Got up earlier today as I had a hospital appointment at 9.15am. This is my first proper consultation since the start of my treatment. Light traffic (due to it being half term holiday) meant I arrived earlier than intended - but then parking is always hell round hospitals.
Routine weight check. My weight has dropped a couple of kilogrammes since two weeks ago - I've been warned to expect to lose about half a stone in weight during treatment.
My consultation was with the excellent specialist nurse and we discussed how it is going. She explained that the initial internal battering was a one-off and to expect more of a plateau but to feel gradually more tired.
A desktop computer malfunction meant that I couldn't see if there has been any viral load drop - but I wasn't too bothered as it would have only registered the few days after my first injection as it would have been based on last week's blood test. I have another consultation in two weeks time and so will see a more comprehensive picture then.
We discussed how there has been a shift in Hepatitis C treatment linked in with the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) revised treatment guidelines issued last August. Whereas before the emphasis had been on containment, now there is more of a push to eradicate the virus. So in my region, if any one diagnosed wants treatment they will get it.
There are about 40 Hepatitis C patients currently undergoing treatment in my hospital, which is a smaller one. Waiting times are good - I had to wait about two months after my consultant had agreed to treat me on the National Health Service. With some larger hospitals you can wait 10 months or more to start treatment after that treatment is agreed.
So I can expect a sort of plateau while gradually getting more tired. That could make for boring blogging for a while but I am determined to document my treatment day by day.
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