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stonewall 
Today I took the paperwork the Docs' Office mailed me and went to the Lab to have blood drawn for the pre-tx screening. Returned home in the late afternoon and have since felt an anxious feeling. Nervous. Uneasy. Man, I've experienced this feelling before, not usually at this level. Actually, I have'nt felt this level of nervous anxiety since I first heard I was positive for HCV. Not really sure what the hell is going on with me here. Restless. Can't seem to get really comfortable. Difficulty sitting in one place, in one position. I want to think my body is reacting to my mind, reasoning that today was another step closer to starting tx. Scary stuff. Lord, I hope I'm able to keep working. Lord, I pray I can be there for my Family. Lord, I pray I can adapt to this place I find myself. Lord, I pray I can persevere through these life trials. Lord, I pray with your blessing, I can overcome the hardships I've found myself face to face with. Today was one day . . . Tomorrows another . . .
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Planned tx September. Blind-sided by Insurance Open Enrollment changes. Possibility of my Insurance Co. not being offered this time around. Which would mean that I may have to start all over again. Finding and securing a new PCP and GI willing to take me on as a new patient, if my existing Doctors are not in the new network. Not to forget to mention that having to enroll with a new Insurance Co. also may present problems depending on whether or not pre-existing illness is accepted. And then theres' getting approved for treatment. . . jumpin through hoops.
As if being very afraid to begin tx and then at the same time feeling the desperation to get started with tx was'nt enough. Please Lord, give me the strength, I pray.
And God Bless my friends at DS.
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There are ways...if you want tx, you'll get it. There are drug trials & help thru drug companies. I don't like open enrollment changes either! Best wishes to you.
Pre -tx observations. Mid July 2009. Thoughts of begining tx, introducing ribavirin into my system and the mechanics of self injecting interferon seem as they would be manageable. Other times these same thoughts explode with weakness, uncertainty and fear. Hopefully, as time funnels down to my 'GO DATE', my mind will clear of this self-debate crap and I'll find myself in a BATTLE READY status.
Physically: Noticeing what I consider to be significant stiffness in knees, hips, back, shoulders, ankles and especially the finger joints; 'trigger finger'. I know things change after 50, and I've been lugging my tool pouch around for years, but, "what the hell?" Now I've read from some folks that this type of pain in the joints can run hand-in-hand with HCV. My hopes are that tx may have some affects that lead to eleviating some of this joint pain.
I trust one day I can go back and read this journal entry comparing where I am then to where I was the day I wrote this, resulting in a favorable outlook. I am positive that I have associated myself with a fine group of folks hear at DS. Everyone I have interacted with has been friendly and helpfull. The friends I have made here are clear thinking, knowledgeable and supportive. I do, without a doubt, consider them all of cornerstone importance in the journey toward wellness I will soon embark upon.
Anywhoo, I guess thats it for now. So, we'll see what we'll see. Good Luck and God Bless to every warrior out there and me too.
Stonewall . . .
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Having a positive outlook is half the battle my friend.
So stay positive, and donot worry about your first shot, or your first dosage of riba pills, you won't feel a thing.
The needles are design especially for us Warriors, very tiny, practically don't feel it at all. They are called butterfly needles, designed for babies, in pediatric in hospital.
The same when you will go for your weekly or bi-weekly labs, maybe specify to the lab technicien that you would prefer the buttlefly needles, since you will be there often for the same tests.
As for the riba, you might have dry mouth from taking them, but again there is a product called, oralbalance from biotene, it's a saliva substitude gel, and it does work, I have some since my anti's do get my mouth dry all the time.
I was nervous the first shot, but soon realised it wasn't a big deal at all.
I also did all 48 shots for my husband, while on his journey too.
Not sure if you sw that list of stuff you may need to get ready for tx, but it's good to prepare yourself, this way you will feel ready and willing to go ahead and fight this dragon dead in it's tracks.
I did post it not so long ago, if you didn't see it, you might have to go a few pages behind in the message board to find it, and if you don't I can always sent it to you, by message.
The best of luck to you my Warrior Friend, on your journey towards wellness.
Love & Respect,
Mckenzie
One day at the time.
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Feel Free to add some stuff on there, if you think of something that could be useful during your journey, towards wellness.
Of course, Ice Cream #1
TX Survival Guide
http://www.hepcsurvivalguide.org/
comboguide.htm
Monday, June 29, 2009 | An Educational story
First - think positively, it's half the battle of the many battles you may entertain during your journey on treatment..
http://labtestsonline.org/index.html interpert lab repoprts
Find a comfort zone in your home, a place where you can rest, and have all of your stuff, that you will need to deal with your therapy.
Hopefully you have a computer in your room! also a phone, television and whatever for your music.
Big supply of water to drink, drink, drink.
Fresh fruits, snacks, like granula bars, protein bars, ect....
Please check approval from your DR before using OTC meds or herbals!
If you have money to spend, go to your pharmacist, and buy:
1. nose drops
2. eye drops
3. ear drops
4. Aveeno lotion, or Amylactin
5. shampoo for hair loss, its called, NIOXIN.
6, Advil Migraine liquid gel capsules.
7. Something for aches and pains. My Dr said No Tylenol! And no Nyquil or meds containing alcohol.
8. Gravol, for nausea, pink pills given to a child while travelling in a car. My Dr prescribed compazine.
9. Milk of magnesium to stay regulated.
10. Eventually get your doctor to prescribe you a mild sleeping pill, if you have problems sleeping at night.
11. Needle dispenser which will be provided by your gi nurse.
12. Air conditioning, or big fan for the hot flash you may experience.
13. Microwavable beany bag for the chills after your shot.
14. Print a copy of the combo survival guide, found in this link:
http://www.hepcsurvivalguide.org/
comboguide.htm
15. A daily journal for side effects.
16. Calendar for shot nights, and appointments at gi, PCP, bloodwork (hospital)
17. A good collection of your favorite music.
18. computer, and a great support group DS.
19. Oralbalance gel for dry mouth.
20. Daily journal
22. Appointment agenda.
23. Positive Attitude
Mckenzie
One day at the time.
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yes indeed, the only way to go about doing treatment, is to take it one day at the time.
When I did my year long treatment, this became my motto, "ONE DAY AT THE TIME" the only way to get through this journey towards wellness.
Please remember that once you did your first shot, and took your first daily dose of pills, the unknown will quickly dissapeared and you will be fine.
And always remember we are all here for you, praying with you, and will help in any way, shape or form, to make this journey of yours, as easy as possible.
Love & much, much respect,
Mckenzie
one day at the time.
Mckenzie
You are on your way to getting healthy. Some people suffer no bad effects at all when on tx. Mine aren't really that bad either. You will do fine. My prayers and hugs are with you.
Cydne1
We all are very anxious before we begin, it is very scary with this uncertain feeling about our lives. Take it slow, ask questions, visit us a lot and you will get through each hurdle as they present themselves.
jkbearhug
What istx screening?
sometime
Hi S... I am not a fundi in allopathic method's but I do recommend that you read A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle. It put me in touch with myself and taught me to live in the present which, I am sure, will help. Take care!
TheNewMan
Hang in there Stonewall. You CAN do this. We're here to help. :)
KaryMelly
Stonewall - you sound like I was pre treatment - lots of founded and unfounded fear. Because of all the unknowns it seems like a huge mountain. Chip away at it a day at a time and try and keep your head in the day if possible
Billr50