Re: I, the spouse -

[Guest guest]

A box of Junior Mints in the freezer...a BIG help for nausea.http://facebook.com/people/andTrudy-Kinsey/1340460877 " "A well- behaved woman never made history"...Mae Westhttp://oktravels.wordpress.com http://allrecipes.com/cook/TrudyK/profile.aspx On Oct 12, 2010, at 5:41 PM,

Christ <ludichrist2000@...> wrote:

Hi

You posting instead of your man is NOT a problem.

It would be really really great if we could hear from spouces and caregivers more.

We all need to hear their perspectives too, to get a complete picture of how the HCV affects everyone.

This support group is for both patients and caregivers.

Your man has every right to be cranky, as you do.

Number one its normal with the meds.

Number 2 it is normal when crap falls on our heads when we arent expecting it.

Number 3 holding down the fort is hard work for the caregiver.

As things stablize so will emotions.

He is taking too much Tylenol products.

He needs to cut way back.

I believe 2000 mg per day is the max that he should be taking.

Ginger will help with the nausea. So will peppermint.

Part of the runs and nausea is from the meds.

BUT

I also get the runs when I dont eat enough fiber, and drink a lot of water.

7-Up will also help with the nausea, and hydration.

A banana or warm glass of milk will help with the inability to sleep.

I am blasting the wto of you with 'hang-in-there' good energy.

love

don in ks

From: kodaswife <jndndpeters@...>Subject: [ ] Do you mind that I, the spouse, am here with you? Date: Tuesday, October 12, 2010, 3:08 PM

Just wondering if you all mind that I am reading and writing with you, beings how I am the wife, not the one being treated? I am getting such a different perspective this way, it has to be good for us. Hubby is SO grumpy today! Been a stressful week. A neighbor hit our carport and his insurance wants to total my 90 Ford Ranger rather than fix the bed of it... So we've had two insurance adjusters here, one for the car, one for the structure. Then a guy for a quote to fix the carport supports and fence. Now I need to take my pickup to a body shop. I guess even if they total it, I can still fix it and keep it if I want? Then a tub is backing up when using the kitchen dishwasher and draining slowly with showers. So I have a call out to Roto Rooter. He's not even grumpy, he's just plain pissed off. And I am dealing with all this, and working, too. Not to mention we have a son in school/football which I now manage all of because Hubby's been too

sick to even leave the house. "Luckily" I work nights; which means I get very little sleep. And then I get grumpy...He's had diarrhea off and on for a week. (Just had week 4 of 48 shot today). Ongoing nausea, though oral disintegrating zofran has helped with that, when he takes it (a little stubborn there). Not sleeping well at all, but that is not abnormal for him, I just know that he needs more sleep. Also, he has chronic pain anyhow. He takes a vicodin-type pain med, but with reduced tylenol amount in it. I just added it up, in the prescription pain med only, he's getting 1950mg of tylenol. He's also been taking some Tylenol Arthritis (kind of an extended release tylenol) that I didn't realize he is taking. And Ibuprofens, too. So I am calling his PCP to get an appt to talk about changing the pain meds to a non-tylenol type of med, but I always meet resistance with this. He likes taking the Tylenol Arthritis, it gives him something to

take when he feels worse (than usual...).Thanks for reading. I appreciate the perspective you are all giving me. I read your posts every day, though I don't often have time to reply. Waiting now for Roto-rooter, haha... /kodaswife.

[Guest guest]

,I want you to know that you are just as welcome here as your husband. I think if more caregivers were on this site and read what was happening they would understand what they were really up against a lot better. See, when we are the patient going thru this treatment which can be very nasty, we tend to shelter our spouse. I can tell you honestly that I was guilty of this. My husband knew I was sick, he knew I was in pain and a space cadet but he had no idea the extent. I didn't let on to a lot of it. I couldn't. I didn't want to break his heart more than it was already breaking by watching me go thru it. I'm glad you are here.The Vicodin type drug your husband is taking.. Norco? That's what I take. During treatment I was on regular old run of the mill Vicodin. I took them 6 at a time, several times a day. Hows that for a Tylenol overload. In addition I took 4 regular strength Tylenol on shot day and the day after... and any days after that when I had a fever... so in my case.. 6 days a week. If he's not adding anything to his Norco he should be okay... how many of the arthritis formula Tylenol is he taking? You really don't need to go into the doctor for this one, I'd just get him on the phone... and I'd talk with the one who is regulating the Hep C treatment. They tend

