I need some encouragement

Hello to all. I'm on week 18/48 and I'm getting kinda tired of treatment, so I just wanted some encouragment so I don't give up. I don't want to give up, because I've already came so far, but the side effects (nausea, insomia and occansional headaces) are starting to really kick my butt. On top of that I stopped working 4 months ago (the nausea and vomiting made sure I couldn't), and I had to defer my plans to enter Law School for a year (I worked for 3 years to get in and I didn't want to take the chance of having some weird side effects break out during finals week and ruin it all). So far I'm just sitting at home and I am absolutely miserable. I try to get out every day and do something, but I am really starting to get depressed about tx and missing school. I want to finish tx because I've already given up so much but it's really starting to wear down on me. Any advice would be welcomed.

Thanks to all.

Geno: 1A
Copegsus 1000mg
Pegasys 135ml (my dosage has been reduced since week 2)
Viral load before treatment: 208,000
11 week PCR: Undectable (10IU ml)
Had virus for 7 years/ No Fibrosis or Cirosis

[SnoWav]

As hard as you think it is,get out and do something each day better yet all day. The TX is a long road ,I would go freeking crazy if I diden't stay busy each day.I take tylnol pm or sleepy time tea at night to help sleep.Best of luck now get busy and focus on something else than how you feel.(works for me)looking forward 31weeks on the trail.jeff

[cougareyes]

Welcome to the club, it seems like alot of us in the same boat decided to post today. My anti D's just got upped because my doctor thought I was started to get too aggitated, and it all has to do with not physically being able to do hardly anything. I thought I was alone in this feeling, that somehow it was all in my head. These drugs play powerful physical, mental, and emotional games with us; so remember that and just hang in there. Take it ONE DAY AT A TIME; that is really all we can do.
Good Luck you alone.'re not

[IwillBeatHCV]

All I can say is please hang on. I am on week 13/48 and have not had any severe sides. But I just came down with a bacterial infection which I think has to do with my low white blood cell counts--taking anti-biotics. We have to take this treatment one day at a time. Some day we will look back and say it was all worth it.

[rearfang]

Healed,
I'm sorry you are feeling so badly. I like the advice others have given about staying as busy as you can. Since you have worked so hard on your education, I think Cuteus' advice sounds great. You've got a great start, so try to keep your eye on the prize. Good luck and God bless.
Iwill,
I too developed an apparent bacterial infection around week 7, and I attributed it to the wbc as well. I took doxycycline for 3 weeks and have been okay since (week 18 today).
Cuteus,
I have had major "bad" carb cravings thriughout tx. I find that even though I crave the carbs, I get shaky and nauseous at times and then feel better if I eat some protein. Maybe a coincidence?
neal, cao, oreos,
Congratulations to all of you!
Lauren

[cuteus]

are there any online courses you can take in order to keep your academic status? Doing something everyday is key to the mental part of this tx. I forced myself not to call in sick every time I woke up and felt the tummy woes and aches.
Did you try any meds for the nausea? I found yogurt a soothing food for the discomfort. I also found myself increasing carbs, not always the good kind, due to the effect of Riba. Everyday you have to decide what you want most; get rid of hcv or get rid of the meds asap and live with the virus, in my case, I wanted HCV out more.
It all will be a dull memory next year when you celebrate your SVR

[nolee]

I was a different genotype but endured the same sx that most do. I took a couple of months off work but due to the FMLA regs. I either had to return to work or resign. I only did 6 months TX but the last4 months was while I was trying to work. Lost ALOT of weight, skin color was ashen, hair loss, the whole enchilada! What I found the most helpful was having access to all the meds needed to combat the sx's and I drank bottle after bottle of H2o. I think the water is the key. The new pegulated formula requires absolute hydration for it to slow release as intended. Also took AD's called Remoron that helped with sleep (especially on shot night) and increased my appetite along with keeping depression in check. With some sleeping pills and Xanax I was able to cope and am now 1 year SVR this month. I firmly believe that this horrid tx saved my life and there is life after tx to look forward to. I reflect on the whole ordeal as just another challenge in my life that I was able to overcome. Today I am fat and happy with the results of interferon and I hope you can pull yourself out of any funk you may be experiencing and soon hop aboard the SVR train. Good luck~Neal~

[cao]

Hang in there.  I too had times that I felt like giving up and they would ultimately pass & I'd feel strong enough to continue for another week or two.  I'm about 8 months post tx now and SVR & I can tell you affirmatively that all the misery really is worth it.  There's really nothing as freeing as knowing that you beat HCV:)

[Oreos]

HANG IN THERE!!!!  Undetectable at 11 weeks and a low vl count with minimal damage puts the odds well into your favor!!!!! I felt like you did early on in treatment.  Every side you can imagine, but determined to get through it.  I finished 48/48 10 mos ago and it was totally worth the hell.  Just got back my 10 mos pcr and still undectable.  I'm enjoying my NEW LIFE without Hep C hanging over my head.  

