Re: Re: - Ramona Gloria

[Guest guest]

Gloria,

I have been lucky no itching with the shot, I just get really dry eye lids and the petroleum jelly is the bomb!! I do always get a spot in the injection site about 4 days after I do the shot. It will be warm to touch for a couple of days and then there will be like a bruise that never goes away after that. My doctor said not to worry about that, its normal and because I am doing so well with tx that it wouldn't make sense to stop the meds because of that. But I did last weeks shot in my abdomen, do you think that could have caused the stomach virus I got last week? That's what my friend thinks, so this week I didn't do the other side of my abdomen, I did the shot in the leg where I did my first shot. Just not in the same area where my first shot was done, up in a different spot on the same leg.

thanks again!!

Cheryl

xoxoxox

In a message dated 9/25/2010 7:34:42 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, gadamscan@... writes:

CherylYup good old cheap Petroleum Jelly can do wonders for us, while going through treatment. It was and still is the absolutely best solution for the itching that goes along with tx. One just has to damp dry themselves and then put on the PJ and it'll even lock in the moisture.Gloria

Ramona,

If there is one thing I have found that make my sides easier is to drink about a gallon of water everyday. My eyes have been acting funny and my eyelids keep drying out on me. I have tried everything and found that plain old vaseline works the best. I dab some on a couple times a day and it works. I haven't missed work (I am a daycare provider in my home) but I do rest a lot during the day when I can. My body just gives out when I can't do anymore...lol My best advice to you would be to rest when you can and drink tons of water. I have been drinking a flavored water and that helps, I also drink it through a straw it makes it easier to drink more that way for me..

If I can ever help you in anyway please don't hesitate to ask and best of luck to you in your journey..

Huggsss

Cheryl

In a message dated 9/25/2010 10:12:08 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, cook_1057@... writes:

Hey Cheryl,

Thanks for the encouragement. I took my shot Thursday and yesterday was doing pretty great. I was actually able to work on cleaning house. Boy did that feel good...I must be sick...HAHAHA. I went shopping with my daughter and granddaughter. We were gone 6 hours. I was tired when I got home but sure did enjoy the day. I thought I would be wiped out today but I feel OK. Now I'm working on laundry. All this is so much better than last week. It was a very bad week. I missed most of the week at work. Thank God for Internet class environment.

I read in some of the post about water. I did not know about the water issue. Maybe that makes me feel bad too. I know I'm dehydrated. Skin is dry. Eyes are having issues. Mouth is like a desert. I will start chugging more water.

Thank you again for the support.

Ramona

From: "Honey1962@..." <Honey1962@...> Sent: Fri, September 24, 2010 2:49:18 PMSubject: Re: [ ] Re: - Ramona

Its wonderful that your granddaughter brings you so much happiness, try to focus on her as you struggle week to week and I bet it will give you the strength to move forward to the goal we are all hoping to attain!!

God Bless and Huggsss to you!!

Cheryl in MD

In a message dated 9/24/2010 2:00:35 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, ludichrist2000@... writes:

Hi Ramona

No one should feel alone when they are sick.

No one should feel alone peroid, in my opinion.

Im glad that you did find us.

We will do our best to stand beside you.

20 shots down - hey your doing super good.

And your not weak, HCV TX can be tough for some folks, and is NEVER fun.

A lot of doctors are good doctors, but their bedside manner sucks.

Perhaps your doctor's intent is to try to encourage you to stand strong in some wierd manner, and she doesnt realize that her words make you feel bad instead.

You know who you are Ramona, so dont let others projections discourage you.

Are you still working - is that right?

You arent weak if your able to do HCV TX and work too.

And you are not a hypochondriac either.

HCV does wierd stuff to our bodies, and the treatment does too.

All kinds of stuff might pop up.

Hopefully after treatment, your body will streighten back out, and you start to feel like your old self again.

Are you drinking lots and lots of water?

It will help alot because the meds dehydrate people, and being dehydrated causes the sides to be a lot worse.

Your so right - treatment may be hard, but it can be a time of blessings too.

Anyone who can go thru something like HCV TX is a hero in my book, because I am a wimp.

Ramona, I am blasting you with love, healing, and tons of good energy.

Im sure everybody else is too.

Hang in there my friend, one day all this will be past.

We are right here if you need us. Just hollar.

love

don in ks

From: Ramona Cook <cook_1057@...>Subject: [ ] Re: Date: Friday, September 24, 2010, 9:53 AM

Hello Everyone,

I just found out about this group. I feel so emotional that I'm not alone is this.I found out in March that I had Hep C. Apparently, I have had it 26 years and didn't know it. Now I also have cirrohsis. I'm really scared. I took my 20th shot last night. Gotta get to 52. I was able to be off work from May 10th, first shot, to August 16th. I have been trying to hang in there. I'm struggling really bad. I am a college professor and trying to lecture when you can't breath is tough. As I read through some of the entries that you all wrote, it was great to know that I'm not just being a big baby. My doctor acts like I'm a weak, hypocondriac. She isn't a people person for sure. I read Trudy's entry about how quickly the meds. hit her. I was slammed immediately too. As time passed, some of the crappy feeling eased up. I still fight with being weak, shake a lot, struggle with breathing and not sleeping. I also know how blessed I am too. I could have been so much sicker than I got. I could have a disease that has no treatment. I could have cancer. I have a beautiful granddaughter that was born in Dec. She is my rock right now. Her smile fixes everything in life. I guess the thing for people new to this treatment to know is, try to hold on to as much of your life before treatment. Go movies, walks, read, laugh, kiss everyone your love a lot, ask for help. This time period is humbling but can also be a strength for relationships. What we survive makes us stronger.

