A year ago today....

[medicmommy]

A year ago today, I had committed myself to the concept of doing treatment and venturing into the unknown...I had read everything known to mankind, considered every option, tried a few for the previous seven months, and got as healthy as I possibly could to prepare for the onslaught...I had no answers for my workplace if I was going to be able to work or how long I would be out. I really thought, "No biggie. While I do this, I'll just take it easy, and I'll be able to carry on with life, just at a slower pace." Ah, the thoughts of the naive...LOL I started my 24 week txing at the end of February, and the first 4 weeks weren't too bad..The usual chills, aches and fatigue and backing up against a wall to give myself the injections! (I'm a Paramedic. How pathetic, huh?LOL)...Then the riba effect started...The itching (OMG), and the hemolytic anemia was kicking my hiney! About week #10 I was adapting to the anemia when the thyroiditis kicked in and the rapid heatbeat made the anemia worse! No rescue drugs though...Meds controlled the heart rate, folic acid seemed to stabilize the anemia, and I survived through the rest of the txing with a HGB at 9.0 and HCT at 26. (Yup, felt like poo.) Oh, we can't forget about week 16 when the dragon lady reared her ugly head! (I'm convinced you can be possessed! Who was that person anyway?!?). The best part was, at week #4 I was UND...I wasn't able to go back to work until the end of October and I could prove I could pick up a 280 lb patient again... Jan 16 is my 6 month post tx PCR...(Just barely ahead of jdwithhcv!)
I feel great. Even though the anemia weighed me down, I could feel the difference of the Hep C being gone. And now, with my last liver enzymes at ALT 17, and AST 17, and the thyroid stuff settling down, I have no brain fog, no joint pain, and I am still building in stamina and energy. My hair is coming back (gray pubic looking things, but hair none-the-less!) and I have oil in my skin again!
My perspective on life has changed. I've reprioritized my life. My job is now a living, not a lifestyle with the family left to dance around it...I no longer procrastinate, and I have a more equal view of the world and the people in it. I educate people whenever I get the chance about HCV and am an advocate for those that have it...Hep C dragon, I drive my sword in you one last time and utter a Howard Dean girly scream! Yeaaagghhh! May all those going through txing give their dragons a good swift kick in the name of beating this thing!!! I raise my sword in salute!  :) ~Melinda

[comeagain]

Yes when they start to smell they very likely is not foxsleeping but really dead LOL.
Thx for your spirit of encouragement enjoy life now girl see yaa!!

ca

[IAmTheWalrus]

Terrific story. It is so good to hear. You have a great attitude that motivates us all. I must admit I am a little intimidated by the fact you can lift a 280 lb patient! Bury that dragon! - Brent

[fretboard]

Very good story, it's the truth and it was a success.  What more could you ask for?  Very inspirational.  God Bless

[rita863]

Melinda,

Great post, it does feel good, to start to feel human again!!!!
Jd,  you crack me up!!!

Charm we are right there, I can see by your pic, your are looking beautiful!!

peace and love to all and SVRRRRRRRRR!!!

[Marcia2202]

Wonderful!!! Hugs, Marcia

[justme53]

Melinda,


Your post, even with the addressing of sx, is very encouraging to those of us just starting out. I took my first shot last night and know I have a LONG way to go, but it's good to hear that there is a light at the end of it. One day at a time, celebrating the good days, doing what's neccessary to get through the rough ones. Not to mention a sense of humor!

Keeping my fingers crossed for you ( and all) for SVR and continued healing.....

Pam

[medicmommy]

Whoo hoo! No kidding, huh? What a year...And to think that I almost didn't treat...May SVR be ours! My dragon hasn't moved for months and it's beginning to smell...Time to bury it? Wait, I want to make a pair of boots from it first..LOL Last year, the year of growing towards wellness, this year, the year of enjoying it...Happy New Year! ~Melinda

[jdwithhcv]

I remember when we were plotting to roll old ladies and take their oxygen bottles, and just look at us now.  We're come a long way, baby!  Can't wait for the end of January when we both get that SVR news.  Happy new year.

jd

[Rockerforlife]

You can pick up a 280 lb person...i need some 500 lb concrete blocks moved soon....ill be calling you up...(kiddn)

[charm27]

Im so happy for you. Have a wonderful new healthy year!


Charm

[lapis]

Wow!!  Tx week 11 for me, and your story inspires me.  I know that my body has been fighting this virus for some time now, and I truly believe there will be a positive difference in how I feel once tx is done.
Thank you for sharing your experience.  How wonderful to hear that you're feeling so good now!  I salute you as well.  Lapis

[Rockerforlife]

Like your style of writing...HAPPY NEW YEAR...looks like you made it....now go take that parachute jump youve been putting off.