Are all the weeks ahead the same

[Sammy1000]

I just began my tx on Tuesday. I must say that I thought it would be less painful and agonishing. I have suffered from muscle and joint aches, low temp in evening then sweats at night. I also have lower back pain, I think it is from the kidneys from drinking 100 oz of liquid a day. Today I feel little better. Is it normal to have a red spot where the injection was? Can I look forward to this for the entire 24 wks?

[lmclayton]

Keep an eye on your mood. I got so depressed that it added to the aches and pains really bad. I did not want to leave my bedroom. Docs put me on a mood stablizer and things got dealable, again.

[lmclayton]

I also got the red spots where the injection was.  Then they were red with bruises in the middle. Lovely little bullseyes in each sight not very sexy but who can think of that at a time like this. It gets better trust me just did my shot 28 and got 34 more to go. Trust me get lots of rest and keep drinking the water. Lots of motrin and tylenol. The night sweats and low grade fevers still get on my nerves but and learning to cope. I just know that even with a good day that night time will most likely suck. I open the window a bit on turn the heat on low befroe I go to bed, so when I fall asleep I have on the heavy blanket and then kick it off when the sweating starts. Besides the kids were either saying I was freezing them or burning them up. So I dress for the fever or not.
Keep on trucking it gets better......

[EyesofBlue55]

Fortunatly I work for a school system so I have all summer off to start my tx.Im not looking forward to this tx but thankful that for 9 weeks I wont have to worry about sick days.At least I have that going for me.how long does the first shot keep you sick and what can I expect? I think I will keep a journal as to my symptoms and progress.Hopefully I will be able to start the new school year feeling somewhat better.Im genotype 1a and have No earthly idea as to how I got this thing.

[burned74]

You will find that there are a wide range of reactions to Tx. I had fever and sweats after the first shot but after that it was pretty smooth. I even swam or biked for 45 minutes 3 times per week, worked and coached soccer.

I was on Tx for 24 weeks but did not clear

[Gee704]

Hi Sammy - I was told to drink half my body weight in ounces of water. Tonight will be shot 5 for me and although every shot has not been as bad as the first, shot 4 was nearly as bad as 1. Shots 2 and 3 barely reared it's ugly head. Like Positude, I am extremely dizzy and can not stay on my feet for any length of time. Also, I dream I am the wicked witch and am melting as I have no bones in my body, I am soooo weak.

One day at a time my friend.....It will be a spectacular site when we all stand at the finish line together!

My best to you!

[newleaf09]

If you will read your interferon label (mine is the Pegintron label) it says that flu-like symptoms (headaches, muscle aches tiredness & fever) "usually lessen after the first few weeks of therapy".  Label recommends injecting at bedtime and taking a fever reducer.  Nausea is also on the list of common side effects. The shot reaction should get much better after the first 2-4 injections. The first 2 are the worst.

The meds are terribly drying but I would not hydrate myself with a measured amount of water.  I let my body tell me what to do and kept water always with me, so I could drink when thristy.

Rotate your injection site.  My redness always faded after a few days.  Most use belly fat for the shot.  I never tried the thighs.

[positude]

Hi Sammy,
I started tx last Monday and have been very sick (although Monday was the worst day) ever since. The violent shaking and subsequent vomiting was worse than I expected. Drinking LOTS of water, still very nauseated and very bad headache. Bones and joints ache a little more, muscle and generalized weakness. Feel like I'm going to pass out if I'm on my feet for more than 10 minutes at a time. I know tx affects everyone differently so this may get worse or may get better, time will tell. I will change "shot day" to Tuesdays beginning next week but after that one I'll only have 46 to go!

One day at a time Sammy. One day at a time.
~Pos.

[orleans]

afraid "the ole body" won't ever become "friends" with that stuff.  It's a long slog but doable. good luck, jerry

[Sammy1000]

Thanx NY. Today has been much better than Wed & Thur. I kinda thought it might get better once the ole body got to be friends with the med. I remember you said to drink plenty of fluids when I first joined the forum, but is it necessary to drink 100 oz? My body weight is 200 lb.

[nygirl7]

No.  For most the hardest part is the first few weeks while your body is getting used to taking poison to cure you.  Then it levels out somewhat but different sides come and go and come and go.  24 weeks is certainly not forever even though it might seem so right now. Remember there is an end date and many many people have to do 72 weeks or more......if they made it you can too so hang in there!

Dont worry about the injection spot it will go away!