[Guest guest]

Gloria,

That's good to know, there has been a bug going around. It was just so funny that I give myself the shot in the abdomen and I get the virus 4 days later. One good thing was, I didn't get the hot spot that I usually get in my arms and legs in my abdomen. Just light bruising? Good information, thank you for helping me with that.

Cheryl

In a message dated 9/25/2010 8:00:56 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, theresagottlieb@... writes:

Cheryl,

The shot you took in your abdomen could in no way cause the virus that you had. Now the Interfuron and the Ribavirin do compromise your immune system so if you are around anyone that is sick or has a virus you're pretty much a target to get it. Where you give yourself the shot though, doesn't affect anything. I know what you are talking about with the bumps and the bruising from the shots. I had what felt like golf balls all over my stomach from giving myself the shots there. I used to joke that they said to give the shots in a fatty area and that left me pretty much everywhere except my forehead!

Hugs,Teri

From: "Honey1962@..." <Honey1962@...> Sent: Sat, September 25, 2010 6:48:45 PMSubject: Re: [ ] Re: - Ramona Gloria

Gloria,

I have been lucky no itching with the shot, I just get really dry eye lids and the petroleum jelly is the bomb!! I do always get a spot in the injection site about 4 days after I do the shot. It will be warm to touch for a couple of days and then there will be like a bruise that never goes away after that. My doctor said not to worry about that, its normal and because I am doing so well with tx that it wouldn't make sense to stop the meds because of that. But I did last weeks shot in my abdomen, do you think that could have caused the stomach virus I got last week? That's what my friend thinks, so this week I didn't do the other side of my abdomen, I did the shot in the leg where I did my first shot. Just not in the same area where my first shot was done, up in a different spot on the same leg.

thanks again!!

Cheryl

xoxoxox

In a message dated 9/25/2010 7:34:42 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, gadamscan@... writes:

CherylYup good old cheap Petroleum Jelly can do wonders for us, while going through treatment. It was and still is the absolutely best solution for the itching that goes along with tx. One just has to damp dry themselves and then put on the PJ and it'll even lock in the moisture.Gloria

Ramona,

If there is one thing I have found that make my sides easier is to drink about a gallon of water everyday. My eyes have been acting funny and my eyelids keep drying out on me. I have tried everything and found that plain old vaseline works the best. I dab some on a couple times a day and it works. I haven't missed work (I am a daycare provider in my home) but I do rest a lot during the day when I can. My body just gives out when I can't do anymore...lol My best advice to you would be to rest when you can and drink tons of water. I have been drinking a flavored water and that helps, I also drink it through a straw it makes it easier to drink more that way for me..

If I can ever help you in anyway please don't hesitate to ask and best of luck to you in your journey..

Huggsss

Cheryl

In a message dated 9/25/2010 10:12:08 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, cook_1057@... writes:

Hey Cheryl,

Thanks for the encouragement. I took my shot Thursday and yesterday was doing pretty great. I was actually able to work on cleaning house. Boy did that feel good...I must be sick...HAHAHA. I went shopping with my daughter and granddaughter. We were gone 6 hours. I was tired when I got home but sure did enjoy the day. I thought I would be wiped out today but I feel OK. Now I'm working on laundry. All this is so much better than last week. It was a very bad week. I missed most of the week at work. Thank God for Internet class environment.

I read in some of the post about water. I did not know about the water issue. Maybe that makes me feel bad too. I know I'm dehydrated. Skin is dry. Eyes are having issues. Mouth is like a desert. I will start chugging more water.

Thank you again for the support.

Ramona

From: "Honey1962@..." <Honey1962@...> Sent: Fri, September 24, 2010 2:49:18 PMSubject: Re: [ ] Re: - Ramona

Its wonderful that your granddaughter brings you so much happiness, try to focus on her as you struggle week to week and I bet it will give you the strength to move forward to the goal we are all hoping to attain!!

God Bless and Huggsss to you!!

Cheryl in MD

In a message dated 9/24/2010 2:00:35 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, ludichrist2000@... writes:

Hi Ramona

No one should feel alone when they are sick.

No one should feel alone peroid, in my opinion.

Im glad that you did find us.

We will do our best to stand beside you.

20 shots down - hey your doing super good.

And your not weak, HCV TX can be tough for some folks, and is NEVER fun.

A lot of doctors are good doctors, but their bedside manner sucks.

Perhaps your doctor's intent is to try to encourage you to stand strong in some wierd manner, and she doesnt realize that her words make you feel bad instead.

You know who you are Ramona, so dont let others projections discourage you.

Are you still working - is that right?

