last post before bed

ok well think im starting off well, i think but am going to start chatting a bit about hepc now, so hopefully people can use it as a resource, im also going to add links to resourse sites, and there is already a link here from www.ronmetcalfe.com/hepcforum

This is a useful forum full of people pre treatment, during and post treatment. I joined the other day, and the support ive got has been fab already, but if i can give any help out there please do not hesitate to contact me.

Just to give some facts 180million people have it world wide, 340 million have hep b, left untreated it can cause liver cirossis/ liver cancer death. god thats grim but the difference between this and other blood bourne virus's out there is this can be treated and cured, unlike HIV.

Im now into 17 weeks of treatment of 48 and its been an interesting journey so far!

Treatment at present consists of a weekly injection of pegylated interferon and daily anti retrovirals ribivirin. This is a two pronged attack the interferon boosts the bodies production of white blood cells to tackle the virus and the ribivirin stops the virus replicating.

Side effects have been interesting lol, ive had anaemia where you dont have enough red blood cells so you get tired and breathless, its interesting feeling like an 80 year old when your 31.

I have found myself doing pleasant adult things like visiting historic sites and sunday lunch rather than 10 pints a kebab and hangover, which has been great in a strange other worldy way.

In addition there is ALWAYS A SILVER LINING - ive lost a stone and a half in weight and have still been able to eat copious amounts of cadburys wholenut!

Last friday i hadnt been out on the gay scene for ages and realised i had these leather trousers hanging in the wardrobe hadnt fitted into them since iwas 26.

BINGO they fitted like a glove and i had a great night! I havnt used the name leather adventurer for nothing you know (dirty mischaevous grin).

Anyway recently other side effects have been making this merry go round more interesting, imagine being constantly stoned or have a touch of alzheimers lol i had already but its just got worse hehe.

And finally have been signed off work this week due to panic attacks and anxiety caused by the bloody interferon. Personally think it should be called an injection of interfering with normal life, but heyho!

But friends keep me sane i think but maybe the real madness is knowing your not!???