first shot is the Hardest? Or is it ?

What a drag the sx are they are Kicking my blind bahooky. I have just started feeling the sx and I don't know how I can handle 47 more. I yelled at my wife and kids a couple of times before locking myself in my room. My wife most likely wants a divorce now, and I feel like just being by myself now. I did have hopes that the first shot would be easy on the body, but instead it is the most difficult experience I am challenged with. If anyone has experienced this with their first shot please tell me the worst is over.
Jeffy

[OnAPrettyPoison]

Usually the first few shots are the hardest...take tylenol p.m. before taking that shot.  You feel bad because you are kicking virus booty and it feels like the flu.  Try and time your shot so you sleep thru the worst.  And generally, one incident of manly bad behavior won't warrant a divorce...;o)

[GrandOak]

Might I suggest that you point your wife to resources which might help her better understand what you are going through.

Hopefully the anger is from feeling so lousy from the shot, but I should warn you that many do experience what is commonly called riba-rage, which is hard to explain but it seems like rage but it really has no particular focus.  I think for me it's a combination of the meds along with the frustration and uncertainty which winds up expressing itself in fits of rage.

My wife has learned enough to know that it's best to just let me be until it blows over and she trys to explain to the kids that Dad is not mad at anything in particular, just not feeling well.

Another useful resource, if it's available, would be a local support group where often times spouses of those who have gone through, or ar going through, tx attend to help other spouse understand better what to expect.

Hope this helps.

[jmjm530]

It's unpredictable with future shots. You may have good and bad weeks, or more likely bad and badder weeks :)

I lived alone and still managed to alienate friends and family. I can just imagine what would have happened if I had been living with someone. The combination of interferon and ribavirin can wind you tighter than than a bongo drum, with the least little thing setting you off.

Oaks suggestion of trying to explain things to your family is very good. Let them know it's the drugs talking, not you. At the same time, unless you already are, you might talk to your doctor about taking ADs (anti-depressants). Many here have found it helps take the edge off the riba rage.

Hopefully your first shot will be the worst.

All the best.

-- Jim

[headsrtails]

I just finished my second shot....like the first, the symptoms were mild...I will keep posting on the efx of tx; NYgirl was wondering about all the serious efx from tx and she alluded that it may be dissuading people from making that jump. It may be too early to tell if every shot will be as easy as the last two; but will keep all abreast; so if there any newbies like myself who are not that physically bad off at the moment, and are wating for tx to improve, you may want to go ahead???? Headsrtails

[bobbyullc]

MY FIRST WAS WORST BUT OVER THE 48 WEEKS IT WAS WAY UP AND WAY DOWN...LIKE WHEN ONE SIDE WOULD LESSON A DIFFERENT ONE WOULD POP UP. LIKE JIM I MANAGED TO SEE MY FRIEND JUST DRIFT OFF WHILE I SAT ON THE COUCH WATCHING JUDGE JUDY...SHE HAS BAD SIDES ALL THE TIME. MANY PEOPLE REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF MEDS THEY TAKE OR MISS SHOTS.. THIS IS BAD SO HANG IN AND FOLLOW DIRECTIONS.
MAYBE SHE COULD USE THIS SITE AND SEE WHAT YOU ARE GOING THROUGH.

[Kalio1]

I agree with Grand, if your wife knows what the treatment does to you she might understand it better. The need to be alone thing happened to me too because I couldnt cope with the stimulation, conversation, dealing with kids. It was all just too overwhelming and difficult. The first shot for me was a killer. I needed help even to stand up. I still have a bad day or two after my shot where I feel bad but none have been AS bad as the first one so hang in there. You did the right thing. When it is too much, go off by yourself, it's better than chewing everyone's head off. I agree with the others that the kids and your wife need a crash course in what it does to you and that it causes mental changes as well as physical pain and other issues. Don't look it it like "I have 47 to go" it is too overwhelming, try to just say "I will get through this day" because as you have found, some days are really tough.
Rest. Stay on top of your water intake. Use your pain meds and hang on for the ride. You CAN do it. It IS temporary. Long, but temporary. tomorrow will be better. Hang in there.

[Htownwife]

Hi all,
I'm really glad I  just found this forum. My husband was diagnosed with hep c about a year ago, and began treatment this past June. The first shot was definately the hardest, but he had anger issues and would get upset over the slightest thing for several months following his shot. I read about the side effects of the meds which helped me tremendously, even though it was difficult experiencing his anger. However,I know it was just as difficult (even worse)for him. His anger seems to have dropped off quite a bit, or at least he is controlling it more. I don't ask anything of him over the weekends (he takes his shots on Fridays) and encourage him to take it easy. I know it's temporary and we're going to get through this. We're active in our church, and the support and prayers we get from  our friends and family is what's carrying us through.

