new here ... from Canada!

[albany]

Just actually wanting to say hello.  stumbled across this site while looking up info on pegatron Tx, which i started 3 weeks ago today.  seeing others asking about things i am going through is wonderful, NOT that others are in this too, but that I am not alone.  I have no specific question at the moment, other than is there anyoen here from Canada?  
TY
Albany

[albany]

thanks for all your helpful comments and suggestions.  i certainly have my work cut out for me, looking up (and remembering) all this medical info.  since starting Tx i have not been able to drink pepsi(b4 TX 3to 6 / day) but DO find that i almost CRAVE gingerale, so I guess that explains it!  What is prorit?  is it to help a Sx, or antoher type of Tx?

[jmjm530]

The usual starting protocol for Procrit (epo) while treating HCV is 40,000 units/week. That is not to say that some doctors might use other doses or frequency based on your individual situation. There's also a similar product that I believe doses every other week.

Procrit, like any drug, has its side effects profile, but I I think most find it by far the least bothersome, compared to Peg or Riba. That said, Procrit recently was 'awarded' a 'black box' label, but it appears that doctors still routinely prescribe it in treating situations.

All the best,

-- Jim

[FoggyintheAM]

Hi Jim,
is the procrit a once a week shot?  any side effects from that?

[jmjm530]

Welcome to the discussion group. Nausea really can suck but the good news is that it usually goes away, or is significantly diminshed, by week 12 or so. Anything ginger -- Gingerale, ginger snaps, ginger tea -- and of course ginger root -- seems to help a a little. As to your fatigue, etc, make sure you have frequent cbc's (blood counts) in the beginning, like every week or every other week. What you want to look out for is ribavirin related anemia. Most of us get it, but it's the degree that's important. If you hemoglobin drops below 10, or if you have more than a 2-3 point drop (from pre-treatment baseline) in a few weeks -- then you may want to consider the helper drug, Procrit (epo). Of course, symptons also enter into the equation as not everyone functions the same at different hemoglobin levels.

All the best,

-- Jim

[PSP-n-Me]

fortunately I do not have the awful nausea that most get from the Riba - But, they talk about ginger tea being a good soother for that...Or, even ginger ale

Speaking of injection sites - When I first started tx I got an awful infection at the injection site - my hand slipped while the needle was in and it almost came completely throught the skin..Big Ouchie!  I was on anti biotics for 3 weeks and I still have scarring from it - be careful with signs of infection around the injection site...

[Really Rose]

Hi Albany
Week two of tx for me and I'm from Canada
Take Care
Rose

[albany]

Thanks All
I live half an hour east of Toronto. am in wk 3 of 48 wk Tx.  Side effects are really beginning to wear.  making great use of previous threads, but am amazed at how differnt Tx is from how I perceived it to be prior to starting.  I thought more Sx would be aournd inejction, but am finding the overall fatigue, muscle tightening and slight nasueas ALL THE TIME to be more troublesome.  Wil lkeep reading for idaas, and once again, thanks all :)

[charm27]

Welcome to the forum. You will find great support here.

I lived in the Adirondack mountains for awhile...beautiful country--I was about 1 hour from the border.

Lots of bears and weasels!!

Good Luck to you.

[charm27]

Welcome to the forum. You will find great support here.

I lived in the Adirondack mountains for awhile...beautiful country--I was about 1 hour from the border.

Lots of bears and weasels!!

Good Luck to you.

[wyntre9]

Not from Canada but welcome, anyway.  

wyntre

[PSP-n-Me]

I'm an American living in Toroto area - Hi and welcome

Beth

[Trish77]

Hi albany...I'm from Canada and I'm new here too...I haven't started tx, I've only just begun trying to understand what everything means. I'm genotype 1a/1b and my recent biopsy results have me at stage 1, grade 1, low level damage.  I'm in the process of deciding if I'm going to go ahead with tx now or not.  Did you have a biopsy?

I'm an hour south of Toronto...where are you from in Canada?

Trish

[albany]

it didn't work for you?  i am glad that we can try again, if it does not work the 1st, or 2nd time.  that was one of the first questions i asked.  i have genotype1a, i believe

[Drugs Sucks]

Hi albany
you come to the right place to get all ur answers and ask any question !!
There Some Great People Here !!!!!

Did the Tx 2 and now waiting for a 3 time !!