finally feel like ****

I'm hoping the sides are finally kicking in....but I think they might be. I feel like complete sh*t today. I'm in the middle of the 9th week (out of 24) and haven't had much in the way of sides. But I started feeling nauseated and flu-like last night and feel like my body has been run over by a truck and feel just exhausted and just ICKY and uncomfortable. It's a weird physical "down pressure" that's hard to explain to anyone.

[mikesimon]

It's not hard to explain to me. I am well acquainted with that feeling. I imagine that most people who have or are treating will know exactly what you're describing.
Mike

[jmjm530]

GK: I feel like complete sh*t today.
-----------------------
well, then you must feel doubly "grateful" today. LOL

Sorry, no harm intended, just had to get that cheap shot in :)

When was the last time your hemoglobin was checked, as a drop in hemoglobin could be the problem. If you haven't had it checked recently, that would be my first suggestion. meanwhile, make extra efforts to stay hydrated and keep the bench presses under 300 pounds :)

feel better,

-- Jim

[portann]

That really surprises me, GK. I`m in week 37 of 48 and I haven`t yet felt a single side effect. I guess I`m a toughie and here I thought you`d be able to join my club. Too bad.

[Marc1955]

You could be right. Often they do kick in around this time. If so, it's a roller coaster. You never know from one day to the next how you're going to feel. And, as you know, it can get pretty miserable.

For the nausea it's better to eat cold food rather than hot. Try a number (5-6) of small meals throughout the day. Anything that's palatable. (I spent a month on frozen whole wheat waffles with maple syrup.) The nausea will past, although it might take 3-4 weeks.

I can totally identify with the icky feeling which I also found impossible to describe. It's like your arms are too heavy to lift. Or you're just not motivated to lift them. Whatever. I'm too tired to try to describe it.

But remember, be ready to roll with the flow. Don't hold to your old routines if they are not working. Find new routines that keep your weight up and keep you on as even a keel as possible.

Good luck.

[justme53]

I hear ya!  I'll do shot 10 tomorrow and and it's taking more energy to push thru the day. I feel alot more anti-social and weepy from time to time for no apparent reason. When I start counting the hours until I can crawl back into bed, I know things are changing.

Hang in there!  Pam

[meakea]

It's not hard to explain to me either GK.  I'm sorry you are feeling "the feeling" that usually comes with TX.  The good thing is that this feeling most always lifts (and then most likely comes back again) but it's all part of the rollercoaster.  Best of luck to you.

[granitekonig]

Man...it's not hard to imagine how some people can't work. This ***** big time.

[ram921]

Uh...congratulations?

[all_is_well]

I am in my 10th week, but still don't feel any sx yet, just extreme fatigue. I'm sure it'll hit me at some point too.
Take it easy. Hope you feel better soon.
A.

[HectorSF]

Luckily you are at the 9th week out of 24. Can you imagine 72 weeks of that ****?

Hang in there. You're almost half way through.
Learn to "go with the flow" and remember better days are ahead.
This is all temporary.

HectorSf

[jankar]

Hopefully this will pass and you will get back to how you were feeling before - I truly wish that for you because the sx are no picnic.  Actually, when you were talking about your mood in the last post, I thought that sounded like symptoms to me but not bad ones and manageable as well. Things will get better - take care of yourself, rest, take paracetamol for the symptoms, drink lots, eat small amounts often.

[Kathy73]

I'm at 13/48 and am just now starting to feel a little bit better. The fatigue was incredible for such a long time. I would get up in the morning, take a shower, lay down, get dressed, lay down, go to work, want to be home, go home, lay down. In the evening my legs, arms and body felt like the effort to move was more than I had in me. I'm better now (not great, just better) and I hope you will be too.

[apache1]

GK: I feel like complete sh*t today.
-----------------------
Quote from Jim
well, then you must feel doubly "grateful" today. LOL

Sorry, no harm intended, just had to get that cheap shot in :)

=================================================


x 2 ....   lMAO Jim, thats funny and imo appropriate, not a cheap shot, considering GK's Thankful for HCV thread.

gk,  I hope this will pass and you will feel better soon.
Hopefully this is not just the 'tip of the iceberg' of the gratitude you will be receiving.

apache

[Trinity4]

Nah Nah Nah Boo Boo  :)

[R Glass]

I am sorry but this is the first time I have found humor in any one experiencing sx.
I hope it is just a glitch but if not, “Welcome to the Jungle.”
We are here for you.

