Can I afford to wait?

[luvsgold]

I have had chronic HCV for approx. 20yrs. I have been symptomatic for 10yrs. A biopsy after 13yrs showed moderate inflammation and mild periportal fibrosis. I'm type 1a, my PCR was 24mil (pre PEG INF), my LFT's were usually 1.5-2X normal. A PEG INF pre-trial biopsy at 18yrs showed mild peicemeal necrosis, and early bridging fibrosis, slight iron staining,mild steatosis.  I went on the PEG in 12/97(don't know the dose yet, blind not broken) for 48wks.  My LFT's were normal by 2wks, my PCR went neg at 3mos and stayed that way until 4wks post-trial. Since then, my PCR's have increased very slowly to 1.2mil at 6mos post trial. My 6mos biopsy showed mild histological improvement overall (Grade I,Stage II)with no iron on staining, no steatosis. Both Dr. Lee (UT Southwestern) and my local Gastro. have said I could afford to wait for the protease or helicase inhibitors, but I'm very worried that my disease is progressing more rapidly now.  My LFT's have been higher than ever, ALTs up to 350, ASTs to 150-200, ferritin levels at 343 (never been elevated before)and my symptoms are now worse than ever (low-grade fever, night-sweats,liver pain, occasional light stools,weakness & malaise,etc.) My 48wks of the PEG were a nightmare, so the thought of the combo terrifies me, especially since I now live alone.  Is it possible that my disease has accelerated?  I do not drink... haven't since I was dx'd in 1990.

Thanks and sorry to be so long.