Treatment

[stc1993]

Hello all,

I start treatment in 2 weeks. (hvc) I was wanting to know what to expect. I got lucky, stage 1 no cirrosis, slight scarring is what the Dr. told me. My virus load is only 44,000 IU/ML. It is kind of frightening I have read so many stories on the internet about the treatment.

[hrsepwrguy]

Hi, welcome to the group, this is a very old thread, if you go to the top of this page and use the orange post a question button, it will start a new thread with a new title, if you do this you will get more responses to your question

[getting_cured]

Hey
I everyone, I started tx 2 weeks ago an
I have been so lucky, my worst side effect is the sleepiness that I feel, especially after my nightly weekly shot of Peginterferon. My question is this...I took my second shot tonight and I forgot about taking the needle cover off until AFTER I have mixed and am ready to inject. I lost a large amount,it squirted, it wasn't just a drop or so. If I lost too much of the medicine on this second shot will this matter in my treatment? Everything else went perfectly, but now I am worried that I missed too much of the medicine in the shot. Any ideas/thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated, especially if it's happened to anyone on this forum.~Thanks so much~ tx newbie:)

[Showboat]

Hello......welcome....try posting your question as a new thread or hop onto a newer thread....after awhile we almost forget to read the "older" postings...and we go "full speed ahead" with newer posts.  If you post a new thread, I am sure you will get plenty of answers from others with their personal experiences of bx. (the weekends here are slower too, so a new post will be seen easier, and will probably get more responses)

I have had two liver bx's and I had no problem with either of them.  My second one was a year ago, and it was really a "breeze".  The Doc that did my bx did a great job.....they gave me something for pain, and the actual bx only took seconds.  For me, the time I previously spent worrying about it was worse than the actual experience.........after the bx, a person has to lay on their side for a few hours to make sure that the area does clot.....good luck

[nsteff]

Hi Have a question and cannot find answer anywhere so thought I would come to the source. My husband has to have a liver bio next and we would like to what to expec. Pain,after effects and ect.  Thanks

[Showboat]

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY....MAY ALL OF YOUR BIRTHDAY WISHES COME TRUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[nsteff]

Thanks for all the info. I did find the info about the va. We go on Aug 13 for more tests and a biospy. Let you know results later and probably more questions. Thanks again.

[oldhippiechick67]

Happy BIRTHDAY Cindee...I heard from Berlyn about a week ago, she was doing FINE.  Busy with life, vacations (twice!!), kids/gr.kids, and job hunting.  Lucky her!  I am feeling better too, but not THAT great.
I am 5 wks after tx.  My mind is clearer, and I can remember more words, numbers, and am very greatful for that much.  Not out of breath, my blood counts are up to normal again (4 weeks post tx), my ALT AST are still in the normal range.  My extreme thirst, dry hacky cough, itchy skin, dizziness are GONE.  yeaaaaa!!  I feel like socializing again.  My daughter was gone for 3 weeks and she said I am doing so much better, that was encouraging.  Usually she doesnt notice if I have my shirt on backwards or inside out, dried ice cream on my chin, or toothpaste dripped on my t-shirt!  hahaha...sad but true. My sweat glands are back to working, my eyelashes are starting to grow upwards again instead of all cattywhompas.

[cuteus]

welcome aboard. Geno 1a refers to one of the many genotypes hcv is classified as, your husband has not gotten his genotype yet? did he get a viral load? all these will be done before tx, as the genotype determines how long he will be on treatment(tx).  as for taking time off, he should wait and see how he reacts to the meds, many of us are still working and have not missed much time.  He could advise his supervisor of the possibility, but hold off on taking the time.
Someone else posted that he is going to the VA for tx, or did, and is now undetected. check the post started by snook.
best to you

[nsteff]

Thanks Geno, I have lots of questions but wrote them down to take to doctor. How was your first month of tx and did you have depression? My husband works 12 hour swing shift and may have to take time off the first month. I read that a to z by one of the posters and he already had some of the simptons before he was tested but did not know. But like the old saying somebody is also sicker than you.  Thanks

[layla]

