First Shot and Other Posts

[PhilaGuy]

Hi All!  Please feel free to use this for other posts, as well.

Well, this Friday I'm finally doing my first shot...what a long and winding road! I first went to the doctor in December!  Anyway, I know it's been done a lot in this forum, but can those of you on treatment relay your first shot experiences to me, as well as all those others about to start treatment?  I think I really need it, especially after I read a recent "I can't go on" post in here (I guess that's why my hepatologist warned me, lightheartedly, to stay away from the Internet!).  Anyway, I'd just like to see how it all went for you (especially you, ChevyGal!) and provide me with a little reassurance.  Thanks to you all, in advance.  (taking a deep breath)  Here we go!

[Showboat]

My heart goes out to you.  It is so hard losing loved ones.  I lost my Mom too.  God Bless you.  I'll bet you sure are proud of your Mom and her legacy.  Her loving memory will be honored and live on....how beautiful to know that she has touched so many lives....and her name will forever grace this wonderful honor.  You remind me of my sister.....her oldest daughter is the biggest baby too!!!! (lol)  She demands alot of her mother's time and attention, but loves her mom a great deal.

[happyhepper]

I love you - my big sis how are you today? I always feel so much better when I hear from you!  Yeah - I have 3 kids -one 18 now who is a god send - one who is six on the 19th - who is my little angel - tiring but an angel and a 35 year old who is a total pain in the neck - the biggest baby of all!!!!  Far worse than this treatment for me was my mom dying in December - but I am kind of coming to terms with that now - its slow but I am getting there.  There is a big show over here called the Harrogate Flower Show and a trophy was presented in my moms name last week - The Jeannie Watson Trophy for flower arranging - I cried my eyes out - but gee - I was so proud.....Guess while we are still here we have to fight and do those that love us proud to the last - you would have loved my little mom - she was so sweet and always smiling. I reaaaaaaally miss our little chats............... Love ya Chevvy - You get better now ....do you hear me?!! Sue

[happyhepper]

Hiya - nice to hear from you - you don't get rid of me that easily - how you doing sweetheart?  Lots of love to ya

[happyhepper]

I meant to type big SIS NOT SID!!!!

[happyhepper]

Helllloooooooooooooooo - I aint run off - I keep popping in to keep an eye on you all - I have been so busy gettin ready to move house and lookin after my little ones etc. I hope you are well Chevvy - you are such a lovely warm person - I pray you will be cured - you really don't deserve to have this nasty disease. Be well big sid I love ya - all of ya!!

[new-sojourn]

I was just wondering how you were.  Isn't it strange that we were both so sick to begin w/& yet we both had a pretty easy time of it?  Glad to hear you finished

[honey1616]

Glad to see ya! We thought we lost you lol  Glad to hear you are having very minimal sides!

[PhilaGuy]

Hey guys - thanks for all the words of encouragement and the information.  I'm definitely hoping that the anticipation is worse than the treatment itself!

NewTex, my hepatologist ordered my meds and they came later the same week.  Ifyou're going on Pegasys, which I assume you are, it's a really big package filled with a video on how to inject, and lots of written information.  Still, you'll go to your doctor to learn how to inject, as well as to ask any questions you may have. I hadn't come in here for weeks, and then my meds came and it suddenly became very real!  I'm sure you'll feel the same way (I guess syringes and viles DO that to a person!)

Anyway, I'm type 2b, 9 million viral load.  I've had the virus since I received blood during an appendectomy in 1984.  I didn't have a biopsy (calm down everyone) because 1) I'm 2b, which is the most responsive to treatment, 2) I wanted to treat no matter what, 3) there are no other obvious signs of liver disease.  I should be on treatment for about 30 weeks.  24 is the norm for 2b'ers, but since I haven't had a biopsy, my doc doesn't have a complete picture of my liver health, and those with more damage tend to relapse more often.

Good luck to you as well!  I'll be looking for you in here!

[happyhepper]

Hiya - Everyone is different I know - but so far I have had no problems whatsoever. ....apart from a few itchy spots on my legs and under my arms that come and go - it is shot 9 next week and so far so good!!!!

[new-sojourn]

I took shots 3X a wk for 24wks.  My 1st shot, we just sat around looking @ each other.  Then my mom called & asked if anything had happened.  Then we took a walk.  I was very sick and already knew I could only take 2000mg of tylonal a day.  So, I was already doing that.

My partner actually did all my shots.  I had Schring's pen.  I took all my shots am b/c they made me 'speedy',  I always had a  english muffin w/butter & gr tea w/honey( honey, organic, on everything actually!)  The fat and carbs can increase absorbtion of the injected drug up to 70+%.  I didn't want to waste any.  The walk was to pump the tx quickly thru my system.  Then my soaps were on & I rested.  I cl'ed 2yrs ago.

I've noticed that several other people have recently posted that they have switched to mornings (or when ever you start your day).

It wasn't like I suddenly had a change of mental state-like when one yses recreational drugs) or grew hair or had it all fall out.  No howling @ the moon.

[shebee]

want2live,

Thanks so much for sharing with us.

Now...

you do      want2live      and   more.






These meds mess with your mind...(as if we are not already screwed up!)



This is 2nd time around for my hubby.  I have watched him go thru hell and back...and more...just like you.  


....

He went off meds for about 3 weeks without telling his dr.
Before he went off, his count was 39 viral load.  Aw...even 1 is too much.  eh?




