Pre-Tx shopping list - 10 days to go!

Hello Everyone :)

I start tx in 10 days.  My doctor is putting my on Pegasys and 1,000 mg Ribavirin (I'm only 111 pounds so that's kind of high).  Over the last two months I have been writing down little tips here and there about sx management.  I would really appreciate it if any of you can post some things that have helped you through tx.  I'm going on an HCV tx shopping spree (oh it sounds so much better that way) and I need to make a list.  :)   So far I have tylonel (ex. str. or reg?), heating pad, and lotion.  Thanks!
BC :)

[booocooo]

Thank you so much Susie for the info!  I have now added a Barnes and Noble trip to my list along with some candy and Benadryl.  I really appreciate your response!

[jdwithhcv]

Soft jammies and one of those bamboo backscratchers (try Pier 1).

[booocooo]

Hi Jd - Thanks :)  I will add Pier 1 on my route to Barnes and Noble :)  

[meki]

There is this stuff - usually in the toothpaste aisle at the store --- Called ORALBALANCE

My mouth would dry out something fierce... and it really helped.

Heating blanket for the nights when you get the chills
Cold Gel Packs for when you get too hot
A fluffy warm robe
A soft slinky kimono robe

Comfortable clothes -- like jammies or sweats and baggy stuff

Silly stupid comedy Movies

Games... Something to keep you occupied

COFFEE --- Buy yourself a starbucks card NOW... (you'll need it for the days you have to go out. And get yourself tea and coffee.

Emergen-C worked a lot for me...

OK - and foot soaks were joyous...

Hmmmm - other than those things...

I can say --- FROZEN FOODS were wonderful.

If you cook --- cook batches of stuff and freeze them ahead of time - before you go on TX. That way - dinner is open freezer - pop in microwave - dig around for clean spoon.... and eat.

Oh --- and you better stock up on pop sicles or fudge sicles.... A lot of us ate a lot of ice cream popsicle stuff. LOL!

Me -- I ate chocolate like it was going out of style.

Hugs --- and remember - not everyone has SX --- you may be just a little queasy now and then.

Good Luck!

Meki

[meki]

Oh --- oh yeah - don't forget gum - mints or anything to keep your mouth moist during the day.

Also --- be careful on the tylenol OK?

Something to keep your hair soft...

Make sure you have tweezers by the 6th shot... LOL!

Taxi cab - prebought passes or bus passes are helpful.

(all the things that you can use - even if you don't experience horrible side effects)

[Lonestar823]

The back scratcher, yes!
heating pad
oldest most soft jammies
white sheets
extra pillows

extra strength tylenol
band aids
peroxide
alcohol pads
hand sanitizer
Benadryl
Scalpicin
icy hot cream
lavender bath therapy
aveeno oatmeal bath
baby shampoo
Johnson's detangler
wide tooth comb
handy nightstand floss stuff
tissues
Aquaphor original ointment
Gold bond powder
Clorox wipes


case of water
Gatorade


a private nest away from all if needed
lap top or pc available 24 hours
telephone
books
tv
a do not disturb sign to hang on your front door
maybe a small fridge for your room

a car
a car with GPS
a car which will remind you that you need fuel ; ]
a car which will remind you to go directly home, don't answer the phone. ; ]

direct bill pay.

then later on a birka . ; ]

later still, grace.  Just grace and it doesn't even cost much. ; ]  

My very best Boo.

LS

[IAmTheWalrus]

Lonestar's list is pretty comprehensive! I gotta say that I get a lot of mileage from the bamboo backscratcher that jd mentions, and also the extra pillows!

Good luck!
Brent

[meki]

Tweezers are for the goat hairs that are going to pop out in strange places...

LMAO!

No joke...

[booocooo]

Wow, thank you sooooo much for the list.  Lonestar and Meki I just cut and pasted onto my existing list and printed.....thank you so so so much!  I know I might not have sx, but at least going into feeling prepared starts me off on the right foot.  Your generous information is really valued.  Thanks for taking the time....
Booo :)

[doll face]

Lonestar you got it covered. I couldn't think of anything else except maybe a teddy bear LOL the worse part is I used everything on that list..

OH wait my favorite thing I used during tx was a parafin hand waxer. The hot wax worked wonderful on my achy hands and feet.

[tiedyd]

for me, a shampoo and conditioner with lots of moisturizing qualities, ( my hair thinned out a lot during Tx-- Dr says dry scalp contributes-- i have always had oily hair til now)

one of those travel pillows that is "U" shaped to help prop your neck and help with achy stuff.

LOTS of water - and because of that make sure there is enough TP for all the extra trips to the potty.

Ensure for when you don't feel like eating, to keep up your nutrition-- my dr. said to use these in addition to a meal at least one a day.

[GSDgirl]

I also had carnation instant breakfast to add ice cream and milk to for a milkshake.  put it in the glass and retire to couch to stir it up.  maple & brown sugar instant oatmeal was wonderful when I felt like it.  instant mashed potatoes made slightly thin.  Ramen oodles of noodles also fast and yummy.  the stuff here can be cooked in the microwave, nice  quick and not much mess.

I tried to remember the things that I ate 5 years ago when I had braces on my teeth.  It was awful, sore in my mouth & didn't feel like eating and when I did I couldn't finish, but these items just slither down your throat and taste good.  Need to keep up the nutrition.  I was actually able to cook dinner most of the time but I had these things for my lunch/breakfast.

Good Luck,    Denise

[GSDgirl]

I forgot to add a good lubricating lip balm.  Also make a pitchure of tea (green, white, red or black)  add sugar then, keep in the fridge when you feel good and microwave a cup when you need it.  the teas I mentioned have antioxidents and are good for you.  the little single serve ice ceams are great too  A can of chicken broth with some of the little tiny small round pasta is quick and nourishing

Can You tell I am a nut on eating well in hard times????? LOL
.

[reneeolay]

Hey, watch out for that Tylenol.  My doctor told me to take Advil - there is something about Tylenol that isn't good for one's liver.  When and if the aches get unbearbale, the doc may prescribe the little happy pill (darvocet).  It tok the edge off of any headaches.  

Also, try out those Dannon yogurt shots - they are called DanActive Immunity.  The drugs lower your immunity and this helps to naturally combat the damage of the tx. One a day.  

[wildflower54]

You guys have it nailed.  I wore layers!  Made a nest.  One thing that really helped me get through was foot rubs or reflexology.  I think
docs want you to take Tylenol because it doesn't effect your bloods clotting time like other pain killers do.
Best wishes!