14 Week Update

[Guest guest]

14 Week Update

Hi everyone – just little old me checking in again. I have been

reading posts and pretty much keeping my mouth shut the last few

weeks after the " episode " with the two defective redipens. The

outcome of the whole thing was pretty much that Schering Corporation

were the heroes. They actually had a courier bring a redipen to my

local pharmacy and the pharmacist handed it over. I will tell you

what – I had never in my life been so failed by the health care

profession. BUT, wait a second here. Going back – way way back –

let's say about 30 years ago someone told me I had mononucleosis,

cat scratch fever and oh yeah – hepatitis but not to worry about it

because it's not the bad kind and just maybe don't donate blood

(which thank GOD I never did). Oh yes and then the whole time I

was pregnant I had symptoms of advanced liver disease even though my

liver was fine (no one checked it to my knowledge), my twins were

premature and jaundiced but I know I was told it was all NORMAL.

Then of course when the smell and taste of red meat made me

physically ill I was told it was my imagination because that is a

rare symptom of liver disease (pernicious anemia) and if you have

it you are probably end stage and there was nothing wrong with me.

Not that anyone bothered checking – anyway. And then all those

years of night sweats, fevers, colds, flu, depression/anxiety/panic

attacks, fatigue – jaundiced looking eyes and weird skin tone. I do

believe that was the medical profession telling me to suck it up and

quit whining all those horrible years. Yes it was. And it

continues. I wanted to fire the liver doc but was persuaded to keep

him on the books " just in case we need him " and my regular MD is

following me now. Such a love hate relationship I have with my

medical people. I guess I expect perfection – especially with the

specialists since they have had so much education and practice – you

know. There's only one thing they need to be really good at – the

specialty that they chose. It's not like the old days when my

grandfather was a general practioner during the depression and got

paid in chickens for delivering a baby!!!! So - I joined the

Cymbalta Club. I started to feel like I could literally kill

everything that didn't move out of my sight fast. Cymbalta is hell

on the liver but I can be in public now without foaming at the mouth

and I didn't lose my job or my marriage – YET. I understand I will

quit taking it the same day as my treatment is over. I tried Ambien

and Lunesta for sleep but they are jokes. I wanted Halcion but

found out they quit prescribing that to the general population about

30 years ago!!! Silly me. All I remember about it was that it

worked so I guess it makes sense not to use it!!!! What else –

still do not have results of blood tests but I keep telling myself

who cares since two doctors did tell me the virus was undetectable.

Oh yes – the hair thing. I hate to be the one to admit it but you

do lose hair. I think the reason is that the hair follicle actually

lets go of the strand of hair and then that strand of hair falls

out. I also think but am not sure that while on this treatment

there is no regrowth of hair so that is why hair is a real problem

and it is a REAL problem for me but thanks to the Cymbalta I can

deal with this. Also, while on the subject of good solutions to bad

side effects – am I the only one of us that really does thank God

for chewable Imodium? Never leave home without `em that's for

sure. So, I'm more than halfway through my treatment. I think I'm

still scheduled to be done the second week of December. I know one

of my medical providers told me I was in this for 24 weeks but if I

go to the third week of December that will be more than 24 weeks.

Ahaa – the previous few lines of undetermined literary value prove

yet again – brain fog is alive and kicking even if the Hep C has

become like an ant in a Raid commercial! Peace, Love & Good Health

to all - Abby

[Guest guest]

Should go back and read your earlier posts Abby to see why you were induced into treatment, but for what it is worth...I lost my health insurance shortly after being diagnosed with HCV. At least before then I did have a biopsy and got a recomendation not to proceed with treatment due to combined factors of little damage and low probability of response due to indicators based on geno and v/l. Since that time I have chosen to treat myself with alternatives, and the last time I had bloodwork done- 6/2005- alt and ast were in normal range. I recently made a move to a larger city and have found a TCM practioner as a result of inquiries in the Asian/Buddhist community...I was specifically looking for an older practioner with training in China- I go for initial consult next week. So, I don't do western medicine anymore, primarily on philosophical grounds- I believe our healthcare systems are very sick