to have a different perspective on Tylenol than the PCP would. My Liver Specialist was handing out the Vicodin and knew how much Tylenol I was taking. He was okay with it. The Ibuprofen shouldn't be a problem. Sounds like in addition to the hubs going thru treatment the world is caving in a bit on you... It has to be hard being the one who is strong right now... When we get married we are hoping for the Prince Charming that will solve all the problems.. it sucks when we have to do it. This

too shall pass... you'll be okay. Just a run of bad luck. If you need to go outside and scream for a few minutes, just let the neighbors know what you're doing so they don't call the police! Sometimes it helps to just let it all out. Hang in there... you're doing a great job being there for him. I'm sure he appreciates it even if he is a bit grumpy. It's hard to not be grumpy when you feel like death warmed over. That's kinda how it feels. I swore I had to feel better to die. You are going to

be fine... Let me know if there is anything I can help you with.. you can message me offline if you just want to vent and don't want to put it on forum! I understand.. really I do.Hugs... take a deep breath...Teri

From: kodaswife <jndndpeters@...>Subject: [ ] Do you mind that I, the spouse, am here with you? Date: Tuesday, October 12, 2010, 3:08 PM

Just wondering if you all mind that I am reading and writing with you, beings how I am the wife, not the one being treated? I am getting such a different perspective this way, it has to be good for us. Hubby is SO grumpy today! Been a stressful week. A neighbor hit our carport and his insurance wants to total my 90 Ford Ranger rather than fix the bed of it... So we've had two insurance adjusters here, one for the car, one for the structure. Then a guy for a quote to fix the carport supports and fence. Now I need to take my pickup to a body shop. I guess even if they total it, I can still fix it and keep it if I want? Then a tub is backing up when using the kitchen dishwasher and draining slowly with showers. So I have a call out to Roto Rooter. He's not even grumpy, he's just plain pissed off. And I am dealing with all this, and working, too. Not to mention we have a son in school/football which I now manage all of because Hubby's been too

sick to even leave the house. "Luckily" I work nights; which means I get very little sleep. And then I get grumpy...He's had diarrhea off and on for a week. (Just had week 4 of 48 shot today). Ongoing nausea, though oral disintegrating zofran has helped with that, when he takes it (a little stubborn there). Not sleeping well at all, but that is not abnormal for him, I just know that he needs more sleep. Also, he has chronic pain anyhow. He takes a vicodin-type pain med, but with reduced tylenol amount in it. I just added it up, in the prescription pain med only, he's getting 1950mg of tylenol. He's also been taking some Tylenol Arthritis (kind of an extended release tylenol) that I didn't realize he is taking. And Ibuprofens, too. So I am calling his PCP to get an appt to talk about changing the pain meds to a non-tylenol type of med, but I always meet resistance with this. He likes taking the Tylenol Arthritis, it gives him something to

take when he feels worse (than usual...).Thanks for reading. I appreciate the perspective you are all giving me. I read your posts every day, though I don't often have time to reply. Waiting now for Roto-rooter, haha... /kodaswife.

[Guest guest]

All who replied, thanks!

I laughed so hard about " going outside and yelling " . Truly, my neighbors would

just fall over themselves trying to look out the windows without opening the

curtains!! I actually usually have a good cry on the way to work, about a

45-minute drive. A good cry; A coffee at the drive through right before I get

to work, and I am back on track! Crying as I type this. It is hard for me,

too. But I can't ask him for any support, you see it goes both ways. He has

enough on his plate and I don't need to add to it. He won't let me tell anyone,

so there is no family support, either. Well, his mom and brother know that he

is going through treatment, but they don't understand or know what is going on,

how intense this actually is.

Thanks for the suggestions for the nausea and diarrhea. I ordered some

'gin-gins' off amazon, arrived yesterday. We'll see if he will try them. I

tend to think backwards on fiber than Don suggested; it pulls water into the

bowels to keep everything moving; I have to look into that. No, not doubting

you, I just have to know why it works, haha, that's how my mind works... I do

not think he is getting enough water, maybe drinking four little bottles a day

but only on the days that I am pushing him ( & pissing him off about it!!). I

bought him grape juice, it's the only juice he likes besides apple juice, and I

don't want him drinking apple juice with having the runs so easily already!

Also went to the dollar store and found little boxes of Hawaiian Punch which he

likes.

