hmm new to this but here goes..
Ok let's get the basics out of the way... I tested hepC+ almost 3 years ago and have recently started treatment. I have been inspired to keep this blog more as a journal for myself while undergoing treatment, if however, my experiences prove useful to anyone in a similiar situation.. well even better. This is not supposed to be a guide to treatment and its side effects, just my way of recording my thoughts through this time in my life.
I started my treatment on the 27th march 2005 and am receiving combined interferon and ribavirin therapy... this consists of tablets taken twice a day and a weekly self-injection of interferon alpha 2a.
Before i started treatment i discussed at some length with my nurse at the hospital the implications of treatment and the side effects i could possibly experience... these i'll go into in some depth at a later stage but suffice to say i've slept no more than 3 hours a night since starting treatment. I seem to have slipped into a fairly depressed state over the past weekend and while i'm aware that this is a major side effect of treatment.. its not much consolation when your lying in bed wide awake at 4 in the morning feeling hopeless. Will speak to nurse about these issues at my weekly check on wednesday.
Anyway i have to try to be positive.. i'm fortunate that the genotype that i have requires a 6 month course of treatment while others need a 48 week course.
I'm on week 2...
22 to go...
A
I started my treatment on the 27th march 2005 and am receiving combined interferon and ribavirin therapy... this consists of tablets taken twice a day and a weekly self-injection of interferon alpha 2a.
Before i started treatment i discussed at some length with my nurse at the hospital the implications of treatment and the side effects i could possibly experience... these i'll go into in some depth at a later stage but suffice to say i've slept no more than 3 hours a night since starting treatment. I seem to have slipped into a fairly depressed state over the past weekend and while i'm aware that this is a major side effect of treatment.. its not much consolation when your lying in bed wide awake at 4 in the morning feeling hopeless. Will speak to nurse about these issues at my weekly check on wednesday.
Anyway i have to try to be positive.. i'm fortunate that the genotype that i have requires a 6 month course of treatment while others need a 48 week course.
I'm on week 2...
22 to go...
A
posted by Alan at 6:35 AM
4 Comments:
Hi Alan,
Before I started treatment I read on Ron's blog that Carole had sprinkled some Vetiver oil on his pillow when he couldnt sleep. I got some and have found it really useful. When sprinkled on a paper hanky and tucked under my pillow, it just relaxes you enough to allow you to nod off or go back to sleep when you wake in the wee small hours. It might be worth a try. Hope its OK if I link to your blog.
Try not to be put off by others prejudices and misconceptions about HepC. Local GPs especially are notoriously ill informed.
Hope you can sleep better soon.
Wendy
Wendy
Hi Alan
Congratulations on joining the HepC blogging community - we'll be visiting to see how you're doing!!
My wife is a complementary therapist who does aromatherapy and Wendy's right - Carol suggested I try vetiver. This is an essential oil you can get fairly easily. Lavender is also apparently good but I just prefer the vetiver. It does help! But it soothes, rather than knocks you out!
Having a massage can also help - it
not only clears out the toxins from the meds which collect in the muscles and joints but usually makes me relaxed and, by the end of the day, sleepy.
This was all new territory for me - but so is being on treatment! And if it helps, there is no harm treating yourself!
I'm off to set up a link from blog to yours!
All the best see you soon. (I have assumed you know my blog's address! Its www.ronmetcalfe.com/blog)
Ron
Hi Alan, and welcome to the blogging world! Link to your site is going onto mine!
The 'chemical' alternative to the oils mentioned by Ron and Wendy is old-fashioned paracetamol. Two tablets last thing at night seem to get you off to sleep and stop night sweats, particularly on injection day. Give it a try!
Martin
Thanks everyone..
I had an app with the gi nurse today and explained what had happened, she was not amused at my gp's advice to stop treatment and suggested i see another doctor. She seemed to be in agreement with Wendy's opinions on some GP's.
I also found a dentists can be a bit 'off' too when you tell them about your 'status', one in particular entered the room kitted out like something from Close Encounters.. this was only a few months after i'd been diagnosed, and didn't fill me with confidence i can tell you!
thanks for the advice on natural sleep aids, i'll definately give it a go.
I must say how comforting it is to know other people are out there in a similiar position that are willing to share their experience. This time would be so much harder without the support of others.
your links are welcome and i'm about to do the same
Stay healthy and safe..
Alan
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