Wes1212

I don't really know how to explain this very well, but here goes. The first shot was the hardest, the anticipation was more painful than actually doing it.
The sides taper off during the week which is probably directly proportional to the amount of medication remaining in circulation.

I've probably experienced the whole gambit of emotions. The one that I stay full of (not leaving room for depression to linger) comes from the knowledge that something is finally being done about the situation. Every day, every minute that passes is time that goes into history and puts you that much closer to your goal (end of treatment). It's kind of like a car trip...if you stand in the back seat and ask "are we there yet, are we there yet" makes the trip seem almost impossible and can make it almost unbearable. It's a good time to try and relax and watch the scenery go by. Being all worked up doesn't do anything but make you all uptight and tense, and it isn't a good time to be compounding things.

It's a good time to be a little selfish and spoil yourself with little rewards for no reason whatsoever than because you wanted it. At the same time, try not to be a constant nagging pain to the ones close to you. They deserve to be treated well also! Spoil them some! It'l make you feel good to make somebody else feel good. If you find yourself alone and lonely, there is a large part of out population going through the same thing, and it is our elderly. Go visit and sit with them during the day, you will probably hear stories better than what's on tv and you'l make their day or year just for sharing your time one day. (Don't be upset if you encounter a grouchy one! they can have bad days too!)

I Keep in mind that the treatment is either going to work or it's not going to work. I'm not going to be terribly disappointed if it fails, or over-joyed if it succeeds. If it fails, I have the knowledge that I may have extended my life a number of years (if the hep kills me). If it succeeds, I have the knowledge that there is a chance of living 30 or more years free of hepatitis C, and I probably would have lived that long anyway (but why take the chance?).

I want to write more, but I have to get ready to drive to the next city to see my daughter in her christmas play tonight.

I have a REAL GOOD FEELING about your therapy, Neil! But, you are well educated and know what can happen and the odds of it happening. You may not know what kind of screening process went on behind the scenes for you to be selected for this. I am sure they want all of their initial patients to have the best results. You are probably going to get better monitering and care than those who follow you.

Best wishes!

Wes