Treatment Underway!!

[cghamm]

I took shot one last night after the Reagan Funeral. I'm doing 1400mg of Riba and about 200ug of Peg-Intron. I get the vials with the separate needles, so I'm able to take a little more than the prescribed dose. I did the math, and with my weight I figured I should shoot 192ug. They put 220 ug in the vial so you can mix it and get the full (150ug) dose. I hope this helps me clear. I sure wouldn't want to leave any Peg in the vial if the extra will help. Also according to body weight I should get 1800 mg of Riba, but nobody will give me that much.

Thanks all for your encouragemnt and support while I've been waiting to get started. So far I'm feeling a little back pain and I slept badly last night, but I think I was wound up from finally taking some action to beat this virus. I'm drinking water and watching for the sides. I'll keep you informed of my progress and again, thanks so much to all of you.

Best Regards,
Craig

[Mysterygirl]

Hi!  I just wanted to say that I am concerned if you are taking more than the dose that was prescribed for you.  This type of medication therapy really does require that you remain in full compliance with the meds, just as the doctor orders!  I am almost two years post-tx and am still virus-free, and I am convinced that one of the reasons that my tx was such a success is because I was 100% compliant with the meds - I ALWAYS took my meds on the same day of the week, at the same time on each injection day, etc, so that I had a steady dose of the meds in my body at all time.  Compliance also means taking the correct dose, as prescribed.  I was invloved in a study and was randomly selected to take a lower dose of the Rivivarin, and I still successfully cleared the virus. Peg Interferon is a very powerful med, as you know, so I do not know how safe it is to regularly take more than has been prescribed (and it makes sense that it could make your sides worse).  Please be careful, and, if you are concerned that you are not being prescribed the correct dose, I would suggest talking to your doc.  Don't mean to lecture - I am just concerned for your safety and successful tx results! :-)

[LvdByGod]

i buy mine from the local Walmart...chicagoland area...

[Showboat]

Hey, good to hear there are sooooooo many "kids" out there still LOVING their cotton candy........:>)............Cindee, thanks for reminding me about getting my cotton candy "fix" from the video stores.....I usually just send hubby there, so now he will have something else to bring back with the video. Hope everyone is feeling fine and having a great day.

[cindee]

Couch, you are so right...and you can believe Betty and I always talk on the phone about 3X's a day...still swapping "good cooking" ideas...we talked yesterday eve and both decided w/ little or no appetites...we were going to have biscuits w/a slice of tomatoe!!!!!!YUMMMMMMMMMMM Hubby went to Bo-Jangles and mine was delicious! He decided to have the same, but chicken w/ his. Our girls had bar-br-qued chicken and spicey fries. And this is soooooooooo funny!!!! READ ON! love ya and you are in my prayers...oh BTW Betty and I both had little sleep last nite, so I will go next door tomorrow to visit w/ her...and YES we ALWAYS tell each other how much we love one another ALWAYS!!!!! God be w/ you. Cindee

COTTON CANDY!!!!!!! YUMMMMMY!!!!! When hubby went to Bo-Jangles, he stopped by video store. THAT'S WHERE HE BUYS ME BAGS OF COTTON CANDY.....well, he got me one @ the grocery store last nite (girls got some too)....and with our dinner, we watched Welcome to Mooseport, with Ray Ramono...the guy from Everybody loves Raymond. What I saw of it was cute. I had my tummy full of biscuit/tomatoe...and of course...I ate a Whole Bag of Cotton Candy!!!!! Our girls were in Kyleigh's bedrm eating their chicken and Cotton Candy, watching a teenie bop movie...so all was quiet. I fell asleep during the last part of the movie so I was in Heaven!!!! LOL SO CHECK LOCAL VIDEO STORE....HOPE YOU FIND YOUR COTTON CANDY THERE!!!!! I'm off to sleep again..."Sweet Dreams" LOL PUN intended!!!! love and prayers to all, Cindee

[Showboat]

Newbies::: Welcome to the family........