Since you're not working, what kinds of things can you do to pass the time?  I know it's not great feeling like ****, but keeping busy helps alot.  

Most of all, 48 weeks is a drop in the bucket where your life is concerned.  Keep your eye on the prize.  You can do it : )

[pajaro]

This is pajaro, I took my first shoot yesterday. So I have'nt felt those thangs as you have but I just want to say that"I truely believe you have made your choise because you stopped schoolling to kill this virs. you made a grate choice at that"I prayed my heart out the last two days and truely believe this works for me. I have put myself threw so much hell already that this shut be nothing.So I guese my words to you are this PRAY and stay buise. I am on antidepressents lexapro and wellabutren for anxiety. Like I said earlier I took my 1st shoot yesterday @ about 4:30 pm and have not filt nothing antail today at 3:30 pm and it was very little at that so I am possitive praying works because I am  very big sisy. Hang in there and talk to other about filling. I allso believe jounalling works allso . WELL GOD BLESS and HANG IN THERE!!!!!!! Vernon

[Healed24]

I want to say THANK YOU to all of you. You guys posted such wonderful and inspirational messages. I was moved to tears. I decided to get out and it has made me feel better already. I follwed the advice and I looked into some online classes, so as soon as that gets underway I'll have something to partially occupy my time. I guess I'm acting like a big baby (eventhough I'm 26years old), but I really needed all of the kind words I got here today. I hope I don't have too many more days like this but if I do, I'm happy to have people like you guys to get me through it (Oh my, here come the tears again).

Well Thanks to all, and God Bless each one of you.
-Brooke

[cao]

I'm glad you're feeling a little better:)  I just wanted to say that I was diagnosed in my early 20s, right after getting engaged and as I was applying to law schools (I decided ultimately not to go to law school, but that choice had nothing to do with HCV).  I know how terribly scary it is to be dealing with HCV when the rest of your life is looming in front of you & you feel like you need to get moving (go to grad school, get married, whatever).  It starts to feel like the HCV is directly, or indirectly, impacting every last facet of your being.  I had great envy for the people that didn't find out until they were older, after they'd been able to have children, etc.  Knowing that you're infected, for better or worse, starts to color all sorts of experiences...

It's hard to face something this serious & and not get overwhelmed from time to time.  Add to that some serious medications & you've got a recipe for some serious stress.  Do what you can to take your mind of the treatment & the time will pass a little more quickly....and come here when you need help....even though I didn't post often, just being able to read the posts on this board sustained me through some rough patches:) Hang in there:)

[SnoWav]

You are right it's better not knowing you have the bug till your life is togather.My wife and I both had c for 35 yrs we have 5 beautiful kids who have traveled and made there mark on the planet they may not have been born if we had known. The earth is a better place with them here.all are virus free. Here's to not knowing and living carefree untill your old and have nothing better to do than slay the dragon.looking forward 32weeks on the trail.

[scruffy]

Tx forces you to slow down. That being said, do not put life on "hold" for hcv or tx. You need to stay active at a lower level and if necessary use antidepressants. You DON'T want to end up facing all these problems over again. Get it done. Get it done right. You've come a long ways. Kick it up a notch. Look for things to enjoy.    frank

[antman]

Hi friends. My name is Scott, I live in GA and came across this site looking for Hep C info. I'm 49 and have been diagnosed with hep C since around 1992 when I was donating blood to the Red Cross at the company blood drive. I hope I didn't give it to someone else.I was floored at the time. Have been to the Dr. numerous times(no visable symptoms). My last biopsy was last year. they downplayed the damage saying it was on a scale of 5, around 1, whatever that means. But, I drink beer, I know it's bad and take pain meds. (hydrocodone/tylenol), stupid , huh? Now , I'm getting scared reading all this stuff. I quit all drinking and drugs for 3.5 years once, but relapsed back to alcohol and pills 4 years ago. Sorry for the long story.But, I just wanted to tell someone what's going on, you seem to be a caring group. I have to stop all the ****, or I'm afraid I'll die. I have a wife and 4 year old  beautiful daughter who I want to be around to see grow up.Well, I'll be around, hopefully. Feel free to blast me for being an idiot-I deserve it.I'm not really proud of myself, but I do have pride in myself.I want to LIVE! thanks,
Scott

