Guest guest Posted September 9, 2004 Report Share Posted September 9, 2004 Hi Barbara, Good luck! I go to the Dr. next week and will get the lowdown on treatment. I'm a tad bit nervous about the shot too. Not knowing all the facts mostly is what creepy to me. Anyway keep us informed Rhonda [ ] Heya! > Good Afternoon Everyone, > Well, I'm off to the doc to learn how to stick myself. Good thing > I'm a phlebotomist (professional vampire to some...LOL) and needles > don't bother me much. But, now that it is almost time to start > treatment, I'm feeling a little bit anxious. The hysterectomy went > well, and I'm three weeks post-op as of yesterday. So, I'm not sure > if it is my hormones swinging, or if I'm really getting a little > freaked out about starting treatment!! YIKES! I guess it could be a > little of both. I take my first shot on Monday night, and I'll be > able to have two treatments before I go back to work. I think this > is a good thing so I can get adjusted to how I feel after the shot. > I " m trying not to expect the worst, but I " m having trouble right > now. > Thanks for " listening " . > Barbara > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 9, 2004 Report Share Posted September 9, 2004 I think we were all pretty apprehensive before starting this treatment. I was lucky enough to be able to take a short leave when I started, and I thought that helped. The first shot was the worst for me, I was up most of the night with fever and had a nasty headache the next day. It was never that bad again, though. Good luck, I hope you manage without too much trouble. -dz-Barbara <vynca_minor@...> wrote: Good Afternoon Everyone,Well, I'm off to the doc to learn how to stick myself. Good thing I'm a phlebotomist (professional vampire to some...LOL) and needles don't bother me much. But, now that it is almost time to start treatment, I'm feeling a little bit anxious. The hysterectomy went well, and I'm three weeks post-op as of yesterday. So, I'm not sure if it is my hormones swinging, or if I'm really getting a little freaked out about starting treatment!! YIKES! I guess it could be a little of both. I take my first shot on Monday night, and I'll be able to have two treatments before I go back to work. I think this is a good thing so I can get adjusted to how I feel after the shot. I"m trying not to expect the worst, but I"m having trouble right now. Thanks for "listening".Barbara Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 10, 2004 Report Share Posted September 10, 2004 In a message dated 9/10/2004 10:30:38 PM Central Standard Time, rhondahudson@... writes: A question,How do you give yourself the shot?And hello nice to meet you :)Rhonda Hi Rhonda, It's nice to meet you too. I just load the thing up and give them in my stomach. I switch sides every week. I'm on the PegIntron/Ribavirin combo tx. I never thought I could do that, but the needles are so small, I can't really feel it. My stomach feels it though. I have lots of red circles and scaly skin and bruises on my stomach. But it's not so bad. To me, it's worse to have blood drawn at the the lab. Hugs, Tammy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 10, 2004 Report Share Posted September 10, 2004 Hi, Tammy! Welcome to the group. I'm pretty much of a newcomer here too. We're neighbors; I live in Louisiana also. Just found out I had Hep C a year ago. I've decided not to biopsy or treat at this time. Had a FibroSure test a month ago which indicated I have minimal damage so I think I can afford to wait a while. Good luck with your treatment; hope everything goes well and you beat this thing. Look forward to exchanging messages with you on this board. Carol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 10, 2004 Report Share Posted September 10, 2004 Thank you for that information Tammy. I just hate not knowing. Rhonda Re: [ ] Re: Heya! > > In a message dated 9/10/2004 10:30:38 PM Central Standard Time, > rhondahudson@... writes: > > A question, > How do you give yourself the shot? > And hello nice to meet you > Rhonda > > > Hi Rhonda, > It's nice to meet you too. I just load the thing up and give them in my > stomach. I switch sides every week. I'm on the PegIntron/Ribavirin combo tx. I > never thought I could do that, but the needles are so small, I can't really > feel it. My stomach feels it though. I have lots of red circles and scaly skin > and bruises on my stomach. But it's not so bad. To me, it's worse to have > blood drawn at the the lab. > Hugs, > Tammy > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 10, 2004 Report Share Posted September 10, 2004 Rhonda <rhondahudson@...