if technically they're not in fat tissue, I think the point of pulling back is that someone could accidently miss the mark -- muscle for example if your fat has wasted away -- and the pulling back acts as a safety valve. Here's the Pegasys guide for self-injections where they tell you to pull back.
http://www.pegasys.com/pdf/self_inj_guide_pfs.pdf

Forsee,

Wish I had something exciting to report. Just starting week 54 and taking it one week at a time.

-- Jim

[strator]

With all due respect, you are a great example of not letting tx interfere with your life. I absolutely agree that the busier you can keep yourself through tx the better. However you said...."Most of the people that hang at this board are ones who have problems with TX..."
Just because they aren't on this forum doesn't mean they are all sailing through tx. I'm glad that those with few or no sx pop in and post. People curious about tx need that balance. There's a lot of people out there who may never have realized the benefit of a support group, for anything, on line or in person. It's really no different than the comparison of working out at home or going to the local gym. Those that go to the gym aren't necessarily the ones that need more help. Who does or doen't get sx  seems as random as the Vl loads and liver damage to  different individuals.
One benefit I found coming here is that feelings or sx(minor as mine are) might have worried me more if I hadn't had people that had gone through tx to tell me, oh yeah I had that for a while.
Anyways, I'm glad life is s treating you well and thank you for coming here.
Don

[Forseegood]

the more I read your postings - the more respect I have for you...if that's too mushy or whatever, tough toenails, ha ha!

[bobbyullc]

regarding DANA REEVES, there was an inspiring person. she stood by her man till the end and then showed incredible dignity in her hour of pain. i wish i had some of that quality.
bobby

[lovingwife711]

This is so odd.  I thought we were the only ones that went throught this.  The doctor gave us a vido and that was it.  I am in the medical feild and have given shots b4.  And when my husband had his hip replacement I had to give him a shot in the stomack for 2 weeks to prevent blood clots so I knew what to do.  But what if he did not have me.  His doctor said nothing to him about showing him how to do it.  Now my sisters doctor made her an appt ment the day of her first shot and showed her just what to do.

[NYgirl]

It just goes to show how important it really is to find a good medical practice.  They offered to teach me before I even asked.

That's why I send in a present for all of the nurses every Christmas - they are very thoughtful and VERY helpful.

I called a minute ago and had them send over my cbc and hep panel results (Hey I knew the PCR wont be in till next week) and they were on the fax within three minutes like always.

I wouldn't consider starting treatment until someone showed me HOW to do this correctly - I would DEFINITELY ask them to.

[Forseegood]

I totally agree with you about Dana Reeves, in fact, was putting off a blood test (funny how those can be so easy to put off?? ha ha) and watching all the footage of her yesterday really inspired me to just go ahead with what I gotta do for crissake! anyway, yes what an inspiring person...

[invrgvup]

Self injecting is a little strange at first and somewhat difficult.  Belly fat area is best. Around the "love handles" was best for me. Remember to pinch and stay away from your belly button. Also vary the sites from side to side.  If you're mixing be sure to inject air into the vial before extracting the med.  Flick the air to the top and push it out.  It is a good idea to extract more than the prescribed dose and push out air until you reach the right amount.  If you're using the redi-pen the instructions are included and it is pretty simple.
I was on full treatment for 2 yrs and 3 weeks.  First dose was Friday March 10th, 2006...4pm...next day was first dose of Riba-viren, last dose March 21st, 2008 and then the 27th was last dose of Riba-viren, I remain clear so far.  Make taking the meds become part of your routine, DO NOT MISS DOSES and DON"T DRINK, NOT EVEN A LITTLE!   I carried a pill fob on my key chain, they're available at any drug store. Look into some Vitamin and mineral  supps they have been known to help.  Water is key...drink as much as you can.  Convert you body wieght in pounds to ounces and drink that amount of water daily.  
(100 lbs. = 100 oz)   I was completely commited to beating this desease.  I found a couple of quotes that helped me:

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts"
and another...my favorite:
"Failure is only postponed success as long as courage coaches ambition.  The habit of persistance is the habit of victory"

It took between 18 & 24 weeks for me to respond and between 36 & 48 weeks for me to clear. Most people clear much earlier, typically before 12 weeks.  I nearly gave up.  Only shear determination kept me in the fight and it payed off.  My Dr is Mellisa Palmer, she wrote the book on Liver desease. She takes a more aggressive approach.  Her web site if you're interested, www.liverdisease.com  I'm not a fan of Paxel, I've seen some pretty nasty side effects with it...especially when coming off.  Try Zoloft, Lexipro, or Celexa, that was mine., somthing a little on the lighter side if you have no history of depression. You will eventually find what works.  One more tip...take your riba pills on food....fattier foods are better for absorbtion...so they say.  Milk, or peanut butter is a good buffer.  BTW...this the first time i've ever posted a comment on any site or forum, i don't know why....ijust felt compelled by your nervousness i guess.  Hope this finds you in good spirits.  Many here will be always be here for you as we are for each other!  Hang tuff!!!

[cindyfs48]

i just took my second shot tonight.my doctor gave me the first one.just to be safe i watched the video i did just find.ines the readypen.in fact it hurt less when i did it myself.i do take tyenol with the shot.my first shot went well.just got the chills pretty bad but tyenol took care of it.and i did get a little headack but i think its the riba causeing the headackes nothing bad just little ones so far.best of luck with your treatments,you will do fine