I would like to introduce myself. I am 48 year (young) femal with a loving husband, 2 adult children and one grandson!

I contracted HCV about 30 yrs ago at acute stage was told it was non-A/B as we all know was common. July 2007 I was diagnosed with Chronic HepC. I began treatment (Interferon/Ribiviran) on 11-07 so am half way through my treatment. I have been blessed with minimal sides although NO fun as anyone on tx will say.

I am now looking for a new home to make friends that share this common illness.

I love to share information, help others that are newly diagnosed and also have fun ... I have a totally silly attitude towards life and love to make people laugh which I feel is very important in fighting this dragon by maintaining a positive attitude.

Philosophy is if you love and give to all it will be returned.

Thank you!

Hello Luvstofish!

So good to meet you! I am glad that your treatments are going well so far. I was diagnosed about two years ago with hep C, genotype 2B and have since done a short treatment of 16 weeks. I cleared the virus in the first four weeks and since completing treatments, I am still clear of the virus.

You are right about one thing. When one is treating for hepatitis C using combo therapy, attitude is everything! To me it sounds like you have got that down! I had a little trouble with side effects during treatments but found that by listening to the needs of my body and by keeping my mind active in a positive way that it helps a lot!

I was wondering what your genotype is?

Hope to hear from you and good luck on your continuing fight with the dragon!

Chuck

Hi, Im also new to the site as of about 5 minutes ago lol, Im having a hard being as open about all this, just cause im still in my bitter phase of it all. My case started in march of 07 when i recieved a letter in the mail from the blood center where i had donated blood saying i had Hep C antibodies. Well at that time i had no clue what it was and didnt say anything to anyone but a few close friends. And i was in no position to get help, cause i had no insurance and was taking care of my daughter by myself at the time. But i got married soon after in May of 07, and moved out to the marine base with my husband and got the insurance i needed, but ended up pregnant. so that put on things till just this month. I havent got any of my results back yet, so i dont know what type i have or how bad. i do know i was just an unlucky one who walked into the wrong tattoo shop one day though. So im thinking thats why im having such a hard time dealing right now. and its just now becoming real cause i got to ignore it for 10 months while pregnant with my son. I am really worried about being on the treatment though and trying to take care of my kids, cause my husband works crazy hours being in the marine corp. So im thinking of having my mother in law come up to help. So well see what happens...But im really enjoying having other people to talk to..i think talking about is helping me more than i thought...i didnt plan on this turning out to be a book so sorry..but thanks for reading lol...have a good day

Raven301

Hi Raven - I am SO sorry I didn't respond earlier but have been extremely busy...just now back on this site.

I totally understand your shock of dx dear....it is very scary and overwhelming when news hits ya...that is why I found this sites to be so very important. It helps to gather information which is so critical with this illness. I spent alot of time on another board and thru the kind people learned so much that by the time I saw doctor I think I shocked him by asking him intelligent ?'s (lol).

I hope you are doing well now dear (or as best as possible). It has to be terribly hard on you have a new baby. Everyone's tx side effects are different and hard to predict. I was blessed and pray that you are too.

Since I haven't been on here I don't know what date you wrote this on your status of test results or when tx starts. Let me know hun - I have big shoulders and will help in anyway possible.

xoxo

Thank you so much CClay for your kind response. I'm sorry I've not been online here since joining and didn't get your message.

I am so glad to hear you cleared the Dragon and so agree that listening to body and attitude is everything. I stay pretty busy so trying to pace myself is the hardest challenge I face (lol)...

I am G1a - started out w/VL 23million but at mo 3 was 0 so very quick responder (yippee). Doctor was shocked - never expected it said only had 30% chance but I rolled the dice and showed him didn't I (lol).

This Sunday I am on Shot #33 out of 48 so only have 4 mos to go...

Thank you for welcoming me - you'll find I'm a bit of a nut and luv to have silly fun and good old fashion belly laughs!

xoxo

Thank you so much - after I did mention other site I immediatly realized that was very inappropriate and apologize. I appreciate you so kindly reminding me and your wonderful moderation of this site. That is so encouraging to me!

Also didn't know I could edit posts - that is very nice to know.

Hello Again Luvstofish,

I'm really glad that the treatments are going so well for you!! It can be much more difficult when you don't get good results early because you then have the stress of tx along with wondering if it's even working. I know for me when my viral load dropped to 0, it was like a blessing for me because not only did that prove that the treatments were working but it also shortened my overall treatment length.

Being geno 2B meant I had kind of a weak dragon compared to those that must face geno 1A as you have. With your genotype, clearing the virus in 3 months really is fantastic!! It also shows lots of promise for the future as far as relapsing goes. To me your post is very good news indeed!!