As you can read here tx is quit different for everyone. For the first couple months I didn't have any side effects at all, in fact I felt great. Then when they did start it was mostly one or two at a time for a few days or a week. I have worked full time throughout tx. though many days were difficult. I did extended tx and ran into problems with my thyroid so I believe allot of the symptoms I thought were getting worse from the interferon was from my thyroid which got burnt up from the interferon. I think people who don't have any sx don't hang on the internet as much so we do see people with more sx here. I'm not posotive about that, it's just my thoughts. I wish you  the best. I remember the anticipation of starting was MUCH worse than reality for me. People here will surely help the best they can to get you through the rough times. LL

[cindee]

Hey girl, I am so happy to hear you are feeling so much better! Life is good isn't it? Life w/o Hep c or tx....this is! LOL Your post brings a BIG SMILE to my face!!!! I knew you'd make it! And I know I will, next go round. I'm still having lots of fatique and lots of pain , mostly from my KNEES down! Don't know what that is all about, but life goes on! My daughter came back from RI for a visit and almost deceided to stay...but I got a call from her last nite about 11:30. She was in tears, seems like all her old buddies had "made a pact" not to do coke anymore...and those so called friends brought coke back into where she was staying. She was soooooo hurt. She called her Dad and he went and picked her up. She stayed @ his house last nite, but will be here around midnite to stay w/ us for awhile. Then she's going back to RI. She's staying w/ her ex there. They are great FRIENDS! And he totally cares about her well-being. He called tonite and we chatted for an hour. He's sad that her visit was BAD...but GLAD she had enough sense to get away before she was "tempted". He really is a good man and said he was sorry he missed my b.day, but to watch the mail....he's sending me some $$$$ to shop for some clothes...on QVC of course!!! LOL Well gotta run, I'm on hubby's laptop...computer that is....LOL and he's on call this week...so his boss might call him out. I won't be on line much until next Monday when he goes off call...but I'll be here some. You are the greatest girl, and again, I'm so happy you're feeling much better!!!!! Hug and kisses, much love and many prayers, Cindee

[jonihs]

Do you know your genotype and lenght of tx.? I only did 24 weeks, and even though it wasn't always easy, it was doable. I really feel for those doing 48 and beyond. But most of  us make it through and come out the better for it. Heres hoping you do to, also. You're in alot of prayers from this point on. COUNT ON IT!!!    Joni

[honey1616]

I wish you and your husband the best of luck! Seems like alot of people at the end of tx,,,seem to feel worse at times for a few weeks.  Maybe we all think we are going to feel great once we finish that majic pill and there is such a build up,,,that its bound to take awhile.  Sorry to hear you have been feeling so yucky and hope your dr can help you out with something to get you through.  Good Luck you on your Tests!

[honey1616]

Don,,,,Salmanello??? Where the heck did you get that?  I can't even imagine having that going through tx now and so hope you are feeling better now.  Hope you get your shot straightened out quick!!

Cindee,,,I haven't seen Berlynn in awhile so hopefully she will post soon and let us know about those great post days!  I can't believe Betty made you an afghan as sick as she is and I know that is going to be such a treasure to you! She sounds like such a wonderful woman and just gives her all to everyone! I'm sure she has a very special place saved just for her when its her time to go.  I'm so glad you have the opportunity to spend so much time with her now because that is what counts right? Her and her husband have continued to be in my prayers daily!!  Take care,,Lady and talk to you soon! Won't be long for you and some others starting in fall,,,,haha  Got your check list out for tx and is depends on it???  lolololol

[nsteff]

Help Just found out last week my husband has hepc. After reading all your comments and info I was wondering if I should tell him all this stuff or wait and help as he needs it. Also has anyone gone to the VA for treatments?

[stc1993]

Yes,  I am geno 1a 24 weeks tx to start maybe 48 if it is helping me.