Honey:::I read your post to Cindee, and saw your statement about the cotton candy. I get my cotton candy, or, now my favorite name for it: "cotton floss" at any grocery store or drug store out here. I live in NE Ohio.  I buy bags and bags of it from my local Super Kmart store.......yummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm(gotta have some now...hheeeheee)

[couchpotato]

I'm sorry but I was just kinda skipping through threads this a.m. and wanted to respond to your message about your neighbour/mom/friend before the day is over. They are very lucky to have such a good and close friend nearby, you will be a constant source of support to them. Spend as much quality time as you can and don't leave anything unsaid. Tell her you love her as often as possible and in the end you will rest easier knowing you did all you could to ease her fears and make the transition that much less difficult. Couch

[honey1616]

Hey,,,Its always great to get up in wee hours and see your postings!! I know your a late nighter and if you post...its usually early morning am.  I love your posts! I know everyone does too....I was cracking up when Indy said longest post almost besides Befud's.  But hey,,,thats ok,,,I'm thinking,,,do you need another thread to tell your awesome and enertaining stories! I'm so sorry about your neighbor and that is so sad indeed!  I gotta admit,,,your post this morning to Chev really got to me! I know you are in pain and it breaks my heart to hear that alot of times you can't go places or you are sleeping so much! I worry about you and pray everyday,,that you will get well!!  I'm so glad that you may be starting tx in fall because we got Derail starting about that time and he will keep you and all of us enertained LOL  The laughter here is just great and sometimes if I'm down,,,,I end up laughing and forgetting my small probs...Did you get you some cotton candy?  haha I want some now and meant to ask Showboat where on earth can you find cotton candy?  haha Take care,,,,,,Love Ya,,,

[cindee]

cghamm, Hi Craig...don't worry too much about the doseage. If you need to extend tx., you can ask Rev____( Scott ) about that. So just settle in and let the meds do their work! I wish ya the best to a life of virus free hep!!!!!! Take it easy and don't over-do on days that the "energy" hits ya. I know from experience, that when I over did it...I paid the next couple of days. But PLEASE remember, tx is different for everybody! I wish you the least sx. And it sounds to me like you've done your research..I wish I had done mine!!! LOL Take care and you will be in my prayers, Cindee

gonagetbetr, Hi and yes Tylenol is okay if taken by prescribed doseage. But don't suffer needlessly w/ the pain. Ask your doc to refer you to a pain specalist if you need it! That's what pain specalist are here for...people like US!!!! LOL Take care of yourself and you will be in my prayers, love Cindee

Honey, Hey girl! I was so glad to read your post this am. (Sunday). Great news to hear you are feeling better!!!!! You're such a "tropper", and an inspiration to all here, including me!!! Much love and prayers, Cindee

Debra, Hi and you are about to start in your quest to "finish" off this ole' virus!!!!! Congrats and welcome to your new hep family!!!!!! We'll be here for ya! love@prayers, Cindee

Lucky, Hi and #17 !!!!! You are on your way!!!!!!! Best wishes and yep, I can smell the smoke form the "drag___on". He'll be dead before ya know it!!!!!! Good luck, and w/ a name like LUCKY....what more can I say!!!!! love and prayers, Cindee

[doll face]

My doctor prescribed vicodin before I even started.(possibly because sides were so bad first time on tx) I take one 1/2 hr before my shot then maybe 1/2 of one the next day if I need it. If you are in pain then ask your doctor for something.

[LuckyHaskins]

The first week is the worst! Take your Tylenol, but don't overdo it.

Just did #14 on Friday, which means I am starting the 10-9-8-7... Countdown!!!


Hooray, and let's kill a truckload of liver varmits, shall we???



Pete

[rsterling]

Craig, Gonagetbetr, All!

Did my first shot about 35 minutes ago.  It looked so complicated trying to read the inserts and such.  It was a breeze!  I'm so happy, I didn't even really feel the needle.

Thanks All, and I'll keep you informed.  I'm wondering how I'm going to feel in the morning.

[gonagetbetr]

Thanks everyone they told me to take 2 tylenol pm about an hour b4 shot. and that was all i was to take
I couldnt deal with it anymore and took two tylenol and fever broke.
God I feel better!!!!!
i ran between 100 and 102 for about 12 hours

heres to the class of 2005 craig and robin we have to reserve our tickets on the double decker bus.

debra memory fail me but arent you starting soon or just started?

Drinking 112oz water a day now i think i slosh when i walk lol

thanks again everyone going to get some rest

I love you all

[TnHepGuy_]

cghamm/rsterling/gonagetbetr - <b>Congratulations on starting tx!!!</b> You are already sweaping out this dread disease from inside of you.

tuna - the general protocol formula for the ribavirin is: (body weight x 6.25 = riba amount). For example, I weigh 185, so - 185 x 6.25 = 1,156.25). And I am taking 1,200 riba. Though, in most instances they don't seem to rx more than 1,400 mg. - undoubtedly over sx concerns.

gonagetbetr - your doc/nurse should definately have advised you to take some tylenol or the equivalent.

couchpotato - I hope the antibiotic IV works quickly to clear your husband's infection.


