TOP AND BOTTOM 5

[ribman]

alright,just finished my first week of treatment.not what i expected as i caught a bad cold with all the niceties
(chills,sore throat ,cough,spewing green mucous)the same day as shot. so feeling much better today except for the amphetamine rush from the copegus pills. any veterans want to list there top 5 do's and dont's for getting through this joyful time.
i dont have 5 yet

1.coffee helps
2.waliking seems to calm me a little
3.peanut butter,bannana,mayonaisse sandwiches on whitewheat are my comfort
4.a steaming hot shower after dark never felt as good.
5.you wont die from lack of sleep.

dont's
dont get trapped into a trip somewhere even if you feel great at the time
more to follow

             ribman

[flcyclist]

Don't:
Schedule any major travel, large meetings, etc. if you can avoid it.
Keep your stress level down if possible.
Overreact to situations - easier said than done.
Expect the worst.  Hopefully, your sx's won't be too bad.
Expect this to be easy.  Because these trt will challenge you.

In other words, take it a day at a time and try not to let this consume your thoughts.  Make adjustments as needed.

Do:
Have water available at all times and drink often. Very often.
Get your blood results, keep records on file, track your results.
Maintain some sort of exercise to keep your body moving and blood flowing, even if just short walks.  Try to maintain a positive attitude.
Read the oral sex threads, they are very entertaining ;)
Post often and ask questions.  There are some wonderful people here with some great advice.

[nygirl7]

Do
Water water and more water.
Tylenol with the shot.
Ice cream and fudgicles and ice pops :)
Make Sat (if shot night is Fri) your special day to REST get that remote and dont leave the bed or couch (shhhh even if you are fine it's the one time in your life anybody will let you get away with it ;)
Gold Bond Lotion several days to prevent the rash

Dont
Go in the sun
Blame yourself for the riba rage just explain it to your family BEFORE hand
Eat greasy foods
Forget to take the riba with fat
Dont forget to come to the forum for support - it helped me so much to know I was not alone

deb

[paen53]

Keep a cell phone with you, especially on walks/outdoor activities. I misjudged my endurance on a solo hike once and wasn't sure I'd make it back home. Also, I lived alone during tx and having the phone handy made me feel more safe - especially in those early days when my body was reacting in so many new ways with these meds.

Hang in there! Pam

[Anne1717]

Your list sounds good so far !  Lots of water, take the Riba with fat, small meals, no plans for the two days after the shot until you see how you handle them, don't overdo anything - it comes back to bite you, don't be around people who annoy the heck out of you - while you may not be depressed or get the "Riba Rage," I find I have a short fuse. I stay out of conflict at all cost - and I was not a volatile person at all before.

good luck!!

[screaming48]

I hope it gets better for you as you go along, will be thinking of you! I pray for everyone on this forum, for strength, courage,not too bad sx. I truly hope it gets better for you. anne