Re: My turn to fight the dragon is approaching...

[Guest guest]

I think the needles are what scare me the most.. how does some one actually give shots to thier self? how can you stick a needle in yourself? where do you have to do the intections at? are they tiny needles?

i have no idea when or if ever i will go on treatment..

tommow is my first visit with the gastro dr.. i'm nervous and have no idea what to expect.

ANY HELP WOULD BE MOST WELCOME.

thanks

My turn to fight the dragon is approaching...

Hello everyone, I have been on this board for quite some time and have learned a lot from you all, I might add! =-) It's all set up and Medco will be overnight shipping my first 90 day supply of meds, tomorrow. I think I am ready.. I have my self as mentally prepared as I can be. I have been drinking that WATER since April, so I have that part down pat. I go to the hospital (UVA) at 3:00 on Thursday for Dr. Green to teach me how to do the injections. I hate needles, by the way! =-0I am Genotype 1, and was at Stage 2 in May when we did the bx.I have 's Combo guide all printed out and ready for reference. If anyone has any last minute advice for me, please, feel free to share!I will keep you posted on the situation as I can. I feel very hopeful and positive, so I pray that will help me out a lot! I think I am more concerned about the foods I sh! ould and shouldn't eat. I don't want to do anything to hinder the progress. Thank you all for being so willing to share your experiences with us newbies and for your support!Joyce \o/ / \

PhotosGot holiday prints? See all the ways to get quality prints in your hands ASAP.

[Guest guest]

I am new to the group, my name is Tami, I have Hep C, but I got it along time ago, when I was 22, I and at that time they called it B/C. I got it because I was a drug addict.I am 45 years old ( I was clean for 9 years and then I relapsed and so now I just celebrated 5 years clean on Dec 18th!!!!!) but the specialist told me that I have the antibodies, so I can never donate blood..... but that my body rid itself from the hepatitis??? He said he had never seen that happen in all his years of being a specialist, but my question is have you ever heard of that???and I have had symptoms of Hep return since I had a surgery in July, I had a hysterectomy and 2 more surgeries because the doctor nicked my bladder and eurethra....I also have fibromyalgia, so I am just wondering if you all know if the symptoms can come back. my daughter has type 1 diabetes and she had to use insulin needles 4 times a day but she is on an insulin

pump. was real brave and she had no problems giving her own shots..... why do you have to give your own injections??? In my case I didnt have to have interferon treatments then, and I dont know if I could ever use needles to inject myself because of my past....anyways I will say prayers for you Joyce and ...write me back if you get a chance, Tami <mpence@...> wrote: I think the needles are what scare me the most.. how does some one actually give shots to thier self? how can you stick a needle in yourself? where do you have to do the intections at? are they tiny needles? i

have no idea when or if ever i will go on treatment.. tommow is my first visit with the gastro dr.. i'm nervous and have no idea what to expect. ANY HELP WOULD BE MOST WELCOME. thanks My turn to fight the dragon is approaching... Hello everyone, I have been on this board for quite some time and have learned a lot from you all, I might add! =-) It's all set up and Medco will be overnight shipping my first 90 day supply of meds, tomorrow. I think I am ready.. I have my self as mentally prepared as I can be. I have been drinking that WATER since April, so I have that part down pat. I go to the hospital (UVA) at 3:00 on Thursday for Dr. Green to teach me how to do the injections. I hate needles, by the way! =-0I am Genotype 1, and was at Stage 2 in May when we did the bx.I have 's Combo guide all printed out and ready for reference. If anyone has any last minute advice for me, please, feel free to share!I will keep you posted on the situation as I can. I feel very

hopeful and positive, so I pray that will help me out a lot! I think I am more concerned about the foods I sh! ould and shouldn't eat. I don't want to do anything to hinder the progress. Thank you all for being so willing to share your experiences with us newbies and for your support!Joyce \o/ / \ PhotosGot holiday prints? See all the ways to get quality prints in your hands ASAP. Check me out!

Photos – Showcase holiday pictures in hardcover Photo Books. You design it and we’ll bind it!

