What does type 2b mean?

[kunkielove]

Some one told me yesterday that because I am type 2B, that i have hepatitis b.
I'm confused.  I tested postive for hepatitis c and know that the 2b is my genotype.
I know that type 2 is "easier" to treat or you have more success w/tmt but what does the
"b" stand for?  this week i made it to the first of 3 monthly appts to prove I'll be a reliable patient
but as I told someone else on this forum, I believe I'll be alone (living alone) during treatment.
Will this be very hard on me?  I've heard you "need a caretaker", etc.  I'll have people phoning me, one person coming over for maybe 1/2 hour a day to check on me, but is it possible to go through tmt alone?  I have to get this "man" out of my life.  

[Livelife777]

Wanted to continue...The newer drugs are not like the older ones that had many rough side effects and given for 6 months or more.   I finished taking them April 7th, and my virus so far is still gone.   Fatigue, headache, insomnia, and nausea can be some of the side effects, but many have none.  For me, fatigue was the main one so I slept a lot.   As mentioned I also live alone, and never was worried or scared.   You will be just fine.   Have not heard of anyone having a life threatening incidence while on these drugs.   Know that we are here for you, and would suggest starting a new post so others will know where to respond.   Keep us in the loop as how your biopsy turns out and any fears or concerns you have.    We will walk you thru the process and be there so that you will NOT be alone.                  ...Kim

[cinderella02]

I have learned i have hcv 2b and go in 4 ultrasound in 2 day. was told type 1 was easiest to treat but i have 2. heard new drug coming out this summer will be one size fits all. i'm concerned about side effects. i've had depression and anxitey that i take med.s for. worried it will come back .

[Livelife777]

Hi and Welcome.    This thread that you replyed to is from 2011 and somewhat outdated.   You may want to post your own question by going to the top of this page and pressing "post a question".  You will get more current answers.  In the meantime perhaps I can help you here.   I am also geno 2 and live alone.  Have not had a biopsy as my liver disease was determined by scans and blood work.    Are you seeing a hepatologist, and if so where?   You are very lucky as we both have type 2 which is the most treatable.   They should put you on 2 drugs called Ribavirin and Sovaldi.  These are the part of the newest treatment which came out Dec 6th and FDA approved.  Most likely these 2 oral drugs will be taken for 12 weeks.

[bobbyguest]

I am 66 years old and just found out thru blood work I have 2B hepatitis c. I have scheduled to have a live biopsy this Thursday. Am I in any danger? Do I need someone at home with me during treatments? Please advise me. My email is ***@****

[pmlchnc]

I have hepatitis c type 2 b...and the doctor told me today that if my hair falls during treatment..there is a chance it wont grow back..has that been the case with any of you..i have resently found out about my condition..and dont know anything..i am really scared..

[rmv930]

i am alone during the day my husband works but i am glad to see him at night,but i know i dont want someone around 24/7 because he is off weekends.he is a wonderful person i am so lucky to have had him in my live for 27 yrs

[spectda]

Hi Cindy-
Thanks for asking how I am doing. I responded to your question in the thread you started with this link which explains it well. I am sorry to hear things are not going to well for you, keep plugging away. - Dave

Here's that link:

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Hepatitis-C/vl-load-is-up-a-little-week-6-vl-246--week-8-vl-274--boceprevir/show/1299007

[kunkielove]

Thank you all for your responses.  for a variety of reasons, I think I'd be better off on treatment alone also.  And iti's so good to hear that it's not only possible but preferred in some instances.  "he" has put me through sheer hell this week, taking my money, knocking at the door whenever he was screwed up enough to want to sleep.  My sleep (which is really hard to come by, I take 2 meds to sleep) is interrupted, I have to take my purse everywhere, the bathroom, etc. to wash dishes.  He makes me sick.  Literally.
deb: I'll be referred for tmt after I make and keep 2 more monthly, consecutive appts with family m.d. as he told me I was not a reliable patient; thus I have to prove myself.

DAVE:  I also wrote you a short note yesterday to ask if you've had any more bloodwork done while on the trial.  Am interested in knowing how you're doing....whenever you have time, I'm on and off the internet all day.  

Thanks, guys...you are people I can count on and that means so much to me...also you keep me very welll informed and I appreciate that very much.  

[Trinity4]

I am caregiver as my husband has Alzheimer's and a slew of other medical problems.    I did 72 wks of treatment and worked and I felt like I was alone much of the time.  Hopefully, you'll only do 24 wks of treatment and the odds of attaining SVR are quite good for genotype 2b.  I made it and you will too but I was VERY glad when I got to the end of treatment.

Good Luck
Trinity

[spectda]

Hi Deb-
I am glad to see you posting and glad that your side effects are minimal so far.
Take Care -
- Dave

[Deb9991]

First, hello Bill and Dave!  

Kunkielove, I am in my second week of treatment and I live alone.  It does not bother me, in fact, I am fine with it.  I think at this time, it would be difficult being around someone for more than a couple hours or so.  I am by nature a bit of a recluse.  I do crawl out of my shell and engage in conversations, and do things with friends, but, I am happy being alone too.  When I don't feel well, or up to par, it is extremely difficult for me to be around people because of the energy that is consumed and required to be sociable.  I don't feel an urgency to have someone around me all the time -- it would probably drive me mad, mad, mad as a March hare!  But, we are all different and experience life issues differently.  For many people, at some point in their lives, they find themselves alone -- after a divorce, death, or whatever.  Consider it a journey of self exploration and contemplation.  Also, you can come to this site and talk all you want.  There are wonderful and intelligent people who post here, and whatever uncomfortable issues that may arise, feel confident that someone has been where you are now and can help guide you through this roller coaster called life.  

Hang in there and go for treatment as soon as you can -- the sooner, the better, for a multitude of reasons.  Keep reading these posts -- they are essential.  In such a short amount of time, I have learned so much about Hepatitis C, treatment, post-treatment, meds, extrahepatic manifestations, and all sorts of things, and in this process, also discovered some really cool people who have brought sunshine into my life.  This light is for you too.  

It is great having you post!  Good luck.

Debbie

[spectda]

bill said it well cindy, he and many others here have much more experience then I with tx, I am new to it. Bill was on treatment for 3.5 years!

I like to have a lot of space in life and during treatment, but everyone is different. Having someone demanding or doting during tx would be a nightmare from my perspective. My wife and I are very good to each other and I know she will do anything for me, but we give each other a lot of space in life which includes treatment and I think that's a good thing.

Be well - Dave

[Bill1954]

The ‘b’ in genotype 2b is the subtype of genotype 2 HCV. No, it has nothing to do with Hepatitis B. It’s really nothing for a patient to be concerned about; they treat all genotype 2 patients the same, regardless of subtype; and they all respond equally well; around 85% will be successful.

Many of us, including myself treat their HCV alone, without someone else in the house. Personally, I was grateful; I didn’t have to worry about a spouse in case I felt a bit grumpy or wanted to catch some extra sleep now and then.

You’ll most likely be fine; if you have someone you call if you feel poorly, that should be sufficient. You can always get on the forum too, and chat with folks in here.

Good luck, gal—

Bill