Infergen: the Miracle

[Magnum]

I've been away from the scene for a while because this brutal treatment has me in bed an average 20 hours per day, and unable to work. It's been 5 weeks now under Infergen 24mcg injection daily and 1200 Ribavirin daily.

The Good: This is my fourth treatment. Infergen is the miracle so far. We started at 2,750,000 just before treatment and after 4 weeks, I'm down to 66,000. I have never been lower than 380,000 on any of the previous treatments, including six months at one shot per day of Peg-Intron and 1200mg Ribavirin.  The doctor and I are very excited and he feels the treatment is finally working!

The Bad: This treatment is definitely not for everyone at this dosage. I have never suffered so much through any past treatments. The doctor attributes this to the mega-dose daily. I don't want to do anything but stay in bed, but the doctor said I must force myself to get up even if I throw up.

Some of the side effects: Constant nausea (I mean constant), except when I do some Medicinal Marijuana, and even then, it does not completely get rid of the nausea. I've tried three different anti-nausea pills. Joint and back pain, for which I take a low dosage Lortab. Blurry vision. Brain fog. Absolutely no appetite at all except after some Medicinal Marijuana.

So, in conclusion, after only four weeks, Infergen has done what three prior treatments including Peg-Intron, Pagasys, and Peg-Intron with Amantadine have not been able to do. If the drop is down to 66,000 in just four weeks, I'm very excited to know what the 12 week test will show, as that's the next step.

Magnum

[Magnum]

Thanks to all for your well wishes. I can't email often because of the nausea, but I wanted to mention something my doctor said regarding Protease Inhibitors. He said that even if they came out tomorrow and we were able to use them, he would have me wait a year first to be sure there are no dramatic side effects that could damage the heart, kidneys, etc.. This is his way of thinking after the mess with Celebrex and Vioxx being pulled from the market, he thinks it's a good idea to wait. He will also still use a combo drug. Maybe Ribavirin.

As for my condition. I'm on the 6th week now and there is no change or improvement as far as side effects. The doctor said the body will take at least one month to acclimate to this torture, but that's not true unfortunately. I am NOT getting used to this. I can't make any travel or work plans. The bills keep coming and I can see that by the time treatment is over, I will be in debt, but that's a small price to pay to get rid of this once and for all. When I'm well again, I can earn again, so I'm not discouraged, just frustrated.

I will post my progress. Good luck with treatment everyone...

Magnum

[ASmile4U]

I don't know if they use Infergen for relapsers, but what I understand is that it is not used as a first time treatment.  Maybe that's where trials come in for first time tx.   I am a non responder according to my doctor...even though I went from 1.9 to 44,000 in 12 weeks.  He stopped peg/riba and started me on Infergen.  I am not in a trial, use my own personal doc.  However if this doesn't work, already asked about new trials for us special non responders!  :)

[Forseegood]

what a nice post..I could see you gardening and I don't even know what you look like...maybe I should start diggin sooner then later...

[FlGuy]

Great idea about the garden.
I've been meaning to ask you..Many months ago you discussed a problem with blood sugar that (I think) resolved during tx.  How is it now and are you doing anything about it now?

[beamishboy]

Nice quote from miss Emily-my garden also functions as zen meditation /church...never miss a season-i too grow things w/ the aid of horse manure-the smell is soo much easier...formerly i used pig&chicken-too aromatic,thank you..rite now the only thing planted is garlic;frozen solid&waiting for summer....Deer r real nuisance hereabouts,but honey keeps them moving rite along.....Grew up on a farm;we planted acres of hay&oats for the horses(my fathers passion) nothing like watching a field of golden oats & combining same-fillin 100 lb burlap bags w/ the seed! My father certainly knew how to keep boys out of mischief-buy a farm!

[NYgirl]

Thank you.  There is a great probability that I am going to be starting on the Infergen after I detox the Interferon out.

While it is a much more brutal therapy the results that havE been proven for Geno 1s are simply amazing.

I am scared of doing it of course but thanks to your inspiration...I KNOW about it number one and number two I have the strength to try it if necessary!

I would do ANYTHING to get rid of this virus and thanks to you I have alternatives.

My best of luck to you. And all my thanks.