[Bodie]

I hate to but in on a thread, but, I am having a lot worse fatigue since I have stopped tx. There for two weeks, I was completely out of gas. I couldn't get my breath and I gather that my RBC' were in the lower basement. Is the withdrawal from the Ribivirin this hard on anyone else? I feel worse now than I did on tx. NO energy at all. Hurt all over. Dizzy spells. Can't do anything without looking for the bed to fall into. All this staying in bed is making me bed-sore.
I go for my last check-up Monday. Kinda scarred. Haven't been in two months and I know that they are going to chew on me for not taking B-Vitamins. They started breaking me out in hives - BAD.
Anyone have advice for  the next few months? Looks like it may be a rough ride.
I also want to thank the many people that helped me through mine and my husband's tx. I pray that I will get a good Heptimax and my  husband's is clear for a year on six months tx. We had to  do different lengths, due to different types.
Again, thank you  for your support, without it, I would have  given-up a long time ago.
Sincerely,
Bodie (Vivian)
Just a Crazy Old  OKIE
(keyborad's is sticking and can't do  a   thinng with it)
Later,  aand best of lluck to all

[silvermoon]

Hey.. Just wanted to thank those that took time to answer my post about Pegasys vs Peg Int... I appreciate the input.
  My 'full court press' to get the doc to see things my way starts Mon.. Taking him a stack of downloaded, printed articles, as well as peronal experiences expressed by REAL people!!!  Supposed to start TX Aug 16..
   Ya'll are great!  THANX !!

[cindee]

Has anybody heard from berlynn lately?????? I am just concerned about her. Sorry for breaking into this thread. Love @ prayers, Cindee

[cindee]

Honey, hey girl, I have been meaning to talk to you lately. I miss our talks. Those pics I got Indy to post on HotHeps for me are about 5 yrs old. As soon as I can get hubby to take some current pics of me I will try to figure out how to get them on H.Heps. I saw your pic there tonite...well this a.m. too. You have the prettiest SMILE!!!! The ones Indy posted for me were..with my nose squinted, on a sailboat in Charleston, SC...the one where I was sitting on the huge porch was @ Biltmore Estates in Asheville, NC...the one in the middle caught me by surprise, I was drying a head of lettuce..LOL...the one on the sofa was @ my best friend's house.. w/ my "SON", not really, but he's like my son, he's my best friend's son...and the one w/ Robin, minus Batman, but with a monster, in front of a comic book store!!! LOL That one was fun!

But I will try to get some new ones on there soon. Hubby's digital and this laptop are for his work, and I'm not sure his boss would like to see pics of me downloaded on his computer. He locates underground utilities, before anybody digs. And has to take pics of off-sets (measurements).  But I'll ask Tom, his boss and see what he says.

We had fun today, just a small get together w/ family and a few friends. Ya know Betty, my "second" Mother who has cancer....sent over, by her hubby a beautiful afgan, she made to match my living room! That is a priceless piece that I wouldn't take a million dollars for!  She amazes me. There she is so sick and still making things for people. I am going next week to clean all her jewerly...she is giving to her loved ones. Girl I have ordered so much jewerly from QVC...that I was able to take her about a dozen boxes to put her jewerly in!!!!

I think of you all the time and your hubby too! Hope you are both doing good. Well it's 2:25am and I need to go to bed. Talk with you soon! I love ya bunches! Cindee

Indy!!!!! Boy do great minds think alike or what???? I went thru all the pics at HotHelps...and then I started reading...I was going to come back here and tell stc to go to HotHeps and read your post there on Starting Treatment......wooooooo....that's very scarey! And then I came here to post it too him and you already had!!!!!~~~~~~cold chills~~~~~~ LOL. You are a good Mann. Like I told you before you are so wonderful to have been off tx for so long and still be so LOYAL to this forum! Can't get any better than that! I love ya Mannnnnnnnn, Cindee

DonA. Hi there! I am so sorry to hear you've been so sick! But you do sound good! I hope you feel better with each day that passes! Best wishes and a speedy recovery to you! Love @ Prayers, Cindee

rev______ LOL You do think of everything!!!!! "don't waste $ on the two-ply!!!!! LMAO!!!!!! luv ya, mean it! Cindee

[donAlfonso]

Break-in in progress.  Sorry.  This has been the worst week!  Had salmonella for 5 days, really socked it to me.  Plus my doc didn't authorize tx renewal, so I have now missed a shot.  At least I still have Riba left for a few more days. I'll spare you the details, but if you read in papers on Tuesday that a doctor's secretary was murdered on Monday... Sooo frustrating, especially since I am now so close to clearing virus.  I tried to post here on Friday, suddenly the forum asked for password, first time in months, and I couldn't remember it, I was so freaked out.

