OVERCOMING THE VIRUS

Liver Scan

2006-07-09T02:34:00.000-07:00

On Monday 3rd July I attended the hospital for liver scan. I had liver scan before I started the treatment. This time nurse said let me view your last scan reports. So with workink on the computer for a few moments, he found my last scan reports. Then he started the scan. The scan was very smooth and quick. The nurse told me that your liver condition pretty much the same there is not much difference. Then he told me that he will send these reports to my doctor.

I came out of the room with incoming questions in my mind, like would my liver damage ever be recovered? or I have to live like that for the rest of my life?As my nurse Susan told me that if liver got big damage like mine 5/6 it is possibility that it would not heal but it would not get any further damage either because there is no virus. That mean I have to live with damaged liver and I have to live with slight liver area pain. I still get tiredness and headache after some work and, perhaps I have to live like that all my life.

I am still happy whatever the situation is ! and thankful to God. Now I got appointment with Doctor Thomas in Sep. 2006 and I am saving my questions for him.

6 Months post treatment PCR Test Results

2006-04-22T08:16:00.000-07:00

On Thursday 2oth April I saw my consultant Prof. Thomas. He is a very busy person. That was my third visit to the hospital to see Dr. Thomas. First time I saw Dr. Thomas In Sep. 2004 and second time in April 2005. My wife was with me. After a while Dr. Thomas called us in. There was two folder in front of him stacking one on the other. He opened the top folder and started reading the folder. After a while he put the folder on his table and started ringing some one. My heart started beating very fast and it was faster when I managed to read some words from the folder that was "Hep. C +" and than I was believing that the virus has come back. I was feeling very low and sad but inside me some where I was feeling a strong blessing of God and I was saying in my heart that I am happy with you Oh, God what ever the result is?

But soon it was revealed that The Prof. Had opened a wrong old folder when he told me that I got Genotype 3a and I need 6month treatment for this and than my wife told him that I had my treatment already. Then the Prof. said Oh, "I am sorry some one put your old folder on the top, one time that old folder was lost and when some one fond it, it was placed on the top of the current folder". (I think the reason Prof. could not recognized me because that was only third appointment with him and it was more than one year after the last appointment.)

Then he opened my current folder and told me the good news that it is still undetectable!!!!!!. On that I took a deep breath and thanked God.

Then Prof. told me that there is no need to see you again, but when I asked him that some time I still feel pain in my liver area. He explained me very nicely that if you got lots of scaring on your liver it will take time to heal and you will feel pain in your liver area. If the liver damage is 6/6 it called cirrhosis it will not be repaired. But in your case your liver damage is 5/6 and it will heal but it will take time. Then he told me that there is a new scan trial in progress to find out liver damage without a liver biopsy. Then he put me for a ultra sound scan and told me that they might put me forward for a new trial scan. I agreed with him. Now I have got an appointment for ultra sound scan on 3rd of July 2006 and an appointment with Prof. Thomas on 19th of April 2007.

I am very thankful to God for good results. and I want to say a special thanks for every one who prayed for me, God bless you all. Now I am able to say that the virus has been killed......, crushed......, defeated....., vanished...... and disappeared....... with the grace of God and with the prayers of you all.

Finally I came out of the hospital and I had to buy a Paddington bear at the Paddington Railway Station for my wife to fulfill my promise that I will buy that paddington bear for her if I got last results undetectable and She was very happy ,I am happy and I pray for every one for there happy news and happy endings..........

Last PCR Test

2006-03-26T03:59:00.000-08:00

Hi, Everybody I have been Away from blogging activities because of some personal reasons. I am catching up with every one,s blog now.

On 22nd of March 2006 I have seen my nurse Susan. She was very polite and good to me as usual. She took my blood samples for 6 month post treatment PCR test. Then she ask me that have I got appointment with my consultant Prof. Thomas ? I told her that I had appointment with him on 6th of April 2006 but now I have received the letter from the hospital that my appointment date has been changed to September 2006. Susan was surprised to hear that. She said I know that Prof. is busy for European conference and the hospital have to change all opponents but my date was very far. So she talked to the hospital and with her effort the hospital gave me the appointment on 20th of April 2006. She told me that she will not ring me about my results , I have to wait until I see my consultant. By this time the result will be ready. She was very nice and she said, "fingers crossed, I hope you will get good results this time too".
God bless her, I pray for every one for good life and good results for their results.

So Far So Good 3 Month Post Treatment PCR Result Undetectable!!!!!!!

2006-01-08T01:55:00.000-08:00

My Nurse was on holiday. She came back on 6th December 2006. So last Friday I rang my nurse and asked her about the results. She was very pleased to tell me that so far so good and my results was undetectable. But she said it not time to celebrate yet, you have to wait for 6 month post treatment PCR test results.

So I am very thankful to God for this. And I want to say thanks to every one who prayed for me. My next appointment with my nurse for 6 month post treatment PCR test is on 23rd march 2006 and then I got appointment with my consultant Pro. H . Thomas on 4th April 2006. I pray and wish good health for every one. On Tuesday I will be celebrating Eid-ul-adha. I will remember every one of you in Eid and pray for good healthy life.

Blood Samples For PCR Test

2005-12-21T07:33:00.000-08:00

On Friday 16th Dec. I saw my nurse. She was very pleased to see me. She asked me how I was. I told her, "I am doing well but some time I get pain in my liver site. And that pain is after dinner when I get wind in my tummy". She told me that it is not necessary that this pain is because of Hep. C, it could be any other reason. Then she told me that your last blood test results show that you are doing very well and your liver functions are becoming normal.

Then my nurse told me that this PCR test is very important. The result could be undetectable or it could be detectable but when you will have your next 24 week after PCR test, the result could be the same as this test or opposite. She told me that you will not get results this year. So ring me after 3rd January 2006. I pray to God for me and every other sufferer for good results and good health.

Post Treatment 10th week (05/12/05-11/12/05)Liver Site Pain

2005-11-26T12:19:00.000-08:00

I have been away from my computer activities. Now I am trying to catch up with every other blogs.
Post treatment days and I have nearly forgotten that one day I was on treatment. Some time after eating I get wind in my tommy and then I get pain in liver site. I hope and pray its not virus coming back!

