How long does it take for the side effects to kick in?

[lalapple]

You guys have all been very generous.  i love this community.  
So far, I'm still on my 2nd week of tx (Pegasys and Ribavirin) and the side effects I've been experiencing have been a lot better than what I'd expected:

Week 1:
- 2 Tylenol
- cried 2 times
- light fever 1 day
- eye strain 2 days
- light rash 2 days
- taste change on mashed potatoes (no!)

Week 2:
- no Tylenol yet!
- flakey eyelids
- barely noticeable rash on knees

My doc said that tx is hardest the first 2 months... well in my case... can the side effects get any worse later on during the tx?  
I really need to know bc I'm a college student and I just started tx this summer.  I go to school in a town that I'm not very familiar with about 6 hrs drive away from home.  My parents are trying really hard to convince me to transfer to a school closer to home so I can live at home which is close to my Hep C clinic  (I get my labs and checkups every 2 wks on weekdays).   Is transferring a good idea?

[CMcH]

I am in my 6th week of TX and now the sides are starting to get to me. My first 2 weeks were a breeze. I expected much worse and thought maybe it wasn't working. By 3-4 weeks  I had a terrible rash and sun sensitivity. Now I have anemia and I am starting to feel pretty run down and short of breath on stairs. It is still not terrible and it is doable but watch out for that rash. I know things will probably get worse as the chemicals build up in my body so I try to do what I can now. I know everyone is different so hopefully you will breeze through this without many sides.

[lalapple]

Thanks you guys!  I really do appreciate your answers :)

[rita863]

Side effects hit and effect everyone on TX at different times and to different degrees.  It sometimes takes up to week 8 or12 to see what sides you might get.  Speaking as a Mom of 25 year old and 19year old, I agree with your parents, to have you closer to home.  There may be days you may not want to cook for yourself, or you may not feel well enough to make the drive.  

I have also read a post from a college student who is working two jobs and going to class and her sides are just that she is tired.

What ever you decide if you not sure of something, post a question here or call your doctor.

oh and Welcome!!!!
good luck on TX

peace
rita

[desrt]

Re-evaluate in 3-4 weeks. I've noticed that people taking Pegasys can take over a month to build up to their full set of sx. My experience with Peg-Intron was that it effected me at about the same level from week one. Nothing scientific there - just what I've observd.

[HCA]

If,as it seems you are a young person you are more likely to tolerate the treatment well.
You may well cruise through it!

[lalapple]

oh.. and to add to the details:
I've contacted my school about this situation and they told me that i can transfer back whenever i'm done with tx or whenever i'm ready.