[comeagain]

People are talking fluelike syphtoms as if that was some teribbe sx thats nada i don´t even ever has mentioned them as a sx although I havve experienced them several times.

No, real sx on this meds are in my opinion the brand new kind of hell you never have been in before.
Something like the indescribable you "discrebed" earlier ( I´m a paradox lover BTW )

And when you don´t think you cant put up with this another our,and  the only way to put up with it, is that you know you gonna quit real soon.
Then on the other hand  you also know you never gonna put up with quiting and you have weeks maybe months left on treatment.

Then you are where many of us are or has been and know we talking SX.
welcome on the roller coaster ride most people jump in the wagon about 4 weeks into tx you didn´t enter until week 8 consider your self lucky!!!

ca

[IMstacie]

OMG I forget about "GK's Thankful for HCV thread. "   Now I'm beginning to understand your thoughts, if no sx's were presenting.

I'm like Kathy73 - her description is mine exactly.  I missed a lot of work in my first 8 weeks.  When the dr. considered taking me off of tx because of the low labs, I was almost relieved because I felt so bad.  Labs got better, I'm still on it but feeling better.

I guess you can start getting sx at anytime.   Hang in there, hopefully the sx's will pass shortly.

[geterdone]

Hum… glad it’s been a cake walk to this point for you, but the real deal is about to commence for those who have less in the beginning seem to get slammed harder when the coaster reaches the peak, buckle up and hold on the journey has begun.

jasper

[Marcia2202]

Welcome to my world!

Sorry you are feeling so bad, I really hope it won't persist. It might get much worse though, so be prepared.

All the best, Marcia

[fretboard]

Dang!!  I thought for a minute you were gonna go straight thru with no sx's, well I hope things simmer down for you.  good luck

[orleans]

BRAINS! BRAINS! I MUST EAT BRAINS!!!

[granitekonig]

Thanks for all your comments. Yesterday was not fun at all...but I still stand by my other thread. I can appreciate what I have recieved from this experience. It's tough. And now I really get to understand that. For anyone who is seriously offended by my other thread... and felt the need to take pot shots at me....You have a different attitude than mine and I'm really GRATEFUL I don't have yours.
For those who just wanted to relay the message that I didn't really understand the experience up until this point: you were right. And yes, it may get worse. At least I had 8 weeks easy and I'm UND.

[Kathy73]

I'm so pleased to hear you are UND! Congratulations and keep up the good attitude. I've found that attitude is 80% of the job whether professionally, healthwise or emotionally! Don't let people get you down. I don't know whether you are on AD or not, but it really helped me. I'm an upbeat person but started feeling so irritated, angry and frustrated due to my doctor's office's incompetance. I'm sure doing SOC also excalabrated that. The doctor's office was very happy to put me on AD and it has helped. Don't know if you'll need it but it did help me.

[lapis]

Sorry to hear that the sides have hit.  But wow, UND!!!  That is such wonderful news!

You do have a great attitude and I agree with the Kathy as to the importance of that.  And 8 weeks with no sides is a real gift.  I have heard your commitment, and I know you'll hang in there with the rest of us.  Best wishes, hope the sides go back to where they came from : )

[Trinity4]

Granite,
Just remember most of us had been or are going through tx prior to your first post.  Even though you came on the scene with both guns blazing, we knew if would be a matter of time before some type of storm hit.  I thought you were rather arrogant at times but people have a different attitude towards tx.  My post to you weeks back was let's see what you got down the road since you are early in tx.  It's good to have a positive attitude, but you have to keep an open mind with treatment and can't base every one's experience on your own.  The only thing I know for certain about tx is that things will change.  Expect the unexpected.  Fortitude and positive attitude doesn't keep the fatigue and low blood levels and crazy emotions from happening but it does help you cope better when it happens.  Good Luck
Trinity

[granitekonig]

You're right about your assessment of me, Trinity. I did have an arrogant attitutde. That's because I am a cocky person by nature. I have a lot of empathy for others, but I do come across that way to people who don't know me or my true agenda.

