Thanks to everyone and question about fluid intake.

I wanted to thank everyone for their advice and comments on wether I should start tx or not. I am going ahead and should take my first shot Sunday after next. Everyone here is great. Sometimes it helps to talk to other people because I really dont have anyone else to relate to. I do have a question about fluids.......
    I really do not like water at all but will start to drink it if I have to. Can I drink Crystal Light instead? I know it isnt water but it is pretty close. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.    
    Hope to hear from all soon as my time for tx is right around the corner.

[quak]

Best of luck to you on starting tx.  The water if very important and I didn't like it that much either.  I think my body just started to craved it a lot while on tx.  I used to be a diet coke drinker and now it's just water and juices.  I like cranberry and club soda with a twist of lime.  Stay away from those diet drinks if you can.  Take care,

Lori

[latrobe]

it's good you've made a decisiion. there's nothing easy about this one, huh?
water is really you're friend. and i bet you change your tune when you start treatment...crystal lite  might be okay--but i'd want to mix it with  water. also gatorade can help keep the electrolytes in balance. you'll be drinking a gallon or more of fluids each day--seems like you wouldnt want just crstal lite wiht arificial sweeteneers etc...in your body. i have a water filter attached to the faucet, so i don't buy water, just have a good filter  and keep serious count of the ounces...start now if you can. and ry to build up to it. it amazed me how many side effects could be controlled just by increasing water. i seem to remember reading somewhere that our bodies are 90% water and water invented humans as another way for it to move around from place to place.
good luck on sunday.
best,
macky

[olittle1]

Did last shot Friday, a couple of days left of Rebetol and I'm finished with the treatment. I have been undetectable since week 5. I am 51 type 2b and started with a viral load of 2,000,000. AST and ALT have been 65-85 during tx. Had this for 20-30 years I figure. Don't know why I quote these stats. They don't seem to mean anything. The numbers that are important are out there in the future; 1,3,6 12 months after tx. What I forget is that today is really all I've got. I become so busy trying to save my life, save for some possible future that I forget to live today. I am grateful for many of the people that have been posting here.  I've been lurking more and posting less over the past few months, partly because of energy and other impairments from the Hep C or tx and the demands of my work this season. Can't seem to get any real rest. Still there are some people I want to thank and I'm sure I'll leave a few out: Fatboy, Mike Simon, Indiana, Ghille, Lize, TravelMom, Amanda, Eyedreas, Majneni, Newsojourn, the support and inspiration I have gotten from you has really made this treatment more tolerable. Thank you. Peace! Larry

[mikesimon]

Congratulations on finishing a long journey. I hope this is the end for you and that you remain clear and healthy. Celebrate the day. Mike

[raheem]

Good for you! Hope things work out.  Very kind of you to recognize and acknowledge some of the folks who offered advice and support during your tx. You are an inspiration to me!

[MajNeni]

Hey, Larry,
  
Congratulations!  2's are special, too... but stick around a bit while we 1's finish.  Meanwhile, can we help you plan your future, live a little vicariously?
Bet you're going to miss that shot this Friday!  NNNNNNot. ;)
Honest, I don't mean to sound catty.  We started together, and I am just half way.  Sure wish I were done along with you.  
Good luck on your follow-ups!

[layla]

Good decision and I wish you the best. I drink carbonated water so it's not so boring and sometimes I add a little juice to it. orange or cranberry for flavoring. Hope this helps.

[Galen]

Congradulations, Larry!

[madbyron]

Congratulations, Larry and thank you for the encouraging news. You are the latest of many who have finished in recent weeks/months and I wish you and all the others a speedy recovery and a virus-free future.

[cmurphy]

Larry - glad to hear your good news.  Congratulations.  Cheryl

[iwillwin]

I also have a problem with all the water, I do drink plenty but have now added gator aid and some fruit juice some people say the sugur is BAD but I like to think the liquid is more important than the little bit of sugar. I try to drink about 100 oz of liquid a day it does seem to make me fell much better but at bed time I seem to have to get up and pee several times before I get good sleep.     Jim

[olittle1]

Thanks again everyone! I plan to stay in touch with the board and post from time to time. My sincerest wish is that we all clear the virus and remain svr. Peace! Larry