Tiredness and breathlessness has finished and I feel almost fit and healthy apart from liver site pain. On 16th December I am going for second PCR test. My nurse have already told me that the result could be undetectable or very less amount of viruses. And it could be detectable! in this case I have to wait for an other new medicine to get the treatment as medicine research for Hep. C is still in progress. So I am not worry about the result. Whatever the result I would accept it and thankful to God.

I pray for every one for good health. I want to say every one Marry Christmas and A Happy New Year. I will be busy to celebrate our second Eid on 10th or 11th January 2006. May God bless us all.

Post Treatment 5th Week ( 31/10/05-06/11/05)

2005-11-02T11:20:00.000-08:00

Post treatment days going very smoothly and very quickly. Every thing is normal. Sometime I get dry skin so I have to use E45 cream. So over all I am doing well. Month of Ramadan is ending to day. And tomorrow I will be celebrating Eid. I will be praying for myself and every other patients for good health.

last week I have seen my nurse. She took blood samples. Then she asked me about my next PCR test date. She told me that my post treatment 12th week is finishing on 18th December and because of the Christmas holidays they might not be able to process my results this year. So I have the choice to come for the test before Christmas or next year in January 2006. She advised me to take the chance before Christmas, so I agreed with her and she booked my next appointment for me on 16th December 2005 for my 1st post treatment PCR test.

Post Treatment Week 3rd (17/10/05-23/10/05)

2005-10-19T11:11:00.000-07:00

Hi Every One I am feeling well. I am busy in my Ramadan Activities. I am getting dry skin and headache for some times. I think this is because of fastening. But I am trying to drink more water with starting and opening the fast. I am continuing to pray for every one for good health.

Last week I was in grief because of South Asia Earthquake. All Natural tragedies like Tusanmi, Katrina hurricane and South Asia Earthquake, show that God wants to test the human and the vast majority of human are showing their good nature of humanity. They are feeling for each others and trying to help each other leaving behind any differences of countries, religions and geographical boundaries. I am sure that God is happy to see these kind of human spirits.

Post Treatment Days

2005-10-07T11:55:00.000-07:00

This Monday morning I had my last 2 ribv tablets. It is now post treatment days. No injection no tablets. I started the treatment and with the blessing of God I have finished my treatment. Now the result of the treatment is with God. I did my job what I could do, having the treatment but the effects and results of the treatment are with God. What ever I get the results I will be happy and thankful to God.

I had two happy things this week. One is finishing the treatment and second is next day, on Tuseday the starting of Ramadan ( The Holy Month The Muslims Do fasting for whole month) . I am busy in Ramadan activities and I am trying to get blessing of God as much as I can. I pray for every one for good health.

Last Week (26/09/05-03/09/05) Injection 24/24 And My journey Of hap C

2005-09-27T03:40:00.000-07:00

Yes...... It is not a dream, this Monday I really have done the last injection very smoothly followed by special Kit Kat with caramel. I congratulate every one who is in the Hep. C bloging group that one of the members is finishing his treatment with the blessing of God and help and support of you all members. I am very grateful to God and I want say special thanks to my wife Mandy and my brother and sister- inlaw and every one who guided and supported me all the way of my treatment. God bless you all.

To day I want to write the summary of my whole Hep C journey. In May 1999 I started feeling pain underneath my right side ribs. It was not very painful but I could feel it as a pain specially after the food and when I was doing long time sitting down work. In the beginning I ignored the pain and carried on my normal life. I told my doctor about this, he told me that nothing wrong with your stomach and he advised me to have pain relief tablets. Once I saw Dr. Basra (an other Dr. In my surgery) I told her about my pain. She was very good and she examined my tummy carefully. At the end she referred me to the gastrology detp. in the hospital.

Dr. Arnold was my consultant. In the first six months he could not diagnose any thing. Then recommended for me to go for an endoscopy test. The nurse told me that I can have this test while I am awake or with anesthetic. I chose having test while I am awake. That was the most horrible thing I faced in the whole of this journey. The Dr. Sprayed inside my mouth and put some thing in my mouth to keep it open. Then two nurses held me down strongly me from my head and arms so I could not move. Then the Dr. Put a moving camera inside my throat. And she moved the camera around in my tummy about 5 minutes. i was feeling sick badly but i could not move. I was near to pushing the nurses away and run away, then the Dr. said that she has finished now and you are very brave.

At my next appointment the Dr. told me that there was nothing in my tummy only one little patch of ulcer. So he gave me prescription for an ulcer treatment. At the next appointment I was seen by another consultant because Dr. Arnold was not there. I told the Dr. that my pain was still there after I had ulcer tablets. Then he examined my tummy again and asked me the exact point of pain. I looked his face and it looked like he found something this time. So he sent me for some blood tests. At the next appointment in November 1999 Dr. Arnold told that I have been diagnosed with Hep. C. and there is nothing to worry about as it is very slow progressing disease. So he sent me to have a liver biopsy test. In April 2000 I had my first liver biopsy. I was very worried about the biopsy, because I had been told that it could cause internal bleeding. At last the biopsy day came and it was done by the registrar of the hospital with out any ultrasound vision with a fine needle. It was very easy and quick very much against my expectations and fears. The result was 2/5 with mild progressing rate. Dr. Arnold sent me to Chelsea and Westminster hospital for treatment.
I saw my consultant and nurses. They were not very encouraging. That time was only interferon treatment not combined. Considering the fact of liver damage only 2/5 I decided not to have the treatment this time.

