SO scared to start treatments-need help

[islandsikora]

Hello-Im new to this site, but already am finding it helpful. Im about to start Pegatron (ribavirin) capsules (7 per day) and Peginterferon alfa-2b injections (Once weekly). My support nurse gave me a pile of information, but 90% is about side effects and how to hopefully manage them. Im getting close to start date (Sun, Apr 28, 13) and Im very anxious and nervous about it. I watched my Mother go through 48 weeks of treatment and lets say she looked and felt like hell. To make matters worse, it didnt work on her. They then put her on an experimental injection that wasnt approved yet, as she has stage 4 cirrhosis as well as HepC (and never had a drink in her life) long story short-she had to quit as she felt like she was dying on the new meds-shes a tough chickie, and her quitting was a huge surprise to all of us. I dont have the same things as she does, plus Im almost 20 years her junior, pretty healthy besides HC-should I be afraid? Will I be able to maintain a normal life while on this stuff? I have an 11 year old daughter as well. Can I keep living as I do now and keep my girl happy and healthy and SANE? These things torture my mind daily, and make me not want to do this, but Im told its the best thing for me. Right now Im so fatigued and dont eat barely at all, swollen feet,  blah blah and I havenet even started yet!!!! Im also on ADs at a high dose-Im wondering if theres anyone out there with any advice??---ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING greatly appreciated. .....  Thanks so much and God Bless you all....

T-

[islandsikora]

And yes, Im a genotype 3, sorry forgot that in last comment.

[islandsikora]

Thanks for the extra information. I keep telling myself everyone IS different, and just because sides are mentioned doesn't mean they will happen to me....they have to be mentioned cause someone somewhere experienced them. Im feeling a little better and I know this site is going to be a God send for me. Im going to keep in touch...Thnaks again

[islandsikora]

Thanks so much for your reply. Im a geno 3, and starting Pegatron (ribavirin) capsules and peginterferon alfa-2b injections. Ive had a biopsy and ultrasound, many many blood tests..lol. Im sure you know the drill. Im also on Effexor and take 150mg two times daily. Ive been battling depression since my daughters dad passed in Sept 2011. We havent been together since 2005, but I still had a special place for him in my heart, and my daughter (Jenna, 11) is getting better, but  was completely devastated. He was her hero, her daddy...the love of her life... ANYWAYS- Im hoping that I dont experience too many side effects. I know everyones different, so thats good...I wont let this beast get me down, or my family down, I WILL CONQUER!!  Im just apprehensive I guess...Im starting Sunday, in 2 days....yikes

[helphubby82]

Hi and welcome you have found a great place everyone here is amazing. I know starting treatment can be scary. My Husband had Hep C for about 30 years geno type 1a stage 2, He started triple tx in April 2011 he is now done and the best thing the virus is gone cleared SVR.He had good and bad days his sides werent that bad compared to some everyone is different, everyone bodies react different.  just drink plenty of water and rest when needed and come here when you need to talk were here for you! good luck now kill that beast!!! Sorry to hear about your mom.

[flcyclist]

Welcome to the forum.  I see that you are a Geno 3, so in some ways you're fortunate that you are doing the duel therapy for only 24 weeks.  We all go through this anticipation and wonder how difficult life will be during trt and what kind of side effects we will experience.  It does help to have a supportive network to help you on days that are challenging, but many people are able to work through trt and get through without any major problems.  Some days you might get very tired and fatigue is a common side effect.  Rest when needed and drink plenty water to stay hydrated.  Also, since you are already on an AD, discuss this with your doc and keep watch for changes in your mood.  Sorry to hear about your mother, but this should be no reflection on how your trt may go.  Do you best to stay compliant and give yourself the best chance.   Good luck to you as you begin this journey.

[willbb]

I would imagine by your post that you have  Geno type 2 or 3  given  mentioning doing the combo therapy Interferon /Riba?

Very often the side effects of this therapy(combo only) are only mild  and usually done for only 24 weeks (geno type 2 or 3)

Your nurse correctly would talk about sides in case they may come up but very often do not and rarely does one experince them all.

If they do arise many here will have suggestions on how to properly manage them.
I have linked (below ) some info. you may be interested in on treatment for both geno types.

Best of luck with your tx. and welcome..

Will

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1478-3231.2011.02715.x/full

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1478-3231.2011.02710.x/full

[cheflady]

hi and welcome I know you are scared and that is only natural especially seeing your mum going through tx but try and remember that everybody reacts differently. What geno type are you? and are you just on dual tx instead of triple? If you post a few more details then we can help you a bit better. Glad you have found this site it will really help you. Try not to worry to much about starting the tx is hard but everybody finds a way that helps them through and manage. Please give us as much info that you can, we are here to support you. I wish you all the best. Good luck