first shot is the Hardest? Or is it ?

[Jeffyboy]

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

[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.

[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

[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.

[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.

[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!!