due to the underlying values that drive the institutions...there are good individuals and healers out there, but I am afraid they are fighting a losing battle within the context of the system as a whole. As in so many areas of our society I believe major paradigm shifts are necessary to acheive the goal of serving the people. But the point of my response- I cut the individuals in healthcare some slack...I remember when I was in high tech I could never keep up with the change, so how can I expect the people in an even more complex field to be up to date specialists? Imho, just look for the ones who are honest and have true motives. namaste.abbycsu <abbycsu@...> wrote: 14 Week UpdateHi everyone – just little old me checking in again. I have been reading posts and pretty much keeping my mouth shut the last few weeks after the "episode" with the two defective redipens. The outcome of the whole thing was pretty much that Schering Corporation were the heroes. They actually had a courier bring a redipen to my local pharmacy and the pharmacist handed it over. I will tell you what – I had never in my life been so failed by the health care profession. BUT, wait a second here. Going back – way way back – let's say about 30 years ago someone told me I had mononucleosis, cat scratch fever and oh yeah – hepatitis but not to worry about it because it's not the bad kind and

just maybe don't donate blood (which thank GOD I never did). Oh yes and then the whole time I was pregnant I had symptoms of advanced liver disease even though my liver was fine (no one checked it to my knowledge), my twins were premature and jaundiced but I know I was told it was all NORMAL. Then of course when the smell and taste of red meat made me physically ill I was told it was my imagination because that is a rare symptom of liver disease (pernicious anemia) and if you have it you are probably end stage and there was nothing wrong with me. Not that anyone bothered checking – anyway. And then all those years of night sweats, fevers, colds, flu, depression/anxiety/panic attacks, fatigue – jaundiced looking eyes and weird skin tone. I do believe that was the medical profession telling me to suck it up and quit whining all those horrible years. Yes it was. And it continues. I wanted to fire the liver doc but

was persuaded to keep him on the books "just in case we need him" and my regular MD is following me now. Such a love hate relationship I have with my medical people. I guess I expect perfection – especially with the specialists since they have had so much education and practice – you know. There's only one thing they need to be really good at – the specialty that they chose. It's not like the old days when my grandfather was a general practioner during the depression and got paid in chickens for delivering a baby!!!! So - I joined the Cymbalta Club. I started to feel like I could literally kill everything that didn't move out of my sight fast. Cymbalta is hell on the liver but I can be in public now without foaming at the mouth and I didn't lose my job or my marriage – YET. I understand I will quit taking it the same day as my treatment is over. I tried Ambien and Lunesta for sleep but they are jokes. I wanted Halcion

but found out they quit prescribing that to the general population about 30 years ago!!! Silly me. All I remember about it was that it worked so I guess it makes sense not to use it!!!! What else – still do not have results of blood tests but I keep telling myself who cares since two doctors did tell me the virus was undetectable. Oh yes – the hair thing. I hate to be the one to admit it but you do lose hair. I think the reason is that the hair follicle actually lets go of the strand of hair and then that strand of hair falls out. I also think but am not sure that while on this treatment there is no regrowth of hair so that is why hair is a real problem and it is a REAL problem for me but thanks to the Cymbalta I can deal with this. Also, while on the subject of good solutions to bad side effects – am I the only one of us that really does thank God for chewable Imodium? Never leave home without `em that's for

sure. So, I'm more than halfway through my treatment. I think I'm still scheduled to be done the second week of December. I know one of my medical providers told me I was in this for 24 weeks but if I go to the third week of December that will be more than 24 weeks. Ahaa – the previous few lines of undetermined literary value prove yet again – brain fog is alive and kicking even if the Hep C has become like an ant in a Raid commercial! Peace, Love & Good Health to all - Abby

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/23/2006 9:10:02 AM Central Daylight Time, doc_jade@... writes:

A great anti-depressant for Hep C ers, is Effexor XR. It is not as hard on the liver and has very few side effects. I have been on Effexor for 5 years and swear by it.