You arent weak if your able to do HCV TX and work too.

And you are not a hypochondriac either.

HCV does wierd stuff to our bodies, and the treatment does too.

All kinds of stuff might pop up.

Hopefully after treatment, your body will streighten back out, and you start to feel like your old self again.

Are you drinking lots and lots of water?

It will help alot because the meds dehydrate people, and being dehydrated causes the sides to be a lot worse.

Your so right - treatment may be hard, but it can be a time of blessings too.

Anyone who can go thru something like HCV TX is a hero in my book, because I am a wimp.

Ramona, I am blasting you with love, healing, and tons of good energy.

Im sure everybody else is too.

Hang in there my friend, one day all this will be past.

We are right here if you need us. Just hollar.

love

don in ks

From: Ramona Cook <cook_1057@...>Subject: [ ] Re: Date: Friday, September 24, 2010, 9:53 AM

Hello Everyone,

I just found out about this group. I feel so emotional that I'm not alone is this.I found out in March that I had Hep C. Apparently, I have had it 26 years and didn't know it. Now I also have cirrohsis. I'm really scared. I took my 20th shot last night. Gotta get to 52. I was able to be off work from May 10th, first shot, to August 16th. I have been trying to hang in there. I'm struggling really bad. I am a college professor and trying to lecture when you can't breath is tough. As I read through some of the entries that you all wrote, it was great to know that I'm not just being a big baby. My doctor acts like I'm a weak, hypocondriac. She isn't a people person for sure. I read Trudy's entry about how quickly the meds. hit her. I was slammed immediately too. As time passed, some of the crappy feeling eased up. I still fight with being weak, shake a lot, struggle with breathing and not sleeping. I also know how blessed I am too. I could have been so much sicker than I got. I could have a disease that has no treatment. I could have cancer. I have a beautiful granddaughter that was born in Dec. She is my rock right now. Her smile fixes everything in life. I guess the thing for people new to this treatment to know is, try to hold on to as much of your life before treatment. Go movies, walks, read, laugh, kiss everyone your love a lot, ask for help. This time period is humbling but can also be a strength for relationships. What we survive makes us stronger.

[Guest guest]

Gloria,

I didn't think it was because of it either, just curious. Id rather do the shot in my thigh than my abdomen. My friend does the shots in my arm because I can't reach back there. I need to wash my hands more than normal, I realize I am susceptible to getting anything because my immune system is compromised. I will be more careful.

Always good info from you

Thanks

Cheryl

In a message dated 9/25/2010 8:30:06 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, gadamscan@... writes:

CherylNo, I certainly do not believe that you caught the stomach thing because of the shot. It's just simply that time of the year and remember that your immune system is quite compromised at this point.Personally, I never did get the guts up to do a shot in my thighs. I don't know why, it just one of those things with me. However, I had so much fat in my belly, that it seemed natural to inject it there. Yes, there were times that I hit a small blood vessel and got the bruise, or I even had little lumps a few days after the shot. Then, the following week would be on the other side and by the time I was back on the side with the lump, either it was gone or I just steered clear of that spot. None of it lasted for very long anyway.As for the itches! I live in a place where we get so much rain, starting in the fall, going all through the winter and then well into the spring that I always point out to folks that bitch about it, to remember that that's why we grow such large trees. However, starting every fall, my skin starts to dry out. This was even long before any tx. Even now, I'm back to scratching the top of my legs and various other places. Pretty soon now, I'll have to start applying either just the Petroleum Jelly or one of the other Vaseline products.Luv Gloria

Gloria,

I have been lucky no itching with the shot, I just get really dry eye lids and the petroleum jelly is the bomb!! I do always get a spot in the injection site about 4 days after I do the shot. It will be warm to touch for a couple of days and then there will be like a bruise that never goes away after that. My doctor said not to worry about that, its normal and because I am doing so well with tx that it wouldn't make sense to stop the meds because of that. But I did last weeks shot in my abdomen, do you think that could have caused the stomach virus I got last week? That's what my friend thinks, so this week I didn't do the other side of my abdomen, I did the shot in the leg where I did my first shot. Just not in the same area where my first shot was done, up in a different spot on the same leg.

thanks again!!

Cheryl

xoxoxox

In a message dated 9/25/2010 7:34:42 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, gadamscan@... writes:

CherylYup good old cheap Petroleum Jelly can do wonders for us, while going through treatment. It was and still is the absolutely best solution for the itching that goes along with tx. One just has to damp dry themselves and then put on the PJ and it'll even lock in the moisture.Gloria

Ramona,

If there is one thing I have found that make my sides easier is to drink about a gallon of water everyday. My eyes have been acting funny and my eyelids keep drying out on me. I have tried everything and found that plain old vaseline works the best. I dab some on a couple times a day and it works. I haven't missed work (I am a daycare provider in my home) but I do rest a lot during the day when I can. My body just gives out when I can't do anymore...lol My best advice to you would be to rest when you can and drink tons of water. I have been drinking a flavored water and that helps, I also drink it through a straw it makes it easier to drink more that way for me..

If I can ever help you in anyway please don't hesitate to ask and best of luck to you in your journey..

