Anyone else here quitting tx early?

[RonGilbert316]

I am a Geno 1a and quitting tx after 16 weeks because of good results.

I had no liver scarring at start of tx and a VL of 1.6 mil.

I took standard SOC drugs including 1400 mgs. of Riba daily.

I used 4000 IU's of Vitamin D3 daily as a triple therapy.

I was UND on all lab tests, weeks 4 through 12.

I expect to remain UND and reach SVR.

Before everyone starts ripping me to shreds and calling me delusional, please remember that Im not trying to recruit newbie forum members to my point of view AND that people do have a right to make their own choices.

My head is still spinning from taking 1400 mgs of Riba daily so Im not here to debate the issue or get in a fight with anyone. I just wanted to tell my story and see if anyone else here is quitting early for any reason?

[meakea]

Good luck with your decision Ron...keep us posted!!  1400 riba at 140 pounds sounds ugly...very ugly.  I took 800 riba at 120 pounds and it was enough to get me SVR after 48 weeks.  I don't think I could have tolerated a higher dose of riba for one week, let along 16 weeks.

Flcyclist...  I started with a VL of 30,100.  I was UND at week 4 and continued UND throughout TX.  I was so tempted to try to get my doc to agree to let me stop at 24 weeks but he was against it.  I was actually relieved when he disagreed because I then didn't have the burden of worrying if I did the right thing - if I had stopped at 24 weeks.

I finished the 48 weeks and SVR is the word...the happy, music-to-my-ears word!  If I had stopped at 24 and relapsed...well, I would not have put that mistake to rest very easily.

[flcyclist]

Ron,
Thank for sharing your story and presenting this decision for others to learn by your experience.  You certainly aren't the first one choosing to stop trt early, some because of very serious side effects.  Considering your weight and the amount of Ribavirin/day, no wonder you were "on the ropes" this whole time.  I'm also curious if you needed rescue drugs for either the ANC or Hgb levels.  

I truely believe that everyone on this forum including me wishes to see you continue to SVR. Would you mind sharing what ultimately made you decide that 16 weeks will be enough?  Is it mainly the side effects you can no longer tolerate, or a combination of this along with the other factors you listed above?  Also, did your doctor agree with this decision?

I also a  started with a low VL of 24,000
Was UND at 4 and 12 weeks - currently at end of 17th week
1200 mg ribavirin/day, 180 mcg Pegasys/week.  I'm 185 lbs.
My Hgb is hovering around 12, ANC tanked to 360, so on neupogen 2x/week.

Although it sounds very tempting to stop at 24 weeks and some of the studies support this, I only want to go through this one time and avoid a repeat.  It might happen, but I'm willing to continue to 48 weeks as long as I'm able to tolerate trt and things don't get worse,   If they do, I may reconsider.  But I'm very conservative and don't like taking shortcuts and risks.  

I'm not trying to talk you into anything, but just sharing my personal decision.  In the end this is a bit of a numbers game and a crapshoot, but if I'm going to play, I want the cards stacked in my favor with the best shot at winning.  

I wish you the best of luck all the way to SVR.  Please do let us know how things work out.

[Anne1717]

Hah hah

[curiouslady1]

***** Anne.  Back to the vampire thread.  

[indy531]

Since I havent begun tx yet is 800mg for a140lb woman too little? (the OP seems to be taking a lot of riba?) My hep doc is speaking to me about triple therapy 24 wks. w.Vic. TIA.

[Anne1717]

I took 1200 mg for 130 woman with a starting VL of 72 - yup just 72.   Do I get  sympathy too?????  HUH ??????? LOL