MD not wanting to go there with the meds. Yes, taking norco. You know, the

whole stigma about addiction comes in when you ask for more pain meds. My

husband was in the first Gulf War. We have a 3 year old claim in for him to get

VA benefits, but it was denied the first go-round, as they so often are. We

went for the appeal. Still waiting to hear back. Will get a lawyer if it is

denied this time. Anyhow, my point is that I think he could get better pain

control if he had the VA on his side, part of GWI/GWS is pain. He has really

bad headaches/migraines more than twice a week. Working on so many issues right

now with him. MD did give him a referral to a pain clinic, just have to wait

for that to go through. He does see the Liver doc next week, I don't know that

he will be willing to get into the pain med thing, again, addiction always comes

up when someone asks for pain meds. May have to just wait for the pain clinic

on this one. We ran out of the tylenol arthritis, so I just haven't bought any

more. I think having the tylenol available gives you a little control over

what's going on. You know, I am having pain and I have my limit of prescribed

pain pills, but I can take this (tylenol) and I will feel a little better. But

in all, wishing the VA would come through first...

Ok, back to reading the board. Been off a few days because of working,

volunteering at sports events for son, dealing with the insurance over the

fence/truck. Hubby had shot 5/48 this week. Labs will be drawn today to see if

he's having any response. Thanks for letting me share, both our life and

reading your perspectives, too. /kodaswife.

>

>

> ,

>

> I want you to know that you are just as welcome here as your husband. I think

> if more caregivers were on this site and read what was happening they would

> understand what they were really up against a lot better. See, when we are

the

> patient going thru this treatment which can be very nasty, we tend to shelter

> our spouse. I can tell you honestly that I was guilty of this. My husband

knew

> I was sick, he knew I was in pain and a space cadet but he had no idea the

> extent. I didn't let on to a lot of it. I couldn't. I didn't want to break

> his heart more than it was already breaking by watching me go thru it. I'm

glad

> you are here.

>

> The Vicodin type drug your husband is taking.. Norco? That's what I take.

> During treatment I was on regular old run of the mill Vicodin. I took them 6

> at a time, several times a day. Hows that for a Tylenol overload. In

addition

> I took 4 regular strength Tylenol on shot day and the day after... and any

days

> after that when I had a fever... so in my case.. 6 days a week. If he's not

> adding anything to his Norco he should be okay... how many of the arthritis

> formula Tylenol is he taking? You really don't need to go into the doctor for

> this one, I'd just get him on the phone... and I'd talk with the one who is

> regulating the Hep C treatment. They tend to have a different perspective on

> Tylenol than the PCP would. My Liver Specialist was handing out the Vicodin

and

> knew how much Tylenol I was taking. He was okay with it.

> The Ibuprofen shouldn't be a problem.

>

>

> Sounds like in addition to the hubs going thru treatment the world is caving

in

> a bit on you... It has to be hard being the one who is strong right now...

> When we get married we are hoping for the Prince Charming that will solve all

> the problems.. it sucks when we have to do it. This too shall pass...

you'll

> be okay. Just a run of bad luck. If you need to go outside and scream for a

> few minutes, just let the neighbors know what you're doing so they don't call

> the police! Sometimes it helps to just let it all out. Hang in there...

you're

> doing a great job being there for him. I'm sure he appreciates it even if he

is

> a bit grumpy. It's hard to not be grumpy when you feel like death warmed

over.

> That's kinda how it feels. I swore I had to feel better to die.

>

> You are going to be fine... Let me know if there is anything I can help you

> with.. you can message me offline if you just want to vent and don't want to

> put it on forum! I understand.. really I do.

>

> Hugs... take a deep breath...

>

> Teri

>

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Jen honey, you're breaking my heart.  I can only imagine what it's like on the care-givers side.  When we are going thru this God awful treatment, our focus is pretty much internalized on us.   We pretty much have 48 weeks of me moments.  We tend to not realize how hard this has to be on our loved ones who are watching and trying to cope.  In hindsight, my hubs went thru hell.  I was a total bitch and unreasonable and fighting tooth and nail to stay alive and not quit the damn treatment.  It was all about me.  I truly believe that a lesser man would have run away screaming.   I have to give you so much credit for being the trooper about this that you are.  Not sure crying and driving is such a good idea though...  kinda like texting and driving.. the two don't mix.  Please be careful.

You have a whole lot on your plate right now.  Try to find some " me " time would you?  Even if it's a long hot bath with a few candles going.  A manicure and pedicure... something.  You deserve it.  Please let me know if there is anything I can do to support you during this time.  You can message me offline if you'd like, whatever you prefer, I just want to make sure you are getting thru this with at least some of your wits about you.  

Sending you all sorts of calming energy.  (thru Don's hair)

Hugs,

TeriOn Thu, Oct 21, 2010 at 11:06 AM, kodaswife <jndndpeters@...> wrote:

 

All who replied, thanks!

