Starting Treatment

[dzgurl528]

So, I was diagnosed with Hep C in April/May of 2010.   After going to the Hep C Education class I came to the conclusion that I got the virus from when I was born.  I was born 3.5 month premature in 1985 and had to have quite a few blood transfusions.  Anyways, I was just able to finally start the treatment on Fri, Sept 3.  Since I started, I have been really achy, nauseous, tired, sore, and hot/cold flashes.  I'm just wondering from other people who have been on it longer, how long do all of these side effects usually last for?  Thanks! 

[sweet sue]

First of all, welcome to the site. We're here to help.

The first shot is usually worse. You may or may not have the same reaction in future shots, but they should be as extreme. We all have had some of the same side effects and some have had hardly any. Sometimes the sx (side effects) are ever changing.

Keep asking questions and we'll be here with open arms to help you.

sweet sue

[rjs]

dzgurl528,

Let me first say... you will get through this...   Sides are different for everyone.  Some people have very few sides, some people have them early and they decrease, for some they get worse, for some they vary from week to week.  The key thing you will hear EVERYONE say is... drink water and lots of it!!  I mean seriously have a water bottle in hand at all times.  The more water you drink the less the side effects tend to be.  What you are feeling is exactly how I have felt with the majority of my injections and I just finished number 14.  My doctor recommended taking Tylenol about 30 min before the injection, that seems to help.  I usually take my Tylenol as prescribed by my doc for the first 48-72 hours.  If the nausea gets bad enough that you cannot eat, call your Dr. because there are meds they can give you to help with that.  I have learned that I just need to get through this and if I need help managing the side effects then I am asking for it.

Congratulations on starting your journey, the people on this site are awesome and will help you through every bump on the road.  Do you have to do 24 or 48 weeks?

Hang in there, I know others have said that the effects got easier over time and hopefully that will happen for you, if not, well one day at a time... you will get through it.

Take Care,
rjs

[dzgurl528]

My doctor had said that the minimum time of treatment would be 6 months.  But after I received my VL and log number, I'm not so sure it will last that long. My VL is only 108 and log is 5.3. 

[sweet sue]

Geno type 2b is a 24 week tx (treatment), very rarely do we have to extend longer. It sounds like they caught you early and are treating quickly.

I was a 2b also and did 24 weeks. vl went from 1,500,000 to 618 in two weeks. It is doable.

sweet sue

[Hepper Joe]

dzgurl528:  I agree with Sue and RJS drink lots of water.  Hang in there you can do this.

Joe

[greyrocker]

Hi  dzgurl528, welcome to a great support site! Like others have said, sx (short form for side effects) vary from person to person, and they also vary over time to each person. We used to have a home page full of fantastic links, but it's temporarily unavailable, so here's some information about sx management.

http://www.hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/easyfacts/Side%20effects_09.pdf

http://www.hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/factsheets_pdf/SEM_SideEffects_10.pdf

http://www.hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/factsheets_pdf/Treatment_sides_09.pdf

http://www.hepatitis.va.gov/vahep?page=prtop04-cs-01#S2X

greyrocker

[kab]

Welcome to the site!  My first couple of shots were the worst for sure.  Hang in there, you can do this.

kab

[Postcard]

A big welcome from Illinois!  No, it isn't always easy but one day at a time is the way to handle it.  Yes, all of those happen in varying degrees to folks.  We are all here to help take the wonder out of some of the side effects.  There are many things you can do to mitigate them.  Just keep reading.

Hang in there kid....you'll make it!   

postcard  8)

[ipaqgps]

Hi dzgurl,

Glad you found this group it really is amazing!  We are going to be only 5 days apart in treatment.   

Drinking water has been the biggest thing that can be done to help with symptoms from what everyone says.  Hope you are feeling better.

Hepper Hugz
ipaq
 

[DjTurtle]

Welcome, dzgurl!
I have a lot of experience with treatment, and can say it varies for each one of us. Water is so important! Sometimes the first shots are the worst, and sometimes, I think we tend to get used to the side effects. We cope. Stay positive and as stress free as possible. Do you have family or friends to support you? We are one big family of support here. Do not be shy. If we don't have an answer to a question, we will find the answer. We also have a nurse online to request info from also.
Put on a smile and know you are not alone! 
DjTurtle

[lynn]

A big welcome from NC. Like everyone has stated sides differ from person to person and actually they differed for me from week to week. Sometimes I would wonder why one week would be not so bad and the next a different story. Just remember we are here for you and this is only temporary. Sounds like you are on the right track.

[jimmer]

Welcome from Minnesota, sides vary day to day for me, you get into a mindset with this treatment at least I do and I focus on the day, not going to lie and say I don't look ahead but mostly day by day and you can do this.

jimmer

[Cowboy]

Hey!  I will be watching your posts closely.  I start treatments this Friday! (Sept 10th.)  I did not go to any sort of education classes, dr told me over the phone... said good luck.... better find a specialist.
So, 9 months later I am finally ready to start slaying!! 

Thanks all for the water advice!  I am going to start today. Is drinking tea or juice or any other liquid going to be as effective as water>  (I hate water)
thanks greyrocker for the links- I printed and read and filled out all sorts of stuff.

Anyone notice any great personality change?  My wife says I am grumpy enough. Any ways to combat that?

Thanks to all!

(Geno type 1A~~ 1,650,000~~ 48 weeks to go!!!)

[sweet sue]

Cowboy, welcome aboard. Tea or juice is okay to have, but remember that tea will go right through you and it's important to drink have your weight in oz of water. Throw in a gatorade or something like that to keep your electrolytes up. Try a little lemon or lime in your water.

Yes, most get very moody. Has your dr put you on anti depressants. They do help a lot but they take several weeks for you to get them fully in your system. You might want to ask your dr to start you on them now.  Be prepared to count to 100. 

This is going to be difficult for the people around you. Your wife can also log on. We have a care giver forum. It has helped others a lot.

We're all here to help, so keep in touch.

sweet sue