Getting Started Questions

[want2live]

Hi again all. I am getting ready for my Dr.'s appointment tomorrow and wondered if anyone has input on questions that I should be asking my new DR.

Already on my list are:
Do I need a new biopsy? (had one 2 yrs ago)
Can this evaluation be obtained by ultrasound?
Experience treating HepC?  Number of patients?
What percentage of your patients that are Genotype 1a obtain SVR? After 1 year?
Previous biopsy

[Kyana]

Getting started??  Prepare for everything and keep in mind that there are some people who experience minimal sides.  My doctor suggested females with lower weights may have less sides because the meds are weight-based prescribed.  Less than 150lbs seems to be ideal.

My advice?  Don't even think of doing this without ADs - I started Prozac ten days before my first shot and credit that with giving me a little extra energy and good spirits.

I put off tx for two years until the Peg-interferon was available and kept my liver healthy with vitamins, exercise and water.   There are a couple things coming down the pike - if vial load is low and you are in good health, it's an option to consider.

Good luck.  This is a great forum with lots of helpful information.  I have recommended it to a few people.

[Indiana]

I was wonderin when we would get a chance to "talk". This is the beginning of an era....
Even though tx kills our desire for sex and all things related(at least for men),we still like to think about it. Having a "Hot" nurse(like GIPA) is a REAL plus for we guys.(I saw her pic a LONG time ago and she is quite a looker)  Even though we aren't all that interested in sex while on tx due to the physical problems, we guys still like to at least think about it. Kinda like most girls are all the time.... we don't want all the work but it's nice to know we could....(NOW I'm in trouble...) And all YOU have is some guy "sandin" the road? Where do you live...in a wood shop? Up there he has GOT to have 2 tons of clothes on by now. How can THAT get ya goin??
I was wantin to comment to you anyways so now is a good time. What was all that stuff about the bathing and the dogs feet awhile back? You got me into some deep ****. I finally coralled my cat and washed her paws. Now she appears to have a "contract" out on me! I caught her out in the garage shaprening her claws on the bench grinder. Then I noticed her "friends" kinda hangin around the house by her in/out door. The I saw a message stamped out in the snow saying..."I am armed and I know how to use it!!...like ringading!...and she's next!") Apparently she has been reading the Forum. It's a good thing I'm done with tx and can keep watch now. I have my reloader goin hot & heavy now.
I don't think your problem was feet. That may have helped but I believe that the problem was at the other end...RODENT BREATH!! You said your dog has been playin with the frozen rodents. And I don't think those "steaks" you had were really beef. You were "set-up". That's why you couldn't escape the smell no matter where you went. RODENT BREATH!! ACCKKKK!!  Find a mouthwash without alcohol and your problem will be solved.

BTway...I have something I would LOVE to send you. Send me your e-mail addy at "***@****" if you don't want to post it here. We can't post sound and video files here.

[jonihs]

WE LOVE YOU< KEEP IT UP!!!           Joni

[GI.PA]

The biggest question will be:
1.  Treatment versus a repeat biopsy in 3 years to see if there has been any progression..

GI.PA

[ringading]

opps...spl....you CRACK ME UP!!!!!....you wing nut.....badgers and hot nurses.....what NEXT baby????...........both my doc and all nurses are female, which really does NOTHING for me personally.........HOWEVER....the guy that sands the road from time to time....now thats a different story, oh yah....and the "ammo" guy!!
later
kimmy

[want2live]

Thank you so much everyone.
Indy, you had the most important one of all, a HOT nurse to take my mind off of all this!
You guys have a great holiday, and thank you from the bottom of my heart!

[Indiana]

Ask if someone is "On Call" after hours and on weekends if you have a major problem. Emergency rooms are NOT a great alternative for us while on tx as they have little knowledge of our condition or the meds we take. Some of our worst problems can come on VERY quickly and we need to be able to get help sometimes.
As Joni said....Require copies of ALL your tests when they are given.
Ask if they approve of using Procrit and/or Neupogen if your red or white counts get too low. This is preferred over cutting the doses of meds and should be tried first.....especially early in tx.
And last....is there a HOT nurse that can be assigned to your case. I know that always helped ME a whole bunch...........

[cindee]

I had a history of depression before treatment. My G.P., G.I. @ shrink stayed in close touch w/ each other. Remember to drink LOTS of water!!!!!! Good Luck to you and prayers will be with you, Cindee

[Sioux]

I too am a 1a have fibrosis and was 10million v/l at start of tx. I am on week 39 of 48. At 12 week I was undetectable. I am taking Peg-Inton and Rebetol, Effexor XR for depression. along with a few others for the sides. I hope the best for you.

[DonL]

sounds like you're pretty prepped. In looking over my questions, I had some about vitamins, herbal extracts, diet pros and cons. I also wanted to know about addt'l side effects (vision changes, psoriasis changes which I have) and recommendations. I did not go on ADs, but the Dr said if and when, he'd prescribe one (didn't say which one).

I write all my lab numbers down, tho getting a copy would be great.

good luck.

[jonihs]

If I knew then what I know now, I would ask(demand) copies of all my labs. Make sure you're comfortable w/ your Dr.and his medical staff. If your not , find another. I live in N. Dakota and I found 1 LOL  Lottsa luck, Joni

[jonihs]

If I knew then what I know now, I would ask(demand) copies of all my labs. Make sure you're comfortable w/ your Dr.and his medical staff. If your not , find another. I live in N. Dakota and I found 1 LOL  Lottsa luck, Joni

[strongforhim]

Hi, my husband just finished week 6/48. I can tell you that the antidepressant they prescribed was effixor. I am almost sure that your doc will prescribe an antidepressant before you start your tx. You should have a week or two on the drug before tx. This is only our experience. My husband has a little bit of anger here and there, not bad!! The antidepressant seems to be working for him.

good luck
sharon