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

[FlGuy]

Ok NyGirl, looks like we are going to have to help you manage your schedule.  Goof established that this weekend is #22 and you seemed to agree.  That means #23 is 2/18 and #24 is 2/25.  Your pcr should be somewhere the week of 2/27. But remember, February has only 28 days.  Lay off the Tutti Frutti flavor.

[GoofyDad]

Don't forget the 20th is a holiday. Not sure if the viri take that day off here - I'm pretty sure they're on the job in Italy that day. But then they do get the long summer break in Europe. In any case, why not give yourself that extra day just to be sure?

BTW, are you planning a 36 week PCR? The reason I ask, is why not have them draw that when they draw the 24. That way they can just hold it in the freezer over at the lab, and you won't have to watch the calendar for week 36?

Support and advice; that's what we're here for folks.  

[NYgirl]

Great question and thanks for the riba info.  I'd like to do both if I have no luck with this (ah a still week to find out but you know me always obsessing about side plans and what ifs...)

There is somebody on this board (sorry I forget) who said they are treating for the FIRST time and are on the Infergen and that it was prescribed by their doctor and that this was NOT a trial.

I know up here in NY I have to go to one of the premiere docs and get in a trial on it.  I don't know why another STATE would be different though.

I don't know why ANYBODY would want to try it FIRST but...the results are supposed to be so much better maybe they didn't get the difference in sx or something?

[strator]

The miracle is not the infergen. The miracle is you. You define determination and courage, a Gladiator. Wish we could help carry you. It would be an honor.
May the opponent fall at your feet.
Don

[beamishboy]

Inspiration: that is exactly what i take from this site..This forum gives me strength,resolve,perspective and a real sense of humanity...Thank you everyone for posting and thank you Med Help for this special place!

[Forseegood]

God's speed to SVR for you...sure sounds like it, youre an inspiration....