Starting treatment

I just wanted to say how touched I was reading all your posts.  You are all so supportive to each other.  I am starting treatment next week and was wondering if there are any tricks in taking the meds.  I was told to take Benadryl and a Tylenol after the shot.  I am very nervous and don't know what to expect from the side effects.  I would love any tips on how to make the treatment any easier.  
Thanks so much

[pearse]

Hi and Welcome, First of all drink plenty of water. Take your tylenol before your shots, get a good pair of jammies and get ahold of the clicker for the TV. The first shot you might have the chills and fever. After that who knows, you might not have bad sides, take it one day at a time! You did'nt say what meds you are taking, geno type? Come to this site and share with others how things are going. There are good people here who are willing to give advice(we are NOT Doctor's) just people like you on meds. Just relax and keep your eye on the goal!

[DownThisRoad]

As I continue to read and post on this forum, I still cannot believe how many new people are coming on and saying that they have just started treatment or getting ready to start treatment.  Unreal.  Mind boggling !!

[PhilaGuy]

Hey ChevyGal:  Glad to hear things went well!  I'm not sure when I'll be starting.  Got a stress test and more blood tests on Friday, and have an eye exam this Friday.  After my doc gets the results, I should have the go-ahead.  I'l be interested in seeing how your second shot goes!  All the best!

[Daria2]

First, thanks for all the good advise. I registered a month ago, and been absorbing loads of info from this site for months now. I will start tx this Friday- Pegasys + Copegus( 2+3). I am 1b, non responder 7 years ago. Viral load 360k, but hi ALT and low platelets(90k). I declined byopsy since I had such a hard time last time and I decided on tx anyway. I did have the new test FIBROSPECT II, but the Dr. & I were disappointed with the fact that is so vague. I probably have advanced fibrosis, even thou my byopsy in 1996 vas barely stage I. So I'm just behind you guys! Daria2

[Sujo]

I just did shot #2!!  22 to go!  So far, no real sides to speak of.  A couple of days ago, I had a low grade fever, but it was only for that one day.  I'm afraid that this shot will hit me like a mac truck.  So far, I've been too lucky. I'm NOT a lucky person....so I'll wait.......thanks for all your help and support.

Sue

[honey1616]

Yep..the user guide was great.  I printed it and have it in my bedroom.  I didn't realize you were already through with tx and clear.  Thats awesome!!  I'm so happy for you and pray that next year..I will be here helping people and I will be free and clear.

[ral]

Hi lyric

You will do just fine. Just hang close to us. You probably will get some sx's but they may not be as bad as the fear. You just will have to have faith and know that we are here for you when things get tough, if they do, you never know..

Blessings

Bob

[Shadey712]

Hello
  I just found this forum tonight.  I got my file from my DR today and finally have my genotype.  Been a long time waiting for it I started seeing the Dr in November.  Got my genotype Feb. 2nd.  It says I am a 2 but does not tell me 2a or 2b or anything like that.  My VL is 7,860,000 IU/ml, my ALT is 51, and my AST is 33.  I had a CT done Dec. 5th that showed a 1.9 cm lesion in the anterior portion of the left lobe of my liver.  I also have Fibromyalgia and MS.
  I graduated from that Internal Medicine DR and my next appt. is Feb 20th with a GI DR.  Guess I will know more after that.  Biopsy seems to be the next step, and then I should be on the road towards TX.  
  I had a nice preliminary to Riba-rage this spring while medicating one of my mares to get her ready for breeding.  I got progesterone on my skin several times, and had 2 months of incredible riba-rage type behavior from that, so the family and neighbors are already forwarned.
  Hope to get to know you all.  Shadey

[honey1616]

Welcome to the board!  2 huh?  Lucky you as the success rate is soooo good for 2 and 3's.  Sounds like you have everything under control and going through all the proper steps to get ready for treatment.  This board will help you so much and answer almost everything that you will be going through.  Wishing you the best for getting started!

[Lyric]

Thanks so much!!  It is great to know you are not alone.  I am 32 years old and live in LA.  I am Ib and my viral load is 20 mil.  I think I got Hep C when I was 13 and got platlets.  I look forward to getting to know all of you :)

[Lyric]

chevygal55, I will send you good thoughts!!  I will be right behind you :)

[Lyric]

chevygal55, I will send you good thoughts!!  I will be right behind you :)

[MajNeni]

If you are going to start tx soon, you can lay in some comfort supplies; we've gone over this lots of times, stuff like Biotene tooth products, comfy pj's, the TV remote, cordless phone, sunglasses (your eyes will be more light sensitive, and make you look sick); skin moisturizer; humidifier if you have dry air; some ginger ale and ginger snaps (cookies) in case you get nauseous; etc.  Stake out an area and make yourself a nice "nest".
But beyond this, get in shape - get into an excercise routine; whatever you can do, will build a little muscle before tx. This might make it easier then to carry on with exercise during tx, and we all know that will lift your spirits and make you feel better.
Also, try to get used to drinking water and clear liquids.  If you're not in the habit, drinking a minimum of 1 oz. of water per 2 lb. of bodyweight on that first day - and every day of tx - will have you drowning.  Drinking the water is one of the most important ways to lessen some of the side effects - fatigue, low energy, etc.
Ordinary mortals can and do get through this treatment! And most of us will beat the dragon with current tx, if we stick to it.
We were all newbies once.
Maj Neni