Huggsss

Cheryl

In a message dated 9/25/2010 10:12:08 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, cook_1057@... writes:

Hey Cheryl,

Thanks for the encouragement. I took my shot Thursday and yesterday was doing pretty great. I was actually able to work on cleaning house. Boy did that feel good...I must be sick...HAHAHA. I went shopping with my daughter and granddaughter. We were gone 6 hours. I was tired when I got home but sure did enjoy the day. I thought I would be wiped out today but I feel OK. Now I'm working on laundry. All this is so much better than last week. It was a very bad week. I missed most of the week at work. Thank God for Internet class environment.

I read in some of the post about water. I did not know about the water issue. Maybe that makes me feel bad too. I know I'm dehydrated. Skin is dry. Eyes are having issues. Mouth is like a desert. I will start chugging more water.

Thank you again for the support.

Ramona

From: "Honey1962@..." <Honey1962@...> Sent: Fri, September 24, 2010 2:49:18 PMSubject: Re: [ ] Re: - Ramona

Its wonderful that your granddaughter brings you so much happiness, try to focus on her as you struggle week to week and I bet it will give you the strength to move forward to the goal we are all hoping to attain!!

God Bless and Huggsss to you!!

Cheryl in MD

In a message dated 9/24/2010 2:00:35 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, ludichrist2000@... writes:

Hi Ramona

No one should feel alone when they are sick.

No one should feel alone peroid, in my opinion.

Im glad that you did find us.

We will do our best to stand beside you.

20 shots down - hey your doing super good.

And your not weak, HCV TX can be tough for some folks, and is NEVER fun.

A lot of doctors are good doctors, but their bedside manner sucks.

Perhaps your doctor's intent is to try to encourage you to stand strong in some wierd manner, and she doesnt realize that her words make you feel bad instead.

You know who you are Ramona, so dont let others projections discourage you.

Are you still working - is that right?

You arent weak if your able to do HCV TX and work too.

And you are not a hypochondriac either.

HCV does wierd stuff to our bodies, and the treatment does too.

All kinds of stuff might pop up.

Hopefully after treatment, your body will streighten back out, and you start to feel like your old self again.

Are you drinking lots and lots of water?

It will help alot because the meds dehydrate people, and being dehydrated causes the sides to be a lot worse.

Your so right - treatment may be hard, but it can be a time of blessings too.

Anyone who can go thru something like HCV TX is a hero in my book, because I am a wimp.

Ramona, I am blasting you with love, healing, and tons of good energy.

Im sure everybody else is too.

Hang in there my friend, one day all this will be past.

We are right here if you need us. Just hollar.

love

don in ks

From: Ramona Cook <cook_1057@...>Subject: [ ] Re: Date: Friday, September 24, 2010, 9:53 AM

Hello Everyone,

I just found out about this group. I feel so emotional that I'm not alone is this.I found out in March that I had Hep C. Apparently, I have had it 26 years and didn't know it. Now I also have cirrohsis. I'm really scared. I took my 20th shot last night. Gotta get to 52. I was able to be off work from May 10th, first shot, to August 16th. I have been trying to hang in there. I'm struggling really bad. I am a college professor and trying to lecture when you can't breath is tough. As I read through some of the entries that you all wrote, it was great to know that I'm not just being a big baby. My doctor acts like I'm a weak, hypocondriac. She isn't a people person for sure. I read Trudy's entry about how quickly the meds. hit her. I was slammed immediately too. As time passed, some of the crappy feeling eased up. I still fight with being weak, shake a lot, struggle with breathing and not sleeping. I also know how blessed I am too. I could have been so much sicker than I got. I could have a disease that has no treatment. I could have cancer. I have a beautiful granddaughter that was born in Dec. She is my rock right now. Her smile fixes everything in life. I guess the thing for people new to this treatment to know is, try to hold on to as much of your life before treatment. Go movies, walks, read, laugh, kiss everyone your love a lot, ask for help. This time period is humbling but can also be a strength for relationships. What we survive makes us stronger.

[Guest guest]

Cheryl,The shot you took in your abdomen could in no way cause the virus that you had. Now the Interfuron and the Ribavirin do compromise your immune system so if you are around anyone that is sick or has a virus you're pretty much a target to get it. Where you give yourself the shot though, doesn't affect anything. I know what you are talking about with the bumps and the bruising from the shots. I had what felt like golf balls all over my stomach from giving myself the shots there. I used to joke that they said to give the shots in a fatty area and that left me pretty much everywhere except my forehead! Hugs,Teri From: "Honey1962@..." <Honey1962@...> Sent: Sat, September 25, 2010 6:48:45 PMSubject: Re: [ ] Re: - Ramona Gloria

Gloria,

I have been lucky no itching with the shot, I just get really dry eye lids and the petroleum jelly is the bomb!! I do always get a spot in the injection site about 4 days after I do the shot. It will be warm to touch for a couple of days and then there will be like a bruise that never goes away after that. My doctor said not to worry about that, its normal and because I am doing so well with tx that it wouldn't make sense to stop the meds because of that. But I did last weeks shot in my abdomen, do you think that could have caused the stomach virus I got last week? That's what my friend thinks, so this week I didn't do the other side of my abdomen, I did the shot in the leg where I did my first shot. Just not in the same area where my first shot was done, up in a different spot on the same leg.

thanks again!!