In 2003 when I started getting fevers and night sweats along with pain I decided to go for the treatment. This time I was sent to St. Marry hospital to see Prof. Thomas. He told me I had to have an other liver biopsy. So in July 2004 I had the second biopsy. This time it was very hard to put the needle in my liver for the Dr. He struggled about 2 to 3 minutes for it and then he could get the needle in. In Sep. 2005 Dr. Told the me very surprising result 5/6 which is still confusing me. So Prof. Thomas put my name in the waiting list. This time there was no choice but to start the treatment.
So from then I started exploring the internet about the treatments and the people who are having or had the treatment. In January 2005 my research took me to Norwich Hep. C support group. From this group I met the man of the blog writing Jonathan Colam. Who had just started the treatment in Des. 2004. I started reading his blog regularly. I was asking him about his diet and different thing what he was doing during his treatment and before the treatment. Really the first man from whom I got lots help and encouragement is Jonathan. He told me about John Tindall Chinese treatment. I tried the Chinese treatment before I started the treatment but it was not suitable for me so I stopped it. Then I started buying multi vitamins and mushroom supplements to get ready for the treatment. As Jonathan told me that do not start to have these vitamins before you start the treatment and you should start the treatment as normally and see what happens. That was very good advice as I did not need any vitamin tablets during the treatment. I was having normal diets but I included fresh fruit in my regular diet. I really very thank full to Jonathan for his guidance and pray for him for good heath.

Then I met Ron Metcalfe. According to Jonathan he was the founder of the bloging about Hep C. I can not forget his full of information blog about Hep. C. God bless him.

With the time Hep. C. bloging Group started growing, I started meeting with more lovely people, like Paul, Nick, Martin, Lu,Steve, Wendy, Sue, Tink, Jane, Jane1962, Miss Poppy and Balom. I can not forget their guidance, support and love. I will always be praying for them and for the other Hep. C. sufferers. God bless them all.

Second Last Week(19/09/05-25/09/05) Injection 23/24

2005-09-21T04:43:00.000-07:00

Thank God it is second last injection. Every thing went smoothly, no major side effects. This week I got itch in side my nose. So I mad my nose sore by rubbing it badly but now the itching becoming less. On Monday I went for hair cut and I noticed that my hair has gone thin. Surely that is one the side effects of the treatment. But I am not worry about the hair loss, it will be recovered.

I pray to God that every one who is having the treatment or who had the treatment God give them good health.

Week 22 (12/09/05-18/09/05) injection 22

2005-09-14T09:38:00.000-07:00

sneeze, sneez, sneeze........Yes this Tuesday morning I got up with sneezing badly. My nose was running and eyes were running with water. I had my breakfast in this bad position and then had my tablets including paracitamols. I went to bed immediately and went to sleep. After 1 hour sleep I got up then the sneezing were in control. On Monday Injection 22 went smoothly. Today I feel better but still feel fluey.

Last week my cat was not well. She got fleas. I used flea spray on her but it was not working.So I went to another pet shop and asked for flea treatment. He showed me tablet treatment. He told me these tablets are very good, they will work within 15 minutes. So I gave one tablet to my cat. And after 10 minutes she was running here and there and itching badly as the shopkeeper told me. Then the cat came to me with panic. I stroke her and put her on the floor. I took the cat brush I start combing her hair. I saw too many dead fleas start dropping. So I gave her good comb after half an hour the cat went to sleep. And I left her to have good sleep. Next morning I put special flea collar which should last for 12 months.

Week21(05/09/05 -11/09/05)Injection 21

2005-09-06T04:25:00.000-07:00

This Monday was injection 21/24. That mean only 3 more to go. This injection went smoothly. Last week I was feeling fluey . All week I was sneezing and getting fever. The other thing I noted that I am feeling water near my ears in side my mouth. When I try to swallow I can hear crackling in my ears. I don't now that is one of the side effects of the treatment or not.

I rang my nurse to ask her about my PCR test. She told me that in this hospital we do PCR test 12 week after the first injection, 12 week after the last injection and 24 weeks after the last injection. I pray to God that we all get good health in future.

20th Week(29/08/05-05/09/05) Injection 20 And Nurse Appointment

2005-08-31T17:20:00.000-07:00

This Monday was the 20th injection. It was done very smoothly. I have found and chose 5 injection sites on my tummy that never been used. So I have no worry about for the rest of the injections. Every thing is going well. Some time I get sore mouth but after a while I get better.

On Tuesday I saw my nurse. The nurse was very happy to see me. She gave me the last med. slip. She told me that there will be extra tablets and you need to return them to the pharmacy. I will take the last injection on Monday the 26th of September and last 2 tablets on Monday morning the 3rd of October. She told me that I will see you one month after your last injection and she will take my blood samples for normal tests. In the beginning of January 2006 she will call me for SENSITIVE PCR test and in April 2006 I will see my consultant Professor Dr. Thomas for annual review.

I forgot to ask the nurse that why I do not have PCR test after I finished the treatment. The only thing I can think that perhaps every hospital have there own budget and rules. I pray for every hep. c sufferer to get better. God bless every one.

19th Week(22/08/05-28/08/05) Injection 19

2005-08-23T05:10:00.000-07:00

This Monday was my 19th injection day. This time it was not very smooth. First of all it was very hard to find the injection site. My tummy is full of tiny injection marks. They are not very big and not hurting at all but it was hard to find the free site. My wife teases me and says your tummy is like a pin cushion and laughs.
Because I did not want to extend the area of injection sites on my tummy, so I decided to put the injection in between the two old sites. When I put the injection in it was hurting a lot and after the blood came out. But the rest of the things were ok. No major side effects. Every thing is going well and I thank God for that. God bless every one.

18thWeek(15/08/05-21/08/05) Injection 18 In Cardiff.

2005-08-18T05:22:00.000-07:00

Last Friday my wife,s sister called us to her place for a few days. So we all went to Cardiff. I took my medicine with me. For injection I have to buy a little portable fridge. Which can be used with car adopter.

So in Cardiff we visited The Welsh Life museum. It was very interesting. My wife was interested in coal Mine pits because her father was a Coal Miner. So we went to see the "Big Pit" . It was very interesting. We went in to the actual coal Mine. We had to wear the working hats with a light bulb at the front and gas mask around our waist before we entered the cave. That was our first time experience. He showed us things about coal miners that how they were working hard and how dangerous it was. The guide told us that too many people were lost their lives while working in the caves. It was really very good trip and we all enjoyed it. Then we went to get ride on a 1958 old steam train. It was also a good trip.

In Cardiff on Monday injection 18, I put in smoothly. But soon after I was sneezing badly. Then I had parasitamol tablets. I was ok after a few hours.