> wrote: If you are talking about the peg intron shots they are not soo bad. Have been on them for almost six months now. Of course I have been giving myself insulin injections for five years but it is a different kind of administration. The first couple of shots kicked my behind but after that, very few side effects. My experience necessitated my having someone with the the first time or two as I got chills, aches, sweats, ets. But survived just fine. Hope you take to the treatment with much success and ease in administering the meds..Drink LOTS of fluids and keep plenty of skin lotion at hand. Blessings sought for you. NiftyFifty, Hi Barbara,Good luck!I go to the Dr. next week and will get the lowdown on treatment. I'm a tadbit nervous about the shot too. Not knowing all the facts mostly is whatcreepy to me.Anyway keep us informed :)Rhonda [ ] Heya!> Good Afternoon Everyone,> Well, I'm off to the doc to learn how to stick myself. Good thing> I'm a phlebotomist (professional vampire to some...LOL) and needles> don't bother me much. But, now that it is almost time to start> treatment, I'm feeling a little bit anxious. The hysterectomy went> well, and I'm three weeks post-op as of yesterday. So, I'm not sure> if it is my hormones swinging, or if I'm really getting a little> freaked out about starting treatment!! YIKES! I guess it could be a> little of both. I take my first shot on Monday night, and I'll be> able to have two treatments before I go back to work. I think this> is a good thing so I can get adjusted to how I feel after the shot.> I"m trying not to expect the worst, but I"m having trouble right> now.> Thanks for "listening".> Barbara>>>>>> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2004 Report Share Posted September 11, 2004 Keep he 'faith' Barbara ! I have been told that (western-style) treatment isn't " required-/-necessary " at the current stage of my Hepatitis C, so, I have no tips about treatment for You. We're ALL 'here' for You ! :-) > Good Afternoon Everyone, > Well, I'm off to the doc to learn how to stick myself. Good thing > I'm a phlebotomist (professional vampire to some...LOL) and needles > don't bother me much. But, now that it is almost time to start > treatment, I'm feeling a little bit anxious. The hysterectomy went > well, and I'm three weeks post-op as of yesterday. So, I'm not sure > if it is my hormones swinging, or if I'm really getting a little > freaked out about starting treatment!! YIKES! I guess it could be a > little of both. I take my first shot on Monday night, and I'll be > able to have two treatments before I go back to work. I think this > is a good thing so I can get adjusted to how I feel after the shot. > I " m trying not to expect the worst, but I " m having trouble right > now. > Thanks for " listening " . > Barbara Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2004 Report Share Posted September 11, 2004 Thank you . I appreciate all the advice Rhonda [ ] Heya! > > > > Good Afternoon Everyone, > > Well, I'm off to the doc to learn how to stick myself. Good thing > > I'm a phlebotomist (professional vampire to some...LOL) and needles > > don't bother me much. But, now that it is almost time to start > > treatment, I'm feeling a little bit anxious. The hysterectomy went > > well, and I'm three weeks post-op as of yesterday. So, I'm not sure > > if it is my hormones swinging, or if I'm really getting a little > > freaked out about starting treatment!! YIKES! I guess it could be a > > little of both. I take my first shot on Monday night, and I'll be > > able to have two treatments before I go back to work. I think this > > is a good thing so I can get adjusted to how I feel after the shot. > > I " m trying not to expect the worst, but I " m having trouble right > > now. > > Thanks for " listening " . > > Barbara > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2004 Report Share Posted September 11, 2004 Hi Jan, I'm in Opelousas, about 15 miles from Lafayette. Sounds like we have a lot in common. I also have a 14 year old daughter. My shots are kicking my butt right now. But I think the Ribavirin is worse in the long run. It seems like everyday there is some new symptom. Thank you for the welcome and I look forward to talking to you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2004 Report Share Posted September 