[Guest guest]

Hi , Since I haven't even received my meds yet, I wouldn't be the one to answer those questions, but I have heard they are small needles. I think I will grab my tummy and get it wiped with alcohol, and place my haqnd with the med and then turnmy head! lolol There is no way I will be able to look. Joyce \o/ / \ <mpence@...> wrote: I think the needles are what scare me the most.. how does some one actually give shots to thier self? how can you stick a needle in yourself? where do you have to do the intections at?

are they tiny needles? i have no idea when or if ever i will go on treatment.. tommow is my first visit with the gastro dr.. i'm nervous and have no idea what to expect. ANY HELP WOULD BE MOST WELCOME. thanks My turn to fight the dragon is approaching... Hello everyone, I have been on this board for quite some time and have learned a lot from you all, I might add! =-) It's all set up and Medco will be overnight shipping my first 90 day supply of meds, tomorrow. I think I am ready.. I have my self as mentally prepared as I can be. I have been drinking that WATER since April, so I have that part down pat. I go to the hospital (UVA) at 3:00 on Thursday for Dr. Green to teach me how to do the injections. I hate needles, by the way! =-0I am Genotype 1, and was at Stage 2 in May when we did the bx.I have 's Combo guide all printed out and ready for reference. If anyone has any last minute advice for me, please, feel free to share!I will

keep you posted on the situation as I can. I feel very hopeful and positive, so I pray that will help me out a lot! I think I am more concerned about the foods I sh! ould and shouldn't eat. I don't want to do anything to hinder the progress. Thank you all for being so willing to share your experiences with us newbies and for your support!Joyce \o/ / \ PhotosGot holiday prints? See all the ways to get quality prints in your hands ASAP.

Photos Got holiday prints? See all the ways to get quality prints in your hands ASAP.

[Guest guest]

AWWW I know its scary, I was very scared to give myself a shot and that is after spending 15 years on an ambulance as a 911 paramedic giving shots and starting IV's on lots of patients, but never me,, lol,, but I found that IF you give yourself your shot in your belly, its less painful,, and the needles are very small,, so they dont really hurt,, but what I found out is that IF I warmed the solution up say for just a few min and pushed the solution into my belly s l o w l y,, it didnt burn at all and was very easy.. YOU CAN DO THIS!!! shots usually go into your belly or thigh... and what I did, was to pinch a large glob of skin and fat ( lol) and pinch it so tight that I never even felt the needle at all,, and once again ,, pushing the solution in slowly helps too,, <mpence@...> wrote: I think the needles are what scare me the most.. how does some one actually give shots to thier self? how can you stick a needle in yourself? where do you have to do the intections at? are they tiny needles? i have no idea when or if ever i will go on treatment.. tommow is my first visit with the gastro dr.. i'm nervous and have no idea what to expect. ANY HELP WOULD BE MOST WELCOME. thanks My turn to fight the dragon is approaching... Hello everyone, I have been on this board for quite some time and have learned a lot from you all, I might add! =-) It's all set up and Medco will be overnight shipping my first 90 day supply of meds, tomorrow. I think I am ready.. I have my self as mentally prepared as I can be. I have been drinking that WATER since April, so I have that part down pat. I go to the hospital (UVA) at 3:00 on Thursday for Dr. Green to teach me how to do the injections. I

hate needles, by the way! =-0I am Genotype 1, and was at Stage 2 in May when we did the bx.I have 's Combo guide all printed out and ready for reference. If anyone has any last minute advice for me, please, feel free to share!I will keep you posted on the situation as I can. I feel very hopeful and positive, so I pray that will help me out a lot! I think I am more concerned about the foods I sh! ould and shouldn't eat. I don't want to do anything to hinder the progress. Thank you all for being so willing to share your experiences with us newbies and for your support!Joyce \o/ / \ PhotosGot holiday prints? See all the ways to get quality prints in your hands ASAP. Jackie

[Guest guest]

Hiya to both of you... My husband does his in the fatty part of his tummy to the side and in his thigh, if you're going to be taking peglygated/interferon once a week, it's a tiny very thin needle, he pinches fat and says you can't even feel it, it's also pre-measured for you. You just dial your dose, I set the needles up for him weekly, it isn't that hard to follow actually. He's in his 15th week of treatment, just remember the first one is the worst, they get better from then on in...I swear. He's also a genotype one with stage 4 cirr of the liver. Good Luck <mpence@...> wrote: I think the needles are what scare me the most..

how does some one actually give shots to thier self? how can you stick a needle in yourself? where do you have to do the intections at? are they tiny needles? i have no idea when or if ever i will go on treatment.. tommow is my first visit with the gastro dr.. i'm nervous and have no idea what to expect. ANY HELP WOULD BE MOST WELCOME. thanks My turn to fight the dragon is approaching... Hello everyone, I have been on this board for quite some time and have learned a lot from you all, I might add! =-) It's all set up and Medco will be overnight shipping my first 90 day supply of meds, tomorrow. I think I am ready.. I have my self as mentally prepared as I can be. I have been drinking that WATER since April, so I have that part down pat. I go to the hospital (UVA) at 3:00 on Thursday for Dr. Green to teach me how to do the injections. I hate needles, by the way! =-0I am Genotype 1, and was at Stage 2 in May when we did the bx.I have