On Tuesday it was very hot day so we decided to enjoy Barry Island beach in Cardiff. On Wednesday evening we were back in London.

17thWeek(08/08/05-14/08/05)injection 17

2005-08-10T09:20:00.000-07:00

This Monday I had injection 17 as normal as the last one. No major side effects. I am going towards the end of the treatment slowly but steadily. Last week I was getting sore mouth again ,so I used rinstead pastilles and my sore mouth has nearly gone.

The confusion in my PCR test result has been cleared, as I asked Martin and my nurse. Because the viral load before I started the treatment was very high. It was over 2 millions. Now at the half of the treatment the viral load is only 32000. It is a big drop. Hopefully at the end of the treatment the virus will disappear. I can only pray to God for this.

16thWeek(01/08/05-07/08/05)Injection 16 and PCR Result

2005-08-03T16:15:00.000-07:00

Injection 16 went in smoothly as normal. And no major side effects. Just slight fever and sneezing. I had paracetamol tablets 2 hours after the injection.
Today I attended the nurses appointment. My nurse Marry Crossy has retired and she was not there. My new nurse Susan attended me. She is very nice and very polite. She gave very good news that my treatment is responding and we are continuing the treatment.I was very happy to hear that. Atleast I did not suffer by the treatment for nothing.Then she took blood samples and gave me my next appointment date. She said you look healthier and brighter than I saw you before the treament. Then she asked me if there is any problems I am facing? I said no I am fine at the moment. She said if there is any problems you can ring me.

Then she gave me the copy of my PCR test result, which I could not under stand very well. The result is as below.

HCV Quant .RNA(bDNA): <615 IU/ml 19.07.05
HCV Quant .RNA(bDNA): <3,200 coppies/ml
COMMENTS:
Fluctuating low levels of HCV RNA may not be detected by PCR.

All I know that my nurse told me that my treatment is responding and I am carrying on with my treatment, I thank God for that.

15thWeek(25/07/05-31/07/05) Injection 15

2005-07-26T10:15:00.000-07:00

Yesterday injection 15 went in smoothly followed by special edition caramel kitkat and twenty minutes rest. No major side effects. My cough has nearly disappeared. I have finished the course of antibiotic tablets. I was having amoxoline 500mg three times a day. In the beginning when started these tablets my head became like a stone. I was going to stop the tablets but I thought if I want to heal my throat and eat as normal I have to complete the course. I was feeling very thirsty so I started drinking water more often. Then I have to go to the loo again and again, that was very annoying. By drinking more water, my head started becoming lighter so I kept drinking water more often for three days. I think I drank 5Litrs a day and that is double the amount I usually drink these days.Thank God now I am ok and I am eating normal. I am trying to eat lots fruits like mango, bananas, apples, melons and strawberries ext plus juices. as a regular diet. Because fruits helped me to maintain my energy level when I could not eat.

14thWeek(18/07/05-24/07/05) Injection 14

2005-07-20T06:24:00.000-07:00

My fever has continued from Sunday until Monday noon.after I had a bath the fever was gone.So I had my injection in the evening.After the injection I had my special kit kat with 20 minutes rest. Until now no fever at all . And thank God no side effects at the moment.

I still have a tickly cough. I am taking antibiotic tablets aswell and the cough is becoming less.I am eating easily, not with hunger thou. I think my continued fever was because of my throat infection.
I hope for good luck for the rest of the week and rest of the treatment.

No Chest Infection

2005-07-17T20:34:00.000-07:00

Hi Every One ,

Thanks for all your sympathy, advises and help. I really appreciate all your feelings sharing with me.

On Saturday I was still suffering from fever and cough. This morning position was the same. So I decided to go to the casualty. So me and my wife went to the local hospital about 11:30 am.the hospital examined me thoroughly, blood tests and x-ray. Thank God all results were fine. But the doctor told me that i got throat infection, so he prescribed antibiotics tablets 5:00pm we were back home.
On Monday morning I will inform my GP and nurse, hopefully I will continue with my next injection.

thank you once again Martin, Nick, Sue and Ron for your help.

Fever And tickle Cough/ Stop The Injection?

2005-07-16T10:10:00.000-07:00

This whole week I was suffering from fever and tickle cough like last week.In the morning when I brush my teeth I feel too much cough and lots of white flaming water comes out of my mouth. And my hunger has gone. On Friday my wife rang the nurse. The nurse told me that I should not get fever two day after the injection and I should go to the GP. So I manage to get the appointment with my GP at 4:30 pm.the GP examined me. Then he said every thing looks fine but there is a chance that you might got chest infection. Then he called to the hospital for latest blood test results. After a while the hospital faxed my blood results. The GP told me that blood results are fine but there is no results of PCR test yet. Then he told me that there is a small chance of chest infection so you need chest X ray but the problem is this is Friday after noon and it is not possible that I could look at the Xray results. so take the slip and go for Xray on Monday. If you feel worse you need to go the casualty.

Then he told me that ring me on Monday morning and tell your position so I can discuss with your nurse about weather should you carry on the next injection or not?

I am confused myself about the situation??????????

13thWeek(11/07/05-17/07/05)Injection 13

2005-07-12T11:21:00.000-07:00

Last week was fever week. Almost every day I was getting fever, some time I was very hot and some time I was very could plus on Thursday day London bomb blast happened that gave me more grief. I had paracitamols but it was not very effective. Plus I had diarrhoea, I had to go to loo again and again. My wife was suffering from the same hot and could fever and diarrhoea. I don't know I caught these thing from her or she caught from me, or we both caught from some where else.On Sunday we both were ok.I noticed that I get double vision next day after the injection and it disappears after a while.
yesterday injection 13 went in smoothly. In the morning I went to see my nurse. She was very busy. We did not talk much. She gave me blood test slips for PCR test and booked next appointment for me.

Muslims and terrorists

2005-07-08T16:06:00.000-07:00

Muslims And terrorists, Yes these are the two words most of the people are speaking together these days. Perhaps they have to because people who are doing these horrible and unrecoverable damages they are claiming to be Muslims.

