Just diagnose with HCV and start treatment

[ccrider65]

I am scared about haveing to give myself a shot once a week and are there any tips on what kind of foods to keep around for when I get sick.

[Trish77]

Many people are anxious about the first injection and it might take a few injections before you start to relax about it as you realize it's not nearly as difficult as you thought it would be.  It will happen.  Nausea might happen and you'll eat what you can tolerate at the time. Get a box of gingersnap cookies and put them away in your cupboard, some simple soda crackers and noodle soup, if it makes you feel more prepared.  You likely won't need them for awhile and may not at all.

On another note - You say you're newly diagnosed and about to start treatment.  Some doctors rush their patients into treatment and don't exactly prepare them very well. Most people have time to wait to start treatment until it fits a good time in their lives and to educate themselves more about their own status and about Hep C itself. Do you feel like you understand your situation well and have a good idea of what to expect?  Have you had a biopsy that tells you how much liver damage you have?  

[James10500]

Agree with the previous posts ! The shot process is weird at first but, very simple when you get used to it.  Does not hurt, the needle is tiny, very thin and sharp.  Genentech has a few videos that show you how to inject.  Very easy.  Side effects vary from week to week, I never had an upset stomach, and in fact gained weight on treatment.

[FlGuy]

If you are about to start treatment very soon  (like this month or next month) the first thing I'd suggest is Whoa!!!, slow down, think it over and do some reasearch before you jump in - unless you are genotype 2 or 3.

[paen53]

Will you be starting treatment soon? I don't think there's one among us that would say that first shot is a breeze, but it does get easier over time. Once you decide which place works best for you (leg or stomach), the rest will follow suit. That holds true for setting up some type of shot night routine that works for you - at least it did for me. Warm the vial (if Pegasys) before injecting. I would take it out of the fridge early and then hold it in my hand for a few minutes. Try to have as few distractions as possible, especially early on when you're nervous about it. Other members had mentioned to me about counting to 10 after injecting and before pulling out (why does GoofyDad come to mind about now!?) It helps keep the Peg from seeping out.

About food, keep it simple is what I learned. Eat what you're comfortable with at the time. But very important is staying hydrated. You'll hear that repeatedly - and for good reason.

If you look in the upper right corner of the screen, you'll see "Health Pages" Check it out - there's alot of useful info there too!

Best of luck in going forward and getting healthy. Pam

[willbb]

  Agree with Fnzol,the needle is tiny and painless. Side effects for many people are often very mild. Just a healthy diet is best,and if you have some nausea,there are folks here who can help you out with that.

Good luck...

WILL

[Fnzol]

Not everyone gets sick.  Don't worry about it until it happens.  

Your case nurse will show you how to do the shot.  It's painless, routine, and boring.  Just chill.  You'll be fine.