A rant about side effects

[rezin8]

This is really screwing with me.  You can read and read all day long and still never get anything definite about this treatment.  Here it is, 101º outside with 100% humidity... I'm wearing a thick black shirt... and I'm freezing.  It's very frustrating when your the type of person who NEEDS consistency in your life and your work and you're having to go through this.

Let's run through this week's symptoms, if they are that....

1. Severe chills.  Even outside in 100º weather.
2. Nose running like a faucet
3. Joint pain to the point I can barely walk.
4. Very lackadaisical outlook.  I really don't want to do anything but curl up into a fetal position and ***** about how bad I feel.

I feel like Rod Roddy has come back from the dead to give me world's worst Showcase Showdown, but in this case, "to the loser go the spoils".  Damn you Rod...

On top of all of this and the VP of my company is in town, my Project Manager (who I see maybe 3 times a year) is with him and crawling up my arse, and the Inspector General is in town to completely ruin my week, and I DON'T WANT TO BE HERE TODAY.

My doctor (whom I've only seen once) really needs to call me back.  Sometimes bitching into a keyboard just doesn't cut it.

Ok... sorry about all this.  I just needed to vent.

[rezin8]

Yeah, I don't mind it.  This is a very family oriented site, so I'll keep the language about as bland as this webpage!

Just got home from a show..  Wrote a couple new bit about stuff from here already!  I'm going to have to post something here.

[DragonSlayer45]

That was funny! Don't mind the old medhelp asterisks. It is automatic and we all got the joke LOL.

Also like they mentioned earlier the posts above were not directed at you. I know you are new and the person called Kerfluffe had gone from post to post and was stirring up trouble. Some people think this is a person who has been around before over the years under different screen names and likes the controversy and attention that it brings. I do not know if it is true but they got my dander up the other day too. Not to mention even if they were such an expert as they wanted to portray themselves as, there is never any need to be condescending to another member. You can state your point (I do not mean you personally but as a general term) and not insult others.

Listen this is a great and I mean great place to be. You will learn a lot and get a lot of support here. Some of the people here are very knowledgeable. Also I agree with the others I like your sense of Humor!  Stick around!  If you have any great jokes post them over at Hep C Social. We all need a good laugh from time to time as laughter can be strong medicine too!

[rezin8]

Oh c'mon MedHelp!!!  You just ruined a good anecdote with a bunch of stars!!!  Now I have to explain....

The reason you don't just grab a long stem rose without looking closely first is because you may PRlCK your finger!

[rezin8]

Thanks Dorsey... I guess you can say I try...

I'm trying to use this treatment to my advantage when it comes to the comedic portion of my life.  Most comedians use their life experiences when it comes to writing material, and I'm no different.  Granted, it *****, but I always try to make the best of things.  

Like yesterday when I was at the Doctor's office...  I had to go to the lab to get some blood drawn.  When the girl was getting ready to stick my vein, she said "little *****", to which I replied "It's not THAT little..."

Now I have a huge bruise from where she shoved the needle through the vein when she laughed.  And who said comedy is painless?

[dorsey15]

Dorsey here...down in Florida...
Just wanted to let you know...your humor saved my UNBEARABLE day the other day...so stick around!
I even had to call my mother...and share your "epistle" with her.. you can tell we are "reformed" catholics.. hope you don't mind...
and I'm 48 yrs old!  had to call my mother to share the laughter....hey I don't live w/her --okay.. but she's been dealing with me suffering through this **** for 28 weeks now!
So-- thanks for the smile, the humor and the laughter you gave me the other day ---and please keep it coming....
Have a awesome day today!
Dorsey

[Trinity4]

You missed a good one last night - I thought I was going to get the boot from MedHelp for sure -  Kerfuffle spread nothing but dissension throught the forums and I reported him.  MedHelp reacted fairly quickly because his post was gone fairly quickly.   I'm glad he's gone and I hope he never comes back.
Trin

[R Glass]

That wasn't directed at you.
It was for Kerfuffle. Who has been going from post to post trying to start controversy with his remarks.
Sorry for the confusion. R. Glass

[rezin8]

Thanks guys.  I finally got in to see the NP at the hospital yesterday.  She put me on Salagen to help with the "dry mouth" I've been experiencing and went through her little schpiel about treatment.  I had only seen the hepatologist before I started and NOT the NP that will actually be treating me during all of this.  Somehow or another I got screwed up in the system.  I didn't even have blood work drawn at week 2.  No teaching or anything before this.  It was "Here's your script, call this person and tell them when you start, goodbye."

I guess you can say that she put a lot of things into perspective.  Especially the chance to talk to some of the other patients yesterday that are in various stages of treatment.

And to those of you that have your doubts about me...  Get a life folks.  Why would a person come troll on a HCV forum?  Don't you think I'd get a better rise acting as a Mac "fanboy" on a Windows forum?  Or as some racist on the BET chats?  Sure... I enjoy make-believing that my stomach looks like someone has been hitting me there with a cue-ball wrapped in a sock every Friday.  And the fact that the only chance I get to spend with my 7 year old daughter is the day after I take a shot and my thighs feel like they are on fire.

[Trish77]

Look at this whole treatment thing as an opportunity.  That's right, I said an opportunity.  If you NEED consistency, you're sure as hell going to learn to deal with inconsistency MUCH better over the next year and you'll have a whole new skillset to tuck under your belt!  Every day will bring you something new and it'll go easier when you stop thinking you've got this all sorted out into neat little packages on how it's going to go and it's under control and predictable.  Not gonna happen.  Better that you just accept that every day is going to be different and "roll" with it.  Looking at your sense of humour so far, I'd say you're on your way.  Good luck to you.

