Re: Debbie G

[Guest guest]

Debbie: Hi. I did two rounds of Tx. was enough to do the job. First try I never cleared and was booted off after 7 months. I did interferon without the Peg part then. The new improved version worked but was taxing on mind body and spirit. Needed to have all the help I could get. God, group and nowhere else to go kept me going ahead. Hang in. Mike M.

[Guest guest]

Hi Mike

I am petrified to go another round, mostly cause I only had God to talk to and people on this computer when I was so sick the first time. the medication really plays havoc on your mind...body and spirit as you say. I remember thinking I just wanted to die some days....

then my doctor yanked me off (because I cleared in the second month of tx, and stayed clear) he yanked me off in the 8th month. Now, here it is again. I sometimes think it is my fault. I mean, I had two beers on St. Paddy's Day.....! Could that have brought it back on me????

Debbie G

"Remember The Past, Live The Present, Look To The Future."

[Guest guest]

Yeah, Debbie, what Suzie said. I do have family and friends around, but they aren't the ones who have helped me the most, because they don't really get it. It's THIS family that's kept me going. Liz is the one that made me do my shot when I was scared to after the prior one sending me to the ER. You can do this thing and we are here to help you. With God & us on your side, you can do anything!

Suzie, we love you and you're gonna be fine, too.

De

Faith is the ability to not panic.

-----Original Message-----From: suzie Sent: Saturday, May 22, 2004 1:40 AMTo: HepatitisCSupportGroupForDummies Subject: Re: Debbie G

Debbie,

Girl, take it from one who knows , a couple of beer on St Paddy's Day did not bring the hep c back on you.

I've been through tx twice & not responded either time.. Both times my doctor took me off at 12 weeks cause if you don't respond by then, you probably aren't going to.The second time my liver function tests actually got worse just before he took me off! I gpt every side effect in the book each time - everything from feeling like I had the flu for the entire 3 months to a fun little thing they call lung infiltrates.

As you can imagine I was not interested in trying tx again, I was waiting for something new to come along . My doctor tried for years to talk me into trying the Peg-interferon and Ribivirin -I had never tried the Pegasys. He finally had to threaten to withdraw from my case & refer me to a doctor on southern Ontario - more that 1000 miles away. I bitched & complained to the people here & on a few other lists . They made me see that sitting around moaning about how hard I had it wasn't going to make the hep go away & I told my doctor that I would start tx whenever he said go. I'm still waiting to get one more test(a biopsy) done , then I'll start tx.

I'll be alone on tx again. I've never been married, no kids either. I have brothers & sisters bit just one where I live. My parents are here also but their in their late 70s - I don't want to upset them again so I'll do it alone. This time though I'll have this great big crazy family to back me up. I thank heaven for them each & every day. So join me please - we can be tx sisters if my doc can get off his butt long enuff to get me started. If not - well know we'll be here for you - your tx family to answer all your questions & hold your hand. O K ?

Love Ya,

SuzieStarlyet@... wrote:

Hi Mike

I am petrified to go another round, mostly cause I only had God to talk to and people on this computer when I was so sick the first time. the medication really plays havoc on your mind...body and spirit as you say. I remember thinking I just wanted to die some days....

then my doctor yanked me off (because I cleared in the second month of tx, and stayed clear) he yanked me off in the 8th month. Now, here it is again. I sometimes think it is my fault. I mean, I had two beers on St. Paddy's Day.....! Could that have brought it back on me????

Debbie G

[Guest guest]

Yeah, Debbie, what Suzie said. I do have family and friends around, but they aren't the ones who have helped me the most, because they don't really get it. It's THIS family that's kept me going. Liz is the one that made me do my shot when I was scared to after the prior one sending me to the ER. You can do this thing and we are here to help you. With God & us on your side, you can do anything!

De

Thanks for understanding that I am not alone in this. My family just didn't get it either. My husband even left me because I was too sick to do anything or go anywhere, and slept alot. sucks. My older brother who works as a radiologist in a hospital, didn't even understand. He said" heck, I work with lots of people who have HepC...they are fine,..." ????????