....and guess what? I'm feeling great today and I'm kicking this hep c's a$$! I'm the king!

lol

[nygirl7]

Good post - I know at times when I tell people to "suck it up" in trying to keep them motivated it comes off as arrogant and snobbish too, it's easy enough for me to forget sometimes how incredibly difficult those 72 weeks were.  And not just the sides but KNOWING how long they could (did) potentially last.  

It's very easy to sit back and say "wow the air up here is just great" when you are sitting up at the top of the mountain looking down at all the people stuck under the clouds, in the rain, at the bottom (especially when it rains so long and hard the the dam breaks and tries to wash you out to sea - and then some sharks come and try to eat you - then the hunter trying to save you accidentally hits you with the harpoon...then even being on the bottom of the mountain doesn't look quite so bad if you get what I mean).  ;)

[Trinity4]

Yep, tx has been a very humbling experience but I'm still not thankful I have hepc!  
Sorry granite, was I thinking out loud?  ;)

[Trish77]

"I have a lot of empathy for others, but I do come across that way to people who don't know me or my true agenda. "

If you truly had alot of empathy for others, you would not have started that ridiculous thread that you are grateful you have HCV in the first place.  See if you can wrap your head around that.  I doubt it.

[Deb_c430]

good reply trin,  

[granitekonig]

"If you truly had alot of empathy for others, you would not have started that ridiculous thread that you are grateful you have HCV in the first place."

I really don't see how that makes any sense at all. Some agreed with me and thought I had a good attitude, so it just seems as though people like you are the only ones offended. I still stand by that thread and still mean everything I said.

[R Glass]

“and guess what? I'm feeling great today and I'm kicking this hep c's a$$! I'm the king”

I am Backing Trin and Trish.
Don’t’ let your arrogance force us into more laughter if or when reality hits. If it does, you will receive no sympathy from me. You’ve received enough warnings.  It is almost to the point that I want to see you fall into the sx Pits of Hell and crawl out of the other side. Then hear how thankful you are for your experience. Get Real

[portann]

I know someone whose mother was an abusive alcoholic since her birth and she unwaveringly says she's eternally grateful.

Some people through no fault of their own descend into a pit of masochism and blindly and proudly stand in it. Come what tragedy, it's l-o-v-e-l-y.

GK, when will you sort out Trish from Trin? This is not the first time you've confused them.

[IMstacie]

geez RGlass, i'm on the same page as Trin and Trish also, but don't think you should kick someone when they are down.  GK may just be psyching himself out.  Unfortunately, it's not working for me.

[Trish77]

It was me who said that to you, Granite.  Psych yourself out in whatever way works for you.  Perhaps that one you should keep to yourself.  You're not the only one going through this disease.  Your family, such as your daughter, are going through this with you.  Ask them if they are thankful you have this disease.  There are others all around you on this forum who are suffering deeper from the impacts of this disease and those who have had to face mortality and live with the suffering of their families while they did that.  The rest of us are trying hard not to get to that place and our families and loved ones are taking this journey right along with us in their own ways.  I am not thankful for what my children have had to go through while I fight this.  When I told them I was UND at 12 weeks post, they told me they were proud of me.  I wish they had not had to wait this out with me.  For THEIR sake, I am glad I am UND even more than mine.  I can live with my own fate.  To have them live with it is more unbearable.

It upsets me on a certain level to see you be *thankful* that you HAVE this disease when the impact of this disease is far beyond your own narrow existence, rather than be thankful that you have an attitude that allows you to triumph regardless of what life throws at you.

That's all I'm going to say on this one.

Trish

[R Glass]

Yes, I may have come across as harsh but I have seen to many people on this board suffer. Some was not capable of completing tx. Some making it but , barely. I’ve read the heartbreaking horror stories of people that endured extended tx only to find out they relapsed. Also we had to sit back and helplessly witness one of our members watch her son pass away. So, yes it does strike a nerve when I see a Gen3, that is a RVR, suffering little sx,, be arrogant.

[Trish77]

I just got out of my shower, a place for reflection ... and there IS one more thing I want to say here..and it echoes R Glass to some extent.