11, 2004 Hi Carol, There sure are a lot of us living in Louisiana. Do you know if there are any support groups around here? I'm glad to hear that you have minimal damage. I haven't had a fibrosure test yet, but my liver function was normal. My viral load is 5 million though so I chose to treat and wanted to do it while I have good insurance. I hope you beat this too and we all beat it. Tammy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2004 Report Share Posted September 11, 2004 In a message dated 9/11/2004 10:27:11 PM Central Standard Time, szeis_1@... writes: I used my thighs. Sharon I wish I could use my thighs. You must be fairly thin because I had heard that you give it in the fattest part and since that seems to be my stomach, there they go. LOL. And if you're thin, then you can give them in your thigh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 12, 2004 Report Share Posted September 12, 2004 In a message dated 9/12/2004 1:26:06 PM Central Standard Time, rhondahudson@... writes: Thank you so much Barbara for the information about the Redipen, I'll besure to remember it.And just how much is this medication? I've been wondering myselfRhonda It's outrageous!!!!!! The place that delivers my PegIntron, Option Care, told me the injections are $475 each. and the Ribavirin is $950 per month and that's generic! Our insurance pays all but $45 per shot and I only pay $15 per month for the Ribavirin. But what about the people who have no insurance? It's very sad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 12, 2004 Report Share Posted September 12, 2004 In a message dated 9/12/2004 1:24:15 PM Central Standard Time, vynca_minor@... writes: Hey Tammy! Great to hear from you. I lived in Louisiana back in 1995 and LOVED it. I was at Fort Polk with my ex. As for the hot flashes....well....I've been having them for about three years. So, actually they are better now. Still having them, but not as often. Thank God! So, how far into your treatment are you?? Have you hit the 12 week stage yet? I'm nervous and excited and curious all at the same time. I know I'm going to feel terrible, but I know I'll be killing virus' at the same time so it makes it worthwhile. I'll be on my own "kill the alien invader" mission. I'm the new Jane Bond. heh hehSo, what virus type are you? I"m a 2b which is a good one to have. I've only got to go through 24 weeks of tx! Yipee!! Hi! So you liked Louisiana? It's okay, I guess. I've only lived here for 4 years after living my lifetime in North Georgia. It's such a big difference. I hate the hot flashes, they're always at night for me and I'm kicking cover all over the place. LOL. I had a total hysterectomy so I went into immediate menopause. I only wore the patches for two months because I started the HCV tx and didn't want any more medication than necessary. So I have years of these to look forward to? I'm only on week 9 of tx and it's been up and down. I was nervous and excited and scared to start with but now it's nothing. I'm not saying that there aren't bad times, but it's not that way for everyone and I've found that the more water I drink, the less intense the sides get. So don't be too nervous. I'm a type 1a, which means a 1 year tx. It's good that you are a 2b. Less treatment and more chance of success. It was great hearing from you. And I look forward to talking with you. When do you start your tx? Tammy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 12, 2004 Report Share Posted September 12, 2004 Hey Tammy! Great to hear from you. I lived in Louisiana back in 1995 and LOVED it. I was at Fort Polk with my ex. As for the hot flashes....well....I've been having them for about three years. So, actually they are better now. Still having them, but not as often. Thank God! So, how far into your treatment are you?? Have you hit the 12 week stage yet? I'm nervous and excited and curious all at the same time. I know I'm going to feel terrible, but I know I'll be killing virus' at the same time so it makes it worthwhile. I'll be on my own " kill the alien invader " mission. I'm the new Jane Bond. heh heh So, what virus type are you? I " m a 2b which is a good one to have. I've only got to go through 24 weeks of tx! Yipee!