I have read my religious books Al-Quran and Sunna, there is no chance to harm or kill any innocent people. If you kill one innocent person according to Islamic law they have to face death in this world or they will face hell in the next world for ever. Just imagine in Sep. the 11th, and in London and in other places how many innocent people they have killed and how deepest they will be put in to the Hell.

So if you don't believe in Quranic educations you are not Muslim at all. There is one group of people we call them QADIANI they do every single act what a Muslim should do. But don't believe in just One Islamic order. So all Muslims believes that according to Islamic law you have to accept a complete code of life. You can not choose or change Gods law. So the QADIANI people are not entitled to call themselves Muslims if they called themselves as Muslims, Muslims would not accept them as a part of there community.

So the terrorist groups are. If they called themselves Muslims, no true Muslim will accept them as a part of the Islamic community because they are completely out of Islamic educations and teachings.

I feel deeply sorry for all the families who lost their loved ones in this terrible tragedy. Of course their loss is unrecoverable. God give them patience.

12thWeek(04/07/05-10/07/05)Injection12/24

2005-07-05T10:40:00.000-07:00

Yesterday 12th injection went smoothly. No major side effects, all went ok as before. Half done well done.

But I noticed that last week most of the days and this morning I got double vision. One day I was watching T.V. I pressed the select Key on the Sky remote to see the time on the screen, but I noticed that I could not read the time. Every word on the screen was look shady and blurry. I thought that perhaps I need to wash my eyes so I washed my eyes but no difference. So I accepted the situation as a side effect of the treatment. About Friday I was ok but today I got it again.

Normally the day I feel very healthy before the next injection is Sunday, but last Sunday I was busy with my family in packing the stuff up as my brother and sister in law were going back to their country( Thanks for their support and help while they were here). So I could not eat any thing after the breakfast, it was late for dinner aswel. So we decided to go to a restaurant for dinner. As I was sitting in the restaurant, waiting for my dinner I felt my head was going off. I could see every one in front of me but I could not hear them. My wife was asking me are you alright but I could hardly hear her like she was calling me from very far away. Meanwhile dinner was their and I stated eating ignoring the situation. As I was eating my dinner and drinking 7up, I felt that my head is coming back. Thank God I was ok after a while.
I concluded that I should not go without eating while on treatment. I should take special care of my diet.

11th Week(27/06/05-03/07/05)Injection 11

2005-06-28T10:48:00.000-07:00

Injection 11 went very smoothly, no bubbles and no pain. I had normal side effects fever, headache and weakness. Thank God no major side effects.

Last week I attended the appointments with Dr. Ruttley the Psychiartist and my nurse. The doctor was very pleased to see me. She asked me some questions about how I was feeling when I started my treatment and how I am feeling now. Then she asked me about irritation. I told her that I do not get excited quick. Once I was stroking the cat my wife said you should not tease the cat. I was very annoyed with my wife and told her that do you think that because I am on treatment so I am teasing the cat. I am just playing with the cat. And you should leave me alone.I told the Doctor that I keep this in my mind that I could be very nasty with other people while I am on treatment so I should not be very excited and I should keep myself nice and calm. At the end of our meeting the doctor told me that I don't think I need to see you again during the treatment. You look more brighter and happier then before the treatment. I would like to see you one month after the treatment.So I said good bye to her and sat in the waiting room to see the nurse.

After a while the nurse called me in. She was happy too but not very encouraging. She gave me last blood results. My ALT was up to 114 but I was not surprised because Ron already told me about it.She took the new blood tests. She told me that because you got lots of scaring on your liver so after the 12th injection on 11th of July you need to see me for PCR test. She told me because I am 40 and I am old, so most of old peoples tolerate the treatment well but because of low immunesystem they don't response. (That was not very encouraging thing to tell the patient) I did not say any thing to her only I thought that it will happen what God wants. Then I took the slip for next med pack and said good bye to her with smile.

10thWeek(20/06/05-26/06/05)Injection 10

2005-06-21T10:50:00.000-07:00

yesterday was not smooth injection. My wife put every thing on the table. The injection was out of the box. When I tried to move the table, the injection bin fell over the injection and the injection was flicked on the floor. Thank God it was not broken but there were air bubbles in it. I adjusted the amount of the injection and flicked it with my finger to let the air out. But the bubbles came out of the injection and start gathering at the top of the injection before the needle as tiny bubbles. I flicked the needle too many time but the tiny gathered bubbles were still there. So I put the injection in with these bubbles. I don,t know it was right or wrong?

last week on Thursday and Friday I was getting headache and on Saturday I was getting blank head. But on Sunday I was ok. And I went to Southend on sea to spend the hot day with my family. It was quiet nice day. We didn't go on any rides, only we went on the pier train to see the longest pier.

9thWeek(13/06/05-19/06/05)Injection9 And Feeling Strange

2005-06-14T11:20:00.000-07:00

yesterday 9th injection went smoothly. No major side effects. I had paracetamol tablets two hour after. My sore mouth has gone again.

last week most of the days were normal. On Sunday we went to Brighton. The weather was quiet sunny but not very hot. Getting the parking space was hard. After half an hour driving around I found the parking space in the city centre car park.So I parked the car and put the parking ticket in my pocket.

we went to beach and played in the water for some time. It was not too hot so we did not stay there long. Then we went to the pier and start walking along it. We had hot doughnuts there.They were very tasty. When we reached to the rides, I felt very strange. I felt that I am scare of going on the rides. My family was asking me to go on the rides. But I was saying that I don,t feel well leave me out here. I was feeling that if I go on these high and fast moving rides something will happen to me. Surely the treatment mad me like that. So after a while we had fish & chips and ice cream, then started walking towards the car park. In the car park I found out that I had lost the parking paying ticket.I must it done when I was playing in the water. So I called the assistant, he told me that I have to pay the full day charges then he can issue a new ticket. I paid the full day charges and started driving back home.
That night I felt pain all over my body, but I slept well.

8thWeek(06/06/05-12/06/05)Injection 8

2005-06-07T10:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the injection day. All was as smooth and well as usual.