You are on a forum surrounded by people who are at various stages of this disease and are here for the common purpose of either trying their damndest to get RID of the disease or learning to control it because that has become their only option.  And then we have the liver transplant forum...enough said...and there you are posting that you are *thankful* you HAVE this disease.  For you to post that in this environment shows an astonishing lack of empathy for those around you and, in this case, I'm saying that sadly and gently.  If you don't get that, then there is nothing more to say to you on that.

You are a fellow hepper.  I do hope your sides remain light and that you are successful.  I just wish you had more of an understanding of what your fellow heppers are going through and have gone through.  You are journeying well but so are those that have been hit much harder and have had to fight alot harder than hopefully you will ever have to comprehend.

Best of luck to you.  I sincerely hope you get rid of this disease and that you find better reasons to be thankful.

I would say that's all I have to say .. but I'm far too opinionated to trust myself to stick to that if you say something that sets me off.

Trish

[charm27]

Sorry to hear you feel like poop. We all know what you feel like. Just be greatful you only have 24 weeks and not 48 or 72. Keep that in mind it willl help you get thru.

I didnt get hit with sx till a few weeks after first  shot..I didnt have the worst time on tx but couldnt work for 52 weeks I tried and tried but my HGB was too low and I looked like and felt like @#%&!

Hang on DRINK lots of water and just grin and bear it. Nothing you can do but
know it will be over SOON!!
Feel better!
Charm

[granitekonig]

Isn't this all a matter of perspective? If I tout a perspective that is optimistic and headstrong (as JTRiver stated above) some of you (portann, trinity, and especially RGlass) feel the need to beat your chests with indignity and feel personally offended.

I don't even know how I want to respond to concept except to say that it's difficult for me to relate. Maybe I just haven't made many posts that came across as sympathetic towards others, so the impression I am leaving is that I am "boasting" about my own success.

If that's the impression I am leaving, then it's unintentional. I have several people that I know personally who have hep c and I'm constantly pushing them and joking with them when they complain about how difficult it can be. They know my intention is encouragement. My intention when posting the "grateful" thread was to express my own happiness and satisfaction with life DESPITE having to go through this. How each of us deals with adversity is going to be wide and varied. I only offer my own perspective (as narrow as that is, Trish) and can only hope that no one who is having a more difficult time will think I'm belittling them. There isn't anything wrong with enthusiasm and eager optimism. It's the way I deal with adversity.

To Portann: trish and trin are pretty similar names and the poster above me made the same mistake. Come off your high horse already.

To R Glass: I think I struck an emotional nerve with you as I think your comments were uncharacteristically immature. I obviously gave you the wrong impression of myself somewhere along the lines. I understand what anger does and what it can make people say. No hard feelings.

[granitekonig]

You said that people are here to get "rid" of the disease. I think we are ALL here to get rid of the disease. I know I am. Just because I said I was grateful or thankful to have it doesn't mean I want to KEEP it. I support everyone on here and hope everyone is successful in getting RID of the virus. My heart aches those with liver damage and who are suffering turmoil at home with their families because of it. I wish I could help. I am cheerleading for everybody on here and get a wild sense of exhileration when someone posts good news.

[mikesimon]

Genotype 2s appear much more grateful than do 1s.
Mike

[granitekonig]

This is true. I'm G3 and I have much more reason to be upbeat about this than a G1. I'm glad the new drugs will be out soon and am glad the G1's are seeing such huge success.

[nygirl7]

I'll be grateful when this stupid, stupid, stupid discussion is over.

[Kathy73]

I didn't take offense; we all deal with this however we can and by our own nature.

[R Glass]

You are correct. I said some things that are out of character for me. I broke my Golden Rule of sending a post while I am p1ssed off and I apologize for it. However I do stand behind my second post that has no personal attacks. You yourself admitted “I did have an arrogant attitutde. That's because I am a cocky person by nature.”
Again, I apologize for my first post, R. Glass.

[jmjm530]

If I tout a perspective that is optimistic and headstrong (as JTRiver stated above) some of you (portann, trinity, and especially RGlass) feel the need to beat your chests with indignity and feel personally offended.
----------------------------------
No, your perspective is arrogant, insensitive and borders on the vulgar. You walk into a house were some people are literally on fire, and all you notice is that you're a little bit warm. Until you walk in portann's, trinity's, RGlass's (and many of the rest of ) our shoes, you'll never get it because your head is as thick as your name.