Cheryl

xoxoxox

In a message dated 9/25/2010 7:34:42 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, gadamscan@... writes:

CherylYup good old cheap Petroleum Jelly can do wonders for us, while going through treatment. It was and still is the absolutely best solution for the itching that goes along with tx. One just has to damp dry themselves and then put on the PJ and it'll even lock in the moisture.Gloria

Ramona,

If there is one thing I have found that make my sides easier is to drink about a gallon of water everyday. My eyes have been acting funny and my eyelids keep drying out on me. I have tried everything and found that plain old vaseline works the best. I dab some on a couple times a day and it works. I haven't missed work (I am a daycare provider in my home) but I do rest a lot during the day when I can. My body just gives out when I can't do anymore...lol My best advice to you would be to rest when you can and drink tons of water. I have been drinking a flavored water and that helps, I also drink it through a straw it makes it easier to drink more that way for me..

If I can ever help you in anyway please don't hesitate to ask and best of luck to you in your journey..

Huggsss

Cheryl

In a message dated 9/25/2010 10:12:08 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, cook_1057@... writes:

Hey Cheryl,

Thanks for the encouragement. I took my shot Thursday and yesterday was doing pretty great. I was actually able to work on cleaning house. Boy did that feel good...I must be sick...HAHAHA. I went shopping with my daughter and granddaughter. We were gone 6 hours. I was tired when I got home but sure did enjoy the day. I thought I would be wiped out today but I feel OK. Now I'm working on laundry. All this is so much better than last week. It was a very bad week. I missed most of the week at work. Thank God for Internet class environment.

I read in some of the post about water. I did not know about the water issue. Maybe that makes me feel bad too. I know I'm dehydrated. Skin is dry. Eyes are having issues. Mouth is like a desert. I will start chugging more water.

Thank you again for the support.

Ramona

From: "Honey1962@..." <Honey1962@...> Sent: Fri, September 24, 2010 2:49:18 PMSubject: Re: [ ] Re: - Ramona

Its wonderful that your granddaughter brings you so much happiness, try to focus on her as you struggle week to week and I bet it will give you the strength to move forward to the goal we are all hoping to attain!!

God Bless and Huggsss to you!!

Cheryl in MD

In a message dated 9/24/2010 2:00:35 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, ludichrist2000@... writes:

Hi Ramona

No one should feel alone when they are sick.

No one should feel alone peroid, in my opinion.

Im glad that you did find us.

We will do our best to stand beside you.

20 shots down - hey your doing super good.

And your not weak, HCV TX can be tough for some folks, and is NEVER fun.

A lot of doctors are good doctors, but their bedside manner sucks.

Perhaps your doctor's intent is to try to encourage you to stand strong in some wierd manner, and she doesnt realize that her words make you feel bad instead.

You know who you are Ramona, so dont let others projections discourage you.

Are you still working - is that right?

You arent weak if your able to do HCV TX and work too.

And you are not a hypochondriac either.

HCV does wierd stuff to our bodies, and the treatment does too.

All kinds of stuff might pop up.

Hopefully after treatment, your body will streighten back out, and you start to feel like your old self again.

Are you drinking lots and lots of water?

It will help alot because the meds dehydrate people, and being dehydrated causes the sides to be a lot worse.

Your so right - treatment may be hard, but it can be a time of blessings too.

Anyone who can go thru something like HCV TX is a hero in my book, because I am a wimp.

Ramona, I am blasting you with love, healing, and tons of good energy.

Im sure everybody else is too.

Hang in there my friend, one day all this will be past.

We are right here if you need us. Just hollar.

love

don in ks

From: Ramona Cook <cook_1057@...>Subject: [ ] Re: Date: Friday, September 24, 2010, 9:53 AM

Hello Everyone,

I just found out about this group. I feel so emotional that I'm not alone is this.I found out in March that I had Hep C. Apparently, I have had it 26 years and didn't know it. Now I also have cirrohsis. I'm really scared. I took my 20th shot last night. Gotta get to 52. I was able to be off work from May 10th, first shot, to August 16th. I have been trying to hang in there. I'm struggling really bad. I am a college professor and trying to lecture when you can't breath is tough. As I read through some of the entries that you all wrote, it was great to know that I'm not just being a big baby. My doctor acts like I'm a weak, hypocondriac. She isn't a people person for sure. I read Trudy's entry about how quickly the meds. hit her. I was slammed immediately too. As time passed, some of the crappy feeling eased up. I still fight with being weak, shake a lot, struggle with breathing and not sleeping. I also know how blessed I am too. I could have been so much sicker than I got. I could have a disease that has no treatment. I could have cancer. I have a beautiful granddaughter that was born in Dec. She is my rock right now. Her smile fixes everything in life. I guess the thing for people new to this treatment to know is, try to hold on to as much of your life before treatment. Go movies, walks, read, laugh, kiss everyone your love a lot, ask for help. This time period is humbling but can also be a strength for relationships. What we survive makes us stronger.

