Starting treatment - any preparation tips?

[miss moneypenny]

Hi,

I am starting Peg-Intron and Ribavirin next week and wonder if any of you have any tips on what preparation could help?

I have got back up for the school run, shopping etc, but wonder if anyone had any tricks that helped them physically prepare.

Also, I am going to be on 90 (somethings???) of the peg and 800 riba, and I am around 130lbs, geno1b with low viral load - (so trying for the shorter course if clear at 4 weeks). This dosage sounds quite low compared to others, anyone have any ideas about this.

thanks in advance,  and  hope you  are  having  a  warmer day than me  ( -5 this morning!! ) xx

[GoofyDad]

Hi Veg. Sounds like you had a great meeting. Kinnda a bummer about her take on the odds drop at 60, though, huh?

Yesterday we were discussing how the agressiveness in treatment should correlate to the level of damage in the liver. With your relatively healthy liver, I think you're smart not to take too agressive a stance.

You'll feel great getting into shape going into tx. Starting tx, I was in better shape than I had been in a good while - and I think that's helped me a good bit.

Don't forget to work on the head game - that's half of it. The pre-tx anxiety was the worst for me.

[HepCinLA]

Here's some things I found helpful...

1) Stock up on OTC remedies (vitamin E oil, stuff for nausea, Tylenol, etc) before you begin treatment.  That way you won't have to worry about running to get something when you're feeling really ill.
2) Pace yourself.  I am also a 1B with a low viral load and minimal damage and found the sides to be very minimal.  There are some days when you will feel great.  You'll have a tendancy to want to run around and get a lot accomplished (esp. if you have kids).  On those days, you may not drink enough or maybe take on too much which will leave you feeling generally more tired the next day.  So try to get as much done when you can but just do things at a relaxed pace.
3) I take a liquid vitamin B complex supplement on those days I feel more fatigued.  This seems to do the trick for me.  My fatigue is worse around that time of the month and having a little extra vitamin B really helps with my energy level.
4) Stock up on Gatorade b/c by week 2 or 3 you'll start to tire of the plain taste water.
5) Eat balanced meals.  

Hope that helps.

[vegas777]

FL Guy - you said in the post above

"To counter any lack of concentration deveope a system for keeping track of stuff (kids schedules, school events, appts)."

YIKES!!!!

Does that mean I will forget to feed my cats????? Holy Macaroni!!!

Susan - I just read your threads about your horse...I have to say I am sitting here in tears...What a sorrowfull day that was for you and you're family, not to mention the other horse!   I am such an animal lover I can feel your pain...I must say, with all my sincerity, I am sorry....

But! The goats were a wise choice and sound like they are already bringing much joy to all -

*dip*

[Forseegood]

yeah, what about my "head game"???? I'm half insane now, I shudder to think what I'll be like on that stuff! Oh well, I got pals like you to make me laugh on the bad days...and a Dorian Grey pic of me in the closet....

[anise]

Miss money penny, I have also decided to start the treatment.  My mail order comes today and I go to the doctor friday for the first shot, (yipes).  

Everyone, thanks for all of your advice.  I realize my apprehension might be worse than the actual treatment, hopefully :)  I didn't lose all of the weight that I wanted, but my doctor, etc. told me that it is a small percentage of the cure rate being overweight.  

Thanks again for all of the good reading I have had here for years.

[Forseegood]

Sorry I'm soooo spaced this morning! anyway, just wanted to tell you please let us know of your progress, many people are here watching out for ya!