Last week I visited my nurse. She did the blood tests and she gave me the last blood test results and prescription for the next month. She was nice to me and she asked me how I was feeling. I told her that the main thing I am facing is fatigue and tiredness. She told me they are normal side effects. Then I asked her about ALT. My ALT was 206 before the treatment started and on 2nd week73, third week 81. She told me that normal ALT is under 40. I asked that there are people on internet who are having successfully treatment but the ALT is still up. She said probably they got lots of fat on there liver. And it will settle down after the treatment but you are overweight and more likely your ALT up because of your weight. I don,t know why she worried about my weight , even she told me that I am only a few kg over weight,perhaps in the beginning I requested for pegasy treatment with less rivb. According to my nurse I am not suitable for this treatment because of I am a few kg over weight and I suppose to have other kind of treatment with more rivb.

Then she asked me for the next appointment date. I said on 24 of June I got appointment with pyhciartrist, could you please adjust next appointment for the same day. She said ok. Then I asked her about after 12th week injection PCR test. She said more likely we wan,t do this test until end of the treatment. I did not argue much with her. Then I asked her about having sore mouth. She said it is a quite normal side effect. Use of bonjela or like Wendy told me rinstead pastilles could be helpful.

my sore mouth has come back and I am now using rinstead pastills its quiet helpful.

7thWeek(30/05/05-05/06/05)Injection7

2005-05-31T10:24:00.000-07:00

7th injection went in smoothly. As usual I had lucozade with caramel special addition KitKat bar and had a little rest for twenty minutes.Two hours after the injection I took paracetamol tablets.I slept well that night. No major side effects.

last week most of the days were normal. Only one day I could not sleep well. Because that day I was facing some personal problems. Rest of the days were normal. On Friday when I was sitting in the mosque for Friday prayers. I was feeling itchy on my right foot. So I was itching badly. After a while I noticed that I have scratched my foot to bleed. like some times a cat gives you a scratch when you tease it. So I stopped itching immediately. Thank God, my sore mouth has gone.

6thWeek(23/05/05-29/05/05)Injection6 and sleepy me

2005-05-24T17:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I did the 6th injection. I did it very smoothly. Usually I have a bath and do the evening prayer. After saying my prayers I put every necessary things on the table like bin, injection and tissues ext. Then before I sit on the chair to prepare the injection I wash my hands with antibacterial soap. Half an hour before I had paracetamol tablet. I felt normal after the injection but in the morning I felt heavy headed and sleepy. So after the breakfast and rivb. tablets I fell asleep for an hour. But that's not enough I still feel sleepy.I hope I sleep well tonight.

last week most of the days were normal. But one day was not the normal because I could not eat any thing. I was not in the mood to eat any thing. I just managed to eat some vegetable and chicken soap. Thank God I was alright for the rest of the days. On the right side of my tongue I got blisters keep coming and going so it puts me off eating. I do not know how to deal with this problem?

On Sunday I went with my family to trafalgar squar.when I tried to get up near the high statue, I felt my heart is beating very fast.Soon I got down and had a rest on a seat.

5thWeek(16/05/05-22/05/05)Injection 5 And forgetful me

2005-05-18T11:30:00.000-07:00

Monday was the 5th injection day. This time I felt pain when I put the injection in and out, perhaps I put it too near to the previous site. My toothache has gone. But I am still completing the antibiotic tablets course. Yesterday I was feeling itchy, apart from this I am feeling tiredness and hard breath but no major side effects.

yesterday evening I was very forgetful. After dinner when I had my ribv. Tablets, I took one antidepressants tablet aswell. When I swallowed it done then I remembered that I took an extra tablet because I already took one in the morning. I was a bit worried about taking an extra tablet but I thought the nurse already told me that I can change the time from morning to evening. I thought I will not take in the morning. Thank God I slept well last night. So this morning I just took ribv.tablets and antibiotics tablet. I rang my nurse this morning and told her the situation. She was very good to me this time. She told me that nothing to worry about it and she agreed with me about starting to have antidepressants tablet in the evening instead of in the morning.

Fever, Toothache and Joints pain.

2005-05-13T16:10:00.000-07:00

The day before yesterday I was not well at all. I was suffering from fever, toothache and joints pain. For tooth each I asked my nurse about having the tablets. She told me that there is no problem to take antibiotics with the treatment. So I started having antibiotics immediately.

Thanks Martinb and Wendy for your advice. My toothache has nearly gone now. That day I was suffering with high fever and joint pain. I was feeling like someone has beaten me up.I had paracetamols twice that day. To day there is no joint pain and no fever. I am feeling ok now, just I feel very tired and weak.

4thweek(09/05/05-15/05/05)Injection4

2005-05-10T07:34:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had the 4th injection smoothly. As normal no major side effects. Only flu like symptoms and I feel very tired all the time. If I walk for longer I become breathless.

yesterday I have seen the dentist. She told me that there is small infection in my gum. So she cleaned my teeth and prescribed me mouthwash and antibiotic tablets.although she told me that because of my liver condition she is not giving me strong antibiotics but still I have not started to have the tablets. I am only using mouthwash and waiting for the pain to go away. If it does not work then I will ring my nurse and ask about starting the tablets. But I feel that the toothache is becoming less and hopefully it will disappear.

Toothache

2005-05-07T14:30:00.000-07:00

First of all I want to say thanks Martinb, Paul, Sue, Lu and Jonathan for their very supporting comments in my site. I am not depressed any more. One thing I realized that people with Hep. c and without can not have the same feelings about the hep. c patients thanks to the blogspot.com that we get in touch with each other and share feelings of each other.

From the day before yesterday I am having toothache. My right side last tooth with gum is hurting.I have got the appointment with my dentist on Monday. At the moment I am having paracetamol, mouth wash and having my teeth cleaned more often. It could be one the side effects of the treatment?I have not got any idea.