[Guest guest]

CherylNo, I certainly do not believe that you caught the stomach thing because of the shot. It's just simply that time of the year and remember that your immune system is quite compromised at this point.Personally, I never did get the guts up to do a shot in my thighs. I don't know why, it just one of those things with me. However, I had so much fat in my belly, that it seemed natural to inject it there. Yes, there were times that I hit a small blood vessel and got the bruise, or I even had little lumps a few days after the shot. Then, the following week would be on the other side and by the time I was back on the side with the lump, either it was gone or I just steered clear of that spot. None of it lasted for very long anyway.As

for the itches! I live in a place where we get so much rain, starting in the fall, going all through the winter and then well into the spring that I always point out to folks that bitch about it, to remember that that's why we grow such large trees. However, starting every fall, my skin starts to dry out. This was even long before any tx. Even now, I'm back to scratching the top of my legs and various other places. Pretty soon now, I'll have to start applying either just the Petroleum Jelly or one of the other Vaseline products.Luv Gloria

Gloria,

I have been lucky no itching with the shot, I just get really dry eye lids and the petroleum jelly is the bomb!! I do always get a spot in the injection site about 4 days after I do the shot. It will be warm to touch for a couple of days and then there will be like a bruise that never goes away after that. My doctor said not to worry about that, its normal and because I am doing so well with tx that it wouldn't make sense to stop the meds because of that. But I did last weeks shot in my abdomen, do you think that could have caused the stomach virus I got last week? That's what my friend thinks, so this week I didn't do the other side of my abdomen, I did the shot in the leg where I did my first shot. Just not in the same area where my first shot was done, up in a different spot on the same leg.

thanks again!!

Cheryl

xoxoxox

In a message dated 9/25/2010 7:34:42 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, gadamscan@... writes:

CherylYup good old cheap Petroleum Jelly can do wonders for us, while going through treatment. It was and still is the absolutely best solution for the itching that goes along with tx. One just has to damp dry themselves and then put on the PJ and it'll even lock in the moisture.Gloria

Ramona,

If there is one thing I have found that make my sides easier is to drink about a gallon of water everyday. My eyes have been acting funny and my eyelids keep drying out on me. I have tried everything and found that plain old vaseline works the best. I dab some on a couple times a day and it works. I haven't missed work (I am a daycare provider in my home) but I do rest a lot during the day when I can. My body just gives out when I can't do anymore...lol My best advice to you would be to rest when you can and drink tons of water. I have been drinking a flavored water and that helps, I also drink it through a straw it makes it easier to drink more that way for me..

If I can ever help you in anyway please don't hesitate to ask and best of luck to you in your journey..

Huggsss

Cheryl

In a message dated 9/25/2010 10:12:08 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, cook_1057@... writes:

Hey Cheryl,

Thanks for the encouragement. I took my shot Thursday and yesterday was doing pretty great. I was actually able to work on cleaning house. Boy did that feel good...I must be sick...HAHAHA. I went shopping with my daughter and granddaughter. We were gone 6 hours. I was tired when I got home but sure did enjoy the day. I thought I would be wiped out today but I feel OK. Now I'm working on laundry. All this is so much better than last week. It was a very bad week. I missed most of the week at work. Thank God for Internet class environment.

I read in some of the post about water. I did not know about the water issue. Maybe that makes me feel bad too. I know I'm dehydrated. Skin is dry. Eyes are having issues. Mouth is like a desert. I will start chugging more water.

Thank you again for the support.

Ramona

From: "Honey1962@..." <Honey1962@...> Sent: Fri, September 24, 2010 2:49:18 PMSubject: Re: [ ] Re: - Ramona

Its wonderful that your granddaughter brings you so much happiness, try to focus on her as you struggle week to week and I bet it will give you the strength to move forward to the goal we are all hoping to attain!!

God Bless and Huggsss to you!!

Cheryl in MD

In a message dated 9/24/2010 2:00:35 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, ludichrist2000@... writes:

Hi Ramona

No one should feel alone when they are sick.

No one should feel alone peroid, in my opinion.

Im glad that you did find us.

We will do our best to stand beside you.

20 shots down - hey your doing super good.

And your not weak, HCV TX can be tough for some folks, and is NEVER fun.

A lot of doctors are good doctors, but their bedside manner sucks.

Perhaps your doctor's intent is to try to encourage you to stand strong in some wierd manner, and she doesnt realize that her words make you feel bad instead.

You know who you are Ramona, so dont let others projections discourage you.

Are you still working - is that right?

You arent weak if your able to do HCV TX and work too.

And you are not a hypochondriac either.

HCV does wierd stuff to our bodies, and the treatment does too.

All kinds of stuff might pop up.

Hopefully after treatment, your body will streighten back out, and you start to feel like your old self again.

Are you drinking lots and lots of water?

It will help alot because the meds dehydrate people, and being dehydrated causes the sides to be a lot worse.

Your so right - treatment may be hard, but it can be a time of blessings too.

Anyone who can go thru something like HCV TX is a hero in my book, because I am a wimp.