's Combo guide all printed out and ready for reference. If anyone has any last minute advice for me, please, feel free to share!I will keep you posted on the situation as I can. I feel very hopeful and positive, so I pray that will help me out a lot! I think I am more concerned about the foods I sh! ould and shouldn't eat. I don't want to do anything to hinder the progress. Thank you all for being so willing to share your experiences with us newbies and for your support!Joyce \o/ / \ PhotosGot holiday prints? See all the ways to get quality prints in your hands ASAP. It's a pleasure having you join in our conversations. We hope you have found the support you need with us. If you are using email for your posts, for easy access to our group, just click the link-- Hepatitis C/Happy Posting

Photos – Showcase holiday pictures in hardcover Photo Books. You design it and we’ll bind it!

[Guest guest]

ok..... so what happens after you start treatment? i've heard over the years some really awful horor stories....

what's the best and worst to expect? .................... now i know i may be jumping the gun a bit but i'd rather know... than go in there tomrrow blindly...

thanks

My turn to fight the dragon is approaching...

Hello everyone, I have been on this board for quite some time and have learned a lot from you all, I might add! =-) It's all set up and Medco will be overnight shipping my first 90 day supply of meds, tomorrow. I think I am ready.. I have my self as mentally prepared as I can be. I have been drinking that WATER since April, so I have that part down pat. I go to the hospital (UVA) at 3:00 on Thursday for Dr. Green to teach me how to do the injections. I hate needles, by the way! =-0I am Genotype 1, and was at Stage 2 in May when we did the bx.I have 's Combo guide all printed out and ready for reference. If anyone has any last minute advice for me, please, feel free to share!I will keep you posted on the situation as I can. I feel very hopeful and positive, so I pray that will help me out a lot! I think I am more concerned about the foods I sh! ould and shouldn't eat. I don't want to do anything to hinder the progress. Thank you all for being so willing to share your experiences with us newbies and for your support!Joyce \o/ / \

PhotosGot holiday prints? See all the ways to get quality prints in your hands ASAP. It's a pleasure having you join in our conversations. We hope you have found the support you need with us. If you are using email for your posts, for easy access to our group, just click the link-- Hepatitis C/Happy Posting

Photos – Showcase holiday pictures in hardcoverPhoto Books. You design it and we’ll bind it!

[Guest guest]

Hi linda, Thanks for the info! It's always helpful to hear about other people's experiences. Since your hubby is at week 15, does that mean his levels were ok at 12 weeks? My Dr. says at week 12 if my levels are not at a certain point (very, very low) that I will stop taking the treatment. Is that what he was told also? Hope to chat with you both more. Joyce \o/ / \ Wolfgang <ifonlyouknew@...> wrote: Hiya to both of you... My husband does his in the fatty part of his tummy to the side and in his thigh, if you're going to be taking peglygated/interferon once a week, it's a tiny very thin needle, he pinches fat and says you can't even feel it, it's also

pre-measured for you. You just dial your dose, I set the needles up for him weekly, it isn't that hard to follow actually. He's in his 15th week of treatment, just remember the first one is the worst, they get better from then on in...I swear. He's also a genotype one with stage 4 cirr of the liver. Good Luck <mpence@...> wrote: I think the needles are what scare me the most.. how does some one actually give shots to thier self? how can you stick a needle in yourself? where do you have to do the intections at? are they tiny needles? i have no idea when or if ever i will go on treatment.. tommow is my first visit with the gastro dr.. i'm nervous and have no idea what to expect. ANY HELP WOULD BE MOST WELCOME. thanks My turn to fight the dragon is approaching... Hello everyone, I have been on this board for quite some time and have learned a lot from you all, I might add! =-) It's all set up and Medco will be overnight shipping my first 90 day supply of meds, tomorrow. I think I am ready.. I have my self as mentally prepared as I can be. I have been drinking that WATER since April, so I have that part down pat. I go to the hospital (UVA) at 3:00 on Thursday for Dr. Green to teach me how to do the injections. I hate needles, by the way! =-0I am Genotype 1, and was at Stage 2 in May when we did the bx.I have 's Combo guide all printed out and ready for reference. If anyone has any last minute advice for me, please, feel free to share!I will keep you posted on the situation as I can. I feel very hopeful and positive, so I pray that will help me out a lot! I think I am more concerned about the foods I sh! ould and shouldn't eat. I don't want to do anything to hinder the progress. Thank you all for being so willing to share your experiences with us newbies and for your support!Joyce \o/ / \ PhotosGot holiday prints? See all the ways to get quality prints in your hands ASAP. It's a pleasure having you join in our conversations. We hope you have found the support you need with us. If you are using email for your posts, for easy access to our group, just click the link-- Hepatitis C/Happy Posting Photos – Showcase holiday pictures in hardcover Photo Books. You design it and we’ll bind it!