I laughed so hard about " going outside and yelling " . Truly, my neighbors would just fall over themselves trying to look out the windows without opening the curtains!! I actually usually have a good cry on the way to work, about a 45-minute drive. A good cry; A coffee at the drive through right before I get to work, and I am back on track! Crying as I type this. It is hard for me, too. But I can't ask him for any support, you see it goes both ways. He has enough on his plate and I don't need to add to it. He won't let me tell anyone, so there is no family support, either. Well, his mom and brother know that he is going through treatment, but they don't understand or know what is going on, how intense this actually is.

Thanks for the suggestions for the nausea and diarrhea. I ordered some 'gin-gins' off amazon, arrived yesterday. We'll see if he will try them. I tend to think backwards on fiber than Don suggested; it pulls water into the bowels to keep everything moving; I have to look into that. No, not doubting you, I just have to know why it works, haha, that's how my mind works... I do not think he is getting enough water, maybe drinking four little bottles a day but only on the days that I am pushing him ( & pissing him off about it!!). I bought him grape juice, it's the only juice he likes besides apple juice, and I don't want him drinking apple juice with having the runs so easily already! Also went to the dollar store and found little boxes of Hawaiian Punch which he likes.

MD not wanting to go there with the meds. Yes, taking norco. You know, the whole stigma about addiction comes in when you ask for more pain meds. My husband was in the first Gulf War. We have a 3 year old claim in for him to get VA benefits, but it was denied the first go-round, as they so often are. We went for the appeal. Still waiting to hear back. Will get a lawyer if it is denied this time. Anyhow, my point is that I think he could get better pain control if he had the VA on his side, part of GWI/GWS is pain. He has really bad headaches/migraines more than twice a week. Working on so many issues right now with him. MD did give him a referral to a pain clinic, just have to wait for that to go through. He does see the Liver doc next week, I don't know that he will be willing to get into the pain med thing, again, addiction always comes up when someone asks for pain meds. May have to just wait for the pain clinic on this one. We ran out of the tylenol arthritis, so I just haven't bought any more. I think having the tylenol available gives you a little control over what's going on. You know, I am having pain and I have my limit of prescribed pain pills, but I can take this (tylenol) and I will feel a little better. But in all, wishing the VA would come through first...

Ok, back to reading the board. Been off a few days because of working, volunteering at sports events for son, dealing with the insurance over the fence/truck. Hubby had shot 5/48 this week. Labs will be drawn today to see if he's having any response. Thanks for letting me share, both our life and reading your perspectives, too. /kodaswife.

>

>

> ,

>

> I want you to know that you are just as welcome here as your husband. I think

> if more caregivers were on this site and read what was happening they would

> understand what they were really up against a lot better. See, when we are the

> patient going thru this treatment which can be very nasty, we tend to shelter

> our spouse. I can tell you honestly that I was guilty of this. My husband knew

> I was sick, he knew I was in pain and a space cadet but he had no idea the

> extent. I didn't let on to a lot of it. I couldn't. I didn't want to break

> his heart more than it was already breaking by watching me go thru it. I'm glad

> you are here.

>

> The Vicodin type drug your husband is taking.. Norco? That's what I take.

> During treatment I was on regular old run of the mill Vicodin. I took them 6

> at a time, several times a day. Hows that for a Tylenol overload. In addition

> I took 4 regular strength Tylenol on shot day and the day after... and any days

> after that when I had a fever... so in my case.. 6 days a week. If he's not

> adding anything to his Norco he should be okay... how many of the arthritis

> formula Tylenol is he taking? You really don't need to go into the doctor for

> this one, I'd just get him on the phone... and I'd talk with the one who is

> regulating the Hep C treatment. They tend to have a different perspective on

> Tylenol than the PCP would. My Liver Specialist was handing out the Vicodin and

> knew how much Tylenol I was taking. He was okay with it.

> The Ibuprofen shouldn't be a problem.

>

>

> Sounds like in addition to the hubs going thru treatment the world is caving in

> a bit on you... It has to be hard being the one who is strong right now...

> When we get married we are hoping for the Prince Charming that will solve all

> the problems.. it sucks when we have to do it. This too shall pass... you'll

> be okay. Just a run of bad luck. If you need to go outside and scream for a

> few minutes, just let the neighbors know what you're doing so they don't call

> the police! Sometimes it helps to just let it all out. Hang in there... you're

> doing a great job being there for him. I'm sure he appreciates it even if he is

> a bit grumpy. It's hard to not be grumpy when you feel like death warmed over.

> That's kinda how it feels. I swore I had to feel better to die.

>

> You are going to be fine... Let me know if there is anything I can help you

> with.. you can message me offline if you just want to vent and don't want to

> put it on forum! I understand.. really I do.

>

> Hugs... take a deep breath...

>

> Teri

>

> >

>