Starting Treatment on Wednesday and Feeling....

[flojohead]

I have been lurking here for a number of months and I am finally starting treatment this Wednesday.

I am feeling anxious and very scared.  I don't know what to expect and yet i know this is the right choice to make.

I'm hoping for no side effects, or at least minimal, but want to prepare for the worst.  

What do I have store for my first injection?

Thanks to all for all your support.

[lilmoma]

I think algernon said it best, whatever makes you feel at ease..
sounds like you have a good plan, can I come over!
Hey, you know what,I think alot of what I have been feeling is "pychiatric" symptoms, you know that real anxious feeling, where you feel like you could crawl right outa your skin, I started feeling that lst nite, and I talked to myself about how it is just a felling, and this too shall pass.
My hubby didnt have any reaction until after shot 3, and that was the huge drop in his hemo, but now they have him on procrit, and it has helped.  Will your doc give you resue drugs if you need them? Did you talk about it at all? Mine will.
lilmoma

[spiritwalkin]

You are about to venture down a tuff road. But be assured you can handle it. My wife has actually been on Tx constantly for 2.5 years. Which is way beyond proticall.( sp? ). But she is post-transplant now 3years. And God bless her as she has run the gamet of sx's, and like a timex watch she keeps ticking. They have had to adjust doses to try to deal with sx's a number of times. She complains most about fatigue, headaches and overall yucky feeling. But all have been tolerable. You'll be o.k. and if Tx. is too much or too little your Dr.'s will adjust. When Eva had her transplant these combo treatments were not being widely used. However today they are the first and only line of defense. And as you adjust and deal with possible sx's rest assured your doing the right thing. I hope you have a support network around you beyond these words here. Bless you for your courage to fight. Good Day!!!!!!!

[beamishboy]

Sounds to me as if yu gotta GOOD handle on attitude-v important!! treat yourself well on trx.....My 1st shot experience:hot flashs(i can now relate!!!) mild flu-like symptoms,no big deal..the apprehension outweighed the reality..Shots do not effect much at all now-week 16- the riba probably my least favorite med,but again,DOABLE......Slaying Dragons is hard work,just keep your eyes on the prize-SVR..
GOODLUCK

[flojohead]

yep, we discussed anemia and I have the script for procrit already.  I will be on an increased dosage of riba and plan to do tx for 72 weeks.  YIKES, that seems like such a long time.

Yet, when i think of 72 weeks in terms of my entire life, it's just but a speck of sand.  I've been through some rather horrific events in my life and I've always came through it on the upside...just doesn't always seem that way while i'm in the thick of things.

I know all will be well, if only I could only get my brain to cooperate.  I am feeling so anxious, i just want to start now.  

I plan on keeping busy this weekend, hope my partner can keep up.

[GoofyDad]

If you get them, expect the fluey feelings to set in 3-8 hours after the shot. Tylenol PM, (Tylenol + Benedryl) can work wonders. Most liver Docs seem to think that's an OK thing to take.

As someone mentioned, it's more the long haul that counts. The Interferon sides are more dramatic, but they pass. Then it's time to settle in for the long march with the riba.

You can do it though. It's just left-right-left. Hang in, waiting is the hardest part.

[can-do-man]

lilmoma says.........My vision seems to be effected

Yet your husband still lets you give him is shot? Does he not know what just one little mistake could cause. I mean being bitten by a horse is one thing, but taking a chance on losing his family jewels. 'OUCH'