1st shot

[marina]

Hi everyone, just wanted to let you know that yesterday I took my first shot. I was fine yesterday after the shot, I really didn't start to feel anything until this morning. I woke up with a neck ache but most of all MY LEGS ache. But then again they were always aching before. I feel a little tired.
Does this sound about right for the first shot, or is it going to really hit me on # 3 or something like that.
And if my sides are minimal does it mean that it's probably not working as effectively ?
I know it probably sounds stupid, but this darn thing has made me kind of goofy.
Have a great weekend.
marina

[Davidn]

Hi,

I thought the same thing.  Now it like I feel like a low grade fever all the time but it's tolerable.  Pegasys is a lot less rocky than the other stuff.  My second shot came out a bit stronger than my second about 24 hrs later. But I have been able to work.  Now it's about 24 hrs after third shot and I am as hot as heck.  Did you start copegasys?

David

[marina]

Hi David, glad to hear you're tolerating this, it gives me hope. No, I have not started the cope. yet.
The dr. (I'm not sure of his reason) wanted me to do the shot for l month first, then he was going to start me on the pills.
What are the pills like ? Are they bad? I'm such a sissy when it comes to pain, I'm not sure how I was able to give birth !  But at least that was only l4 hours and then it was over with.   marina

[Davidn]

Hi,
I started both at the same time.  The pills can upset your stomach, they give me mild nauseu, which comes and go and never amounts to much.  Maybe your Dr.  thought it would be easier to introduce one treatment at a time.  I have had fevers and body aches but not enough to keep me home from work.  I was very anxious about symtoms, afraid it would keep me from working but so far so good.  I have scheduled this first month with the essential things that need to get done, keeping from wearing myself out and reducing the psychological stress.


David

[Penney]

Hi Marina, Hi David,

I received my Pegasys and Copegus in the mail yesterday.  Weird.  I have the injections in my fridge now waiting for next Friday (June 13) till I get the first shot.  David, did you take the copegus in the morning before you had your first injection?  I am definitely hearing a lot of "good" things about the Pegasys brand....like the side affects are minimal.....I am being optimistic.  Did you guys give yourselves the first injection?  The nurse at my Doctor's office is going to do the first one for me.  I need to find out if I should take the Copegus that morning...

I am a bit nervous, but know I need to do this.

Take care,
Penney

[marina]

 Hi Penney,
I think we'll be nervous with each and every shot.
To answer your question, the first shot was given to me by the nurse as my husband watched since he'll be the one giving me the next. I can't answer your question about the copegasys because I'm not starting them for another 3 weeks.
I would imagine though that you would begin with your dosage in the morning as you would any other day. Have you called the dr.'s office to ask ?
Well, this Friday I will certainly be thinking of you, as I'm doing mine. It'll be ok. :)marina

[Penney]

My husband is going to try to come with me when they give me the first injection.  I have a friend who is a nurse in the ER and she said that if I have any trouble to call her and she will do the injection for me every friday.  Thank heaven for the people in my life!!!!!  

I will be talking to my Dr.'s office tomorrow about the copegus.  

I will be thinking of you too on Friday  as I do mine...........
Thanks for listening.....and sharing....
Penney

[Davidn]

Hi Penney,

I started in the morning with Copegasys and the evening with the shot and Copegasys.  It best to take it with food as it can upset your tummy but for me that is more difficult as this stuff does cut your appetite (I can loose the weight but those who are smaller should definately watch their diet). This seems to work with my work schedule.  Taking the shot is not a big deal except my kit came with turberculin syringes, to take Pegasys all at once you have to draw way back on the plunger and if not carefull you could pull the plunger out.  I didn't but I could see it easily happening.  Also be sure and drink a lot of water, it's like I run on hot all the time and seem to need it.  You don't want to become dehydrated.


David

[Penney]

Hey David,
Thanks!
Just the thought that I could really lose some weight with this just cheered me up  

I drink about 1/2 gallon of water each day now and plan to 'up' that to a gallon once I begin the shots.....

I guess stocking up on the crackers would be a good start to fight the nauseau in the mornings.  I plan on being able to work the entire time I am on treatment so I will have my shots on Fridays.  I guess I can pressume my weekends will be shot for a while!

I want to ask my Dr. about the pre-filled syringes.

Thanks for sharing your experience with me...
Penney

[Davidn]

Hi Penny,

I have not heard of prefilled injections, that would make it easier.  Let me know if its available as I would like to use them as well.  At this time I think the prescription company has charge of this stuff so I can talk to them.  Like you I got the mystery box FedEX'ed  to me.  Did you get the Pegasys bag yet with its goodies.  They gave me that at training, just like going to a conference.


David

[marina]

 Mine are prefilled, so obviously they're available.  

[Penney]

A friend of mine back in New York also gets the pre-filled syringes.  I received all my stuff via FedEx along with the Pegasys Bag of goodies!  The biohazard disposal case is what really got me!!!!  Are we supposed to adhere this to our wall for disposal of the needles like the Drs office does ??  ha ha   (I joke out of sheer nervousness)

I haven't read through all the pamphlet info yet, but will get to that this week.  I think I know enough for right now.  I know that I am going to be taking advil and Mylanta on a regular basis for the next 48 weeks or so.  I know that I have made some weekend plans despite the fear of being "laid up" all weekend.....I am PUSHING FORWARD....
Take care!
Penney

[marina]

 Hey Penney, that biohazard plastic container got to me to, I'm not exactly sure I know how, but it did stir up something inside me.
My husband will be taking it to the fire station for disposal when it is full.
I'm sure your weekend plans will turn out great.

[Davidn]

Hi,

The biohazard container got me too since it has a big hole on the top to expose your hazardous waste.  Thanks for the tip on the prefill, I will check it out with my providers.

Did your goodie bag have the expanable cup?  It makes you wonder.

David

[Penney]

Hi Marina and David!

Well mine was a collapsable bottle.  Cant imagine why they would make it collapsable.  And not only did I wonder, I couldn't figure it out for a while!

What about the pregnancy test?  Did you get one of those??  

Marina, I didn't realize that we had to dispose of the bioharzard container like that!  What do we all do when it's full?  Do we go get another one?  LOL  And where would someone purchase such an item!?  

Boy, this is gonna be fun!
Thanks a lot for posting!
Penney