D-Day has finally arrived!!

Thursday 25th May 2007 – My first treatment today!
Well, I’ve finally started my journey through the hep C treatment.
I actually managed to get 5 hours of really solid sleep last night & I got up early this morning to several text messages from family & friends wishing me well & saying that they were thinking of me – what a boost that was, I can’t describe!!
My clinic appointment was 09.30am. My mum came with me, bless her. I think after talking to so many of the heppers last weekend, she realises what a hard slog this may be for me & is quite determined to be there for me.
We got to the hospital at 09.15am, in plenty of time to go to the pharmacy & collect my drugs before going to the clinic. I’ve been prescribed 180mcg Pegasys & 200mg Copegus ( x 2 mornings & x 3 evenings).
I didn’t have to wait long when I got to clinic. My chocolate teapot took me in within 5 minutes of me getting there. We had a general discussion about the treatment & it’s side effects & then she got me to complete a questionnaire on depression – I got a low score & am deemed not to be depressed (in fact, in optimum mental health to start treatment!). She also got me to sign a consent form which I wasn’t expecting to do & gave me a copy. Oh & let’s not forget the weight – 60kg, which is slightly more than I’m happy with, but hey, it’s not the end of the world. (Truth be known, I’ve been constantly eating over the past few months, so it’s no wonder that I’ve put a little bit of weight on. So now, if I do loose a little weight, I’ll actually be quite happy!).
We also talked about the new research supporting the reduction of treatment for cases of genotype 1’s with low viral loads. She said that nothing will be decided this early on & that it will be reviewed on the results of each blood test that I have. Having sought advice from my fellow heppers on this one, I’m inclined to push for the full 48 weeks treatment, especially if I’m not having too rough a time of it, then at least I’ll know that I’ve done all I can to win the battle that I’ve started.
That done, she talked me through how to give injection with ‘dummy’ shot supplied by Roche. Surprisingly, I coped very well in handling the syringe & she asked if I’d like to give my first jab, which I was delighted about. The needle went in at 10am & she complemented me at how well I did it. I found the actual injection really easy. I did it with no apprehension whatsoever & didn’t really feel a thing!
I got lots of goodies, courtesy of Roche – cool bag, daily tablet box, note book etc
She made sure that both mum & I had her contact numbers & emphasised that we could call her at any time.
I left with a copy of my last blood results & an appointment to go back to clinic next week when I’ll have my first bloods done.
On the way home, we went shopping – just to Asda for ½ hr to get some pro-biotic drinks & by the time I got home at 11.15am, I started to get an ache in my lower back. I took my first Ribavirin tablets at 11.30am & by 12md, my back ache was more generalised. I then had my 2 Paracetamol & 4 hours later, still have this back ache, but otherwise, don’t feel too bad.
I booted up my pc & logged onto the Hep C forum where I found lots of good luck & best wishes messages which brought tears of happiness to my eyes. I feel truly blessed to have such a wonderful network of support – I don’t know where I’d be right now without them!!
So, injection one of 48 done, I raise my bottle of water & toast the good fight against the Hep C virus – may it die a swift & easy death!!