Oh, Indiana, I knew there was something else wrong w/my tx.  I never got the shades! LMAO!  Guess I'm getting my sense of humor back.  You people really help.

donAlfonso

[Amerabrit]

Sorry to read you were so sick..  feel better..

[donAlfonso]

Yes, Rev, the Combo Guide is really great, recommended reading fory anyone here.  My favorite is Laceys Recipe for a Cereal Dinner.  Just cracks me up.  I actually keep a copy with my other recipes in a kitchen drawer.  The "preheat the oven" part is so right on.  My wife is in menopause and always hot, while I am always freezing.  Lots of adjusting the AC while the other isn't looking.  Oh, and I'm committed to 2 ply, (Salmonella and single ply = trouble), but the Costco brand makes it an affordable luxury!

Cin, Hon, Ameri, thanks for your thoughts and words.  Feels weird to spend weekend w/no chills and aches, I must say.  Wonder if my doc will get me a dose tomorrow (Monday), or if it's now just too late to bother.  Salomonella is gone, antibiotics are truly wonder drugs.  Can't figure out where I got it.  Take care.

dA

[Indiana]

Here is a little something I posted on another site a LONG time ago for those about to start tx. It still seems current even now. I haven't posted it for awhile so here ya go.........

Contributed by Indiana:

Ok....You're ready to start. Now what??

Water....
Water is our friend. It lessens the sides. The meds dehydrate us so we need the x-tra fluids to process the meds and keep the baddies away. Drink a MINIMUM of 1/2 your weight in ounces per day. I drink much more. Especially on the days closer to the shot. I raise my intake starting the night before "Shot Nite" and continue for several days after. Gatorades and sports drinks are good and keep up the electrolytes. Caffeine drinks and milk don't count.

When....
Most folks do their shot on Friday or Saturday night.  This way you sleep through some of the sides. The sides usually start 6-24 hours after the stick. This also gives them time to recover before work on Monday. The 1st week is normally the worst and usually takes longer to recover from. After that a Friday/Saturday stick should allow for handling the weekly work schedule.

Tylenol/Ibuprofin.....
Always clear them with your Doctor first. Tylenol is processed mainly through the kidneys so I prefer that. Start taking it either the night before or the morning of "Shot Nite". This way it is well into your system. Take it as needed after that to help with the sides like fever and aches. Try to keep it below 2000mg per day. Try not to take it every day like candy either. After the first few weeks you should only need it around the shot day and a few days after.

Ice pack....
Some use this on the area they do the shot in to numb that area just prior to doing "The Deed". It's a personal choice.

Jammies...
You do need to get some very neat jammies before starting. You will be spending an increased amount of time in them. We MUST maintain our dignity. Have some very warm ones too for those Saturday Night Fevers and chills.

Shades....
Get some COOL new shades to wear outside and on the Doctor visits. These are required to maintain our "Coolness Level".

Thermometer....
Keep a thermometer handy. Especially the first few weeks. Fever should stay below 101 and not last more than a day or 2. Increase water if fever is present. Rectal thermometers are NOT recommended....unless you're one of "Those". We get stuck enough.

Hide the breakables!!
  The anger management must begin right away.  Send the fine china into storage and break out the good plastic wear.

Lotions & potions....
Collect all manner of lotions & potions to combat the itching and rashes, straw hair, etc. Aveeno makes several products. Eucerine cream works well too. They say Badger Balm is good but I still can't get that Badger to give it up! Badgers are BAD news for me.

Gain control of the TV remote.....
This is a must to control your environment and keep down the "Riba Rage".  With new shades, new Jammies, and control of the remote you are invincible!!

Take vitamins and suppliments after checking with your doctor. Antioxidents are very good for us. Avoid Iron suppliments....you should get enough in your diet.

Take your Riba pills around Breakfast/ dinner time and with food. This keeps the med level up longer. If you take it with food then ALWAYS take it with food to keep the levels the same. If you miss a does, do NOT try to make it up if you are close to your next dose. Just skip it and go on.


Keep a clear path to the bathroom. You will need that for those midnight trips.

Hide all cameras right away until you start feeling better to prevent any accidental murders. You will understand the relevence of this soon after starting tx.

This should get you going. Others will add as they see what I may have missed.


Don't be afraid. You will do fine. Let us know how you are from there and we'll help all we can.
Good Luck.....