Importance of This Forum and other posts

[NYgirl]

Of course like my "twin" I must now post and keep the positivity of his spirit going.

I was wondering...what do you find to be the most important/helpful/inspiring etc. thing about this forum?

In other words, what draws you here on a daily basis to join in?

Aside from the education that I've received (which for me goes without saying) the most important thing about this board is that no matter how horrible it gets I know I am not alone - I can come in feeling HORRIBLE and find understanding/love/friendship and compassion.  I don't feel disconnected and alone in my disease like I did before I found this forum.

When I want to give up I am reminded that others have felt the same way...and they give me the hope and encouragement to continue onwards.

Thank you all for all that you've done for me.

[2irish]

angie...just running around a bit too much lately!  will talk to you later!
goof..i am very well, thank you.  nothing to complain about now1! so glad to hear your hgb is 10.  had my procrit reduced to once every 2 weeks because my hgb was 15.9.   saves me $225.00 cash a month, so very happy about that. take care

[azgrl]

I guess this is as good a time as any to chime in....I first came to this site because I needed information and I was obsessively trying to figure out what hcv really was and what tx was like.  I've learned a lot.  I still come to this site over most of the others because this site isn't overbearing in hugs and kisses and lifetime movie feeling.  I love the debates even if they do tend to get out of hand sometimes.  I love the humor even if there hasn't been much lately...that's okay because I can always amuse myself....in more ways than one.  Probably the main reason I still come here is probably I just can't stop reading these threads......Even though I don't post much I'm out there lurking......I'll poke my head out every now and again.....

Deb in AZ

[beamishboy]

i don't 'do' raw oysters rolled in latex;i don't care what kinda 'special sauce' it is.....I,sir ,have my standards....somewhere around here,oops,lost 'em again.

[cajunlady]

I have learned 99.9% of what I know here.  This forum and the people here have given me my strength in tx.  If it was not for the forum, I would still be struggling with many un-answered questions.

This forum and info is what helped me go to my first social function yesterday, since starting tx.  Very tired today, but so worth it.  

I had the strength to talk two people into going test for HCV this week; and I know I planted the seed in about 10 more people, because they kept coming back to ask questions.  I also had my Be in Charge literature in the van to refer too, if needed. I only had general information, but it was enough.  

I would not have been able to do that without this forum and all the people here.  So, THANK YOU, each and everyone.

cajun

[GoofyDad]

They're giving it away one thread up. Bagged and ready to go.

[2irish]

Happy Birthday!!!!! Hope you have a great celebration when everyone is feeling better & you get your NEG results from your 12 wk pcr!!!  happy, happy day!  irish

[avidreader]

I take my shot at about 9:00 pm on Saturday. My original thinking was that would give me Saturday to be myself, Sunday to recover and Monday back to work. As it turns out, with the exception of the very first shot (flu like chills in the middle of the night) the sides from the Peg have been neglible. A few weeks ago, I was out of town on shot night and had to drive 5 hours through a snow and ice storm (normally a 2 hour drive)stopping to give myself a shot an hour into the drive.I had brought a friend as a driver along with me, but it turned out she was terrified of driving in the snow. Go figure.

I find the RIBA to be much more debilitating and it definitely creeps up on you as time goes on. I just did shot 30/48 and have actually had a decent week--full week at work, plenty of activity, but I've learned the hard way not to read too much into it or overdo anything.

I joined this forum to gather information and opinions and have learned so much from the people on this board. I ignore the occasional personality firestorms--posting onto a website is not always the most effective way to convey feelings and attitudes and sometimes I'm afraid it's easy to get caught up in arguments that just go on and on and on and on. There are a lot of different opinions on this board and that is what I like about it. I visit lots of other boards, but this is the one I return to consistently.

Good luck to you in your treatment journey--from what I hear, the fear of starting is often one of the hardest parts for people.