Then a month later he tells me he knows a few people who are home on "hospice" care because they are dying of hep c!!! God, made me so frustrated. Anyway, if it weren't for this computer, I never would have taken my first shot. I found a site...where anyone who took their shot that night, we had a party for,!!! It was so fun. they would make you feel better, laugh with you, be there if you got sick, and even told you when to go get warm , and go to bed....LOL!

I will have to find that site again and send it to you guys,

just in case.........k?

Hugs

Debbie

"Remember The Past, Live The Present, Look To The Future."

[Guest guest]

Yeah, Debbie, what Suzie said. I do have family and friends around, but they aren't the ones who have helped me the most, because they don't really get it. It's THIS family that's kept me going. Liz is the one that made me do my shot when I was scared to after the prior one sending me to the ER. You can do this thing and we are here to help you. With God & us on your side, you can do anything!

De

Thanks for understanding that I am not alone in this. My family just didn't get it either. My husband even left me because I was too sick to do anything or go anywhere, and slept alot. sucks. My older brother who works as a radiologist in a hospital, didn't even understand. He said" heck, I work with lots of people who have HepC...they are fine,..." ????????

Then a month later he tells me he knows a few people who are home on "hospice" care because they are dying of hep c!!! God, made me so frustrated. Anyway, if it weren't for this computer, I never would have taken my first shot. I found a site...where anyone who took their shot that night, we had a party for,!!! It was so fun. they would make you feel better, laugh with you, be there if you got sick, and even told you when to go get warm , and go to bed....LOL!

I will have to find that site again and send it to you guys,

just in case.........k?

Hugs

Debbie

"Remember The Past, Live The Present, Look To The Future."

[Guest guest]

Ditto

Love and Hugs.

Deb

[Guest guest]

I do think my family got a better idea of what I was going through when I got too hot and too overwhelmed when we got together for mother's day and I ended up laying in the floor crying.

De

Awwwwwwwww...De

I am so sorry that happened to you., but I honestly can relate. Are you on any Anti's?

I got to the point I was so overwhelmed with EVERYTHING! that I didn't want to wake up some days! Really! But like you, ..no one knew how I was really feeling inside. I didn't

complain, just went and laid down usually .....or drank my usual water, praying the feeling would go away LOL! My mother died while I was on tx also, that didn't help, she was my best friend in the world. Yesterday would have been her birthday...( wasn't much fun yesterday...but got through it ok)...each day gets better I think. I didn't end up on the floor crying anyway, and for that I am surprised! LOLOL! Oh well, just think!!!!! I GET to do this all over again in a few months!!! ( tx ) yippieeeee_eye_oh_fu & *%$g_keye_yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Debbie G

[Guest guest]

That's the catch, huh? That some people are "fine" with it and others are dying with it. I think people will become more understanding as we get them better educated and as more people get diagnosed, the education will grow too. When people ask how I am, I try to be honest and tell them how I actually feel at that moment, rather than the automatic "fine" answer, but I always try to say something positive, too, because I don't want people to think I'm just a complainer, and because I truly am blessed that it's not any worse for me right now.

I do think my family got a better idea of what I was going through when I got too hot and too overwhelmed when we got together for mother's day and I ended up laying in the floor crying.

De

Faith is the ability to not panic.

-----Original Message-----From: Starlyet@... Sent: Saturday, May 22, 2004 12:04 PMTo: HepatitisCSupportGroupForDummies Subject: Re: Debbie G

Yeah, Debbie, what Suzie said. I do have family and friends around, but they aren't the ones who have helped me the most, because they don't really get it. It's THIS family that's kept me going. Liz is the one that made me do my shot when I was scared to after the prior one sending me to the ER. You can do this thing and we are here to help you. With God & us on your side, you can do anything!

De

Thanks for understanding that I am not alone in this. My family just didn't get it either. My husband even left me because I was too sick to do anything or go anywhere, and slept alot. sucks. My older brother who works as a radiologist in a hospital, didn't even understand. He said" heck, I work with lots of people who have HepC...they are fine,..." ????????

