Just diagnosed- terrified and alone.

[DayLyn]

I was just recently diagnosed - March 2006.  1a.  In BC, Canada.

I've finally gotten the courage to post, but have been reading posts here for weeks.

I feel alone in this - the stigma is great, and many people are ignorant or uneducated, or both.

I'm being screened for treatment next Tues.

My question was - Pegasys or Peginteron?  Any opinions or suggestions would be welcome.

[DayLyn]

I'm just curious - why would you have to take treatment for 72 weeks.  That's a very, very long time.  How in the world did you cope?  I thought that 48 weeks was the longest tx.
Are you SVR still?
What is your genotype?

Thanks for the thoughts - I appreciate it.

[FlGuy]

You'll probably hear from Rocker on that spoonful of sugar comment.

[DayLyn]

Thanks for the supportive words.  How far into treatment are you?  It's great that you have family to help you out!

I live alone with my kids.  My family live in another province, too far away, and very busy with their own lives.  

Some days it's really tough, and others not so bad.  I've found out that I don't really have that many good friends.

The second you freak out a little they all seem to disappear.  That is the part that's really getting to me.  I moved to BC away from my family 15 years ago.  When the ex and I split, I was truly alone, but it was ok cause I had great (not) friends.  Since this all came about, I've realized that I don't really have any great friends.....

I'm a bummer - I'm always tired, and can't go out "partying".  I'm naseous alot of the time - so no road trips for me.  Basically, I'm just no fun anymore....

Sorry for whining - it's been one of those days.
:)

[beamishboy]

what if the medicine is insulin??

[jmjm530]

Oh, the stigma thing. I'm sure you'll get lots of different input here but here's my two cents.

I only told a few family members and one or two friends. I work by myself so that was not an issue. However, it has been an issue for a number of folks here and from what I've read, the recommendation is not to disclose at work unless you really have to, and then just maybe to your immediate supervisor.

[DayLyn]

Thanks to everyone!  I cried reading your replies.  Oh, to be accepted.  

I have three children and an ex.  My family all live about 14 hour drive away.  My kids are 10,13 & 15.  They are wonderful, but are kids, so just want what they want, and don't understand why mommy can't do it all.  

I live in an upper middle class neighbourhood, in the Fraser Valley and it's enough of a stigma to be a single mom here - having hep c ....well, people are cruel.

Time to move, perhaps :)

I have been reading this forum for weeks - the kindness and support here is extraordinary.

Thanks again.