[cougareyes]

Tough call, I commend those who are young and are treating. Better overall health,probably less damage, and having the virus for less time is a good thing. These factors may help with clearing the virus and handling the sx better. And when you're clear you have the rest of life to look forward to HCV free. To hopefully live a long, happy, productive life.
I will be 45 in a little over a week, I'm on week #10 of tx. I started getting sick in the prime of my life. The complications of liver damage due to HCV has caused alot of decline in my life. I know I'm treating at the right time for me.
I never would have treated if I had less liver damage and less physical ailments. I've had a wonderful life but I get bitter at times because I feel the best years are behind me. I see now how important it is to look forward with excitement for your future.
We are all where WE are suppose to be; whether you lived your life without knowing or whether you're battling this monster when you're young. Thanks for listening

[antman]

RockFL,
thanks-I needed that. What's so messed up is that I knew it for years, my wife has told me(for my own good) but I just ignore it.as in total denial. but, I need the encouragement;that's why I here! right?! so, what do you look for as far as symptoms go? I feel slight discomfort in my abdoman. my appetite is less lately, but I don't know how much is psycological. I'm worried now-when I worry everything seems huge... thanks again.
Scott

[jmjm530]

All I can say is that your age, extremely low pre-tx viral load, and early viral response all point to an EXCELLENT chance of being cured. Did you get any more info on your low ANC? While you might not need to, getting back to full dose pegasys is better if you can tolerate it.

To your delay in schooling, etc., I think you've been given some excellent advice about "getting out there". Do it if you possibly can, I certainly wish I could. LOL.

But if you can't, be gentle on yourself and allow things to take their course day by day. If you have to lie on the couch and sleep all day then do it. Do whatever it takes to get you through as long as you're not significantly compromising your health.

By almost any standard, you're still a young babe with most of your life ahead of you. Plenty of time for law school, whatever at the ripe ole age of 27. Gee...wish I had all that time :)

-- Jim

[friole]

Welcome to the forum.  The fact that you posted might mean you are ready to make the plunge.  Don't beat yourself up about what got you here or how long you waited. A lot of us did stupid stuff.  It is important to quit drinking and, if you are taking pain pills for pleasure, dump them.  Since you have had the biopsies, I assume you also know your Viral load and genotype.

You are still fairly young, and your biopsy sounds like you may have some time before you treat.  However, the pain in your abdomen -- is it RUQ (right upper quatrant)?  Do you have a gastroenterologist or a hepatologist (liver specialist)?

By the way, I have known since I tried to give blood in 1993 that I tested positive for the antibodies.  I did not decide to pursue it - find out if I really had it and all the rest until this year.  My biopsy is similar to yours grade 1, stage 1 -- but I decided to treat, partially because of age (57) and insurance (which is good now).

This is a good forum with lots of concerned and knowledgeable people.  
Kathy

[friole]

It sounds like you  made a wise decision to hold off on school for a year. There is no sense in putting yourself under more stress than you need to. I am sorry you have had these bad side effects but you are almost half way there and are undetectable.  Those 2 things would perk up my spirits.

Perhaps you need some type of light excercise program to lift you up. I just started at Ai Chi (water version of Tai Chi) class last week.  I am duly impressed with it.  It is meditative and relaxing and we are supposed to visualize bringing in positive energy and pushing out toxins.  I have no problem at all  thinking about expelling all those nasty c virons and the side effects of the tx.

Please continue with your treatment
kathy

[sindog]

I don't have many answers, but I do know how difficult it is to stop drinking. To be honest, I miss it. From what I heard, there is a drug that cured over 90% of the patients (most were 50 yrs old like you and me) but Fed approval is 5 yrs away.

[antman]

thank you all. this is a good place for me to be.Kathy, I do have "mild" pain in the RUQ,and I have a great liver specialist here in GA (ATL area)and ok insurance.I think I need to go back though and see exactly what the story is.get tests done again.wow, 57, I didn't even know this thing was around that long.when I do I'll let you guys know.just talking about it helps, instead of ust ignoring it or worrying...
Scott

[sindog]

Found out I was positive in July. Just had  a biopsy friday. Like Scott, I drank every day, but quit after doctor visit. Not only does the alcohol kill your liver, it also 'excites' the virus. I'm not looking forward to treatment but I have to do it.

