Beginning treatment at NIH

Found out I had Hep C through the health dept free clinic in 2003. Went online searching for Clinical Trials since I don't have health insurance. Found NIH. Have been there twice. The first appt. there - March 07 my viral load was 1.7 million. My last appt. - May 07 my vl was 2.7 million. I am 1b geno, 57, female and 124 lbs at 5'7". I feel pretty good outside of exhaustion and depression.

I had a liver biopsy that was negative in 2004 for which the doctor at NIH requested the slides to be reexamined. The doctor said there was no apparent liver damage. The Doctor said I could wait six months or a year. He also said that once I start the treatment should I choose to, I would have a year of great discomfort. Whoaa. I called the Doctor after loosing sleep to say I was ready to dive in the deep end. I begin May 23, 07, next Wednesday.

I just want you good people to know I have been gleening your deep personal thoughts and they have given me courage. This web site is my beacon. I am joining the round table of the Dragon Slayers. I salute you all. Has anyone out there gone through NIH or another "Clinical Trial"? Thanx.  

By the way - i am confused - Do we have two sites: Hep Community and Hep?  Do they transfer over?  I don't want to miss anything.  

[capn hardass]

there is no shortage of clinical trials.i have failrd treatment twice with the va.they slapped me on infergen daily and the virus was cleared in a few weeks.still have 6 more months of treatment to go.losing muscle and nuttier than a fruitcake,but feel much better than liver cancer.youll find out what your made of on treatment.