Then a month later he tells me he knows a few people who are home on "hospice" care because they are dying of hep c!!! God, made me so frustrated. Anyway, if it weren't for this computer, I never would have taken my first shot. I found a site...where anyone who took their shot that night, we had a party for,!!! It was so fun. they would make you feel better, laugh with you, be there if you got sick, and even told you when to go get warm , and go to bed....LOL!

I will have to find that site again and send it to you guys,

just in case.........k?

Hugs

Debbie

[Guest guest]

Debbie,

I'm on Lexapro for depression and elavil for IBS pain, so I should be OK in the anti-d dept. That day was just too much heat, activity, little kids making noise, too many grownups trying to have too many conversations at once. Typical family gathering, just more than I could handle that day.

I am so sorry your mother died while you were on tx. Any time is bad enough to lose your mom, but on tx must have really wiped you out. On a positive note, though, at least you know THAT can't happen to you this time. Not making light of losing your mom, just trying to help with your dread level for the next go-round.

Since it was your stress level/emotions that kicked you off last time, we need to work on reducing your stress and getting your attitude super positive for the next try, and your attitude controls your stress level. Shoot, you made it 8 months then, you can go the whole nine yards this time!

De

Hey De

I hope what you are saying is true. I sure could use the positive

attitude thinking. It was plenty hard to do last year, thats for sure with all that was going on. And you're right, THAT can't happen again for sure! So, with you all's help, maybe I can hang in this time....and I appreciate that so much....really.

Debbie G

"Remember The Past, Live The Present, Look To The Future."

[Guest guest]

Debbie,

I'm on Lexapro for depression and elavil for IBS pain, so I should be OK in the anti-d dept. That day was just too much heat, activity, little kids making noise, too many grownups trying to have too many conversations at once. Typical family gathering, just more than I could handle that day.

I am so sorry your mother died while you were on tx. Any time is bad enough to lose your mom, but on tx must have really wiped you out. On a positive note, though, at least you know THAT can't happen to you this time. Not making light of losing your mom, just trying to help with your dread level for the next go-round.

Since it was your stress level/emotions that kicked you off last time, we need to work on reducing your stress and getting your attitude super positive for the next try, and your attitude controls your stress level. Shoot, you made it 8 months then, you can go the whole nine yards this time!

De

Faith is the ability to not panic.

-----Original Message-----From: Starlyet@... Sent: Saturday, May 22, 2004 3:52 PMTo: HepatitisCSupportGroupForDummies Subject: Re: Debbie G

Awwwwwwwww...De

I am so sorry that happened to you., but I honestly can relate. Are you on any Anti's?

I got to the point I was so overwhelmed with EVERYTHING! that I didn't want to wake up some days! Really! But like you, ..no one knew how I was really feeling inside. I didn't

complain, just went and laid down usually .....or drank my usual water, praying the feeling would go away LOL! My mother died while I was on tx also, that didn't help, she was my best friend in the world. Yesterday would have been her birthday...( wasn't much fun yesterday...but got through it ok)...each day gets better I think. I didn't end up on the floor crying anyway, and for that I am surprised! LOLOL! Oh well, just think!!!!! I GET to do this all over again in a few months!!! ( tx ) yippieeeee_eye_oh_fu & *%$g_keye_yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Debbie G

[Guest guest]

Here is your first lesson: not "maybe I can hang", but "I CAN hang this time". You made it 8 months, you only gotta do 3 more than that this time. Last year is over now, this is a new beginning.

De

Alright De!! You go Girl! LOL ...Thats what I need is a good

smart, reasurring push in the rear to keep me on track and

as long as I have you ( all) for my cheerleader, I think..ahem, I mean

I know I will be fine.

Hugs

Debbie G

"Remember The Past, Live The Present, Look To The Future."

[Guest guest]

Debbie, That's Deb (DSD) that's getting rid of #2. I got rid of my #2 in 1993 and been on my own since. I had a playtoy last year, but had to get rid of him, too. I don't want one at all if I don't have one I can count on and you don't either.

Glad you got a nap. Chase that funk away. Hugs,

De

De

Absolutely, at this point in my life, don't need another man in my life. Still not over what this one did to me. Will probably be gun shy for a looooong time. The nap today was Great!! Felt funky for two days now, really helped catch up my energy. Thanks De

Debbie G

"Remember The Past, Live The Present, Look To The Future."