[antman]

I took one small, but big step for me. I went a day without a beer.I can only look at one day at a time, but I'm going back to my DR. soon. when I get the bloodwork I'll have to decide to treat or wait. What is the progress for a cure? 5-10-20 years, anyone hear anything promising from a good Dr.?One more question- I've heard the term naieve patient, does that just mean one has never been through the treatment? Since I haven't, are there any new trials being done in GA. A lot of questions, I know, but that's why I'm here. My spirits are up a tad today. thanks.
Scott

[cuteus]

has it been that long already?  You are about where I am. Congratulations Both!!!

[ASmile4U]

Yes, it's difficult at times...hang in there...it'll get easier.  The term naive patient means never having treated before.  Check out the following web site for any trials that may be in your area...  :)
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov

[cuteus]

there is a cure out there already, interferon + ribavirin combo. It works in about 50 to 60% of genotype ones. Some call it a virological cure when you are undetected a year after finishing tx, others call it remission. I use the first term.

[jmjm530]

Sounds like you have minimal liver damage which means you can treat now or take a "watchful waiting" approach.


But in my opinion your first priority is to stop drinking. If you can't on your own, then seek help from an organization like AA. Heavy drinking is the worst thing you can do for your liver. A cavalier approach will not work. Treatment is not going to help if you keep drinking. Am I repeating myself enough. :)

Yes, "treatment naive" means you haven't been treated before and as Cuteus says, a cure exists now for about 40-50 per cent of genotype 1's. Any good doctor won't even consider treating you until you stop drinking. Am I repeating myself enough? :)

-- Jim

[antman]

jmjm530
thanks man- I got the message loud and clear. today is day 2 NO ALCOHOL. I can make it today. the "one day at a time approach". I have been in AA in the past but relapsed. I'll go back, if I need to, which I probably do.thanks again.
Scott

[jmjm530]

I was never much of a drinker so I really don't know much about how the "one day at a time" approach relates to those who have had serious drinking problems in the past.

Since you were very up front about us being candid with you, I will be again.

You should make a committment NOW to seek professional help and/or AA should your "one day at a time" approach not work. And I mean seek it the very next day.

Again, you mine as well forget about hep c treatment and throw your liver overboard if you can't once and for all deal with your drinking problem.

Once the drinking issue is COMPLETELY under control -- and it may be months or even years -- then think about treatment. Trying to stop drinking and do treatment at the same time may be ovewheliming. I would think any rsponsible doctor would want you to wait at least six months to tx after being dry.

Fortunately, because your liver damage isn't significant, you still have a time. Put your energies where they will do the most good now and deal with this thing once and for all. Having Hep C should add to your motivation because heavy drinking and hep c together could end up being a lethal combination.

Let us know how things pan out.

-- Jim

[Aubbie]

HI, heael24 I am having difficulties too, YOU hang in there, I am not giving up, I love beer but when I bought my home with my mothers death money I never drank another beer 2003. I ache today and I beleive it will be good days and bad Im finding out h20 is a key and protein.  Cougareyes said it like it is these medicines play physcial, MENTAL, and the body gets so weak , to me lately it gets harder, I am 10/ 12 and hoping and praying my no 's go down , Iwish you luck and I thank God for ALL of you, NO one knows how we feel but each other, Thanks guy and Healed24 that is a bad combo , I did it , did not know I had c. pain in ankle lot of loratabs, I have mild bridging fibrosis, Stop that combo. Talk to MD, I miss having a few beers, when stress stopped I give up on it, I wish you luck and dont give up ,too many good stories too. Aubbie

[friole]

Regarding age - yes, there are people of all age on this forum - from the early 20's to the middle 60's.  I have probably been infected since about 1970.  I have read some on the history of hepatitis c.  It may have originated in the eastern countries.  Some say the main transer of the virus to the states may have been during the Vietnam war.  There is just not a whole lot known about the virus.  When I found out I tested + in 1993, my reasoning for ignoring it was that I was so healthy at 46 that I must be one of the lucky ones who would never be affected by the disease.  Now, although I don't ever think i would end up being a transplant candidate, I think more of QOL (quality of life) going into retirement age.  If you don't have health and energy, what good is it to have time off?  So it was time to treat for me.
Kathy

[terrygd]

Here's another MHI board with some info on a new trial using a drug called Tarvacin.

http://www.medhelp.org/forums/hepatitis/messages/39170.html

[antman]

how amazing, the tap water issue came up. without my beer by my side I've beed drinking tap water here. from my understanding the water here where I live is excellent. I checked their site.it's a lot of stuff, but the bottom line is the results were good. and , like Jim said, I've also heard that bottled water is not dependable. I mean look at your water co.'s web site, they have to test it and give the results. bottled just says- water :-) it's good to have somewhere to sound off. thanks all...
Scott

[jmjm530]

The tap water thing is controversial. Who knows what's really floating around in all those plastic bottles being shipped from France. :) Tabloid TV does studies on this all the time and tap water often outperforms some of the pricier brands.

