Week 7 – Monday
I actually had to count the ’splotches’ on my stomach and legs today to ensure I was going to do my injection in the right site! I am sure it is the way the hospital counts the weeks that is confusing me – or is it just me ready to be confused and in a brain fog?
So far, I have not admitted to having brain fog - as experienced by most ‘Heppers’. This is some impairment of concentration and memory caused by the HepC, and experienced by most HepC+ people to a greater or lesser extent. I would like to think to a lesser extent in my case but I do experience difficulties from time to time.
This is the 8th injection – as it is the beginning of Week 7. I am certain this is correct but my mind is slowing down and I have to puzzle through the simple logic of this system each time to get it right.
I have also noticed that as this treatment goes on and I am doing less (not working full time, not going out socially much, not getting a lot of exercise, not doing a lot of shopping, etc) that my world is becoming smaller. The features of my illnesses and treatment become more significant for me and I am pre-occupied with them.
I suppose some would say this makes sense – interferon and ribavirin are fairly potent drugs which have a significant impact on my body, particularly my immune system.
I remember my Consultant Hepatologist, Professor Graham Foster, saying at the start of my treatment that approximately 20% of patients have an easy time of it on treatment, 20% have to give up near the beginning as they cannot tolerate it, and the other 60% just struggle through it.
I now have only 40 more injections to go. I remain optimistic that my blood tests in Week 12 will indicate a substantially lowered viral load and I can continue to complete the course because the treatment is working.
December 31st, 2004 at 1:27 am
Ron,
I’m interested in reading your blog as I have 1 injection to go out of 48 and yes my world became even so small I didn’t record it. I would have like to see what I might have written at week 8. If you would like to ask me anything I’m available to answer any questions. I’m not working presently but am a former pediatric intensive care RN. I’m going to study Parish Nursing in February when I expect to be well. Have a very beautiful and healthy new year. Thanks again for your blog.
Nadine Saubers
Ron writes: Only 1 injection to go! That’s an achievement Nadine and I hope you are proud of it…
I wish you well with your Parish Nursing as well as a continued positive outcome from your treatment and a Happy 2005! Keeping reading and keep in touch! Ron
December 31st, 2004 at 3:34 pm
Hi Ron,
I find it very interesting reading your blog. I was diagnosed in October this year with genotype 3a and will hopefully be starting treatment at the end of January.I`m living in Germany and it is good to find out how treatment and counseling are given in the UK.
Have a Happy and Healthy New Year.
Ed
Ron writes: Hi Ed – are you going to keep a weblog to document treatment in Germany? Could be interesting to compare with other experiences! I wish you every success with your treatment and the rest of 2005! Keep reading and keep in touch. All the best Ron
December 31st, 2004 at 5:11 pm
Hi Ron,
I am starting treatment tonight.
I have found your blog really useful reading, it has really helped me better understand what I am facing.
I am genotype 3 so only have to face 24 weeks and have chosen to supplement the treatment with TCM and accupuncture. You may be sceptical but I have found accupuncture great for energy.
Best of luck
Jonathan
P.S. You inspired me to write my own blog (http://hepcfight.blogspot.com/)
Ron writes: Hi Jonathan, my thoughts are with you tonight. I am delighted you have decided to keep a weblog – fascinating experience!
Will be visiting your weblog and hope you will continue to visit mine. Keep in touch All the best Ron
December 31st, 2004 at 8:19 pm
Hi Ron,
I used acupunture also for nausea and it helped so much. I also used essential oils, omega 3-e’s to keep my skin healthy and ginger both fresh and in capsules for nausea and heartburn.
Have an incredible and healthy New Year.
Nadine
Ron writes: Hi Nadine, thanx for the suggestion of accupuncture. I have been having treatments over the past two years but stopped recently as the accupuncture clinic is the same day as my HepC clinic – but I hope to return to it soon. Ginger sounds like a good tip for nausea and heartburn! I use cream with essentail oils prepared for me by Carol for my skin. Keep in touch! Ron