Hep C Discussion Forum

Kirstin · Senior Member

RE: It's been a while..

missycat · Senior Member

hi

*haha i put this site up before taking my littlen to school & she decided to write hi,thought i was going mad for a minute there wink

hope your all ok.

xxxx

-- Edited by missycat on Thursday 26th of May 2011 08:48:08 AM

James10500 · Guru

Kristin I think you look good in that pic, very optimistic eyes ! And the pups look happy as hell chillin ' watching tv with there dad, the garden is cool !

Hope your feeling better after your last shot.

James

doviine · Member

I remember too.. nice to "see" you... best wishes xo

Cinnamon Girl · Guru

Hi foks,

Nice to hear from you again Elizabeth, hope you`re doing well. Yes, what a fantastic bunch of people on the forum! Thanks for that both of you, and yes I`m afraid I really did make him cry although the fact that his wife had just left him probably didn`t help, LOL. Talk about kicking a man when he`s down! He`d really made me angry though and you know what`s it`s like when the riba rage takes over......?!

Kirstin I`m glad I made you laugh, it`s great that we can get together here and have some fun and forget about the virus for a bit. smile

Lots love, Jill xxx

Kirstin · Senior Member

Jill, I didn't feel insulted at all lol I actually had a great laugh. Brightened up what was a horrible day for me

Elizabeth, I am going out today to pick up a bottle of vitamin D.. Whatever I have to do to beat this thing..

bethland · Senior Member

HI friends

hey its great all these women strong and beautiful ..i love your stories..we have all been through a lot of pain..tx is horrible, but very spiritually healing ..

Jill i doubt you could be offensive if you tried i still dont believe that you reduced that builder to tears ..he must have stepped on a nail LOl..

Kirsten great to see that you have started tx and are well and truelly on your way to health and happiness.

Cheery Chatter you are a breathe of fresh air.. Bless you...

Ron just keep going forward yep eyes wide open the blind fold is off, i know exactly what you mean..so much denial until we really get tough and do the job tx ..

vitamin D i didnt do it Dammmmm ..i did some zinc tho that was suggested by my nurse as it prommotes the immune system and was used in the prison systems in aus with tx..i think it got the boot due to funding ..anyway...i have lost the flow of writting ,vocab spelling these days i guess i am still a bit bonkers ..

howdy to all the old crew ...love life..

love to you all elizabethsmile in your liver..

Cinnamon Girl · Guru

Oh so sorry Kirstin, I didn`t mean to insult you!!! You look lovely as ever of course. I should learn when to keep quiet, lol. My daughter is always accusing me of putting my foot in it! Glad you had a laugh anyway....good job you`ve got such a great s.o.h! smile

Your front garden looks really nice, and will be beautiful when all the plants come out. I just love those colours and have a lot of pinks, purples and whites in mine too.

I can`t stop laughing either now! Maybe I should keep a low profile for a while before I insult anyone else.....

Love to you, Jill xxx

Kirstin · Senior Member

Jill if I can stop laughing for long enough I will finish this post!. Oh my goodness!. I am glad that I am not the only one that thinks I look terrible, it's nice to know that you think so as well !!

That was the best laugh I have had all day, thank you

I love my garden, out the backyard (which in that first pic) I have all native flora which attracts all different kinds of natives birds. It's beautiful to watch

Out front I have just recently put a new garden in so it's still establishing itself. I find gardening the best stress relief, nothing like having my hands in the soil & helping it grow.. Love it..

These are pics of my new front garden. When it all grows in etc the flowers will be a deep purple & white (the ag's) with sprays of lilac, white & cream.. Looking forward to spring

Cinnamon Girl · Guru

Hi Kirstin, love your photos. I can see you`re really getting some enthusiastic help with the chores, haha! hmm What a beautiful garden you`ve got, must be great to watch those birds. I love seeing birds in my garden too, but they`re not so colourful in the UK! I have to agree it`s not your best look but you`re still the same person inside and will be glowing with health once you`ve got through all this.

Yes, we all have our stories to tell - this disease can be a destroyer of lives. Fight back everyone, we will overcome!

lots of love, Jill

Kirstin · Senior Member

Hey girls

Minerva, thank you. I am sure it will go as smoothly as possible.