TnHepGuy

[cghamm]

I took 2 tylenol PM an hour before the shot. I slept poorly, but I was pretty wound up with anticipation. Today I have a low-grade fever (100.6) dull headache, back and neck pain, and I'm walking like a 90 year old. None of this is bothering me too terribly at the moment. My doc said I could take up to 2000mg of tylenol/day for pain, even an occasional Aleve or aspirin if necessary. Don't suffer unnecessary pain! Just use caution and only take it if you really need it. I got through the day without any pain relievers, but I will take 2 more Tylenol PM before bed in hopes I'll sleep better.

I'm sure glad to have you here too. Maybe we can all be in the SVR class of 2005!

Best wishes,
Craig

[cornsqueezer]

Yes I start next friday ,so I'll be joining the class of 2005.
We can all get on that SVR bus at the same time.

Glad you took something for your fever you should't have to
suffer so.I hope you get a good night sleep and wake up feeling better.

Good Night and God Bless.
Debra

[couchpotato]

After my first shot I had a fever, chills, aches and a headache but was told to take tylenol as needed. Still do on the weekends when needed but I avoid it during the week. Is your liver maybe not so good, your doc doesn't want to risk the meds? Good luck in the future, like Honey, my first couple were the hardest too.  Couch

[honey1616]

I definitely took 2 tylenols 2 hours before my shot.  Also,,,if you are running fevor,,,you need to take something.  Did your dr tell you not to??  Hang in there,,,I promise my 1st was a doozy and for the first couple of weeks,,,I felt really weak but now am at 6 month mark,,,Its so much better!

[cornsqueezer]

Who told you not to take something for your fever? I thought we could...Are you drinking plenty of water.... everyone say's that  helps.  Hopefully someone who knows more than me will be along soon to let you know about the tylenol.


I'm so sorry you feel bad ...but hang in there,I have read sometimes first night is the worst.I pray this will pass soon for you.

Debra

[gonagetbetr]

Wow I wonder how you are feeling today cg?
I did first shot last night and have been in bed all day
should I feel any beter tomorrow?
heading back to bed now. I cant believe that I am not suppose to take some tylenol or something today to try and break this fever.
is the fever suppose to cook the virus
I know stupid question but I am being a big baby
see ya soon

[cghamm]

Robin: Yippeeeee! Fasten your seat belt...we're in for a bumpy ride! I am male, 49, 1a, 288 lbs. Grade 3, Stage 4 (early cirrhosis), probably had the virus for thirty years. When I was 19 I worked in a hospital operating suite, cleaning up rooms after operations. Back then we didn't have universal precautions, so I think I got exposed there. It's great to have someone else along for this journey. I'll be praying for your SVR.

Tuna: Peg Intron is dosed at 1.5ug/kg, but the max dose they prescribe is 150ug. This means if you weigh more than 220 lbs. you will not get the proper ratio/kg. They put 220ug of powder in the 150ug vial so you can mix it up and fill the syringe with a little left over. You mix the powder with .7ul of sterile water, and that equates to roughly 30ug/.1ul. By injecting .650 ul I am therefore getting 195 ug of Peg. Converting my weight to kg=130.1kg. Multiplying that by 1.5 yields a dose of 196.5 ug. Whether it will make a difference remains to be seen, but if I'm going to take the shot, I might as well take my best shot! As far as the riba, I've seen 13.75mg/kg as the recommended level for success. For me, that would be 1800mg. There is no Doc I know of that would prescribe that much Riba, so I have to settle for 1400mg and hope for the best. Hope that answers your question, and thanks for the well-wishes.

Craig

[couchpotato]

I think being able to start tx same time as someone else is GREAT! You will be great comfort for each other and real buddies by the end of all this. Good luck to you both. Keep the faith.  Couch.

[tuna]

How much do you weigh? What is the formula? Good luck with your tx.

[layla]

I wish you the best on this journey. I can't even imagine 1800 of riba! LL

[honey1616]

Wow...Sounds like you are of to a good start and hopefully will stay that way.  Try to take it easy this weekend EVEN,,,if you are feeling ok,  Let your body get adjusted to the new shock system you just injected and drink the fluids, baby yourself,, and sleep,,,I found if I try to do everything on these meds,,,I pay for it and if I honor them and take good care of myself,,then i feel so much better. Let the meds go to work and you soon will be virus free!! Good Luck!