Photos Ring in the New Year with Photo Calendars. Add photos, events, holidays, whatever.

[Guest guest]

Hi Joyce Welcome to the group. Im sure that you are going to do just fine on tx,, keep a positive attitude and drink that water,,, Let us know HOW we can help you! Dont be afraid to ask questions.. Dont be afraid of foods not to eat,, just dont take any vitamins that have iron in them unless your doc does blood tests and can prove your FERRITIN levels are low,, even if your red blood cells get very low and your hemoglobin drops alot,, you can still have very high ferritin levels,, it happened to me.. initially my insurance company told my doc to give me iron if I was anemic,, lol, had he done that and had I taken them, I would probably have died... cuz altho my rbc's were 1.0 and my hemoglobin was 7.0 my ferritin level was 717!!!! wayyyy too high,, hugs jaxJoyceK <joycedkeith@...> wrote: Hello everyone, I have been on this board for quite some time and have learned a lot from you all, I might add! =-) It's all set up and Medco will be overnight shipping my first 90 day supply of meds, tomorrow. I think I am ready.. I have my self as mentally prepared as I can be. I have been drinking that WATER since April, so I have that part down pat. I go to the hospital (UVA) at 3:00 on Thursday for Dr. Green to teach me how to do the injections. I hate needles, by the way! =-0I am Genotype 1, and was at Stage 2 in May when we did the bx.I have 's Combo guide all printed out and ready for reference. If anyone has any last minute advice for me, please, feel free to share!I will keep you posted on the situation as I can. I feel very hopeful and positive, so I pray that will help me out a lot! I think I am more concerned about the foods I

should and shouldn't eat. I don't want to do anything to hinder the progress. Thank you all for being so willing to share your experiences with us newbies and for your support!Joyce \o/ / \ PhotosGot holiday prints? See all the ways to get quality prints in your hands ASAP. Jackie

[Guest guest]

Hiya Joyce, My husbands viral load dropped a full two and half logs, but...they knew that because he couldn't take a full dose every week due to low white blood platelets, he has blood drawn every week, one week it's 4 vials, the next week it's 8 vials, they do CBC's and then they do everything to check his liver function etc. He had very low platelets to start with but his hemoglobin remains great, and so does his clotting time etc, it's just his white cell count and his platelets that take a hit everyweek depending on his dose. I think that the first shot is the most difficult, it took approx 4-5 hours and then it hit him, all flu like symptoms, chills, fever etc. That is the only day since treatment started that he took any tylenol. He is on pain meds, but that's due to enlarged spleen and gallstones and he has 4th stage cirr. They watch him like a hawk!! He also has varicies that they've been banding every 6

weeks,. Remeber Joyce, it's all for the good, and everyone is different. He's had the disease for about 25-30 yrs. This is a great place for support and information...stay close and in touch, everyone here tries to help one another...great people and so very encouraging. No matter what question you have or your husband may have...ask it...it's what were all here for...support....Don't fear the dragon, you CAN slay it!!!!!!!!! JoyceK <joycedkeith@...> wrote: Hi linda,Thanks for the info! It's always helpful to hear about other people's experiences. Since your hubby is at week 15, does that mean his levels were ok at 12 weeks? My Dr. says at week 12 if my levels are not at a certain point (very, very low) that I will stop taking the treatment. Is that what he was told

also? Hope to chat with you both more.Joyce \o/ / \ Wolfgang <ifonlyouknew@...> wrote: Hiya to both of you... My husband does his in the fatty part of his tummy to the side and in his thigh, if you're going to be taking peglygated/interferon once a week, it's a tiny very thin needle, he pinches fat and says you can't even feel it, it's also pre-measured for you. You just dial your dose, I set the needles up for him weekly, it isn't that hard to follow actually. He's in his 15th week of treatment, just remember the first one is the worst, they get better from then on in...I swear. He's also a genotype one with stage 4 cirr of the liver. Good Luck <mpence@...> wrote: I think the needles are what scare me the most.. how does some one actually give shots to thier self? how can you stick a needle in yourself? where do you have to do the intections at? are they tiny needles? i have no idea when or if ever i will go on treatment.. tommow is my first visit with the gastro dr.. i'm nervous and have no idea what to expect. ANY HELP WOULD BE MOST WELCOME. thanks My turn to fight the dragon is

