I had my blood drawn yesterday. My liver enzymes are looking better. Last night my husband helped me with the shot. I had him pinch the back up my upper arm and I gave myself the shot there. It didn't hurt and I like that spot for the shot. I see the doc on Monday and will find out my 4 week viral load. This is a big one. Fingers crossed!

I still feel great. No major side effects. My skin is dry and so is my scalp. My mood is stable thanks to Paxil.

Blood drawn tomorrow.

I'm getting my viral load checked tomorrow. I think the doc will check for some other levels, too. I hope the virus is responding to the interferon and anti-viral meds. Fingers crossed.

My scalp and skin is starting to get dry and itchy. I've had this before--about 4 years ago. My right side has been hurting a little. Not really hurting, but a strange feeling. My next appointment with the gastro doctor is March 2. Just 5 more months to go of treatment!

4th shot!

Last night, I gave myself the 4th shot of Pegasys. Only 20 to go. I feel fine this morning--a little tired. I'm still dealing with the sinus infection that really knocked me out this week. I think if I didn't have that, I would feel really great this morning.

Next Friday is my birthday. I'll be 41. I think I get my blood drawn that day to check the viral load. I'm wishing for an undetectable birthday gift....

Grumpy

Today I was so grumpy. I am still fighting this cold and wouldn't you know it, I have lost my voice. It is so frustrating. Colds are bad enough when that's all you're fighting, but to have it on top of the interferon, just plain sucks. At one point today I was thinking "I am sick and tired of having a 4 year old boss me around and too sick and tired to do anything about it."

I emailed my doctor regarding setting up a support group for the patients who are going through this. He hasn't gotten back to me and it's bugging me. That was one of the reasons that we started together so that the patients wouldn't be doing this all alone. We'll see.

I am tired of feeling like crap.

Blood test result from Friday.

I had my blood drawn on Friday. My WBCs and platelets are low. I think this is from the interferon. And I've come down with a cold, so it's not good that my white blood cells are low! I need them to be fighting off this cold. My liver function tests are stable right now--still elevated, but not going higher.

How to give yourself a shot of Pegasys

Tonight, I thought I would show you how to give yourself a shot. It's really easy and something anyone can do. Always wash your hands first.

Pictured here are the syringe, the needle, and alcohol pad.











I am holding the needle in my left and the syringe in my right.












I am putting the needle onto the syringe. Just give it a twist and push down a bit.













Next, open the alcohol pad and wipe a little area on your skin. The best places are the "love handles" around your waist, the thighs, and the back of the arms in the triceps area (this location requires a second person).





Then, you need to pinch some skin together (Pinch an inch) and just put the needle in deliberately. Almost give it a stab, if you will.



Then slowly, but steadily, push the dose in. Don't bolus it, but don't linger either. Make sure you continue to pinch your skin together. Then pull the syringe straight out.











This is a safety syringe so you don't need to recap. Just put the syringe down and the cap pops over the needle.











Dispose of the syringe and needle into the sharps container. You're done.

3rd shot coming up today...

Well, here we are again back to the day for the shot. I had a good week-all in all. I have been a little more tired than usual. I'm not sure why. I think the meds can cause anemia. The doctor's office called yesterday and I had to go in today for blood work. They were checking my CBC and Liver enzymes. I will get the results on Monday. I will post later on how to give a shot (If I remember!).