Week3rd(02/05/05-08/05/05)Injection3.AND DEPRESSING NURSE

2005-05-04T00:30:00.000-07:00

On Monday I did the third injection in the evening with two paracetamols as Martinb, Sue, Lu and Ron advised me. It was ok. All I felt at midnight was flue like symptoms but soon I went to sleep.No major side effects at all only weakness and hard breathing.

yesterday I visited my nurse. This visit was very depressing. First thing she said was good that ,your last blood result was very good and you don,t need weekly blood tests any more. You need to come back after one month. If any thing is wrong in the new blood test I will ring you. Then I asked her when can you tell me about the response of the treatment? Then she started talking depressing things. She said we never tell people about the response because the virus can be undetectable after 3 or 6 months but they can hide in your brain or bonemarrow and can come back any time. I said that's right but what will happen if the virus comes back? She said only one thing you have good is that you have got geno type3 but you are overweight so this treatment might not help you. If this treatment is unsuccessful we won,t do any thing after this. You had your go and other people need to have their turn. I said that I read on internet that people are having their third go after unsuccessful treatment. She said no it is not possible, perhaps they had old treatment and now they are trying new treatment. Then I did not argue much and took the perscription for the next month med. pack and copy of blood test results and said good bye to her. After this visit I felt very depressed. Because she did not give me any hope. God bless her.

My Breathlessness

2005-04-30T18:30:00.000-07:00

slowly my heavy head has gone. And I was feeling ok. But this morning I felt breathlessness.I feel very heavy in my chest when I breath in and out. Perhaps this is another minor side effect of the treatment.I went with my family to do the shopping. When I tried to lift heavy stuff ,I felt very weak. Ron was right in the first place, that treatment has a rich variety of effects.

In my last visit with the nurse , she said that I can change the time of the injection. If I have the injection in the evening its better so the side effects will be covered while I am sleeping.but I don't know what my best option is?

Heavy Head

2005-04-27T20:05:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was ok and my tummy has settled down as I am eating yoghurt. This morning when I woke up I felt like my head is very heavy like I never had proper sleep. My wife was very good to me today. She offered me a body massage. So in the morning before breakfast she gave me massage with olive oil. Which was quite good really. Overall I felt better after the massage but my head remained heavy.Now it has gone less and I am feeling ok. I had my dinner at7:30pm and had my ribv. tablets with it.

Week 2nd(25/04/05-01/05/05) injection 2

2005-04-25T21:30:00.000-07:00

past two days were normal days so I have not written any thing. To day it was the injection day. My nurse was on holiday so the other nurse took my blood test and then she instructed me to do the injection in front of her. So I injected myself perfectly but when I took the injection out some blood came out so I put a tissue on it. But the blood was still coming out so she put a plaster on it. Then she said its too early to say any thing about the response. Then we came back home and we had some snackies. Then I went to bed to have some rest. During this rest I fell asleep for 20 minutes. I had my dinner and rivb. Tablets about 7:30pm. Until now no major side effects only I am feeling upset and my tummy is upset I am using the toilet more often but to pass wind only.

Cold Back

2005-04-22T21:22:00.000-07:00

This morning I woke up 7:30am. I slept well last night but whenI woke up I was feeling sleepy and left side of my back was very cold. My wife gave me a little massage on my back. But the back was still cold. So I accepted the situation as a side effect of the treatment.So I started getting busy in normal work. To day we went to mosque for Friday prayers. After the prayers we walked around the Broadway, bought some fresh vegetables and lamb meat and then we had fillet fish meals at McDonald. We came back home about 3:pm and started preparing dinner I had rib. tablets with the dinner at7:30pm thou first dose was at9:30am with the breakfast.Now my back is still cold but not as bad as it was before.

Another good day but not a good night

2005-04-21T08:30:00.000-07:00

Today it was another good day and no side effects . I was busy with my family in preparing food because there were some guest coming. So all day I was busy about and with the guests.About 11:30am I went to sleep for a while about 20 to 30 minutes the reason is that last night was not a very good night. About 2:30am I woke up and I felt very thirsty so I drank two glasses of water. while I was lying down on my bed I felt that like there were some little creatures eating me up inside my tummy. So I could not go to sleep again about one hour. I was a little scared but I thought it must be the fight against the virus inside my body I was feeling. About 50 minutes after I was a sleeping again and I woke up 7:30am for normal day.

Normal Day

2005-04-20T17:27:00.000-07:00

Today I woke up 7:30am. Every thing is normal. No major side effects. Only when I move my eye lids they hurt. I am eating my tablets regularly and eating normal food. I have holidays from work for two weeks so no worry about job at the moment. Today I helped my wife in doing house work. I put new lines to dry clothes. Yesterday when I tried to use the drill machine I felt that there was no strength in my arms so I left this job. But today I felt normal and I done the job easily. I am able to pray five times a day. I do pray for every sufferer for good health.

Feeling Ok

2005-04-19T16:10:00.000-07:00

Last night my fever did not stay longer. About 10 :45 pm I went to bed and slept all night well until 7:30am. Now I am feeling ok. But my back and hips still hurts. I had my breakfast at 8:00am. And I had my rib. and antidepressants tablets with the breakfast. About 1:00pm I had one cheese and coleslow sandwich with tea. I am trying to drink lots of water. In the result I have to go to the Loo several times but that does not disturb me. Now I am waiting for my dinner.

Treatment starts 1st week(18/04/05-24/04/05) Injection 1

2005-04-18T22:20:00.000-07:00

Today I went to the hospital with my family. I was 13 minutes late. My nurse was very angry about this. She said this is not acceptable. I said sorry the Monday traffics made me become late. Then she quickly wrote down blood tests slips and prescription and said do these things as soon as possible.so we managed to do the things in rush. About 11:15 we came back to the nurse. So finally she told me about injecting myself. Which I already know by reading other blogers. So about 11:30 this mornig she prepared the first injection and she pinched the right side of my tummy and I took the injection from her hand and put the needle inside my tummy keeping it at 90* angle. Then she told me that you will feel shivery and hot after three hours. So we took the the med pack and I drove home safely. And we had snackies with tea. Nothing happened until about 7pm. But after I had my dinner and riv. tablets I felt very shivery and I went to bed under the cover. My wife put the heating on.now the shivering has gone and I am getting hot now. I hope I sleep better at night. I had paracitamol with snack and dinner aswel. My body hurts allover.

