Thought It was time to reveal myself

[jbells]

Hello all, I have been following this site for about ten months.  It has helped me a great deal.  I am in my 43rd week of Interferon/Riba treatment.  Geno 1a, nondetected at 4 weeks and remain (many tests).  I am 57, white male, 150lbs. My gastro expert wants me to treat for 52 weeks total (48 weeks after non detected) and I intend to.  

Thank you for providing an honest informational forum that answered many questions for me.  Your personal experiences gave me a real understanding of what my journey could be like.  It prepared me for sides associated with treatment and made it a little easier to walk the walk.  You also gave me the tools to understand my blood work and required tests.  Your information sharing gave me a feeling of being in charge and I like that.  Even thou this is truly a personal journey each of us take I have found this site and your comments to be my journeys companions.  Thank you all.

My worst side is the fatigue.  It raised its nasty head around week 3/4 and has been along for the ride since.  I do get some good days and have learned not to over do it, as I will pay dearly. I also experience hair loss, the Riba Rash, and mood swings (irritability/emotions).  I also had spots in my vision that slowly went away.  
Prior to treatment I also experienced fatigue.  My feet and hands would get cold (I live in Florida) and at times portions of my skin would feel like someone was sticking me with a pin.  I attributed all to aging.  But, not so, it was HEP C.

I have not missed any work although I probably should have in the early days of treatment.  I am a manager and Riba Raged on one employee, poor thing, I knew what I was doing but could not stop myself.  I have since learned to tame that beast.  My lovely wife (36 years and HEPC neg) may disagree with that.  She has been very understanding.

I experienced "hitting the wall" several times, week 30 and then again at 41.  Sometimes it was just darn hard to make it though the day, but I did, again your personal testimony helped me with those tough times.  Thanks again, I will do my best to provide input where I can.  I think it is time I started giving back.  Thanks,

[mnl1]

Thanks for sharing. I found this sight yesterday while looking for info on HepC and met some great people. The ride for me is just begining. I met with the GI last week did some blood work and am scheduled for more in the morning with a ultra sound on the 20th.

Just want to thank all of you for your transparency in dealing with this disease on a day to day basis.

Mike

[kickboxingmom]

Nice to meet you.The people here do help Human Beings in such a Special way.They ALL seem to have such Specialties that make this dreadful disease Somehow seem Somewhat Managable.They All come together and Help so much.Good Luck to ya.
Tammy

[ram921]

Cool.  Verrrry stealthy. Thanks for the insight.

[comeagain]

I love paradoxes

[Isobella]

Hi!  Nice to meet you.  Thanks for sharing.  You went from being a newbie to a seasoned pro all in one post :-)

Wish you all the best for the remainder of your tx.

Another FL hepper,
Isobella

[charm27]

Yes thanks for sharing your story. Want to wish you the very best. I too am going on week 38 this week. Been a rollercoaster ride of fatigue, psoriasis, hair loss, and mood swings galore..But I was warned by my doctors that this tx can be brutal. Alot to deal with...Ive been blessed with tx too , its been pretty uneventful, no illnessses, infections, or rescue drugs...(I probably shouldnt of jinxed myself!)

Hitting that brick wall, yeah el bummerino!! WIsh you well, take care.

Charm

[comeagain]

Wow !!  God bless you man!, that was a wonderful story your almust there, 9 weeks left
I took shot 30 of 48 last thursday and that was a nasty one.

So I have another devil at 41 to expect.

And youvè been there allthetime wonder how many more there is, I`m sure you by thinking well of us fellow heppers have contributed more then you know.

Anyway thanks for sharing.

ca