[Guest guest]

Debbie, That's Deb (DSD) that's getting rid of #2. I got rid of my #2 in 1993 and been on my own since. I had a playtoy last year, but had to get rid of him, too. I don't want one at all if I don't have one I can count on and you don't either.

Glad you got a nap. Chase that funk away. Hugs,

De

Faith is the ability to not panic.

-----Original Message-----From: Starlyet@... Sent: Saturday, May 22, 2004 6:34 PMTo: HepatitisCSupportGroupForDummies Subject: Re: Re: Debbie G ~ Good Morning Debbie

I'm getting ready to sign on the dotted line with divorce #2 have been separated and living alone for 6 months now. Refer to above in reference to assholes.

Hey De

After reading that you are going through something similar, with your asshole, ( hahahahaha)! I don't feel so alone there either!

I took a loooooooong nap today, I just felt like crap, and couldn't figure out why. ( duhhhhhh me again, it's the hep...) anyway, tomorrow will be better, I am sure. My husband #2 also was a LOLOL ! ( I can hear ya laughing now!), but anyway, will try to remain positive

and maybe get out of this funk soon. Thanks for your uplifting, encouraging words. Made my day!

Hugs

Debbie G

[Guest guest]

Here is your first lesson: not "maybe I can hang", but "I CAN hang this time". You made it 8 months, you only gotta do 3 more than that this time. Last year is over now, this is a new beginning.

De

Faith is the ability to not panic.

-----Original Message-----From: Starlyet@... Sent: Saturday, May 22, 2004 6:56 PMTo: HepatitisCSupportGroupForDummies Subject: Re: Debbie G

I hope what you are saying is true. I sure could use the positive

attitude thinking. It was plenty hard to do last year, thats for sure with all that was going on. And you're right, THAT can't happen again for sure! So, with you all's help, maybe I can hang in this time....and I appreciate that so much....really.

Debbie G

"Remember The Past, Live The Present, Look To The Future."

[Guest guest]

Nave you ever tried Yoga or Meditation? I find that a few minutes of yoga breathing can re-energise me & make me feel much more positive about everything. It's almost like a power nap. Relaxation & good cheer in the same package - works for me.

Suzie

Suzie

Yes, I do meditate, every day, and practice my deep breathing excercises, as well and balancing my energies, which does work most of the time. It's funny but in 1989 I taught guided meditation, and even sold my tapes at seminars. I gotta go look through my boxes

( meditation tapes) and try to locate mine, believe it or not, they were my favorite tapes!!!

LOL.

I have some yoga tapes also, but they are a set of 4...and they are VHS....I only have a DVD player, and will try to find a decently priced VHS player. I think my X walked with mine. But thats a good idea. And know what else I discovered? Watching a great " Belly Laugh" movie.....it raises the seratonin in your brain, and uplifts your spirits for a good two days! LOL ( try to rent Scarry Movie 3...it was hilarious!) anyone relate to what I'm saying there?

Enjoy your Sunday everyone!

Big Hugs

Debbie G

"Remember The Past, Live The Present, Look To The Future."

[Guest guest]

Pegassist.com is the site hat Pegasys has to help us keep up with our shit. (duuhhhhhhh) You can put appts, lab results ( & graph them), find buddies, newsletter, etc. It will email you reminders & send encouraging emails about once a month. It's free & I like being able to look at the graphs to see how far I've come.

Also, your doc or rx company will probably give you a Pegasys starter kit, but if you call the pegassist number & ask for a starter kit you can get another. I got an extra sharps container, travel kit, water bottle, pill keeper, and the one I got from Pegassist had an ice pack for your eyes, too.

De

Faith is the ability to not panic.

-----Original Message-----From: Starlyet@... Sent: Sunday, May 23, 2004 5:29 AMTo: HepatitisCSupportGroupForDummies Subject: Re: Jo

I'm chatting on IM with a guy I met on pegassist. Night time meds are starting to work on me. Have to go to bed soon.

De

De

May I ask what is Pegasisst? Is that a site? or do you mean Pegasys.........the medication? DUHHHHHHHHHH I am so confused!

LOL

Debbie G