Know I understand

[seaman728]

It was hard to understand the sx of tx by just reading about them.  I am in my 5th week, and it has hit me like a ton of bricks.  My 4 week blood test showed my hgb went from 16 to 12.  I am short of breath just walking to the mail box.  The constant headache is like being on a three day drunk.  Extra strength tylnol does not touch it, I am taking 3 advil, and that helps a little, but is affectingt my stomach {had ulcers in the past}  My Dr called this morning and said my glocuse was low. Going back mon for blood test, to recheck hgb and sugar.  My 4 week vl went from 700,000 to 350,000. I don't even know if thats good or not.  Was hoping for und.  Dr said not to worry about vl untill week 12.  I hate to be a wuss but don't know how to even get to week 12 let alone 48.  I had no sx at all the first 2 shots.  My question is does your body get used to this poison?  Does it get any better with time?  Anybody had sugar problems from tx? Thanks guys, this site helps alot. Ron

[kittyface]

Hi, I'm on week 27/48 and there were many times I wanted to quit as I was basically bedridden and could barely drag myself to the kitchen to force something down.  My message to you is:  HANG IN THERE.  You can do this, take it one day at a time and realize with every day you're closer to SVR.  

You're body is adjusting to low hemoglobin and it will get better, I promise.  As the other posters say, the sx are a mixed bag that come and go.  If advil isn't touching your headaches perhaps your doc can order something else.  

Are you drinking enough water?  For example, I weigh 135 lbs so I need to drink about 66 ounces of water daily.  You may find that it helps your headaches, which could be exacerbated by your low blood sugar.

The liver is very involved in blood sugar so monitor that closely and get nutritional counseling to help you control levels.

Please continue to visit regularly with any concerns or just to vent.

Warm regards,
Kittyface

[sunshine585]

Hang in there, the worst sides don't last, they seem to come and go, different for everyone. I just did week40 shot. I found the 1st couple of weeks weren't too bad, then I had a bad stretch for a couple of weeks around my 3rd month, lasted for a couple weeks and petered off. Just got over another really rough stretch in Sept. Just when I think thats it, I can't go on, it eases up and becomes bearable. I found a lot of the sides you get used to and learn different coping mechanisms, for each thing that hits you. The people on this site are for the most part, a smart and supportive bunch. We'llhelp you with the bumps in the road. Good luck to you, and just take one day at  time.

[eureka254]

So sorry you're having a rough time of it at the moment.  I'm not really able to offer any advice, as my husband hasn't yet started tx, but I just wanted to offer my encouragement and best wishes.  I'm glad to hear that your doc is on top of the hgb and sugar levels -- it might be that some of those sx can be addressed to make you feel better soon!

Your viral load was pretty low to start, so see what happens at week 12, you might become UND by then.  Don't focus on that 48 number too much... like how mountain-climbers always say "don't look up, just keep climbing, just don't look up..." (or is it down? ;) either way it would work...)  In some circumstances just putting one foot in front of the other IS success... and every week that you make it to another shot is... like hitting another plateau... I've heard, as I'm sure you know, that every person is different, and even every shot can be different... but I sure hope it only gets better for you.

Hang in there.
~eureka

[CMcH]

My first weeks were easy but when the anemia and rash hit around wk 4. I am at 20/48 I think and it has been a roller coaster. I have been able to work most of it with occasional days off or leaving early when the case load is low. I have hit points of depression where I thought I would never make it 48. Then it will get better with rescue drugs and lots of fluids. As soon as I start feeling almost normal I get shot down again. Mostly doable so far.
I wish you well
Connie.

[jankar]

I am in Week 3 and having symptoms but not as bad as you, it seems.  My body seems to be handling things better this week - last week, week 2, was my worst but now the headaches and nausea  are less so that is good.  I was trying to explain to my boss yesterday what it was like - like I drink a bottle of vodka everynight and the hangover never gets better.

I am going to work but skiving, not productive, who cares, taking as much time off as I can and trying find a psychological space where I can handle it without panic.  Who is to say I can find that space everyday?  Last week I wanted to die - this week I feel better.  I believe it gets better.