[Htownwife]

Thank you ejoli for your kind words. I try to be understanding even though it is scary for me,too! Talking to people really helps. I've gone with him on dr appointments and have a good relationship with both his doctor and nurse. They always ask me how I'm doing and stress that if he seems to be getting depressed, it will be my job to inform them. They say he will be unlikely to know it, but I will . We talk very frankly (my husband and I) and I let him know how much I can tolerate. I know he feels badly...and he's getting much better at controlling his anger. Fatigue is a huge issue, but I don't think that's going to get any better until he's finished treatment. He works full time, having his own business. But at least he can rest when he needs to, most of the time.

Cheryleagle8,I would just google hep c side effects and read them with your husband. He needs to be prepared and might be more supportive than you think. He's probably really scared right now and doesn't know how to express it.

[cheryleagle8]

Do any of you know a good site that can give me good information to share with the hubby? I haven't started treatment yet, but I feel already that he may not be much support for me and doesn't realize really what is going on. When I try to talk to him, he clams up and argues with me about it all, so I have given up trying to talk to him about it. So any ideas would be helpful.
Thanks bunches.

[ejoli]

You sound like a very understanding spouse!  Your husband is lucky to have you.(Even if he doesn't always show that he appricates it) Having someone understand your moods and how you feel, makes tx easier on him I'm sure. Take care of yourself too!    -Libby

[GrandOak]

Luckily for me, I had gone through treatment for alcoholism last summer, which is why my primary doc tested me and found my HCV when LFT's did not rebound as expected.  The benefit for me was that many of the coping skills I learned from my outpatient treatment has helped me greatly in dealing with my anger issues.  I'd like to say completely, but that would be dishonest.

It has concerned me at times though with the confusion over whether it's the meds or my old man habits returning and me using the meds as a crutch.  But it seems that if I am raising the second question, then I must be cognizant enough to deal with it more effectively and so it must be the meds.  In which case, I simply go off by myself for a bit to cool down and regain control.

[Htownwife]

I think there's no denying the fact that the meds cause extreme irritability. Going off by yourself to cool down is the best thing to do to keep you from doing or saying something you'll really regret later. Our youngest son just left for college this summer, so that makes things a bit easier, too, having less to deal with in that area. It seems as if little things become overwhelming for my  husband where they didn't before. The less he has to deal with the  better. I've talked to my kids and they know/understand everything that's going on, but I'm thankful that they don't have to be here to see it on a day to day basis. This seems to be a battle of endurance as well as all the other annoying health issues that go along with it (itching, sleep issues, cough,etc.) But the battle is well worth it!!! And the only way to defeat it is to go through it!!

[sfbaygirl]

The Riba Rage can be awful. The good thing is I usually know that is what is happening and appologize or leave the room. It's hard to leave when I am in the car for an hour or so and believe me, many times I am so angry I want to jump out! My husband recognizes this rage sometimes and at times will get angry at me too. Can't blame him, but he knows its the drugs, I am not usually like that. The problem is when I get angry now, he thinks it's always Riba Rage and not some legit problem, so I am not taken seriously. I hate that!

I too have had problems with noise and light. I can't stand loud noises and they cause me to get angry and anxious. I have to wear sunglasses in the dr. office sometimes. All the sx do seem to come and go, never knowing what will hit you next. My sx were really bad for the first 4 months of tx. Sx's seem to be better, especially after the inf shots now. Of course, I know this can change. Enjoy the good days and know you are killing off this virus and making your liver more healthy during these sx.

You can do it! It is really hard at first, getting used to all the sx. Keep posting and we will support you through the trials of tx.

[Morgaina]

My first shots weren't the worst and I really dont know which part was. I had dificult sensory problems. Noise, movement visual or touch were just too wierd sometimes. My guy and my 18 yr. old daughter were cooking supper one night and laughing and having such fun but I couldn't stand it, I had to go to the back room and close the door. It made me so sad that their joy was killing me. It was a terrible moment. But they both came in very quiet and told me they would be more careful, but they were both still crazy, just quieter. You deserve to be understood, this is no cake-walk (well, maybe for some), but you better approach it as a partner effort or it will get too hard on you. You dont need the grief that comes with treatment, never mind becoming so weak as an individual and trying to defend yourself. Get your guy to read here or just get him to listen to you. You should matter most!! Especially now!!