Tracy

[cao]

I continue to lurk after treatment (and came during treatment) b/c it helps me to feel considerably less alone. I have a wonderfully supportive family and friends, but don't know anyone else that is dealing with or has dealt with HCV.  I love having a place where I can feel connected to others in similar circumstances:)

[strator]

I come here for the experience and knowledge of others. The suggestions are all here for me to pick and choose from. Regardless of personalities or bonds, I have the option to try and decide what is best for me. I come here to share my own experience which helps me get out of my own selfish little world. And some days DAGNABBIT, I just come here regardless of whether the board is discussing SVR, the Rolling Stones, or each others little quirks, opinions, hopes and fears -cause I just don't feel so alone. Doesn't matter that much whether there's a beautiful sense of harmony that day or a down and out spittin match. Lookin in here gives me a minute to disperse my load or share someone else's. Just realising somebody else is sittin across the country in their house, under the same moon above me, is scratchin the same rash, or worried about the same questions and doubts...Sometimes it only take's typin somethin and seein a response, somedays I only have to read. Somedays I only need to know it's here when I get up in the morning, home from work, or while I'm tryin to convince myself to sleep. It's been a place of comfort, caring, 'family' squabbles, absolutely genuine laughs, sadness, and hope. Works for me, I hope it works for all.
Thank you all-each and everyone.
Don

amirtacy-Hi Lady. Look forward to it. When I kissed the anxiety of starting goodbye it felt like I was startin fresh.(It will get old, so enjoy it.) When i took that first shot I was like-'that's it, wow-that went well, I wanna do it again. Course I ain't exactly wrapped well. I can't believe I did #21 last night. Ido mine between 10:30 and midnight, but I don't usually go to bed til 12 or so. Turns out that the day after is usually my most productive day, already put a few hrs on a painting, and just breakin from scrubbin floors. Fisrt couple of shots were more tiring though. Personally once I got rolling I don't think the shot affects my day nearly as much as Ruby Riba. Check in with us, relax, if just another bozo on the bus like me can do it, your golden. Thanks for the Hi.
Smile at tx, I find it's physically impossible to feel bad when your laughin.
Don

[Forseegood]

I come for the knowledge too, also the support...I find it inspiring that so many people can deal with the various side effects of treatment so bravely and with so much dignity...also advanced liver disease...it always gives me the feeling that well, if they can, maybe I can too...I don't get that perspective dealing with a bunch of really healthy people like I do in my normal, day-to-day life...I'll call them the "normies" ha ha ha...

As far as the trouble on this board, I think it might be a function of a "collective unconscious" thing...at the risk of sounding too pretentions...you know when youre sitting in a restaurant near the back, where no one can see you and youre the only one there...and all of a sudden a rush of people all walk in all at the same time? The same thing with a store or someplace else...people seem to feel compelled to do things collectively, in "waves" it seems...

When it really gets tiresome and tedious (and maybe more upsetting- particularly to those on treatment) is when it's near the end of a hostile exchange, and the whole thing is reduced to "I know you are but what am I?" over and over again...with hardly any substance at all to the debate except a bunch of personal attacks....and there will be a lot of threads like this at the same time...then it's like Med Help Junior High...unfortunately, I've contributed to this too though I try to watch it...then there will be certain cries for reason and civility, like dear Mr. B B has done...and it'll go back to being and adult forum till it starts up again...that's when I utilize the old 12 Step credo of take what you need and leave the rest behind...

[Forseegood]

forgot to add this but nothing like stating the obvious...let's face it, some posters are just more "mature" than others...hope everyone is better today and out enjoying the super bowl, if that's what they like...or not, but have a great day whatever youre doing!

thought I'd write a favorite toast..(with fizzy water and cranberry juice nowadays...)

Live everyday as if it were to be your last..for one day...for certain...you will be right!

[beamishboy]

i come because i can....for info,inspiration &support.........in the begining especially,the forum was an absolute lifeline-helped me make it thru the nite

[strator]

Yo dude-Happy FIVE OH if I am correct! Hope ya have a day where the sx let go out and play. Shoot make it your day! Tell them little buggers and their riba cousins that you've been around you a 1/2 century. That's longer than they have and if you say  CHILL!! They are to CHILL! Quietly and respectfully, cause you is the man!! And that's the name 'o that tune!!
On the Straight and narrow dude,
Don

[honey11]

I continue to come after reaching SVR because this has been where I have visited before my treatment,,,during my treatment and now after. I am always looking for new knowledge dealing with hep c,,,connection to friends that have come and gone and some remain.  I always thought after the treatment,,,,I would probably not come here much but it is like a home where we all understand where each is coming from even if its all difference stages.  Also,,,,in helping newbies if there is something I can jump in and say that will help one more person get through this disease.

