Join Now
stonewall 
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 . . .
Comments
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.
Mckenzie
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.
Mckenzie