Hep C Treatment - Week 6
Where shall I start….
Last week was, in a word, awful. Most of the time spent in bed just completely worn out and the continuing battle against insomnia. Then we have the legs, let me tell you about the legs. Its not really cramp, nor an ache, nor an itch its just a strange feeling of unease in the legs at night. A very low level but just above the level at which it becomes noticeable and just simply stops sleep get in its track, you just can’t get settled. I probably haven’t described it well but it is very strange, almost a feeling that the legs don’t belong to the body.
After the winter comes the spring.
This week, week 6, has been much much much much better. Had the 6th injection yesterday and that laid me pretty flat as it always does. I’m guessing that is partly mental as it hits me immediately after the injection, I just have to lay down, but I do find the injection process quite stressful. I think partly that is to do with my past, since quitting using drugs almost 20 years ago I have managed to build up a very healthy fear of needles. Thats not healthy to everybody but to an ex-drug abuser its not a bad phobia to have 
The downside is that it makes injection day that much harder on a mental level. Since then though I’ve been flying a bit, good nights sleep last night and even managed to get some quality work done today ,even left the house for an hour [go me!].
I’m sure worse is to come but I think I am at the level now where I am almost used to feeling shitty, it has become my new normal, normal is good. The other rather pleasing thing is that I seem to be “carrying” my liver less. Its hard to describe but it has felt for some time like I have been carrying my liver, I could feel it like weight in my side. I guess thats because it was inflamed and swollen and I’m guessing now that its not as inflamed and swollen, that makes Hep C Boy smile.
So in brief, week 5 very bad, week 6 [so far] very good. I’m optimistic about the rest of the week too, a good start seems to determine the rest.
The further in I get the more it seems that Hep C treatment is not about occasional flashes of brilliance its about grinding out a result. You are better with a Claude Makelele mindset than a Zinedine Zidane one.
And yes I know I’m an awful whiner.
October 25th, 2005 at 3:42 pm
>>legs
I know that feeling. I’ve had it when i’ve not been out for the usual long walk with the dogs for a few days due to illness or just too busy.
There is a trick, but it’s kind of hardwork in itself - harder than it sounds when you just see it written down.
When you’re in bed, or whatever, flex your toes, then the foot - like ALL over the foot, every single muscle, twist it and turn it as much as you can.
Then move up the legs - one bit at a time; foot to knee - knee to bum etc.
It’s just your muscles aren’t excersized i think - and that’s the only way to really do it if you can’t go for a long walk.
You need to do it alot - but it should make your nights easier.
HTH
October 26th, 2005 at 4:58 am
Yes, I get this and suspected it was due to lack of excercise. Not a nice feeling.
Liked the sound of the cure Nick. Too much like hard work though.
November 2nd, 2005 at 6:12 pm
Thanks Nick!
If I had a Hep C Treatment Tip of the Week contest you would win first prize. But I don’t so you don’t.
November 3rd, 2005 at 5:32 am
Hi Hep C Boy
I too know the feeling with the liver. I could also feel it ’scraping’ against my diaphragm as I breathed when lying on my back. I am sure it was inflamation.
I think you are right to hold on to that smile - it is some good news amongst the rest of it and worth remembering during ‘bad’ moments.
Wishing you well
Ron
November 26th, 2005 at 8:19 pm
HepCBoy:
Sister just finished week one. She’s had no side effects in a physical sense, but she seems “disconnected” mentally to some degree. Do you get that sort of “down” and “disconnected” feelings? She’s having a heck of a time sleeping, too, which may be a contributor to the other symptoms.
Appreciate any insight. Thanks for your blog!
February 2nd, 2006 at 1:17 pm
Just started on 12-16-05 first shot pluss the pills twice a day.did my
7th shot last week will do my 8th on Friday 2-3-06 I hate Fridays any ways still trying to work 11to 12 hours a day,Iam managing to be here everyday but Mondays ,But I dont think it gets any better,I actually am feeling worse than when I started I feel for everyone out there on this treatment.it is hell,couldnt even begin to explane how I feel unless you have been ther although my husband is begining to get it,talk to ya later have a great dayor at least try too!!!!!