Cheery, I always look forward to your posts, they always put a smile on my face

You are looking awesome for someone going through what we are. I look somewhat like Bettlejuice at the moment, not my best look ever but different. I have absolutely no nausea at all. My appetite hasnt decreased at all!, as a matter of fact, suddely I have this huge sweet-tooth that I have never had before. I will achieve SVR but be 300lbs by the time I am finished treatment damn it! Those were great pic's, thanks for sharing. I am thinking of you too

Jill, isnt funny (?) how so many of us have been through the same thing?. I have spoken to several others who have very similiar stories to me. Just this diesease I suppose?.

Lesley, it makes it all so much more tolerable when we stand together. When you know you have others, just like you, experiencing the same out there. When you have others out there rooting for you, caring & wishing you the best nothing seems helpless or unattenable. I am so glad I found this forum, I shudder to think of how alone I would feel without you all..

Went for my 2 week blood tests today, looking forward to the 4th week ones more though.

Thought I would include a pic of my family. Busy helping me do the housework ... Birds in my backyard & me, how I am looking today.. ahhhh!

-- Edited by Kirstin on Tuesday 24th of May 2011 05:52:55 AM

borowif · Senior Member

Hi Folks,

Just thought I'd drop by to say hello & wish you all the very best & hope its going as smooth as can be for you.`

Some of you have had some real sad times in your lives pre tx & I think you are so strong to continue as you have. "Well done" & keep on fighting. You are all so brave & everybody has their own story to tell.

We have one common denominator & we shall all carry on fighting together.

UNITED WE STAND AGAINST THIS DEMON DRAGON furious

With lots of Luv to you all

Lesleyxx

Cinnamon Girl · Guru

Hi everyone, excuse me butting in...

Cheery, it`s great to see all your photos - you make us all smile. smile

Ron, well done for getting the first box done. A good milestone to reach.

It`s funny about the weight loss thing - I dropped 6 kilos by the end of tx and now I`m worrying about putting it back on! Typical female. lol. smile

Kirstin, you`ve been through some very rough times and I really feel for you. I`ve been there myself and I know what it`s like. It`s strange how tx throws up a lot of emotional stuff. We all understand so don`t worry about letting out out here if you feel like it. You`ve still got your s.o.h though which is great - love the laundry story!

Take care all, get plenty of rest and relaxation if you can, and deal with each day as it comes.

Love, Jill xxx

-- Edited by Cinnamon Girl on Monday 23rd of May 2011 07:47:17 PM

cheery chatter · Veteran Member

Hey Kirstin,

Gosh you are one strong woman, whether you know it or not. Thanks for sharing your story, I couldn't help but cry.

I wanted to tell you that I lost 25 pounds in the first 3 months but that was probably due to the fact I was anemic and nauseous, I couldn't keep anything down. They do say you will lose during treatment and no dieting. I am not even allowed to take any vitamins. Anyway now that I have a new medical team, the nausea is gone and I have gained back 3 pounds in 3 weeks. Sending photos so you can see how super duper chunky I was to begin with.....hahahaha also you can see at one time I did have enuf energy to wrestle my nephew and grandson at the same time. ha ha ha Also the 2 guys in the pic are my baby brothers. One is giving me bunny ears.......

I am thinking about you, hoping to make you smile, or cry or whatever emotions you may feel, it is ok.........love ya

-- Edited by cheery chatter on Monday 23rd of May 2011 02:41:28 PM

Minerva · Guru

Hi Kirstin,

Just thought i'd nip in to wish you all the best with your tx. Hope it goes smoothly.

Hugs

Heather xxx

Kirstin · Senior Member

Sorry Kaz, missed your post before. As I was saying to PJ, losing weight is a funny thing to be worried about right now but, you know us women

Congrats for even taking the bus! I find it hard to even walk to the mailbox at the moment.. Just don't want to do anything..

Kirstin · Senior Member

Not me Ron.. I know the dirty from the clean pile, thank heavens lol ewww..

Ron Gilbert · Senior Member

Thanks for the posts Greg and Kirstin.

I have been doing some "recycling" myself. lol.

Kirstin · Senior Member

He doesn't Greg LOL disbelief Too funny!