A Trip To London Eye

2005-04-17T12:11:00.000-07:00

To day I have been to London eye and the river cruise with my wife, son, brother and sister in law. This idea was mine to go there before the treatment begins. We really enjoyed the height of the London eye and cruising through the Thames river, going under the different bridges with a live commentary about the historic places.we spent nearly a whole day there.

In my last post I mentioned about mung beans curry. Steve and sue like curry. They asked about the recipe. Its very simple. about three mugs of mung beans put in a pan with one tomato chopped small, one table spoon of crushed fresh garlic, one table spoon of fresh crushed ginger, one tea spoon of chilli powder and two or three tea spoon of salt. cover the beans with lots of water and bring to the boil then turn down to simmer until the beans go very soft and look thick in consistency. keep the pan lid on while cooking and keep stirring after a while. in a separate pan put three or four table spoons of butter or oil. and put one table spoon of crushed garlic. Cook it until golden brown and tip it in to the mung beans soup and stir around a bit. Now the mung bean curry is ready to eat with boiled rice or bread.

mung beans or mung lentils

2005-04-14T19:05:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was busy in shopping. I went in to a health shop in Ealing. I was looking for mung beans and aduka beans as Jonathan and Wendy are using them and finding them helpful. I was amazed to find out that these beans we call lentils. And we cook them as curry and eat them with boiled rice or bread. So these beans can be bought from an Indian grocery shop cheaper than the health shop.It would not hard for me to eat them because mung beans (lentils) curry with rice is my favorite dish already.

Consultant Appointment

2005-04-08T22:12:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I have seen my consultant and discussed about the two different liver damage reports. I asked him if the liver could get damaged with this speed if yes so that means its nearly one year since I had the liver biopsy and it would be now 6/6 total damage He said, "liver damage can not get progressed with that speed. One step should go forward with in twelve years time.In our liver experts meeting we discussed this matter and considered that one of the reports is incorrect.But you should not worry about this.One thing is clear, whatever the damage is you need treatment to get rid off the virus and start the treatment, fingers crossed you could clear the virus". I am now quite satisfied about this matter after I have seen my consultant. It is true that the most important thing for me is successful treatment.

I Ignored The Nurse

2005-04-04T13:12:00.000-07:00

Yes I ignored the nurse about canceling my appointment with my consultant. In the last visit with my nurse she said that I should cancel the appointment with my consultant which is on 7th of this month because there is nothing to look at. The reason I kept this appointment is that I want to ask him about my two different liver damage reports, which the nurse could not satisfy me about it. So I am waiting to see my consultant now. I am sleeping fairly good these days. Thanks to other blogers who left supportive comments on my site.

Tried To Be Normal

2005-04-02T18:00:00.000-08:00

Hello every one
I have been reading others blogs and trying to forget my self.I am still taking anti depressants tablets. Some time I sleep well at night and some time I don't. I tried to act like a normal person but failed. I could not forget the starting date of my treatment. Slowly now I realized that I am not normal and I cant act like healthy person, I am ill and I have to face the treatment to overcome the nasty virus like every body else with hep c. It is true that waiting time for the horror time is the biggest horror.
God Bless Every One

Not slept well

2005-03-23T21:41:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I could not sleep well, the reason I don,t know. It could be worry about going towards the starting date of the treatment?. Today I am glad to discover that to many Hep. C sufferer are doing blog and reading other blogs and sharing their comments. Indeed its a great thing to get advice from each other.Ron,s and Jonathan,s blogs are full of information about Hep. c.

Treatment Date

2005-03-22T22:23:00.000-08:00

On Monday I saw the nurse .My Pychiartrist was there aswel. They asked me how I am feeling. I told them that I feel the same but I am sleeping well and they were happy about that. They want me to carry on with the antidepressants tablets for another two weeks before starting the treatment. I asked them how long I have to take these tablets. They told me that I have to take them until the treatment finishes. On the 18th of April they are calling me to have my first injection. Obviously fears and hopes are continuing until I start the treatment.

Snoring

2005-03-18T10:55:00.000-08:00

I am still taking the antidepressants tablets. I don,t know any other effects all I know that its making me sleep well. My wife is complaining that I snore too much at night. I am waiting for the appointment with my nurse on this Monday then she will tell me when I would be starting the treatment.

Sleeping well

2005-03-11T16:27:00.000-08:00

last night I slept well. I took an other antidepressants tablet this morning. I am trying to get ready for the treatment. Jonathan who is having treatment very successfully, I am reviewing his arrangements, e.g.vitamins, diet, herbs and massage. I read his blog every day. Personally he is a very good person to help other people. His blog is very useful for other hep. c sufferer. In reality I got lots encouragements from reading his blog. And it helped me to move forward for the treatment. God bless him. His blog address is ( hepcfight.blogspot.com)

Antidepressants tablets

2005-03-10T02:45:00.000-08:00

This is my second day that I am having antidepressants tablets. I have totake one tablet 20gm a day.last night I did not sleep well. I rang my nurse this morning about not sleeping well last night. She advised me that I should Chang the time to take the tablet. And she said you would get some of the side effects first week but second week you would get good effects. I have to take a day off from work as I do not feel well because of less sleep.

ABOUT ME

2005-03-09T21:17:00.000-08:00

I am a hep. C patient. I am 40 year old. I was diagnose in 2000. I was not given much information. I had a liver biopsy in April 2000. The result was 2/6 . My consultant recommended for me the usual treatment. but when my nurse told me the side effects of the treatment I decided not to have the treatment. Because I had no symptoms only tiredness and very little pain in liver area. Plus I had been told that it is a very slow progressing disease, so I did not have the courage to risk my healthy being.in 2003 I create courage and decided to go for the treatment. My consultant told me that I had to have a new liver biopsy. So in July 2004 I had a new liver biopsy with surprising result that was 5/6. That is 3 point more within 4 years time. That time I forgot to ask my consultant about this quick progress of liver damage. But I asked my nurse about that. She said it could be be the first report was wrong . But I said it could be the new one is wrong because both reports were made in the same hospital and by the same doctor. Then she said I will ask the liver specialist about that . So the liver damage progress is still a wonder for me.