Now all you have to do is coast to the finish line and wait for that test that shows SVR!!
Good luck and let us know how your doing when you have the time,
chuck

Hello all..I joined this message board to read and obtain insight about living with hep c treatment. I found out earlier this year that I am hep c +, could think of many ways I may have contacted this virus, but who knows ? I had a few units of blood transfused in 1967, I am a nurse and over the years I have come in contact with blood and body fluids. I recall the days when handling brand spanking newborns with our bare hands was the common practice, until the 1980's enlightened us. I've encountered blood splatters before personal protective equipment was the norm, in days when hep c did not have an official name, called non A non B. I vividly recall one of my nursing professors in the 1970's discouraging the use of gloves when caring for sick but alert patients. Anyway I have been very lucky for many years, never had any abnormal LFT's, and took vaccines including for Hep B as the employers suggested. During a routine physical exam earlier this year elevated LFT's were revealed, and this sent my doc on a quest of investigation. After many diagnostic tests I am to begin treatment tomorrow. I appreciate finding this site, and reading the posts. Thanks so much.

Hello Nona50 - I'm so sorry that you contracted this illness regardless of the method it is a shock to system but I am so glad that you are able to do treatment and fight for destroying this virus.

Treatment is no fun but I looked at it as something I had to do regardless of whatever sides I may face. I wanted to be cured in able to life a full life w/my hubby, kids, grandson and future offspring.

I have been bless with manageable sides and pray that you do also!

Please let us know how you are dear. I hope that your Nurse has it set up for you to come into office so that she can help you learn redipen process. That helped me alot - after that it was easy.

I found that the unknown was more scary than the actuallity of treatment.

Always here if you need friend or have ? - if I don't know answer I'll be glad to research for you. Bless you on your journey dear.

xoxo

Thank you so much LUVS......I was with the nurse earlier today and it wasn't as bad as I had anticipated, how correct you are about the anticipation. The nurse gave me my first inj and I am planning to give the weekly inj to myself. I am glad to read that you have had managable side effects. Thats what I like to hear. I see you are a grandma. Me also, so much to be thankful for, live for and be healthy for. I'll continue to read your posts, I am glad to have found this site. Be well...NONA

Good luck on tonight - I hope feel as well as possible. I found that the 1st night/day to be the worst...hopefully will be same for you. xoxo

24 hours have passed since my 1st injection. :D I had quite a restless night, slept but woke frequently took tylenol for headache. Got up at 6 AM to take my pills. Thank goodness I have the day off. I have to stay on the same work schedule. I usually have nothing to eat before I leave for work, I get a large coffee on the way, and chat with the locals at the coffee shop. Today I sat and ate a yogurt and took my pills. Then filled up a large bottle of water. I did feel a little queasy, but tolerated it ok. Rested for many hours, and at this time I feel ok. I can't tell if I am fatiqued or if the heat of NY is just too much. Maybe I'll just start a journal and see if that will help me get through these times.

Hello Nona50, I haven't started treatment yet, but I appreciate the information on how you felt the first day. I will have to work and I find it very helpful on how you feel. I wasn't sure whether to take a couple vacation days for my first few days of treatment. I will be following your posts. I won't be meeting with my liver specialist until July 23 and probably start treatment soon after that. Thank you so much and I will pray for you through treatment. Gloria

Hello Nona50 - sounds like you had a pretty normal 1st night - I always have hard time sleeping on Shot Night - benedryl helps me - at one point I got insomnia real bad and Dr prescribed ambien which I take only when necessary.

The tylenol seems to help me w/that headachey fervrish feeling.

So glad you ate yogure before taking ribivin pills - found that to be my secret weapon against stomach upset.

Hunny - exhaustion is a sad part of tx but is probably a combo of all other stuff you said. I am still trying to learn to pace and listen to my body but it is hard and I don't even work....bless you that much be tough...lots of friends do it and I so respect them.

I hope you are blessed like me - feel bad day 1 - tired day 2 and then ok rest of week as long as I don't overdo (lol like I can help myself w/that one).

Very proud of you!

xoxo

Thanks LUVS..I really appreciate the support of someone who knows and feels. I really appreciate reading that you are doing well on this treatment. I find that most hopeful. Talk again soon. Take care and be well.

Nona

Hello Luvs, Glo and all. I hope everyone here is doing OK.
Week 2 of treatment starting for me today. Funny thing I had such an appetite, couldn't wait to have lunch, and Glo work is busy but fine. I drink as much fluids as I can all day and I take time for a little extra rest after work.

I am so glad to hear from you Nona...I kept checking the board! It is good to hear you are working while going through treatment. I need to work. I think it is the fear of not knowing how I will feel is what scares me. Only 2 more weeks until I meet with my doctor. After reading your post, I am actually anxious to get on this treatment and get it over with. Thank you very much Nona.

Hey guys - I'm so glad to hear that you are doing well Nona and that you are looking positively (as much as possible) to starting tx.

You will be shocked how fast it goes (despite no fun)...seems I just started and am now down to 3 1/2 mos and all has gone well.

I pray the same for both of you.

Unfortunately, I have friends I've know for years w/HepC and a few are now in serious crisis (not w/HepC but personal life crisis). I'm gonna have to be offsite here for awhile. I'm sorry I've really become comfortable and enjoyed our chats.

I'll check in occasionally and keep account open but please understand this is definitely nothing personal dears.

Bless ya - I'll keep ya in my thoughts and prayers.

I'll also stop my subscription to this thread as I'm overwhelmed w/emails at this point. I've got your names in my 'buddy notepad' and will keep in touch.

xoxo

xoxo

Thank you so much Luvs. ( removed ) Thank you for all the help you gave me with information. I really appreciate it.