LIfestyle changes.... gotta survive this tx

[crossroadsec]

So I took 8th shot last night. Working since August 1st at school and functioning really better than I thought I would. BUT with platelets low, labs a mess, sleeping not at all with itching OR staying hung over on benedry and victralis... something had to change. I'm too tired to cook or eat well. Back on lasix for swelling.
Had the talk w/ daughter n friends. I'm end stage and can't afford to screw up a week 4 UND. I'm moving a friend in to help w/ meals and med tracking. I've hired someone to come in and help keep house organized at least once a week. LOL. I'm single and live on a teachers salary. But w/ roomie paying part of expenses, it will help.
My new insurance company is supposed to send new drugs next week. Procrit, promatica, n triple therapy. My prior meds came thru medicare insurance cuz I couldn't work last year full time. Seems as if I had not gone back to work and picked up a better policy I would have been in bette shape. I've been in full battle mode over that. What a week. New HMO is still haggling over whether I need procrit. It's gonna cost a LOT more now that the medicaid program is my secondary insurance.
Meanwhile, I'm sleeping about 10 to 14 hours a day and piled up on the couch grading papers. I've been singing the blues. I still come on and read on iphone. But honestly have not had energy to even sit at computer n type much.
The connection and advice w/ you all have kept me working at getting meds, and making whatever changes I have to in order to make it work. Your experience is so valuable. We're all so vulnerable and at times powerless right now.
I'm the oldest sister. The one who takes care of others. The one who doesn't complain. It's hard to admit I'm weak and sick and need this help. Haha. It didn't kill me. These are not easy lifestyle changes to make. But I'll finish this tx and SVR at any cost.
Still in the human race.... Karen (wry smile w/ a determined gleam in my eye)

[Lifenet62]

Love love love love you woman. An insiriation to all of us who feel or will feel just as you do.  Keep onkeepin on. God is on your side and never sends more than one can handle.  Always remember this!!!  Hugs! Jan

[his3707]

sounds like these changes are going to make a big difference for you in  a big way!   Hang in there.  (Im jealous that you have someone coming in and keeping house and cooking) :)

[copyman]

stay the course and you will beat this! best of luck

[halbev]

Stay Strong and Endure
You are One Tough Woman, and asking for help is fine, You must do what you have to for YOURSELF at this time in your life.
If you are going on Insivek, Interferon, ribavirin  your chances are very good to become UND or Neg at 4 weeks I am told by Incivek that females respond better then men! And I was neg at 4 weeks working on 8 weeks now and I am a man. I did 84 weeks of Interferon ribavirin before this and they could no longer measure virus but it was still there but now the news is good for the first time.
Stay positive and know you can beat this, and Look Forward to your NEW LIFE with a Lot Less Baggage, which I for one am tired of carrying

[eureka254]

I'm so glad that asked for the help that you needed... the fact that you forge ahead, doing what has to be be done to get through treatment is a real credit to your determination... yes, your grandma would be proud! :)
Your kids at school are so lucky to have such a positive-minded character and dedicated teacher to nurture them... even if it is with Eminem! ;)  You da WO-MAN. Gleam on. ~eureka

[ann61]

Karen,  I totally understand how hard it is to admit that you need help and then to ask for it.  I think unless someone is with us day in and day out, no one can really understand what we go through in this battle.  I, too, am fiercely independent and it really is hard to say that you need help.  I am proud of you that you have taken the steps to get the support you need.  I hope it will make things easier for you.  I know you are strong and you need to do whatever you have to do to stay strong.  These drugs are so powerful but the results have been so sweet.  Stay the course because at the end of the day, you will beat HCV!!!  xo....Ann

[scoleman]

You are an inspiration.  Hang in there.

Sherry

[dreamcat]

Hang in there, Karen... :)  I'm inspired that you're doing what you need to do to get thru this... you rock!

[belle19]

you're an amazing woman.  going thru sx and teaching.  that's a lot on your plate.  so glad you've decided to get help.  i know how you feel.  i have a 22 yr.old son and my husband.  i want to clean, cook and grocery shop but sometimes it's just too much.  i can't get myself to the car and drive.  i'm doing alright but only at about 75% or less on chores.  oh well, we have to listen to our body and rest when needed.  i'm sending you some good wishes for you.  keep in touch.  belle

[GINGERPAL]

I am sending you all strong positive thoughts and  I hope your sides get better.
I will be starting incevik treatment soon....am learning what to expect from your posts.
Be good to yourselves and stay strong !    You can win this fight.
Ginger P.

[paen53]

Oops, that should be HANG in there. Geez! Must have the "One hand in my pocket" lyrics running thru my mind. ;-D

[paen53]

Way to go, Karen! It's hard to think straight on tx, let alone make big decisions, but you made a good one here. It can be hard to ask for help when we're used to being the in the supportive role, but like you say, you do what you need to do to halt any more progression and capitalize on the RVR. What I found is that people really want to help, just don't know how and appreciate some directives from us, rather than guessing. Yup, it was a learning process for me too. Sleep as much as your body demands and make no apologies, especially until you get that Procrit order filled. Your health comes first now....

Hand in there, Pam

[streamline569]

I understand the work thing. I feel I  may lose my job over this. They ask me periodically if I can work a few days here or there. Last night I had a dream I went into work and had and I had an anxiety attack while asleep. I woke up with my heart racing so fast. I would say that is a sign I wouldn't be able to handle a day at work. I'm thinking it's the low platelets and the incivek that is knocking the heck out of me. I'm on procrit and it doesn't feel much different then before the procrit I also think the anxiety from the ribravirin and having to take something for that. It's all to much for the body trying to control all the different sides and we haven't even gotten to dart night. Like you I've decided I just have to treat and that's it. If I can't handle anything else, I'm just not going to do it. It's definitely going to be a life change coming, but the most important thing is our health and getting rid of this virus then we'lll have plenty of time and energy to figure out the rest of our lives.Be well and feel better. I hope you get your rescue drugs soon. I find out the end of this week how my blood is doing. Hoping no more drugs needed here.Just think we're almost done with the incivek.

[flcyclist]

Karen, so glad to hear you're getting some help.  It might be nice to have some company, so hope that works out for you.  Keep on plugging away and pressing the insurance.  Your doctor may need to make a few phone calls or write them a letter to justify the procrit if needed.  This haggling shouldn't be happening.  

Continue to be strong and keep that great attitude.  You have a great start, so keep this ball rolling.  You are making some good decisions to adjust your schedule and get some help.  

Keep on smiling..........