First Shot--Feeling Good

[Tippyclubb]

I am so relieved my tx has finally started!  The anticipation was more stressful than the first shot.  Took shot 9 am yesterday and keep waiting for something to happen.  Just a slight headache, yesterday and today.  That's about it for sx.  I woke up this morning feeling great.  Hope this is an indication of what tx will be like for me, seeing as I didn't get sick after the first shot.  I feel normal.

Actually, I feel kind of silly being so afraid to start tx.  I'm sure things may change down the road, but for now I am feeling pretty happy.  I posted this for those who are about to begin, so you would know first shot is not always bad.

[Isobella]

Congratulations on getting started!  I am in week 25 of the Vertex tx naive trial.  

My experience starting was much like yours.  I think the natural high from the stress release was enough to make the first few weeks easy.  Either that or the fact that the Riba made me really speedy, lol!!!  Either way, it was all good!  

Funny tho, all those things they told you not to do...caffeine, green tea, milk thistle....they told me were ok.  Obviously no grapefruit for anyone.  But the only thing I am not allowed are antivirals and steroids.  I stopped all supplements before starting anyway so that didn't matter...but I did use supplements breifly when my bloods tanked and they trial ppl approved.  

And I color my hair every 5-6 weeks.  So far I have only had slight thinning at weeks 17 and  20-22.

Just be aware, stay on top of things as they pop up.  Drink lots of water and Enjoy all the good days!!!!!

I wish you...and all the others just starting....the best.  Keep us posted =)

Isobella

[Tippyclubb]

I'm on Pegasys, Copegus, and Telaprevir.  Eleven pills daily.  Yikes, lol !

I was told no milk thistle, no herbal green tea, no caffeine, no grapefruit, and YES I could use hair color.  However, this may not apply to you because I am taking 3 meds where as your only taking two so you should ask them, just to make sure.

I hope you respond well to tx and have few sides.  Starting tx was no where near as bad as I thought it would be.

[sunshine585]

Feels good to get that 1st one out of the way doesn't it. I hope it's smooth sailing for you.

[epiphiny]

Here's a link to a previous thread on the topic of hair dye, hope it helps...

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/show/694728?personal_page_id=387&post_id=post_3698389

And here's a link to some supplement dos and donts, generally tho supplements are discouraged, esp grapefruit (including the actual fruit) as it affects the way the meds are metabolised and it is not known whether it is for better or worse.  Most 'natural' remedies have a somewhat random effect and can't be quantified which is why docs and clinics discourage them.  I am on a trial and they are VERY strict about it.  I'm allowed to eat shiitake mushrooms, tho...

http://www.medhelp.org/user_journals/show/19531?personal_page_id=2008

Happy reading!

Epi :)

[hopeful587]

Wow, how encouraging to hear that you are doing so well, esp just starting tx! Which tx are you on?  I'll be starting Pegasus/Copegus in a few weeks.  My Dr. believes fewer side effects than Peg-intro.  Have you been told no herbs/milkthistle, mushrooms, etc while on treatment?  What about hair color, non-permanent...I could't be the only 50+ female out here.  So many questions...thanks for your input.

Hopeful587

[sandiegobeach]

Hi Tippy
I started my tx a month ago, and after much sleepless nights over how sick i was going to be i am doing fine nothing happened. Thank God i was scared to death.

[Marcia2202]

Congrats on starting!!! May the road be smooth for you!

Marcia

[Kathy73]

Glad to hear you're doing so well! I'm on week 9/48 and doing pretty good I guess. I have constant headaches and am fatigued 3 out of 7 days, but I'm still working and hoping that this is as bad as it will get.

[granitekonig]

congrats on starting treatment. You're taking charge of your life!

I'm about to do shot 7 this Thursday - so far NOTHING. I feel great. It just depends on each individual reaction I suppose. When I hear about people not being able to work, I just find that really bizzare but have to remind myself that I'm just fortunate not to have to deal with all those side effects.

Good luck and stay positive

[justme53]

Way to go!! Seems to be alot of us just starting out here. I know what you mean about waiting for something to happen. Each morning after shot night, I kind of expect to feel different, especially now that I've got several doses into me, but nada. I used to love to laze around in bed, but now each day I feel good, I can't wait to get into the swing of things. Enjoy the good days to the fullest!

Pam

[meakea]

I remember exactly the same feeling just before I took my first shot...lol.  In fact, I remember, just before my first shot, I was thinking:  "Am I going to wake up dead tomorrow?"  lol.  

Best of luck to you with your TX.  I hope it continues to go smoothly.  I'm in week 19 (of 48) and I'm still able to work full time (it's not what I would call fun...but it's doable).

[jacksonblue]

best of luck no worries

[epiphiny]

Congratulations on getting started!