Love

Janet

I took it and couldnt do it..I have a wierd body chemistry and have strange effects from anti ds...thanks..geri

[Guest guest]

Ah Abby you just expressed what I couldn't say while I was on treatment. Everyone expected including myself for me to be happy and bright and cheerful. But inside sometimes I felt just like you. So cheers to you for having the courage to just tell it like it is, I raise my coffee cup to you. Love Janetabbycsu <abbycsu@...> wrote: 14 Week UpdateHi everyone

– just little old me checking in again. I have been reading posts and pretty much keeping my mouth shut the last few weeks after the "episode" with the two defective redipens. The outcome of the whole thing was pretty much that Schering Corporation were the heroes. They actually had a courier bring a redipen to my local pharmacy and the pharmacist handed it over. I will tell you what – I had never in my life been so failed by the health care profession. BUT, wait a second here. Going back – way way back – let's say about 30 years ago someone told me I had mononucleosis, cat scratch fever and oh yeah – hepatitis but not to worry about it because it's not the bad kind and just maybe don't donate blood (which thank GOD I never did). Oh yes and then the whole time I was pregnant I had symptoms of advanced liver disease even though my liver was fine (no one checked it to my knowledge), my twins were premature and jaundiced

but I know I was told it was all NORMAL. Then of course when the smell and taste of red meat made me physically ill I was told it was my imagination because that is a rare symptom of liver disease (pernicious anemia) and if you have it you are probably end stage and there was nothing wrong with me. Not that anyone bothered checking – anyway. And then all those years of night sweats, fevers, colds, flu, depression/anxiety/panic attacks, fatigue – jaundiced looking eyes and weird skin tone. I do believe that was the medical profession telling me to suck it up and quit whining all those horrible years. Yes it was. And it continues. I wanted to fire the liver doc but was persuaded to keep him on the books "just in case we need him" and my regular MD is following me now. Such a love hate relationship I have with my medical people. I guess I expect perfection – especially with the specialists since they have had so

much education and practice – you know. There's only one thing they need to be really good at – the specialty that they chose. It's not like the old days when my grandfather was a general practioner during the depression and got paid in chickens for delivering a baby!!!! So - I joined the Cymbalta Club. I started to feel like I could literally kill everything that didn't move out of my sight fast. Cymbalta is hell on the liver but I can be in public now without foaming at the mouth and I didn't lose my job or my marriage – YET. I understand I will quit taking it the same day as my treatment is over. I tried Ambien and Lunesta for sleep but they are jokes. I wanted Halcion but found out they quit prescribing that to the general population about 30 years ago!!! Silly me. All I remember about it was that it worked so I guess it makes sense not to use it!!!! What else – still do not have results of blood tests but I keep

telling myself who cares since two doctors did tell me the virus was undetectable. Oh yes – the hair thing. I hate to be the one to admit it but you do lose hair. I think the reason is that the hair follicle actually lets go of the strand of hair and then that strand of hair falls out. I also think but am not sure that while on this treatment there is no regrowth of hair so that is why hair is a real problem and it is a REAL problem for me but thanks to the Cymbalta I can deal with this. Also, while on the subject of good solutions to bad side effects – am I the only one of us that really does thank God for chewable Imodium? Never leave home without `em that's for sure. So, I'm more than halfway through my treatment. I think I'm still scheduled to be done the second week of December. I know one of my medical providers told me I was in this for 24 weeks but if I go to the third week of December that will be more than

24 weeks. Ahaa – the previous few lines of undetermined literary value prove yet again – brain fog is alive and kicking even if the Hep C has become like an ant in a Raid commercial! Peace, Love & Good Health to all - Abby Take the ordinary things

of life, and make them your own. Do the impossible with a smile

[Guest guest]

A great anti-depressant for Hep C ers, is Effexor XR. It is not as hard on the liver and has very few side effects. I have been on Effexor for 5 years and swear by it. Love Janetus4heavenbound@... wrote: wow...I take Cymbalta but am coming off of it..now that is hell too..I am only taking 30mg right now. I am trying to go everyother day but it is not possible yet..I am

getting this awful buzzing around 6-7pm in my head..if I could lay down and sleep it out it would be ok..but I cant..I am taking wellbutrin which is great with the smoking I am smoking only 2-3 smokes a day where I was doing 7-10..much better..I know what you mean about the Cymbalta it was a life saver for me too..but the doctor thinks that is what may have been causing my swelling issues..I have been on it about a year..time to come off..hope it all works out for you. I am still waiting on my final blood test..should have it next week..praying for SVR...geri Take the ordinary things

of life, and make them your own. Do the impossible with a smile

[Guest guest]

