Starting TX after Thanksgiving - or wait?

[gazebo1]

Understand everyone has different SX, but just thought to ask for some general advice about starting and early-on effects of the TX.  Have the meds ready in the frig, and was planning to begin day after Thanksgiving, but should I wait another month if won't be able to really be "with it" at Christmas?  Really want to get going, and Christmas plans are not as significant with family, etc. as TG.

I'm 52,  my Hep doc says I'm in "goog shape" to begin - and have been through a few tough recoveries from surgeries, etc. so sort of been "in training" for dealing with pain, emotional stress, etc. (If that's ever really possible!)

Can any of you nice folks give me a rundown of the first 4 to 6 weeks and "average" SX to expect? Is the day of injection (1 x/wk) important as to how I will feel later in the week, etc?

G

[gazebo1]

Appreciate the advice.  My concern was how the first 4 to 6 weeks would be and how I would handle the holidays starting tx. There should be lots of good feasts to enjoy anyway.  A common suggestion is "just get going", and I feel the same.  Hopefully 24 wks will be the program, and if I start now I will be done in June and planting my garden!

G

[GrandmaA]

I would start right away because it's easier to do tx in winter. The summer sun is bad for the ribavirin, can give you a terrible rash. Some patients had to stop tx because of the rash.

[sass_blue]

I have been putting treatment off for the last 5 years and always found some reason why it should wait.  I finally started treatment Pegasus 2 and a bit weeks ago.  I get tested at 12 weeks to see if its working and then if not I am stopping (doctors advise).  I am experiencing lots of side effects although felt crappy before I started and anticipated feeling worse over time if I didnt try and do something about it.  Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

[Pdilly]

I am on week 7 and have really had not much issues.  I too am more tired than normal and get winded easier going up and down the stairs.  You can wait I am sure but not sure it will make much difference.  Good luck

[amicraxy]

after wanted everyone and everything to just go away. I just woke up from a 2 hour sleep.  I was not in a good mood nor am I still.  In my whole life I never would lay down in bed with the sun up till the 5 th week on tx. Now its like the only place that I want to be some times.  I had nightmares of butterflies

[gazebo1]

Get a wopper ~   you can have it your way - life won"t suk so bad!

[Lady E]

I'm on week #12 of the same tx as you are about to begin. For me, fatigue is the most predominant side affect.  I am having both Thanksgiving & Christmas dinners here at our house (we have the largest house in the family). I was really getting stressed about how I would pull it off, but I spoke to everyone in the family & told them that I can do if they could all help me by pitching in.  Soooooooo..I have people bringing different things, such as the mashed potatoes, desserts etc. I think I can handle the rest. Just don't push yourself too hard. I was also worried about the extensive house cleaning I usually do before a holiday, but I'm not going to push myself. So what! If there is a little dust here or there, the family all understands that I am not up to my usual game right now.
Just don't be "too proud" to admit that you are going to need help. Best of luck when you begin your tx and have yourself a Merry Little Holiday!
E-

[Cindy10]

Well I will be doing #5 tommorrow and so far not real bad.
I definately have fatigue, shortness of breath and digestive issues. The Riba (1200mg a day) is killing my stomach).

The day after the shot worse for me, muscle aches and joint pain but usually only for a day, but this week had it all week.
But that might have something to with "my time of the month".

Anyway its hard to say how you will respond. I dont think it as bad as I feared buts its not a picnic either. I would say the biggest sx I have is the fatigue.

Best of luck regardless of when you start, you CAN do this!

[amicraxy]

Who the hell cares about thanks giving. Go to burger king and get a bunch of chicken sandwiches and throw them on the table.
  My life sucks. **** you and this tx

[Lady E]

I also use the Redipen. (on Thursdays)
As a rule, I allow myself to NOT OVERDUE it on weekends. I rest Fri-Sun..but sometimes I still feel good, it varies. It's like my mind wants to do things, but when I try to do work, I fatigue-out easily. It's not unbearable as long as you just try to pace yourself and keep your tasks simple.

[gazebo1]

Will be using REDIPEN - Peginterferon alfa- 2b, Peg-Intron once a week with Riba 400 MG twice a day. ($725 a week).

Is the pen once a week easier on sx?

[rentapen]

First shot first night most people feel colder then they ever be in their lives. Next day bad flu. Next day bad cold. Next day heavy workout. Next day tired. Less tired. Next day, shot, start nall over. This week and next its a little better, if your on THE AUTOPEN your'll have a couple bad bouts and it will be over. On cope and your'll feel shtty and tired the whole time. Then you will hope you don't have a illness close to the edge because this treatment will bring it out. But any time your clear your liver is healing and its all good.
rent

[gazebo1]

Good info. "lady".  

I'm 2b - with early stage cirrhosis - had biopsy and my liver was "eye-balled" during open gallbladder surgery 10 months ago (pre-op tests found the virus, and suspect contracted from one of two orthopedic surgeries with blood transfusions in mid 80's in Chicago), so have pretty good grip on overall status of organ and virus.  

Main concern is how much of the SX usually will kick in by the first 4 to 6 weeks, then I can crawl into my cave when necc. Really ready, but really anxious of course.

G

[SoCal Lady]

We're all different.  For the first few weeks, I thought I was going to be the rare person who escapes any side-effects (sx), but then I got hit HARD with fatigue, and shortness of breath.  After about ten days of that, I felt somewhat better, but never "fine".  I've had intermittent diarrhea, general (maddening) itching, specific itchy skin erruptions, and hair loss.  I usually feel "unwell" at best. (This is 16 weeks into my 24 weeks of treatment...)

I, personally, have never been able to tie side-effects to the injection, and had only minor discomfort associated with the first injection (a brief tummy ache).

Since you don't anticipate a crazy holiday season, are eager to begin, and have the meds calling out to you from your fridge, I say "go for it".

What is your genotype?  I'm a 2b, 58-year-old female who didn't plan very well:  I'll have my last two injections on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.  But I'll be so glad to be completing the treatment that it won't matter!

Welcome to the forum!  I know you're both excited and nervous.  I hope your treatment goes well!