I have been where you are...however; every morning I hear birds outdside my window.  They must be crazy!  They chirp even before the sun is up.  You can chirp, too.  

...but,

to sing...is a choice.




I am not a doc.....I am not anything...but I do know that we choose our own way.  We choose how we live life.

(Idon'tdoitsogoodmostofthetime.)




You can stop meds...that's ok...better meds are on the way.




However, If I may be so bold...to say this to you...
Don't die yet.












My sister took her own life.  Everyone feels like it is their fault.  

It is differernt if you just die in a normal way...



but if you take you own life...

YOU HURT EVERYONE LEFT BEHIND...IF IS NOT YOU JUST CHECKING OUT OF THE WORLD...BUT IT IS EVERYONE THAT IS LEFT.  I have had many people that have died....diesase...car accident...etc...I have always been able to deal with those deaths...my sis..she choose to die...she haunts me everyday.  What more could I have done?  SOMETHING.  My heart is broken.  I will never live life the same.




dONT' DIE yET.  





Are you compulsive?  Do you let your thoughts rule You?

You can take control of them...if you so choose.

It is funny about depression...You have to choose to go there.

There is a certain pleasure when you spirl downward. ????



It is easy.  I sucks you in...and promises better things. eh?







If you take control of your thought life..you will find that there will be a fight.  But, you can fight...even when there is no reason to fight.  

...and win.




You can dwell on death...and you have good reason...but perhaps life should win out. ????  YOU MAKE a difference...if you die early...it is to everyone's loss.





Just my thoughts....who  has  been  there and  back,
May God Bless you and keep you...because y0u haVe MucH
Left to do.
Your,
Shebee

[jonihs]

My first shot went just like dream. I was so scared and nervous. Both because of the tx. sx.'s and because I thought it might bring back old urges and I have been needle free since 1988. So I think about half what little mind I have left was elsewhere. I wrote down every step. starting w/ washing my hands w/ anti-bacterial soap, getting shot ready, pinch and alcohol, then find the opening. My P.A. told me to turn it sideways and it would spread more rapidly and evenly. Give the shot slow, then leave the needle in for a min.(I had my hubby time it)then pull it straight out and rub the spot w/ gauze. I was amazed it didn't hurt, so I came on here right away to find out when to expect sides to start. I had none. Each shot gets easier. Tomorrow I do 24/24 and last fri., it took less than a minute, and except for a bad spell w/ xanax at week 10 (got depressed and took way to many) My sx. have been so mild I almost feel guilty. The only ones I had were thinning dull hair and chills, and a little depression. I had other problems but they were from other meds. Good luck, try not to stress, and keep in mind that you've goot a lot of prayers coming your way.   Joni

[tuna]

I've been on this site for my 48wks. of tx and found everybody re-acts differnt to everything, there seems to be nothing regular with this virus. just remember drink LOTS OF WATER it really helps with your sides. good luck.

[newtex]

Good luck with your start....I have an appt. with my Doc. in the morning, to "Get started" with my tx. plan. I was going to start in Dec. but my ALT #s went haywire for 2-3 months. They have finally leveled off, so he says we can get started now. How long does it take to get your meds after you order them??
Did you go through an "orinetation" on how to inject, what to expect, etc. etc.......The waiting has been nerve racking since Dec.  By the way what are your levels and genetype. I am 1A grade 3, stage 4 ( 1st stage cirrhosis ) 8,000,000 copies. I am 43 male... Hepc for 25+ years. Clean and sober for the last 18 years but paying for my past.

Let us know how it goes with your first shot. I have been reading this forum since last Oct. and everyone is different with sides. We won't know till' we know. Good luck and God Bless.

[oaky]

My first shot was literally painless. I had prepared for the worst, and little happened. About 24 hours-48 hours after I had a headache but that was manageable w/ tylenol. As with most things, the anticipation was much worse than the reality. Good luck.

[hph5477]

Well, for me the first 2 wks were the worst.  I do 30/48 tomorrow and have had a relatively easy time of it (other than wks 1 & 2).  Guess my body just needed to adjust.  First wk, I awoke with fever and real bad shivering chills (tylenol took care of this fairly quickly), nausea the next morning but was fine by early afternoon. Second week, nausea was real bad day after shot but was fine by bedtime that day.

I take my shot now at 8:00am Fridays and take 1 tylenol every 4-6 hrs throughout the day as I can remember to do so.  Then I take 2 tylenol before going to bed.  The one time I neglected the tylenol, I woke with fever and bad chills again.

I get fatigued easily and my activity level has dropped tremendously but I do still walk 2 miles 3X wkly and try to ride my bike (very slowly now) 10-15 miles at least once wkly.

Overall, though, I feel good most days and tx hasn't really stopped me from enjoying life.

Good luck to you.

[honey1616]

Good Luck on your first shot and everyone is so different on reaction....that you may not be able to tell anything.  My first shot, I experienced chills and nausea but only with my first shot.  I always take a couple of tylenol 2 hours before shot and I take my shot about 9 at night so I sleep through any sides if there are any.  After the shot...I do start feeling some extra fatigue and a little queasy about 2 to 3 hours after.  If anything...I usually have a good nite sleep on that nite!  Let us know how you are doing.

[mikesimon]

I can't remember exactly how my first shot went - it's been a while. When I was taking Pegintron I was pretty sick throughout. With Pegasys it has been a much easier ride. I think that you'll just have to wait to see how you feel. Some do fine and others get crushed. I'm hoping you're one of the ones that do fine. Good luck. Mike