If I read you correctly, 2 gallons of water a day might be a little much. Studies show that over-hydration can be as bad as under-hydration. A good formula is to drink half your body weight in ounces. So if you weigh 100 pounds, then drink 50 ounces of water a day.

Some people like to drink a gallon regardless of weight and if that works, great. But 2 gallons a day seems excessive to me unless you're a very big and very active person -- like running six miles a day.

-- Jim

[sindog]

I too take every day, for drinking, and hepC as one day at a time. Better to focus on the small incremental goals than the large picture. Each day thank god, or whatever attribute this life to, for each day.

[go-girl]

Someone mentioned NOT to drink tap water, why is that? We have real good water where I live, does it still make a difference? What water is recommened? I love my water drink a gallon a day will double it when I start tx. Do the sx make water taste odd as I've read from some food tastes off?

[friole]

There is nothing better than good tap water.  The water here is West Texas would make you gag.  There are very few people who drink tap water here but whenever I go somewhere that has good tap water, that is what I drink.  I think it has been proven that some cities' tap water is better than bottled.  I think the hydration is the important thing, not whether the water is bottled.
Kathy

[antman]

yeah SD,
  it's only been 2 compelte days without booze, and let's face it habits are hard to break, especially the older you get. but, I DO thank God, without him I would be helpless.anyway, It's time to get pro-active about the reality of the situation. I have HCV. now what? I'm gonna call my liver Dr. and get the results from last years biopsy/blood work and really go over it. I wanna ask you guys how to interpret them, if that's ok. happy monday! off to work.good luck, God bless,all.
Scott

[sindog]

I got a liver biopsy on Friday and am supposed to get my results tomorrow. I'm not sure if they will discuss this on the phone or if i need another dr. appointment. I also am waiting for the results of my viral load count or whatever you call it. I live in wyoming which is like getting health care in a third world country. Finally i ended up going to Ft. Collins, Co. where I had the biopsy. There it's another story. The nurse that checked me stayed with me before, during, then after, until she wheeled me to my ride home. Here I can't even get them to return my phone calls, and when they do they are a little rude. Did you make it through day three? This is day nine for me.

[Tallblonde]

Hi Scott,

I just wanted to say hello and welcome you to the forum.  It sounds like you're turning a corner and ready to make some much-needed changes in your life to improve your health.  There are a lot of knowledgable people on this board who can help you increase your understanding of this disease and the range of options you have.  This is also a great place for moral support, so stick around.

Take care,
Susan

[Healed24]

Thanks to everyone for your comments. Again they were very uplifting. I agree it sucks to have the virus and I probably wouldn't be as stressed as I am now had I found out later in life, but now that I know I feel like I have to do something to fight it. I am definately going to follow all the advice I've gotten and get active and not give up.

Thanks to all, it really means alot.
Got Bless
Brooke

[antman]

thanks Tallblonde,
yes, I am taking this seriously. I'm only 49 & want to live to see my 4 yr. old daughter grow up. Sindog- yeah, I'm 5 days no-beer, today .When I got my biopsy last year they gave me the results over the phone.She told me whatever I asked, beginning with the damage level.In my case stage 1.thanks all.
Scott

[Minkey]

I am 52 yo with type 1A.  I caught Hep C while working in an Army med lab in Germany in 1974.  I am physically active and recently finished a trip to Peru where I walked into into Machu Picchu on a 4 day hike.  I felt and continue to feel great.  Had to take a biopsy at the local VA as part of my monitoring for Hep C.  Got the results last month.  Surprise!  I'm now a stage 3 to 4 and have to start treatment in 2 weeks.  I was shocked when I saw the report.  On top of it I'm a drunk with 5 years sober at this point.  At least I did something right.  As a stage 1 I would suggest that you deal with the alcohol problem immediately and put the hep worries on the back burner.  If you continue drinking the treatment will be ineffective.  Stopping drinking is hard enough without adding anti-viral therapy to the mix.  You quit before so at least you have that to lean on.  Get a sober year under your belt and then look at your treatment options.  As a stage 1 you've got plenty of time to get your act together before therapy.