Ramona, I am blasting you with love, healing, and tons of good energy.

Im sure everybody else is too.

Hang in there my friend, one day all this will be past.

We are right here if you need us. Just hollar.

love

don in ks

From: Ramona Cook <cook_1057@...>Subject: [ ] Re: Date: Friday, September 24, 2010, 9:53 AM

Hello Everyone,

I just found out about this group. I feel so emotional that I'm not alone is this.I found out in March that I had Hep C. Apparently, I have had it 26 years and didn't know it. Now I also have cirrohsis. I'm really scared. I took my 20th shot last night. Gotta get to 52. I was able to be off work from May 10th, first shot, to August 16th. I have been trying to hang in there. I'm struggling really bad. I am a college professor and trying to lecture when you can't breath is tough. As I read through some of the entries that you all wrote, it was great to know that I'm not just being a big baby. My doctor acts like I'm a weak, hypocondriac. She isn't a people person for sure. I read Trudy's entry about how quickly the meds. hit her. I was slammed immediately too. As time passed, some of the crappy feeling eased up. I still fight with being weak, shake a lot, struggle with breathing and not sleeping. I also know how blessed I am too. I could have been so much sicker than I got. I could have a disease that has no treatment. I could have cancer. I have a beautiful granddaughter that was born in Dec. She is my rock right now. Her smile fixes everything in life. I guess the thing for people new to this treatment to know is, try to hold on to as much of your life before treatment. Go movies, walks, read, laugh, kiss everyone your love a lot, ask for help. This time period is humbling but can also be a strength for relationships. What we survive makes us stronger.

[Guest guest]

Hey Cheryl,

I haven't tried the stomach area but after my legs and arms got so sore, my gastro said she didn't care where I took the shot as long as it was under the skin. I went to my hips and buttocks. Boy that has helped. I was alternating right leg, left leg, right arm, left arm then back to right leg. Initially, the shots weren't too bad but in time they got so painful that I would cry, get lightheaded and nauseated everytime. I would get bummed out every shot day in anticipation. I too get the red welts. They turn to bruises but after about 4-5 weeks they go away. My gastro said it was because I was allergic to the preservative in the shots. I accidentially let one shot site get exposed to the sun. WOW...that was a mistake. My arm blistered and itched and hurt. I had to keep it covered with a patch for about a week. Now I cover up well when going outside.

Hugs and prayers are with you!!!!!!

Ramona

From: "Honey1962@..." <Honey1962@...> Sent: Sat, September 25, 2010 7:48:45 PMSubject: Re: [ ] Re: - Ramona Gloria

Gloria,

I have been lucky no itching with the shot, I just get really dry eye lids and the petroleum jelly is the bomb!! I do always get a spot in the injection site about 4 days after I do the shot. It will be warm to touch for a couple of days and then there will be like a bruise that never goes away after that. My doctor said not to worry about that, its normal and because I am doing so well with tx that it wouldn't make sense to stop the meds because of that. But I did last weeks shot in my abdomen, do you think that could have caused the stomach virus I got last week? That's what my friend thinks, so this week I didn't do the other side of my abdomen, I did the shot in the leg where I did my first shot. Just not in the same area where my first shot was done, up in a different spot on the same leg.

thanks again!!

Cheryl

xoxoxox

In a message dated 9/25/2010 7:34:42 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, gadamscan@... writes:

CherylYup good old cheap Petroleum Jelly can do wonders for us, while going through treatment. It was and still is the absolutely best solution for the itching that goes along with tx. One just has to damp dry themselves and then put on the PJ and it'll even lock in the moisture.Gloria

Ramona,

If there is one thing I have found that make my sides easier is to drink about a gallon of water everyday. My eyes have been acting funny and my eyelids keep drying out on me. I have tried everything and found that plain old vaseline works the best. I dab some on a couple times a day and it works. I haven't missed work (I am a daycare provider in my home) but I do rest a lot during the day when I can. My body just gives out when I can't do anymore...lol My best advice to you would be to rest when you can and drink tons of water. I have been drinking a flavored water and that helps, I also drink it through a straw it makes it easier to drink more that way for me..

If I can ever help you in anyway please don't hesitate to ask and best of luck to you in your journey..

Huggsss

Cheryl

In a message dated 9/25/2010 10:12:08 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, cook_1057@... writes:

Hey Cheryl,

Thanks for the encouragement. I took my shot Thursday and yesterday was doing pretty great. I was actually able to work on cleaning house. Boy did that feel good...I must be sick...HAHAHA. I went shopping with my daughter and granddaughter. We were gone 6 hours. I was tired when I got home but sure did enjoy the day. I thought I would be wiped out today but I feel OK. Now I'm working on laundry. All this is so much better than last week. It was a very bad week. I missed most of the week at work. Thank God for Internet class environment.

I read in some of the post about water. I did not know about the water issue. Maybe that makes me feel bad too. I know I'm dehydrated. Skin is dry. Eyes are having issues. Mouth is like a desert. I will start chugging more water.

Thank you again for the support.

