This is my first journal entry, coinciding with the first injection my wife has taken.
We went to the Doctors office yesterday to learn how to do the injections, it was pretty scary for both of us. I know she is feeling pretty alone right now even though I am there with her. I hate that but all I can do is be there for her and hope she figures out that she isnt alone.
She broke down and cried a bit and I felt pretty helpless. Nothing new for me as I have become use to that over the years dealing with different illnesses related to her HIV status. Theres been more than one trip to the hospital over time and will probably be more.
We got home and were both pretty hopeful that things would go well as she was not really having much in the way of side effects for the first 3 hours, then the body aches began and she became very tired, so we went to be early. At this point I figured it was a good idea to be in bed early (8pm) as I figured we would be up quite a bit.
She woke up at about 11:30 vomiting and feeling horrible. Lots of chills, nausea was extreme and she could not walk well due to the body aches. We got some nausea meds into her and I got her back to bed at around 12:30.
She got up a few hours later and had to use the bathroom, her getting up must have woken me as I found her in the bathroom. We got her back to bed and she slept the rest of the night.
Im hoping this is the worst of the symptoms, but not expecting it. From what I read on this site and others, it appears that the symptoms get the worst at about 6 weeks into it, then level off.
Any of you caregivers have ideas on encouraging her, let me know. Im hoping to help her keep a positive outlook as we get started in this journey.
We went to the Doctors office yesterday to learn how to do the injections, it was pretty scary for both of us. I know she is feeling pretty alone right now even though I am there with her. I hate that but all I can do is be there for her and hope she figures out that she isnt alone.
She broke down and cried a bit and I felt pretty helpless. Nothing new for me as I have become use to that over the years dealing with different illnesses related to her HIV status. Theres been more than one trip to the hospital over time and will probably be more.
We got home and were both pretty hopeful that things would go well as she was not really having much in the way of side effects for the first 3 hours, then the body aches began and she became very tired, so we went to be early. At this point I figured it was a good idea to be in bed early (8pm) as I figured we would be up quite a bit.
She woke up at about 11:30 vomiting and feeling horrible. Lots of chills, nausea was extreme and she could not walk well due to the body aches. We got some nausea meds into her and I got her back to bed at around 12:30.
She got up a few hours later and had to use the bathroom, her getting up must have woken me as I found her in the bathroom. We got her back to bed and she slept the rest of the night.
Im hoping this is the worst of the symptoms, but not expecting it. From what I read on this site and others, it appears that the symptoms get the worst at about 6 weeks into it, then level off.
Any of you caregivers have ideas on encouraging her, let me know. Im hoping to help her keep a positive outlook as we get started in this journey.
Replies
Sebbo,
Actually I found that the first shot was the worst. Have her take some tylenol or ibuprofen 1 hour prior to the shot and then have her drink lots of water and clear fruit juices, Apple, white grape, etc... that worked for for 3 different rounds of treatment. She will probably undergo some pretty terrific mood swings so keep an eye on her closely and don\'t hesitate to ask her what she is thinking. If it\'s what I call \"stinking thinkin\" Depression, homicide, suicide etc... then get in touch with her doctor immerdiately. Most people have these thoughts while on therapy and I know I had to take anti-depressants for a while. I was mad at the world and would go off on a hair trigger. Hope this helps my friend.
-Peter
Yes the first shot was the worst. Every shot after that gets easier and easier. I am coming up on my 7th injection with out any real fear of bad side effects any more. I think the side effects that get worse are from the ribavirin pills as it builds up in your system. The ribavirin is a lot like a roller coaster ride of side effects. The physical ones can be delt with it is the emotional side effects that can be most difficult.