Re: First TX shot--Thought I was going to die (figuratively) Encouragement!!

[Guest guest]

Hiya Gav,

Hey, there is a book out there, it's called Hepatitis C for Dummies, you might want to pick it up for your friends. We let a few close friends read it, they thought it was great only because everyone does think that omggg...am I going to catch it too? My husband expereinced some pretty heavy duty side effects after his first treatment, after we learned how to inject him we were told, make sure he's home within 4 hours, it's like a freight train hitting. He spiked fever had seizure like chills, ached all over...but we're on week I think 7 or 8 and now he justs gets very tired and he gets warn out easily. You learn to adjust your life to it, not letting it overcome you, but paying attention to your own body. He's also a type 1a, but his viral load is 5.25. Remember...this is about you...how you feel....this isn't about others now. Take good care of yourself and know that the side effects do lighten up a bit.

P.S. I don't know how much you use the internet but the Interferon sites have great info....we we're given so much information from our Liver people and Hepatitis people we were like...all this to read, but we did it and were a bit more prepared. It also explains how to tell people, you should have gotten that booklet if you're on Pegetron. If not, Schering has a great site for information. Z King wrote:

Well, I took my first Ribavirin and Pegintron 2b shotFriday night. I have genotype 1a with a 220,000 viralload. Hopefully this stuff will wipe it out.I know the first weeks of treatment are the supposedto be the worst, but I didn't expect to get what Idid. Within 4 hours after taking the shot: headachekicked in, then nausea and SEVERE stomach pain, then Ispent the whole night vomiting and major diarrhea.Haven't barely slept since Thursday night. Saturdayall day, I had a headache that felt like someone shotmy brains out; Tylenol isn't helping (and I know toomuch Tylenol is bad for the liver). So I'm foregoingthat. Today, Sunday, it is a bit better. I'm able tohold down some protein shake and a bit of cheese. I'mdrinking as much water as my body can hold to ease thesymptoms. Been drinking water around the clock

sinceFriday. Even keep bottles of the stuff by my bed.I'm still a bit headachey and dizzy today, but I candeal with it. All I can say is WHOA--Friday night wasthe night from hell. Hope this gets easier. At leastmy two dogs have been trying to give me comfort. Theyseem to know when I don't feel good and will snugglewith me in bed and bring me their toys.I had to cancel my date Saturday with a guy I've beendating the past few months. When I told him why (thefallout from the treatment) and about the HepC, hefreaked. I told him I didn't want to have this kind ofserious conversation over the phone. I wanted to tellhim in person. He's in total shock and is worried Igave it to him. That I can understand when peopledon't know much about the virus. He asked if I everplanned on telling him; I told him definitely--he hasthe right to know if the relationship gets serious.And I wanted to make sure I had all my

information,doctor lined up, and treatment plan in the works. Hesaid he would call me today, so I'm waiting for that.And I am prepared if he never calls again, too. It isthe chance I have to take. But I don't want him tohang around out of pity or feels he's obligated. Iknow there are some people who have had the virus foryears, got married, had kids, and no one evercontacted it. I'm trying to remain positive aboutthat. He is a very special person to me, so I'll haveto wait and see.Sorry to be such a downer--it's been the ultimatecrummy weekend. I look forward going into worktomorrow, so I can keep busy and take my mind off ofthis...even if it is for a little bit.Gav __________________________________ Yahoo! Mail - PC Magazine Editors' Choice 2005 http://mail.yahoo.com

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