Self Injecting - Is it Hard?

[NYgirl]

I just found out that when I start my treatments later this week I will have to learn to do the self injecting on my own.

I've never done anything like this and am not sure that I can (chicken little is my new name).

Has anybody had any trouble? How did you get over it? Is it hard to do?

Please let me know how I am going to do this. I'm just freaked out as it is about being worried about starting the tx and now this made me even more scared.

Thanks guys.

[NYgirl]

Ah Jim thanks SO MUCH.  The more I started to "read" the more I confused myself to the point I was sure I had 5 million billion trillion instead...thank God I thought to ask.

I am G2 S2. My enzymes are through the roof though:
AST 212 and AST 203


I am actually surprised that my number is not higher (thought i am 1a/1b).

I am going to INSIST on whatever testing you totally believe in.  you're input has been so valuable so far I can't tell you.  As I said I think the more i read the more I am losing comprehension.  It's better to ask in here and get a "real word" response rather than b x 2 = 7/8 divided by 9.32 = LGR  ;-)

Of course none of which I understand!

Debby

[NYgirl]

Well Beth it looks like your viral results are pretty close to mine...and I take it that's a good thing! :)

I dont have all of the results but my hemoglobin and albumin and globulin and bilirubin are all in the normal range. That's about all that is normal about me though!  T4 count normal and TSH too (whatever they are)

I dont start until that opthamologist checks me out so it looks like NEXT Friday which is bumming me big time. I really just got the nerve up to do it all and now it's postponed.

Jim you've been at this 28 weeks now? How did you find this forum and other stuff?  It's nice making friends in here...don't feel like such an outcast anymore!

:)

Debby

[NYgirl]

Hum let me try to type correctly!
I am Grade 2 Stage 2 - Genotype 1a/1b yeah mixed lovely stuff!;)

AST 212
ALT 203
Age 40
Height 5'7
Weight 125
Treatment plan is 48 weeks Interferon 1x a week Riba 2 pills every day.  I don't know the dose of the Interferon yet. Was planning on starting on Friday but have to put off for the opthamologist who won't squeeze me in.

I really think I got the virus last year but the doctor insists I have had it for 20 years (since the 80s and my wild party days even though I never used a needle). Last year I had four transfusions and I know the blood is screeened but...it just makes no sense to me. I guess I will NEVER know how long I've had it although he says 20 years.

I used to drink a LOT but no longer drink and have not in about a year (lucky timing for me) but I wonder if since my viral load is so low but my AST ALT so high maybe that did a lot of damage and fibrosis on it's own.

So many factors you know?

Debby

[v eggie dip]

Hi there, I'm Beth...

I just noticed you're in Canada...I live in Northern Ontario (where the moose meet you for coffee  LOL)...I moved here a little over 6 years ago from Tennessee...

How's the Health Care in BC?  It is not so good here in ON...I found out I tested positive for Hep C in May 05 and still have not been scheduled for a biopsy...Very frustrating...

I do know that I am genotype 1A and have VL of 5.80 UI/ML (approx 700,00) and have not decided if I will be treating yet...I am 54 yo female...

It's nice to see someone from Canada on here, thought I was the only one...

Beth

[jmjm530]

You pose good questions none of which I really have an answer for. :)

But the really important thing is that you picked a really good time to treat. Still not a lot of damage and a very low viral load. You got a lot going in your favor!

BTW do you know if you're using the Pegasys pre-filled syrninges or the Peg Intron Redipen? Also, you said "two pills a day" of ribavirin, I think what you meant was you'll be taking ribavirin "twice a day".

At your weight, you should be taking either 5 or 6 pills a day. Each pill is 200 mg, so that translates into 1000 - 1200 mg a day.

A few more stats will be useful regarding your tx if you have them handy:

Hemoglobin
Platelets (PLAT)
INR
Iron
Ferritin
TransFerrin Satur


-- Jim

[jmjm530]

Knowledge is indeed power, especially when on tx. The more you know the less dependent you will be on the mistakes others can make and that includes your doctors. BTW you noted "AST" twice, probably a typo. Also, what is G2 S2? Your genotype is  a mixed 1a/1b correct.

Lastly, a more complete profile is helpful in answering your questions. You probably mentioned these elsewhere but basically:
Age, weight, height, how long you've had the virus, pre-tx viral load, AST, ALT, and very important Biopsy stage. Also, what is your treatment plan -- what drugs and what doses.

BTW it's normal to be confused but things do clarify with time. 28 weeks ago I was asking/researching the same questions like
what does "tx" mean. What does "dx" mean.

-- Jim