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

[Mister beagle bailey]

Your name really fits you, can't imagine those sx's only someone like you could handle them.  It sounds like you hit pay dirt with this tx, you are going to be SVR soon.

My prayers are with you,

   The Beagle

[ASmile4U]

Been thinking about you...what a wonderful PCR result! Sorry it has been rough for you so far...I can't imagine what it's like on your dose...I started Infergen shortly before you but only do 18 mcg 3 X week and it's kickin my butt. I work part time and sleep the rest of the time...However, my 4 week PCR was a disappointment.  Still at 498,000...seriously talked to the doc again last week about upping my dose and he won't give.  Waiting for my 12 week on the 28th and will go from there.  May very well be time for a second opinion...It's very discouraging to suffer through this tx and not have it do much...Hang in there...it's working for you...  :)

[jaroman]

I have been wondering how you were doing. Yowza! This sounds incredably tough. I pray this time it works and so far, so fabulous. Hang in there(or rather, lay around in there).
Keep us posted.

[cuteus]

Magnum! this has got to be it! it has to!
It does sound brutal this round, you have so much determination it has to pay up.

too bad they can't pump you up with some analgesics by IV. You are in bed anyway, so why not be in comfort?
be well

[dyce]

Good deal on your undetectable pcr results. I don't know how your putting up with yhose kind of sx's. Thats a good drop in just 4 weeks and it looks good for you this time around. I hope your sx's get mildre.

    Dyce

[beamishboy]

whoa!! i can't imagine doin the trx you are-my sx r bad 'nuff for me..You gotta be one determined man w/ an ironwill....and constitution!...glad to hear that weed helps-it is a minor miracle at times-Good luck&strength-