approaching... Hello everyone, I have been on this board for quite some time and have learned a lot from you all, I might add! =-) It's all set up and Medco will be overnight shipping my first 90 day supply of meds, tomorrow. I think I am ready.. I have my self as mentally prepared as I can be. I have been drinking that WATER since April, so I have that part down pat. I go to the hospital (UVA) at 3:00 on Thursday for Dr. Green to teach me how to do the injections. I hate needles, by the way! =-0I am Genotype 1, and was at Stage 2 in May when we did the bx.I have 's Combo guide all printed out and ready for reference. If anyone has any last minute advice for me, please, feel free to share!I will keep you posted on the situation as I can. I feel very hopeful and positive, so I pray that will help me out a lot! I think I am more concerned about the foods I

sh! ould and shouldn't eat. I don't want to do anything to hinder the progress. Thank you all for being so willing to share your experiences with us newbies and for your support!Joyce \o/ / \ PhotosGot holiday prints? See all the ways to get quality prints in your hands ASAP. It's a pleasure having you join in our conversations. We hope you have found the support you need with us. If you are using email for your posts, for easy access to our group, just click the link-- Hepatitis C/Happy Posting Photos – Showcase holiday pictures in hardcoverPhoto Books. You design it and we’ll bind it! PhotosRing in the New Year with Photo Calendars. Add photos, events, holidays, whatever.

Photos Got holiday prints? See all the ways to get quality prints in your hands ASAP.

[Guest guest]

Welcome Tami Im on my way out to dinner and so I will post more to you in a little while but wanted to say welcome! jax moderatorTami <raceywifey@...> wrote: I am new to the group, my name is Tami, I have Hep C, but I got it along time ago, when I was 22, I and at that time they called it B/C. I got it because I was a drug addict.I am 45 years old ( I was clean for 9 years and then I relapsed and so now I just celebrated 5 years clean on Dec 18th!!!!!) but the specialist told me that I have the antibodies, so I can never donate blood..... but that my body rid itself from the hepatitis??? He said he had never seen that happen in all his years of being a specialist, but my question is have you ever heard of that???and I have had symptoms of Hep return since I had a

surgery in July, I had a hysterectomy and 2 more surgeries because the doctor nicked my bladder and eurethra....I also have fibromyalgia, so I am just wondering if you all know if the symptoms can come back. my daughter has type 1 diabetes and she had to use insulin needles 4 times a day but she is on an insulin pump. was real brave and she had no problems giving her own shots..... why do you have to give your own injections??? In my case I didnt have to have interferon treatments then, and I dont know if I could ever use needles to inject myself because of my past....anyways I will say prayers for you Joyce and ...write me back if you get a chance, Tami <mpence@...> wrote: I think the needles are what scare me the most.. how does some one actually give shots to thier self? how can you stick a needle in yourself? where do you have to do the intections at? are they tiny needles? i have no idea when or if ever i will go on treatment.. tommow is my first visit with the gastro dr.. i'm nervous and have no idea what to expect. ANY HELP WOULD BE MOST WELCOME. thanks My turn to fight the dragon is approaching... Hello everyone, I have been on this board for quite some time and have learned a lot from you all, I might add! =-) It's all set up and Medco will be overnight shipping my first 90 day supply of meds, tomorrow. I think I am ready.. I have my self as mentally prepared as I can be. I have been drinking that WATER since April, so I have that part down pat. I go to the hospital (UVA) at 3:00 on Thursday for Dr. Green to teach me how to

do the injections. I hate needles, by the way! =-0I am Genotype 1, and was at Stage 2 in May when we did the bx.I have 's Combo guide all printed out and ready for reference. If anyone has any last minute advice for me, please, feel free to share!I will keep you posted on the situation as I can. I feel very hopeful and positive, so I pray that will help me out a lot! I think I am more concerned about the foods I sh! ould and shouldn't eat. I don't want to do anything to hinder the progress. Thank you all for being so willing to share your experiences with us newbies and for your support!Joyce \o/ / \ PhotosGot holiday prints? See all the ways to get quality prints in your hands ASAP. Check me out! Photos – Showcase holiday pictures in hardcoverPhoto Books. You design it and we’ll bind it! Jackie