re: starting treatment next week

I could not continue on my last post and I want to respond to questions asked of me on my post about starting treatment. I am a 1B. I believe I have had Hep C for over 25 years. Three years ago, I had a biopsy, it was Grade 2 Stage 2. It has not changed much. I just had an MRI and Ultra Sound which was fine, but my AST is high 245 and Alt is 83. HVV MA is 7500 (whatever that is).

In answer to what I will be taking it is pegasys prefilled and also copegus. My doctor did give me a prescription for Lunesta and also Provigil for fatigue. He has not mentioned or put me on anti depresents, maybe once treatment is started. Please keep giving me input as this helps me alot.

[can-do-man]

Sounds like your set, if you start feeling depressed, more then what is usual under these conditions or you have a history of being depressed make sure you tell your doctor ASAP as the AD's take a couple weeks to kick in. Some never need them and some start on them right away. Just make sure you let your doctor know of any sx's so he can treat them. Best of luck and keep coming here.

[Mister beagle bailey]

Welcome to the tip of a life time as I call it.  Your Dr. sounds like he's on top of it so I wouldn't worry.

When do you start treatment?  Just know you can always come here with your questions and they will be answered the best as possible.  good luck and let us know when.

   Beagle

[FlGuy]

Posted earlier - a few threads down:

Sounds like you are good to go on the 17th. Looks like St. Patty's day will be a little different this year. Folks will give you thoughts on use of the pre-filled syringes and their prep. Hopefully, you will get some coaching/help from the doc's office for the first injection or two. The copegus is the riba you've probably read about. You should be making sure, with your insurance and pharmacy, about getting the meds, the refills and getting it all pre-authorized. Work out a schedule with your doc for the periodic bloodwork (every two weeks or so), when pcrs should be scheduled and a plan for 'rescue drugs' that may become necessary during treatment. Not sure what 'HVV MA' may stand for. AST and ALT are expectedly high, but not records. Good luck and stay tuned here for info and interesting chatter - it's not all sx and virus.

[NYgirl]

Sounds like you are on the road and will just be joinning the rest of us on the trip.

There really should be nothing unexpected or REALLY too hard to handle on this journey.  yeah it's not FUN but it's doable meaning even if you don't feel well all of the time you will continue to live LOL

Best of luck

PS Take the lesson from the Nurse on how to do the shot!

Good luck

[can-do-man]

says...Sounds like you are on the road and will just be joinning the rest of us on the trip.
________________________________________________________________

Ok with me, just as long as YOUR not driving

[sailinlady]

Niki:  Best of luck to you.  Don't forget to drink lots of water.  This forum is a great place for information & support.

Can-do:  Watch out for thoses crazed HCV drivers on Ambien...

Deb:  So glad you did you PCR, thinking about you evey day.

[can-do-man]

Watch out for thoses crazed HCV drivers on Ambien...

And i though i was the only crazy one out there, well besides nygirl that is.

[NYgirl]

That's why we get along ;-)

[strator]

Niki- Welcome to the treatment train. Please place all fears in the carry on rack above your head. All worries and questions should be disbursed amongst the passengers to lighten the load. All passengers are asked to keep their humor on their person for easy access. Occasionally  Can-ductor Do Man(CDM) or someone will ask to see your humor. This is imperative, as we so far have found it is physically impossible to feel miserable while you are laughing. Besides, CDM has all the ice cream. Some here are on the express, while others are on the milk stop local. Some actually, no longer need to ride the train but volunteer as tour guides to us novices (or as researchers like to call us-the treatment na

[can-do-man]

Yes that is good news, hope your sx's stay good. Anyone that has the guts to fork out all that money without insurance has earned good news and less sx's. Take care and good luck going forward.

BTW, was you able to get the procrit lined up in case you need it?

[amirtracy]

Well i haven't applied yet because my rn said it took 5 minutes over the phone from the referral dr.s office. they have a hematologist ready for me in case i need it but said to apply when and if.?...that if i qualified for commitment to care, i qualified for amgen safety net and procrit as well. I hope i'm getting good information. should i apply pre-emptively?
thanks for your well wishes and great advice in the past as well as present.   tracy

[can-do-man]

No, all sounds good. Maybe you won't need it. i havn't needed procrit yet and a lot never do. Take care

[dyce]

Congrats on getting started on the tx soon! Was wondering ,in the subject heading it states re"starting tx next week, were you on tx before?

Dyce

[amirtracy]

Sorry to change topic....Just did shot #3 last night and dr. says alt's and ast's are back within normal range. He says that's a good sign, shows early response..:) So far so good. I'm adjusting. The shot only bothered me the 1st night and that next day. The Riba makes me feel a little jittery and sort of like i've taken cold medicine but it's still manageable. Just FYI for those about to start. I guess it's still early for some of the sx's that i've read about.  WBC has dropped to 2.7 (it was just on the low side of normal at treatment start) and HGB is down to 12 so no rescue drugs yet.

Hello to Strator, hope you're doing well! I'd come around more but the glare from the computer screen really messes with my vision since i started these meds. Just makes me a little dizzy if i look at too long. maybe that's a good thing. :)
take care be well...tracy

[strator]

HEEEEEEELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLloooooooooo! Tracyyyyyyyyy.
Glad you posted and that your gettin through pretty good. I was gettin that in jittery cold med type thing in the beginning. Hope this stays on a nice keel for you. Hey, ya post when you can or want or need. No requirements here, though nice to know how your doing. My eyes are actually annoying lately.
I'm doing pretty good actually. I didn't clear at 24wks but that'll happen when it happens. Gotta wait for my doc to get back in town to discuss options. Works pickin up which is good (I think). Keep up on the great attitude, it helps here.
Stay well,
Don

[amirtracy]

I just have to say, once again, how much i enjoy the way you write-think-express-emote-etc...I'm glad you're doing well and I have no doubts about how well you'll continue to do. My attitude pales in comparison to your wonderful spirit. Bless you Don Strator.

[cajunlady]

Again, you out did yourself with the above post.  How the wordings are so true.  You are such the greatest inspiration to all.

I read your post on not clearing.  I am like you; it will happen when it happens.  AND, YES, it will happen for you.  I feel the Lord has to bless someone that is so inspiring and so thoughtful of all around you; there is no way that he doesn't have future plans for you. I will keep you in my round of prayers.  Not that I am worried; because I just know you will beat this DRAGON.

Have to admitt, getting close to my first PCR (12 wk), and am really nervous and scared. Makes it hard to think of anything else.  Shot # 11/48 tonight.  Sides are up/down, left/right, backward/forward; some days good, some days bad.  My belief is that you never know what you got, till you do your shot.  Just like Forest Gump with the box of chocolate.

GOD BLESS YOU STRATOR,

Cajun