Ramona

From: "Honey1962@..." <Honey1962@...> Sent: Fri, September 24, 2010 2:49:18 PMSubject: Re: [ ] Re: - Ramona

Its wonderful that your granddaughter brings you so much happiness, try to focus on her as you struggle week to week and I bet it will give you the strength to move forward to the goal we are all hoping to attain!!

God Bless and Huggsss to you!!

Cheryl in MD

In a message dated 9/24/2010 2:00:35 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, ludichrist2000@... writes:

Hi Ramona

No one should feel alone when they are sick.

No one should feel alone peroid, in my opinion.

Im glad that you did find us.

We will do our best to stand beside you.

20 shots down - hey your doing super good.

And your not weak, HCV TX can be tough for some folks, and is NEVER fun.

A lot of doctors are good doctors, but their bedside manner sucks.

Perhaps your doctor's intent is to try to encourage you to stand strong in some wierd manner, and she doesnt realize that her words make you feel bad instead.

You know who you are Ramona, so dont let others projections discourage you.

Are you still working - is that right?

You arent weak if your able to do HCV TX and work too.

And you are not a hypochondriac either.

HCV does wierd stuff to our bodies, and the treatment does too.

All kinds of stuff might pop up.

Hopefully after treatment, your body will streighten back out, and you start to feel like your old self again.

Are you drinking lots and lots of water?

It will help alot because the meds dehydrate people, and being dehydrated causes the sides to be a lot worse.

Your so right - treatment may be hard, but it can be a time of blessings too.

Anyone who can go thru something like HCV TX is a hero in my book, because I am a wimp.

Ramona, I am blasting you with love, healing, and tons of good energy.

Im sure everybody else is too.

Hang in there my friend, one day all this will be past.

We are right here if you need us. Just hollar.

love

don in ks

From: Ramona Cook <cook_1057@...>Subject: [ ] Re: Date: Friday, September 24, 2010, 9:53 AM

Hello Everyone,

I just found out about this group. I feel so emotional that I'm not alone is this.I found out in March that I had Hep C. Apparently, I have had it 26 years and didn't know it. Now I also have cirrohsis. I'm really scared. I took my 20th shot last night. Gotta get to 52. I was able to be off work from May 10th, first shot, to August 16th. I have been trying to hang in there. I'm struggling really bad. I am a college professor and trying to lecture when you can't breath is tough. As I read through some of the entries that you all wrote, it was great to know that I'm not just being a big baby. My doctor acts like I'm a weak, hypocondriac. She isn't a people person for sure. I read Trudy's entry about how quickly the meds. hit her. I was slammed immediately too. As time passed, some of the crappy feeling eased up. I still fight with being weak, shake a lot, struggle with breathing and not sleeping. I also know how blessed I am too. I

could have been so much sicker than I got. I could have a disease that has no treatment. I could have cancer. I have a beautiful granddaughter that was born in Dec. She is my rock right now. Her smile fixes everything in life. I guess the thing for people new to this treatment to know is, try to hold on to as much of your life before treatment. Go movies, walks, read, laugh, kiss everyone your love a lot, ask for help. This time period is humbling but can also be a strength for relationships. What we survive makes us stronger.

Hey

[Guest guest]

RamonaAnother thing to remember about the shot and so that it's not so painful. Just as you are ready, the last thing I would do, is wipe the needle with the alcohol swap. That way, I was ensuring that there was no residue from the interferon that would burn the skin.Gloria

Hey Cheryl,

I haven't tried the stomach area but after my legs and arms got so sore, my gastro said she didn't care where I took the shot as long as it was under the skin. I went to my hips and buttocks. Boy that has helped. I was alternating right leg, left leg, right arm, left arm then back to right leg. Initially, the shots weren't too bad but in time they got so painful that I would cry, get lightheaded and nauseated everytime. I would get bummed out every shot day in anticipation. I too get the red welts. They turn to bruises but after about 4-5 weeks they go away. My gastro said it was because I was allergic to the preservative in the shots. I accidentially let one shot site get exposed to the sun. WOW...that was a mistake. My arm blistered and itched and hurt. I had to keep it covered with a patch for about a week. Now I cover up well when going outside.

Hugs and prayers are with you!!!!!!

Ramona

[Guest guest]

RamonaAnother thing to remember about the shot and so that it's not so painful. Just as you are ready, the last thing I would do, is wipe the needle with the alcohol swap. That way, I was ensuring that there was no residue from the interferon that would burn the skin.Gloria

Hey Cheryl,

I haven't tried the stomach area but after my legs and arms got so sore, my gastro said she didn't care where I took the shot as long as it was under the skin. I went to my hips and buttocks. Boy that has helped. I was alternating right leg, left leg, right arm, left arm then back to right leg. Initially, the shots weren't too bad but in time they got so painful that I would cry, get lightheaded and nauseated everytime. I would get bummed out every shot day in anticipation. I too get the red welts. They turn to bruises but after about 4-5 weeks they go away. My gastro said it was because I was allergic to the preservative in the shots. I accidentially let one shot site get exposed to the sun. WOW...that was a mistake. My arm blistered and itched and hurt. I had to keep it covered with a patch for about a week. Now I cover up well when going outside.

Hugs and prayers are with you!!!!!!

Ramona