-- Jim

[nygirl7]

Great post Jim.

[cindyh113]

Couldn't have described it better! Flu LIKE! What is that? People will ask me! Do you feel like you have the flu? Well, not exactly, I'll say. I've just not been able to explain it to people. I should copy this stuff down and hand it out.  And the weak arms comment. YEA!!!!
Sorry to hear its finally kicked in. But keep that mind of thankfulness! You do have a lot to be thankful for. One you do not have to do it 48 or 72 weeks. Stay close and hang in there.
Cindy

[granitekonig]

I respect what you said in your second post.

[lalapple]

two words:  

-sleep
-tylenol

[granitekonig]

"bump" is just a filler word designed to move the thread up to the top. It means nothing.

[Tippyclubb]

This is getting really ridiculous.  Although, I am not grateful to have Hep C and do not understand GK way of thinking.  If he's grateful to have this virus, so be it, that's his right to feel that way.

NEVER ONCE HAS HE STATED HE WAS GRATEFUL ANY OF YOU HAVE THE DISEASE.  Had he of said that it would have been different.  Nor, has he posted anything about being grateful seeing others suffering from treatment or dying.

Give the guy a break already and be done with it.

[granitekonig]

Thanks Tippy

[R Glass]

“Also, just to set the record straight I do feel that some sx are prevalent and really do bother people but I also feel like these boards are filled with hypochondriacs and that SOME of their sx is really just in their heads.”  JTRiver

Unbelievable

[jmjm530]

hey, it's a free country, and often that's just about what  people's comments are worth.

[granitekonig]

“Also, just to set the record straight I do feel that some sx are prevalent and really do bother people but I also feel like these boards are filled with hypochondriacs and that SOME of their sx is really just in their heads.”  JTRiver


I didn't think this was appropriate. Even if it might be 1% true, I didn't think it was appropriate. JT usually has his head on straight though.

[IAmTheWalrus]

This disease has really screwed up my life for many years and the lives of those around me. I am grateful for the people I have met and the perspectives gained, but I will never be grateful for having HCV.

"SX in the head" - well, that is true. The TX drugs affect the mind as well as the body.

We all do what we need to psych ourselves up for the battle, but you should not be surprised that there is some umbrage at the notion of being grateful for this disease.

[Deb_c430]

Brent, so well said,  

[granitekonig]

I've come to accept some of the reactions from people on this board without any negative emotion, especially when a comment is neutrally put, like yours. I appreciate that. It's when people start attacking you for making your viewpoint made, all the while explaining your true agenda and motivations for making such a point, that it gets offensive.

I'll never understand the worst experiences some of you have gone through. I have said before that my perspective in no way is meant to make less of anyone else's situation. PLEASE believe me. If anything this 'grateful' topic has helped me understand to some extent some of the duress some of you are going through. Passion is to be respected.

[Krusing]

I'm truly surprised by the angry reactions, but then I remember how crazy my mind was on TX.
I'm really appalled by some of the harsh words, but then I remember when I could only speak with a nasty tongue on TX.
I was shocked at some opinions, but then I remember what it felt like to have NO opinion on TX.
I did my 48 weeks, in the midst of which my Mother died and I couldn't figure out how to pack a suitcase, let alone book a flight or even drive!  Six months into TX, my blood counts were sooooo low I passed out cold at 2am, walking to the bathroom, and broke my hip and hurt my shoulder.  I had to have transfusions and platlets for 48 hours before surgery, but most of that was a blur.
Today I am 5 months post-tx.  I recognize the Riba Rage in all of you.  It will get better.

Shannon

[Rockerforlife]

Just want to say i was one who posted a negative remark to your post about being happy you have this disease....i kind of did that because you were being cocky with me in one of my posts saying i was a nutcase in a circus...BUT  now i look back at all this....i think what you really meant to say was this disease may have open your eyes spiritually in some strange way and made you appreciate life more now....

get well and keep fighting....my advice is to not even make one more comment on this topic and let it go...other wise you will be the nutcase in that circus tent

R.S