Greg · Guru

Hi Kirstin,

Love the recycling bit.

Kirstin · Senior Member

Yah Ron! Congrats on your first empty box! I am going to take a leaf out of Gregs book & keep mine for burning

I don't believe that I have been suffering from mood-swings, or perhaps I have.. I am not sure, maybe? Who knows? No, I don't think so

I have actually been finding the funny in almost everything, especially my partner. I am still giggling over what happened yesterday. He asked me why I was washing the clothes that had been sitting on top of the washer. Because they were dirty was my reply. You should have seen his face!. He walked away muttering things about damn HepC, damn TX & how his life had been reduced to having to sniff his underwear in the future to make sure they were clean.. He had been taking underwear from the dirty pile all week.. I just told him that I was grateful for all his help & how recycling was a good thing He didn't, still doesn't find it at all amusing.

Thats what I keep reminding myself, it's only temporary.. Another favourite of mine, & it's alomost become a mantra is ; It wouldnt be this bad if it wasn't working. So I'll soldier on, chin up & look forward to my 4th week appointment when they tell me the good news

Greg · Guru

Hi Ron,

Congratulations on your 4th shot, that's your first box out of the way, every shot and every box we do, we get closer to killing this dragon. I know I'm stating the obvious here but it does give you a big boost. On the emotional and physically side it is like a roller coaster, but it does get better, and as you said it's only temporary mate.

Hang in there,
Greg

Ron Gilbert · Senior Member

Hi All,

I got the 4th injection in Kirstin, and things seem to be a bit more consistent now. I was on the verge of crying a couple of times this week for no real reason. When I realized what was happening I actually broke out into laughter because crying is so out of character for me. (for the most part) But that's the kind of swings Ive been getting both emotionally and physically.

Sorry bout your friend PJ, I'm 51 and the older I got the more uneasy I felt about the HCV. I suppose if I were forced to admit it, I would say I'm happy to be getting tx, but me body sure don't like it. (at least for the time being) In fact this really sucks, lol. (keep repeating.... Its temporary, its temporary) Some people are reporting getting much much weaker during the 8-12 week period. I'm thinking, "that is not at all what I wanted to hear" Anyway, I'm pounding down the Vitamins and D3 supplements hoping for adding strength and a favorable VL report in another week.

Thanks for your thoughts Ty, and Greg, and James, I have been watching lots of "worlds dumbest" reruns and anything I can get a laugh at. Still getting some work in but no where close to a full schedule and Im pacing myself as things progress. I will only continue to do whatever I feel comfortable doing. No more, no less.

So far, walking outside is by far my favorite activity. Ron

Kirstin · Senior Member

Yay PJ! After reading your post I just had to jump on the scale.. 2 kgs here! Woop woop! ..Arent we a funny bunch? Here we are, going through all of this & still worried about our weight lol Oh to be female huh? biggrin

Congrats on your 3rd shot, mine, next wednesday..

Yesterday was my roughest day yet. I seemed to have experienced all kinds of sx's especially back pain etc. Today I feel alot better

Ty, the funniest thing, I haven't felt these kinds of emotions so far until yesterday. Which happened to be the day of my home visit from my psychologist. She plans to visit me once a week so I suppose you can expect melancholy posts from me every friday.. I ask for your forgiveness & understanding in advance cry

ty · Guru

Kirstin, I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. I also know how those of you in the early stages of tx are feeling, so be as careful as you can with the your emotions. I ended up watching nothing but old "Donna Reed" reruns from the fifties and sixties, because anything else made me too sad.

You are in my thoughts, ty

PS - I'm also sad to hear about your friend PJ. As I get older I've found out why they say that getting older isn't for wimps...

Keep beating up on those viruses!

PJ · Senior Member

So sorry Kirstin :(.

My close friend died from liver cancer about 8 weeks ago. He didn't have Hep C. Wasn't even what I would call a heavy drinker, but definately occasional. Was diagnosed and gone within weeks. I think cancer takes who it wants, when it wants. Just by being a male between 50-60 he was at risk.

Anyway, I did manage to lose 1 1/2 lbs in the last two weeks. YAY. Shot 3 last night and I am having a bit of difficulty being motivated today. I don't feel bad, just tired. Must take the dog to the vet soon then I may hit the sofa for the day. One good thing about rainy days is that it's easier to just rest.

