1st shot

[Penney]

Welcome Johnny,
Sorry to hear about the side affects you felt from your first injection.  If it is any consolation, I hear the first is the worst!  I had my 3rd injection last night.  So far, the only thing that has happened is a black and blue mark  Hang in there, we are all going through this together!

I also did a ton of online research and found out so much more than I did from the doctor.  Most people do.  Keep us posted on the results of the Genotype test...
Take care and have a good weekend!  
Penney

[hyperhepper]

 Johnny, first let me say that no one should get this, but it really bothers me to know that you got it the way you did, by serving our country.
I did ok with the first 3 shots and got sick on the 4th. It may or may not happen again, and if it does, perhaps to a lesser degree. I've read many different scenarios on this. Some people have been fine till their l2 shot and then have felt sick, some never get sick, and with some the symtoms lessen with each and every shot. So you hang in there, because it will get better.
You are a soldier, you've been in worse places, and have had harder times...you can do this !!!      martee

[Davidn]

Johnny,

Can you get access to a specialist.  Personally, I don't think that a Doc that is not a specialist in liver disease should treat it.  Also, about 100% of people have liver biopsies to see  if they need treatment.  Don't let this guy look up how to do a biopsy and then do it.  Just my opinion.  Ask around here what kind of Doc's they see.  Are you on Pegasys?  That is a once a week injection, so when someone says they are getting a shot once a week that is what they are referring to.  The side effects are easier with Pegasys.


David

[Jackie]

David,

Great advice! My Dr said I could not go on any meds for this until I had the biopsy. She said they are mandatory. Also, I am thankful I waited for the Pegasys. I have discovered that if I went with the other(multiple shots per week) I would have been so sick I would have more than likely quit until I was so bad off I had to do something.

Keep up the good advice. I have learned a great deal from reading your posts.

Johnny I wish you luck and hope you are feeling better tonight.

Thank you and goodnight
Jackie

[Lori_V]

Hi Johnny,
I'm so sorry to hear this.....But I have to say that you are getting the raw end of this. If your doctor had to read up on Hepatitis then he is NOT the person that you should be seeing. Obviously he hasnt a clue about the disease and should really not be treating it.
I would strongly suggest that you find a doctor who knows what they are doing in this field of medicine.

My mother takes PegIntron and everyone reacts differently while taking it. (You should have been informed of ALL the sides AND risks BEFORE starting treatment). It is rough for some.....but hell.....you were never given any time to even prepare yourself for it.

You really need a biopsy. That will tell how damaged your liver is and whether or not you actually need to do the treatments. You could have very minimal damage, or no damage at all, and decide that treatment can wait for something better to come out. All of this should have been discussed with your doctor...BEFORE  starting tx!!!!

I'm sorry Johnny......I'm sorry that you were thrown into therapy without first knowing a thing about it or being prepared for it....I'm sorry that you have a loser doctor who thinks he can treat this disease and in turn knows nothing about it if he has to "read up on it", BUT....I'm glad that you have found us!!!
Please, feel free to email me if you need anything....depending on where you live we may be able to help find you a better doctor. Let me know....Also......do your own research. Learn as much as possible about Hepatitis so you will know what to expect from your doctor. Read around through this board about what to eat and drink......all of this can help you through tx. There is alot of very good information that you may find helpful.
But please.......try and find a new doctor first.....Thats the most important. AND, if you feel as though you just cant take any more of the Peg.....then by all means.....stop taking it till you can see a specialist.  
You have got to have a clear head while being on tx.
I wish you all the luck Johnny.....

Take Care....
Sincerely,
Lori