Trish - Week 20

[sierranvgrl]

No words of advice here my friend. Took my 3rd shot Sunday and I am right there with you!  Pretty sure I have taken a detour to to hell.  Only 45 more weeks to go...whoo hoo!

I seriously appreciate your humor! Hang in there.

[Trinity4]

Just so you know my last post was not about you - it pertained to another poster who MedHelp deleted which was very much deserved.  The "rants" I mentioned just happend to coincide with that posters remarks.  Just wanted to clarify.
Trin

[Trinity4]

He could be lying about the fact he has hepc as well.  What a ploy for attention that it. Otherwise, there would some basis to his asinine rants.  Glad we all think alike on this one.
Trin

[jdwithhcv]

No more proof required, thanks.  

As a mentor of mine taught me - Never trust anybody who doesn't trust you.

Lurid imagination on that one.  It was comic relief for a little while, now its just like one of those irritation whining noises that finally makes you throw the switch.

Troll alert.  You bet!!!

jd

[Trinity4]

I just don't know why anyone would want to be involved with people they think are liars and idiots and need attention by posting on a hepc board.  Oh yeah, let me save a pint of my blood at the blood bank for anyone who needs a transfusion.  I wonder how many takers there will be.  And if you want to get real close and personal, come on over to my house on shot day, I'll be glad to throw up all over you!!!  Need any more proof.  
Trin

[Trinity4]

Thank you jd - my sentiments exactly.

[Trinity4]

People on this forum who relate their actual experiences with TX - as in what they are going through and know how it is effecting them first hand are a valuable tool to gauge how tx is effecting you.  There is no study or handbook to refer to when it comes to your own personal experience.  Everything must taken with a grain of salt - but believe me when I say the people on this forum are much more knowledgeable than any information derived from theory, citation or speculation.  Unless one is experiencing the effects of tx first hand, they can't say whether people know or don't know what they are talking about.
Trin

[jdwithhcv]

"I suppose i don;t have to tell you but I'll be redundant  and say , just as on any internet forum, there are people here who really know what they are talking about and there are people who haven't a clue.  I'm sure it won't be hard to tell the difference."
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In the context of a rant about treatment side effects, many people might agree that one who has never undergone even a day of treatment would fall into the latter category.

[Kerfluffle]

I like your dialog - especially your definition of "lackadaisical".  Very nice [g].

If you haven't done it already then start using the search feature on the forums to get an idea of what to accept.  I suppose i don;t have to tell you but I'll be redundant  and say , just as on any internet forum, there are people here who really know what they are talking about and there are people who haven't a clue .  I'm sure it won't be hard to tell the difference.  Once you ... accept ... everything comes into perspective.

[ADESI]

"CHILLS" is that what you call it? Went to bed last night w/ a long sleeve shirt, sweatshirt, two pairs of sweat pants, socks (Calif. not Alaska) an extra heavy comforter on top of regular blankets.Slept for 5 hours -stripped everyting off except underwear, slept two more hours , woke up covered in sweat. But went to work. Shot 38 tomorrow.

[Trinity4]

Very true Dragon, which brings me to say to rezin that yes, we all need consistency in our lives but while you are on tx, the one constant you can be certain of is things will change from day to day. Hard to except, but once you do life is a whole lot easier.
Trin

[DragonSlayer45]

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but irritability is experienced by most people who treat with this stuff and riba rage is not uncommon. Be conscious of this. I am not trying to scare you but rather prepare you. I have found myself screaming at cars in traffic or just that are driving too slow in front of me. things that normally might not bother you or you would just let roll off your shoulder become very annoying and you may find yourself slightly agitated. More so than a normal person would. it is very real and well documented. It is also listed in your medications information. I know you said you are new to all of this but do yourself a favor and stay close to this site and ask questions in addition to just trying to learn all you can. These medicines are no joke, but all we got right now. Even with all the new drugs coming down the pike at present peg and riba will still be part of the mix. Good luck and educate yourself!

[rezin8]

Dude, you just said 2 words that I've never heard before... Riba rage.  I hope to GOD I do not get that.  I have the tendency to be irritable and basically an all around jackass to begin with.  Hell, I've made a pretty lucrative side career out of being "that ******* with the mic".  I've actually been told I'm more cynical than the master himself, our dearly departed George Carlin.

Imagine Carlin on "riba rage".  

Actually, now that I think of it... it might be time to film a new half hour special.  Anyone have the number to Showtime?  

[R Glass]

It’s to late now to start over. I am from South La. (Baton Rouge) and 2b.
I started tx the first of December so I would be finished before it got so hot.
Don’t hesitate to ask them for any kind of Meds to help you get through it.
It will all be over with one day and seem like a long, bad, dream.
You can also forget going after the Reds and Specs this summer.

[Startek2]

the name of the game my friend is to manage those symptoms/side effects.  You also need lots of rest...and work is gonna suck so prepare for some time off:)  I had some help with PROZAC for the mental aspect of TX(treatment).  It helps....
i went 48 weeks and my treatment ended 2 weeks ago.  My energy is returning and life is getting back on schedule. Stick it out!!It will be done soon!  I had problems with getting my refills for prescriptions one time so I went up to the clinic and threatened to projectile vomit all over this nice ladies desk....I got my meds:)  They threatened to call security and I told them if they did that I would kill them all with a blunt screwdriver:)  I no longer have problems getting refills:)