I think one of the hardest parts for me, is learning to slow down and listen to my body. I am so used to being active and things not getting done drive me nuts - silly I know.

Kirstin · Senior Member

Ditto Greg

Greg · Guru

Kirstin,

Thinking of you.

Greg

Kirstin · Senior Member

Thanks for listening.. A little nostalgic lately

Thanks James, I am truly at peace. Just a little emotional at the moment.

Ron, I know what you meant about week 2.. ahhh.. Not feeling good at all today, don't feel like doing anything. Even walking seems to be a chore...

James10500 · Guru

Kirstin,

I am sorry for your loss.

May peace be with you,

James

Ron Gilbert · Senior Member

Thanks Kirstin for sharing your story,

Again, I'm very sorry things took such a difficult path. I'm glad your the strong person that you are and we can all draw encouragement from your story.

Its good to have friends like yourself. None of us know how we will handle such situations until we are faced with them ourselves.

Ron

Kirstin · Senior Member

Thanks Ron

Even though I knew of destruction it causes I did go through a period of drinking way too much, not looking after myself. I was never a drinker, but after Per (my husband) passed away & the circumstances in which it happened I found comfort in a bottle of wine almost every second night for 3 years following his death. I now have liver damage, stage 1 scarring. Those days are well & truly behind me.

Per had 21 years on me, we believe he contracted HepC in the late 70's- early 80's. Tho never tested for it. I knew he was a big drinker, not to mention the drugs He didnt keep anything from me, told me about his past. He liked to call it partying.. I call it debauchery, plain & simple lol

He had stopped drinking by the time I had met him but the damage had already been done.

I suppose it's harder because of the circumstances of his death, it does still effect me. I moved to the States (Bethel Island Northern CA) in the 90's to be with him (he had moved there from Denmark when he was 18). He had alot of back pain during those years but he just put it down to a vehicle accident he had had some years before. We came back to Australia in 2005, he would get the flu etc alot, still did nothing about it. He went to visit his aging parents in Denmark Nov 2006. During that time he was gone we spoke every other day or so. He would tell me that he hated Denmark at that time of the year, it was too cold & he hadnt been feeling well the whole time he was there. I got a call from his father on a wednesday, he had been taken to the hospital, it wasnt good & that I should come to Denmark. I didnt get there in time. They had done a battery of tests on him, HepC was one of the diseases that had shown up. He passed away 3rd Jan 2007, I bought him back with me on the 11th.. I will take him home one of these days

No-one should ever take this disease lightly, any suspicion should be thoroughly checked. It can be fixed, doesnt need to be a life sentence or a life-ending one..

Ron Gilbert · Senior Member

Hi again Kirstin.

I'm so very very sorry to hear about the loss of your husband on the others threads. My eyes have really been opened to the destructive power of this virus now that I'm here.

My thinking has been narrow and shortsighted for many many years because of the lack of symptoms in my own body and life. Im seeing for the first time how bad this can be.

Again, I'm sorry for your loss and just wanted to leave you a note and wish you the best.

Ron.

missycat · Senior Member

Hi ya smile i was bit overweight before start tx,i havent gone off food but because you have to eat propley with the tabs i guess i cut out alot of the crap i was eating,iv lost about 2lbs a week biggrin im really happy with that. i really cant do much at the moment i get up take me littlen to school and go back to bed,i wouldnt have dreamed of doing that before but hey im listening to my body i used to walk for miles but i cant do that so i get the bus.

so yeah i think you will loss some too wink

kaz xxxx

Kirstin · Senior Member

LOL PJ I was told to put some weight on because I would probably loose alot during treatment. So.... off I went, on my merry way to all of junk-food places I could find, no exercise for a while. Had an absolute blast doing so & 5 kilos later.. I have not really lost my appetite, just for meat.. The way I look at it is this, I will be collecting gym fee's from my doctor if this doesnt do the job & I still have that extra weight after treatment

PJ · Senior Member

I had one day of nausea I believe. I was really hoping for some days when I'm not hungry as I wouldn't mind losing a bit of weight. I'm not really overweight, would just like to be 10 lbs or so less. We'll see if I've lost any today when I go for my 2 week apt. I told my nurse I was putting off dieting because I figured I'd lose on treatment. hahaha. I'm pescatarian (no meat, just seafood and veggies) and have been for more than 20 years.