Hi All, I am new to this site and have been on treatment for 11 weeks now. The 1st 4 - 6 weeks were hell. I take my shot on Friday night and I really don't see Saturday. I spend most of the day in bed. This Friday will marks 12 weeks so I can have a viral load test the following weeks. I have Geno type 1 HCV, so this test will show if these past weeks have been worth it. The past 2 weeks have been somewhat better. Although the fatigue is still here. And oh yes the brain fog some days it's really bad. I work full time that it is getting hard My boss knows I am on this treatment ans she is very good to me. I go to a support group once a month and it helps. Treatment is hard but if makes the virus undetectable and if it stays that way for 6 months after treatment, I can say I DO NOT have HEP C anymore. Keep your fingers crossed.abbycsu <abbycsu@...> wrote: 14 Week UpdateHi everyone – just little old me checking in again. I have been reading posts and pretty much keeping my mouth shut the last few weeks after the "episode" with the two defective redipens. The outcome of the whole thing was pretty much that Schering Corporation were the heroes. They actually had a courier bring a redipen to my local pharmacy and the pharmacist handed it over. I will tell you what – I had never in my life been so failed by the health care profession. BUT, wait a second here. Going back – way way back –

let's say about 30 years ago someone told me I had mononucleosis, cat scratch fever and oh yeah – hepatitis but not to worry about it because it's not the bad kind and just maybe don't donate blood (which thank GOD I never did). Oh yes and then the whole time I was pregnant I had symptoms of advanced liver disease even though my liver was fine (no one checked it to my knowledge), my twins were premature and jaundiced but I know I was told it was all NORMAL. Then of course when the smell and taste of red meat made me physically ill I was told it was my imagination because that is a rare symptom of liver disease (pernicious anemia) and if you have it you are probably end stage and there was nothing wrong with me. Not that anyone bothered checking – anyway. And then all those years of night sweats, fevers, colds, flu, depression/anxiety/panic attacks, fatigue – jaundiced looking eyes and weird skin tone. I do

believe that was the medical profession telling me to suck it up and quit whining all those horrible years. Yes it was. And it continues. I wanted to fire the liver doc but was persuaded to keep him on the books "just in case we need him" and my regular MD is following me now. Such a love hate relationship I have with my medical people. I guess I expect perfection – especially with the specialists since they have had so much education and practice – you know. There's only one thing they need to be really good at – the specialty that they chose. It's not like the old days when my grandfather was a general practioner during the depression and got paid in chickens for delivering a baby!!!! So - I joined the Cymbalta Club. I started to feel like I could literally kill everything that didn't move out of my sight fast. Cymbalta is hell on the liver but I can be in public now without foaming at the mouth and I didn't

lose my job or my marriage – YET. I understand I will quit taking it the same day as my treatment is over. I tried Ambien and Lunesta for sleep but they are jokes. I wanted Halcion but found out they quit prescribing that to the general population about 30 years ago!!! Silly me. All I remember about it was that it worked so I guess it makes sense not to use it!!!! What else – still do not have results of blood tests but I keep telling myself who cares since two doctors did tell me the virus was undetectable. Oh yes – the hair thing. I hate to be the one to admit it but you do lose hair. I think the reason is that the hair follicle actually lets go of the strand of hair and then that strand of hair falls out. I also think but am not sure that while on this treatment there is no regrowth of hair so that is why hair is a real problem and it is a REAL problem for me but thanks to the Cymbalta I can deal with this. Also,

while on the subject of good solutions to bad side effects – am I the only one of us that really does thank God for chewable Imodium? Never leave home without `em that's for sure. So, I'm more than halfway through my treatment. I think I'm still scheduled to be done the second week of December. I know one of my medical providers told me I was in this for 24 weeks but if I go to the third week of December that will be more than 24 weeks. Ahaa – the previous few lines of undetermined literary value prove yet again – brain fog is alive and kicking even if the Hep C has become like an ant in a Raid commercial! Peace, Love & Good Health to all - Abby

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