[Lady E]

My 1st shot was the worst (not unbearable, but hit me like the flu about 4 hours after I took it) I took some Tylenol PM and went to bed to sleep it out & felt pretty good the next day. But very fatigued.

My 2nd shot was almost as if I hadn't taken it. It left me wondering what I did wrong. It did eventually sneak up on me but not in a BIG WAVE like the first shot.  Everybody is different, but that seems to be pretty common.

You're lucky to have found this forum. I find it a great support tool & the people here are warm & helpful. (not doctors) but most have done the treatments & done alot of research. Welcome to the ship.
E

[GrandmaA]

Thanks for all your comments. I will be taking my first shot in a few hours.

[timedog]

Side effects come in so many wonderful shapes and colors and 24 to 48 to 72 weeks is a pretty long journey and oppurtunity to experence some or all or none of the side effects you will read about. And no matter what you go through you will find at least one person here who has been there before you. There is no doubt this treatment effects your mood and ablity to just plain think at times. It is important to be aware of this it is also just as important to not use the side effects as an excuse to behave badly. I really like grandoaks approach to his moods.

[tulsatime]

You are not alone. My first shot was the worst. Second, like nothing at all. But I do notice my emotions are out of whack. Try to hang in there and tell your family about the mood swings, you may have to remember, it is the meds talking, not you. Take care, Debi

[Morgaina]

Oops, Sorry. Somehow I thought I was responding to Htownwife. Sure haven't shaken the brain fog yet. Keep your space when you're really on edge and let your family know why BEFOREHAND. It's not always easy to keep your cool so take it somewhere away from your family until you can get control. (or find a cave and ask them to bring food a couple times a day) You'll do fine!

[Htownwife]

Good advice, Morgaina. He's pretty good about getting off by himself when he feels bad, and we've gotten better about anticipating beforehand. Part of our problem is that he's always been an active and spontaneous person, and it's more difficult on him than on me as he realizes he can't do the things he once could. I have to at times reel him in and tell him he's trying to bite off more than he can chew, and has suffered for it in the past. He does listen and appreciates it when I talk to him. He is not good at opening up and talking about his feelings, but he DOES listen.

[Mister beagle bailey]

Yes, for me the first shot was the worse.  Hang in there, things will get a bit easier.  Have your wife read the forum and only then will she understand what you and everyone of us are going through.  Make sure you drink plenty of water and take tylenol for the fever.  

Beagle

[GrandmaA]

I didn't find the first shot that hard. I might have pulled it out a little soon so I put it back in. The Be In Charge Nurse didn't like that. Needles are very thin and that's good. My heart was beating faster yesterday. I started talking a little funny at one point. But I still have my sense of humor. I had a good sleep last night but woke up in a pool of sweat on my pillow and had to change pillows. I can see I'm going to be washing a lot of clothes. Time to take my 3 morning rebetols.
Take good care.

[fishdoc]

my shot night cocktail is 3 ibuprofen, 3 alleve, and 2 benadryl.  I usually sleep fine, but don't feel like I can keep taking OTC meds at that rate the rest of the week, I do that on fridays and saturday nights...

[Myown]

http://janis7hepc.com/#p

Hi and welcome to the forum. Sorry to hear you have Hep C, but you're not alone.

the above website has lots of info that will help both you and your husband. i hope he will give you the support that you will need.

plenty of folks on board  here with lots of helpful info and advice as you go along. i'm not one of those people. I'm still learning myself.

this is a tough thing to deal with, but its good to be around people who are dealing with the same issues.

keep posting and let us know how things go.

wish you the best!

[Ruthie703]

I'm going to be starting tx soon.  I spoke to a patient that had a bad reaction to the first
shot. so bad that she went to the ER.  After reading all these comments about the first
shot I was thinking that maybe I could ask my doctor if he could give me less medicine?  If it is possible I would be much relieved.  I have always had an over reaction to my first drink or drug.  The doctor said that her reaction wasn't normal.
I always wonder how they know. They don't take the f'ing shots.  Plus I have had
problems with doctors before.  Not really knowing what they are doing.  Hope things
get better for you.  SINCERELY  RUTHIE

[HCA]

Ruthie,
You have tacked onto a three year old discussion.
Anyway-don't ask your doctor to reduce the first dose.
The only way to beat Hep C is to kick the hell out of it quick which means that your first punch has to be fast and hard!!!!!!!!!!!!
It's not that bad,youll just feel a bit fluey for a couple of hours.