Kirstin · Senior Member

Thanks Greg I will certainly check it out

Perhaps its just my body telling me to get off this bloody computer & do something! Like I dont hear that enough from my partner biggrin lol

-- Edited by Kirstin on Thursday 19th of May 2011 06:51:58 AM

Greg · Guru

Hi Kirstin,

Yeah I know what you mean about the taste it's not the best.

Sorry to hear about your eyes, tx can have an effect on your vision, I sometimes suffer from dry eyes and use a product called Genteal. As with all medications discuss these options with your doctor. I have put a link below for you to read from the knowledge base, you may have already read it regarding side effects the section about eyes is on page 19.

Glad to hear you have a good relationship with your doctor it makes it so much easier.

Take care,
Greg
EDIT: something wrong with link sorry there's another on my blog called side effects management if you care to check it out.

-- Edited by Greg on Thursday 19th of May 2011 06:44:15 AM

-- Edited by Greg on Thursday 19th of May 2011 06:49:00 AM

Kirstin · Senior Member

Hi Greg

I was already considering incorporating Sustagen into my diet, just cant stand the taste.. eekk..

I am really not having a problem with nausea at the moment. No aches or pains (none out of the usual anyhow) mostly just the itch & problems with my eyes.. I feel as though I am straining to see at times, can't watch too much TV or be on here for too long before they become very sore. I also feel somewhat 'fuzzy' Like I havent had any sleep for days.. That kind of feeling, you know?.

I have more of a relationship with my local GP & psychologist then I do with any of the staff at the hospital. They have changed my nurse three times now so I haven't been able to build a rapport with any of them. If I have any questions I usually call my doctor, if she is unfamiliar with anything I may ask she calls the head doc at the clinic & gets back to me. As the case of my enquiries about Milkthistle, my nurse had no idea, so I asked my doctor & she let me know. I believe thats the way it will stay during the course of my treatment, which suits me really. She is awesome, has been with me through the last couple of years & all of my anxiety etc. I consider myself blessed

-- Edited by Kirstin on Thursday 19th of May 2011 05:33:05 AM

Greg · Guru

G'Day Kirstin,

Just reading your post about eating, I went through the same phase early in tx and now seem to have settled down again, I'm eating plenty of fruit and vegies and to supplement my diet, I have a sister-in-law who is the chief dietitian at a major hospital who recommeds drinking "Sustagen hospital formula" to provide the extra nutritional requirements, it does take getting used to. If you choose to use it, I've found mixing it into a paste with warm water works best then add milk and it's much better with ice-cream in the mix as well. ( I don't drink it as much now)

During the first few weeks of tx I had nausea most of the time and was told by my GP and nurse to have some Maxolon on hand to combat this as well. It seems to be the luck of the draw as to which doctors and nurses we get. I have been seeing my GP for over 11 years now and we have a great relationship and my nurse has gone through treatmentt herself, so I'm very lucky there I can call them anytime if I have any concerns.

(But thank god for this forum it has provided me with so much information and support.)

More than likely it's the meds that are making you feel this way as the first couple of months are really rough on your system as the Ribavirin hits your red blood cells relentlessly killing the virus, but it does get better hang in there, it's great that you have your partner by your side to support you during tx, just take it easy on yourself during these first few weeks and get plently of rest and water and you'll settle into a pattern.

Congratulations on your second shot the first is always the hardest, hope I have helped in some way. If you have any concerns it's a good idea to write these down on paper for when you next visit your mediacl team as I always forget some of the things I need to ask, but Cate comes in with me when she can for backup.

Cheers
Greg

Kirstin · Senior Member

Oh & BTW.. Second shot last night. Feeling okay my friend. I seem to have more of a problem with the Ribavirin then the other..