[beamishboy]

Thanks Don....yes indeed today i am 50!.....i don't think i'm goin out to play -everyone else in my family is either bunged-up or sick,we postponed my big ole whup-up for bettr days-whew!!! i spent 9 hrs yesterday puttin on a happyface;it's hardwork being pleasant  all the gd time..esp when yu feel like: pukin;smokin;rippin off yur own skin;rippin off somebody else's skin;pukin;curlin up &pukin,smokin,cryin,screamin smokin,pukin-well you get the picture...i am thr soul of discretion& manly fortitude (i was excused&forgiven promptly).....how did i manage to meet such nice people?..monday i get my 12 wk vl test-that is the only thing i want,clear......hope yur ride is smoothin&groovin-my best to you,your pops& kid(yng man of the house..)

[friole]

Strator, you put it so well, I don't feel so alone.  This is a lonely disease and everyone here helps.

Beam -- happy birthday.  The big 5-0 - better than the alternative.  Put on that happy face.  Have a great one.

Cquest - a late happy birthday to you too.  

Ameritracy.  I don't have shot reactions, but still like taking all my shots in the evenings and sleeping off any potential shot reactions.  Will be thinking about you on Wednesday.  I know that is Tator's shot night, don't know who else.  You can help remind her (ha ha)

[NYgirl]

Congrats on the starting!

I do my shot on Friday night at 6pm every week. I make sure I leave work at the same time and come home and do it right away so I don't forget or have any problem since it's SO important to make sure you always do your meds.

I do it on Friday because I am off work on Saturday and Sunday and I can rest all I want to - compared to the work week.

I make sure I Tivo some good tv and movies and then lay on my bed with some ice cream and a remote and have my "day of rest" just because...well...I can!  :)

Best of luck. You will find I am sure that it's nowhere as near as bad as your imagination can make it and the more positive your attitude remains...the better off you will be!

Debby

[susan400]

I've been coming here for years.  It helps by giving me someone to commisserate with when I'm have a bad side day. And on occasion, I may have been of help to others.

Every day is a shot day for me. Fri. night is a 2 shot with the Procrit in there.  

I haven't worked for 4 years, but when I worked, I did my shots on Fri. nights, right before bed.

Susan400

[miss moneypenny]

Hi,

I just started treatment last Friday, and had my shot at 4pm, as it was in the nurses office, I was very pleasantly surprised to find that nothing really happened, a bit chilly in the night, but that was it really. I had thought I would move my shot forward to Friday evening, but if every week is as kind as my first I might just stay with afternoon.

Good luck on Wednesday, I was SO nervous, but really didn't need to worry so much, hope that you have a similar experience.

x

[Forseegood]

Hey, have a great 50th! celebration is in order for a milestone b-day like that, hope youre able to do what you'd like for the day at least...

2Irish: hey stuck working here, but hope youre doing something fabuloso too!

[cquest]

Hey Birthday Boy! Isn't 50 great?! I loved it! Aquarians rock!

And the reason I come here? I like to be among my own kind. I like knowing that I am not the only one. This is truly a lonely disease. For one, we appear so normal (at least for the most part) and people on the outside don't understand that. On the inside we are very FAR from normal....I for one have heard the 'it's your diet, diet can cure anything' speech over and over to the point of wanting to scream...or the endless remarks 'HepC is no big deal, it's curable' that's another one I could choke somebody over...believe it or not, my brother in law that has MS said that..he has to ride a scooter to get around and he has medical advice for me? Do I tell him to eat ginseng and he'll be ok? Of all people he should know better...People that don't have this disease don't understand it at all no matter how much you try to tell them, they always think they have the cure and if you'll just listen to them you'll be just fine...ha!
Cin

[amirtracy]

Strator,
I love reading your posts.
And you are not just another bozo on the bus...

Thanks so much everyone.
This is why I come here..

[GoofyDad]

It's all been said. I come for info, comraderie, some fun, and maybe the chance to give back a little by lightening some loads along the way.

Beam: Happy Birthday, DUDE! We're lucky to have you here!

Tracy: I started shots in the night, then moved to the afternoon because it was taking 6 hours for the sides to hit. As I type, I'm thinking I might move up to the morning, because these days the shot makes me feel better....not worse,  so why wait?  

Forsee: The river reference is from that ditty that's guaranteed to bring you down. Won't post a link heer, it would only serve to bring folks down..... and my philosophy  is 'Don't Let it Bring you Down'.

2Irish: Been wondering about you. Hope you are well.

[Mister beagle bailey]

I come here for the info, support and knowing I'm not alone.  What I found was the friendships that have formed.  None of us have never met, yet I feel we have been friends for a life time. Here we can talk about things that we don't with our family or friends we've known for years.

Thank You,

      The Beagle