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 12, 2004 Report Share Posted September 12, 2004 Rhonda, They have this nifty new thing called a Redipen. It is pre-loaded with the drug and distilled water. You mix, screw on the needle, and it auto injects!! Way Cool! No mixing and no regular syringes. The pharmacy tried to give me the " old " kind of medicine that was two little bottles and two syringes, but I asked them for the Redipen. It is so much easier. It costs the same with my insurance too. BTW....GEEZ is the medicine expensive or what??!!?? Thank goodness I have insurance 'cause I wouldn't be able to afford paying for the tx out of my pocket! Barbara Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 12, 2004 Report Share Posted September 12, 2004 Thank you so much Barbara for the information about the Redipen, I'll be sure to remember it. And just how much is this medication? I've been wondering myself Rhonda [ ] Re: Heya! > Rhonda, > They have this nifty new thing called a Redipen. It is pre-loaded > with the drug and distilled water. You mix, screw on the needle, and > it auto injects!! Way Cool! No mixing and no regular syringes. The > pharmacy tried to give me the " old " kind of medicine that was two > little bottles and two syringes, but I asked them for the Redipen. > It is so much easier. It costs the same with my insurance too. > BTW....GEEZ is the medicine expensive or what??!!?? Thank goodness > I have insurance 'cause I wouldn't be able to afford paying for the > tx out of my pocket! > > Barbara > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 12, 2004 Report Share Posted September 12, 2004 In a message dated 9/12/2004 5:13:16 PM Central Standard Time, vynca_minor@... writes: Hey! The hot flashes are at nighttime for me too! My poor hubby is always giving me a hard time about kicking the sheets off one minute and then stealing them the next!I am on the patch for as long as I"m on treatment. I read a report that states that tx is more successful in women with higher levels of estrogen. Plus I figure it will be tough enough without having hot flashes and mood swings too!I start my treatment tomorrow night. I will be taking my shot right before I go to bed. My regular days off from work are on Tuesday, so I figure if I feel crappy Tuesdays, I have until Wednesday afternoon to drag my butt out of bed and to work. I"m trying to keep a positive attitude though and I hope the first two weeks are the worst. I will be drinking my water religiously too. That is one of the main and constant things I hear ... DRINK WATER.....I'll be on .5 PegInteron and four ribaviron a day (2 day/2 night).Does the ribaviron upset your tummy? I read that you are supposed to either take it on an empty stomach all the time, or with food all the time. What have you guys experienced??Barbara That's the same PegIntron dose I take but I take 2 Ribavirin in the morning and 3 at night. I haven't noticed that it upsets my stomach if I don't eat. But I guess that would depend on if other meds upset your stomach. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 12, 2004 Report Share Posted September 12, 2004 > > And just how much is this medication? I've been wondering myself > Rhonda The drugs are " oh my God " expensive. The ribaviron at my pharmacy is $650.00 if I didn't have insurance. The Redipen is either $350/pen or $350 for four pens. I'm not sure which. Either way it is expensive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 12, 2004 Report Share Posted September 12, 2004 Hey! The hot flashes are at nighttime for me too! My poor hubby is always giving me a hard time about kicking the sheets off one minute and then stealing them the next! I am on the patch for as long as I " m on treatment. I read a report that states that tx is more successful in women with higher levels of estrogen. Plus I figure it will be tough enough without having hot flashes and mood swings too! I start my treatment tomorrow night. I will be taking my shot right before I go to bed. My regular days off from work are on Tuesday, so I figure if I feel crappy Tuesdays, I have until Wednesday afternoon to drag my butt out of bed and to work. I " m trying to keep a positive attitude though and I hope the first two weeks are the worst. I will be drinking my water religiously too. That is one of the main and constant things I hear ... DRINK WATER..... I'll be on .5 PegInteron and four ribaviron a day (2 day/2 night). Does the ribaviron upset your tummy? I read that you are supposed to either take it on an empty stomach all the time, or with food all the time. What have you guys experienced?? Barbara Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 12, 2004 Report Share Posted September 12, 2004 Wow. I hope my insurance covers it!!!!!!!!! Rhonda Re: [ ] Re: Heya! > > In a message dated 9/12/2004 1:26:06 PM Central Standard Time, > rhondahudson@... writes: > > Thank you so much Barbara for the information about the Redipen, I'll be > sure to remember it. > > And just how much is this medication? I've been wondering myself > Rhonda > > > > It's outrageous!!!!!! The place that delivers my PegIntron, Option Care, > told me the injections are $475 each. and the Ribavirin is $950 per month and > that's generic! Our insurance pays all but $45 per shot and I only pay $15 per > month for the Ribavirin. But what about the people who have no insurance? > It's very sad. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 13, 2004 Report Share Posted September 13, 2004 In a message dated 9/13/2004 8:23:57 AM Central Standard Time, dhz920@... writes: Boy you guys in the southeast have been hit hard this season!!! Thank God it hasn't got to you in Loosiyanna... Have you got storms from it? I remember when I was living in New Orleans, it rained harder than I had ever seen before. My car was parked right in front of the door to my apartment and I had to run out to roll up the windows. I was drenched in those few seconds out there. We get plenty of rain here in Wisconsin, but I haven't seen anything like that. -dz- You got that right, dz. We've had a few thunderstorms yesterday and more predicted today, but nothing from the hurricanes. What's the weather like in Wisconsin? Is it usually cold? I guess you get used to the cold and snow like we TRY to get used to the heat and humidity. and mosquitos and love bugs and on and on. LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 13, 2004 Report Share Posted September 13, 2004 When I did mine (I was on the older combo, same thing, just the interferon was not pegylated and I had to inject 3x wkly), my pharmacist told me it was over $700 for a 2 week supply. I also was lucky enough to only have a co-pay of $20. It is ridiculous, although there are some organizations that help people without insurance get the treatment. It's a lot cheaper to treat it than just let it go and wait for the epidemic to explode. -dz-GeauxTamiLouBear@... wrote: In a message dated 9/12/2004 1:26:06 PM Central Standard Time, rhondahudson@... writes: Thank you so much Barbara for the information about the Redipen, I'll besure to remember it.And just how much is this medication? I've been wondering myselfRhonda It's outrageous!!!!!! The place that delivers my PegIntron, Option Care, told me the injections are $475 each. and the Ribavirin is $950 per month and that's generic! Our insurance pays all but $45 per shot and I only pay $15 per month for the Ribavirin. But what about the people who have no insurance? It's very sad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 13, 2004 Report Share Posted September 13, 2004 Most insurance does. The treatment is much cheaper now than to let it progress to serious liver disease and/or a liver transplant. -dz-Rhonda <rhondahudson@...> wrote: Wow. I hope my insurance covers it!!!!!!!!!Rhonda Re: [ ] Re: Heya!>> In a message dated 9/12/2004 1:26:06 PM Central Standard Time,> rhondahudson@... writes:>> Thank you so much Barbara for the information about the Redipen, I'll be> sure to remember it.>> And just how much is this medication? I've been wondering myself> Rhonda>>>> It's outrageous!!!!!! The place that delivers my PegIntron, Option Care,> told me the injections are $475 each. and the Ribavirin is $950 per monthand> that's generic! Our insurance pays all but $45 per shot and I only pay$15 per> month for the Ribavirin. But what about the people who have no insurance?> It's very sad.> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 13, 2004 Report Share Posted September 13, 2004 In a message dated 9/13/2004 8:49:49 PM Central Standard Time, szeis_1@... writes: Don't forget termites, ants and fleas. I'm in Houston. Sharon Oh no, we can't forget those. Those fireants build a huge house faster than I can put diazanon on their last palace. Is it that bad in Houston?? Tammy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 14, 2004 Report Share Posted September 14, 2004 In a message dated 9/14/2004 10:00:42 PM Central Standard Time, szeis_1@... writes: Yeah, it's that bad here. And we forgot roaches. Sharon I don't even want to think of those things! YUKKKKK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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