Hep C Discussion Forum

Welcome Dale, this is the place to let it all out....no judgement on anything...except bad jokes!

I'm  sure you'll  find like many of us,  that it's nice to have a place to share with others who understand what you are dealing with.

Again welcome and be strong !

Duane

Hey Dale, welcome.  Lot's of great folks here. Many here have been thru the interferon/riba more than once.  We know how difficult it can be.  One day at a time.  The 12 weeks will pass quickly.  You caaan do it.  Hang tough 

Hi Dale,

You're right in the middle of a 12 round fight with some very nasty medication. I spent 28 weeks taking Peg Int/Riba/Victrelis and trust me, I know what you're going through and it ain't pretty. I understand the anxiety very well, I had to take an anti depressant to keep the depression and anxiety at the door. Some people can handle it, some can't and I learned the first time I tried treatment, that Interferon is not our friend. It's a very effective drug, but it can cause some ugly side effects. As you've been told, discuss this with your doctor as soon as you can on Monday morning. Tell them exactly what you're experiencing. They're prepared to handle these types of things. You absolutely must maintain your fluid intake. Hydration is one of the most important things to do for yourself while you're on these medications. A minimum of 2 to 3 liters of good quality water every day helps the digestion and the headaches. Your doctor has likely told you that Tylenol for the HA is okay, I used it or Ibuprofen with good results. Always check with your doctor and/or pharmacist about anything you're taking and check beforehand! It's not an easy protocol but it's a good one. As you've read by now, there is a new kid on the block, Harvoni, and it's an all oral treatment that is said to offer far fewer side effects. But the choice of treatments is between you and your doctor.

As far as food goes, I ate a lot of bananas, they seemed to go down and stay down. Soda crackers, some ginger ale, and Oatmeal seemed to work well for me and kept things moving. I had some problems with a sore throat, called Thrush, an oral yeast infection that started. I found that unflavored Yogurt helped with that, but I also found that yogurt in general is pretty decent on a regular basis too. Just watch how much sugar you take in. They make a sugar free yogurt or lite if you find yourself eating a lot of it. It's got some decent protein. You'll find some changes in your taste, that's normal or to be expected anyway. The first few weeks to a month will prove to be a challenge, but after that you seem to adjust to it and during this time you'll find out what works and what doesn't. You'll notice some changes and when you do, let us know. We've been there and can fill you in on some of the tricks of treatment!!

We have a lot of friendly, knowledgeable people here and I hope we see you here on a regular basis. The support and friendship have been so important to so many.  It can make a positive difference to have a great support group on your side and I hope you let us help you through this. Feel free to ask any questions you have. There is usually someone around 24/7. If you have trouble sleeping, this is a great place to do a little research and talk with someone that has likely gone through it before. Be sure you look into our search section at the top, it's full of great stuff. So remember, you're not in this alone, might seem like it somedays, but we're here for you and together we will see each other through this one way or another!! Welcome Brother....

Tig   

 Hi Drifter.

 It would be good to get on all oral meds since they are FDA approved, but if you do stay on the present meds there are several members here that are on, or have been on the same regimen. So they can suggest ways of dealing with the side effects that have worked for them. You have found a great place for information from people that have experience, and even from a professional healthcare provider. So welcome to the forum and stick around to find out what you can gain from being here. I've gained more knowledge, understanding and support than I ever imagined when I joined.