Hep C Discussion Forum

Hi Jamie and welcome.  We were all teriffied before hand.  Before I started I wondered if I was suppossed to stock up on 6 months of TP.  Nope.  Just water, water,water. You are not alone.  I found a lot of support here.  Shots weren't the biggest deal for me.  Taking so many pills was a big change for me since I didn't really even take vitamins before.  

The good news is that I now take vitamins regularly..no biggie.

The better news is that after the triple therapy (Ribo, Interferon, & Victrelis) I have cleared the hepitiis from my system..so it worked!  I too had Geno type 1.  Knew about as much about my body as I do about my car.  Something goes out and then I learn.  You're going to be just fine.

 Fatigue really turned to pure weakness.  I, too, had (have) a very supportive husband.  But it was my own self esteem that I had to keep up because most of us woman are the care takers and the men seem to be fine with us resting and watching TV and whatever helps us get through each day.  They don't seem to take over what we do however and will allow things to pile up (sorry guys) which as it turns out, didn't ruin our house.  I had a lot of love, but, boy did I cling to my GIRLFRIENDS!.  

If and when you do feel bad, don't feel like you're whinning.  We need to vent even while we feel gratitude.  This is a great forum with great info and great support.  Welcome here.

Hi Jamie, and welcome.   I just joined this group this week.  I started my treatment a week ago today.  I'm a lot older than you are and probably have unknowingly been infected for 30 years or more.  Still, we'rs starting this journey together.

i was diagnosed a year ago but delayed treatment until after I retired this year.  Like you, I was pretty terrified about the treatment, especially since I don't have symptoms.  I'd ask myself, "Why put myself through all that if I don't feel sick"? Truth is, I'm doing it for my husband.  You also are very very fortunate to have a wonderful, supportive significant other.

Here is a summary of my first week on treatment:  I received my meds package from the specialty pharmacy on Wednesday.  On Friday, I had appointment with my treatment team where we talked at length, then I was instructed how to use the Redipen -- I am on PegIntron -- and gave myself my first injection around 2 pm in the doctor's office under their supervision.  It didn't hurt at all.  Afterward, I had labs taken and was surprised that my initial results actually had improved from the previous month.  Of course, my doctor assured me that the results would not look nearly so good next time, but I was pleased to  be able start from a better position.  

I didn't have any symptoms until maybe 8 pm.  I took my first dose of Ribavirin about 6.  The body aches started first and got worse and worse, then the chills set in.  I bundled up and went to bed.  I was able to get warm but the pain in my body -- my WHOLE body -- continued through the night.  I did take an over-the-counter pain medication mid-afternoon and again at bedtime.

Here's the good part.  I work up Saturday morning feeling just great.  I felt great for several days, but have become more fatigued as the week progressed.  I have had some lightheadedness, minor cough, shortness of breath and diarrhea, and my injection site has become redder through the week, although it doesn't hurt or itch.  

All in all, I feel pretty positive as I prepare for injection number 2 this evening.  Everybody is different, Jamie, and there's no way to predict how you will react.  I just want to let you know that the first treatment may NOT really knock you to your knees.  I'll be thinking of you, and I hope you'll keep in touch with me.

 There are some great people on this site who are ready to share and to help.  

Best regards and a big ((((hug))))).