Kirstin · Senior Member

Thanks Ron for that link.. No, no-one had/has enlightened me on the Vit D subject before. Most of the information I have recieved about Hep C & its treatment has been through my own research & this forum. The liver clinic I attend at one of the major hospitals in Sydney is so factory-like.. Take a number, wait hours & see a Dr for 5 minutes before sending you away to wait even longer. I understand that there are so many other patients waiting, needing help but call me selfish.. I don't know those other people & at the moment, I really have to focus on getting myself better, not worrying about everyone else. All I ask for is a little more of their time, just to explain things clearly. I feel as tho I have gone into this blind at times, given a satchel of information & meds & sent on my way without even a 'good luck'..

Ron Gilbert · Senior Member

Hi Kirstin,

Know what you mean, my first weeks seemed like months to me. Its still dragging by but at least a little bit of routine seems to be falling into place.

Sometimes I feel fine and other times I feel like Im about to pass out.

Im on my soapbox about the Vitamin D study. Have you read it? http://www.hivandhepatitis.com/2010_conference/easl/docs/0518_2010_b.html

I find it hard to believe that Drs, don't tell us about this stuff or check our blood for deficiencies before starting us on tx. According to the study it can make a 2-1 difference in the kind of response we can get from SOC tx. Amazing.

This kind of thing is the reason I'm so distrustful of medicine and Drs. Although the drug co. are now working on a altered Vitamin D that they can SELL to help prevent Breast cancer.

(disclaimer) lol. Im just sharing. Not promoting. LoL.

Ron

Kirstin · Senior Member

lol Ron, as far as dinner is concerned, I dont even feel like eating anymore. I make sure I have some fruit & veg tho.. Meat at the moment tastes horrible.. My partner, I believe is filling up on take-outs during the day tho he wont admit it lol

Tonight will mark my 2nd shot, geeze, seems like the week has just dragged by.. Not that I am in any hurry to prick myself or anything Just want it all to speed up & whiz by.. Realized tho that by the time I am finished (early November) it will be summer again, so thats something to look forward to

Ron Gilbert · Senior Member

Im with you Kirstin,

I put in a microwave dinner and it beeped for 45 minutes (letting me know it was done) then I just ate it cold. Lol.

They put me on 600 mg morning and 800 mg evening of the Ribo.

I have no way of knowing if I'm feeling the full effect even yet, but yes, it seemed to really hit me the 2nd week and week 3 seems to have leveled off with some consistency.

Although now Im getting these swings where one minute I feel "ha ha" Ive got this, and the next minute Im about to pass out and throwing 800mg in. lol. What Joy! LOl.

I know the virus is getting an ass kickin fo sho. lol.

Ron

Kirstin · Senior Member

Thats how I am feeling Ron also 'fuzziness'. Made a meatloaf last night (easy) & forgot about it completely.. It resembled dirt by the time I remembered it was in the oven. My partner, well, he is in for some weightloss over the coming 6 months lol. I am on 180mg of Interferon & 800mg of Ribavirin per day.

So you thought the second week worse? Oh joy

Ron Gilbert · Senior Member

Im making it. The second week was awful and this week its been feeling like its leveling off and Im getting used to it.

Its sucks cause I keep getting these huge swings where I feel like its not bad one minute and like passing out the next. lol. I'm not getting down about it no matter what. lol. Just took my 800 mg dose.

Lots of hot and cold too. I laid down a bit ago feeling real cold and got up sweating like crazy. lol. weeeeeeeeeeee.... lol. crazy.

It comes and goes gradually so at least that's one good thing.

Glad your here checking in. Sometimes there is no one here but it dosnt stop us from leaving messages.

Ron.

-- Edited by Ron Gilbert on Monday 16th of May 2011 04:44:40 AM

Kirstin · Senior Member

Hey Jill & Ty,

It's nice to see you both here

Thank you for your kind words & encouragement. Great to see your UND status! biggrin

Kirstin · Senior Member

Hey Ron

Everything is so far, was achy & (still) itchy for the first few days but it seems to have abated a little. How is it going for you?. Your another that has joined the May (almost) club huh?. Hope you stay in contact, you are just a couple of weeks ahead of me, would like to know how you are getting along

Ron Gilbert · Senior Member

Hi again Kirstin,

Hope everything is going ok so far.

Ron.

-- Edited by Ron Gilbert on Monday 16th of May 2011 12:44:06 AM

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