Interferon/Rib Treatment History Severe Brain Injury & Alcohol Abuse

[Cargodog]

I have been diagnosed with Hep C Viral GenoType 1 in 2010. I started treatment in January 2011 with Pegylated interferon alfa-2a (Pegasys) Prefilled syringe 180 mcg subcutaneously once weekly & Ribavirin (Rebetol)   three 200-mg capsules twice daily (total daily dose of 1,200 mg).

After 29 weeks I never cleared the virus completely but achieved a viral count under 43. Unfortunately, due to the severe side effects and inability to clear the virus completely - I was completely taken off the treatment this week. I return in four(4) weeks for follow up.

The side effects I am experiencing include flu-like symptoms, trouble breathing, all my energy gone throughout the day, etc... The more serious side effects started to occurr during the last part of my treatment and/or last eight(8) weeks or so and, they were, short temper, outburst to others, confusion, inability to work out problems/difficulty thinking & reasoning, losing control of my behavior(e.g. I have a history of abusing alcohol; yet, I divorced myself from drinking for over six(6) years), but I relapsed and had no idea what I was doing(i.e. like I had tunnel vision, couldn't see the whole picture to make rational decisions, acting out, etc...).

What happen and what is happing to me?

[coeric]

as i am sure you know there are no doctors here.  it sounds like it has been a while since you have had an appointment with a hepatologist or gastroenterologist that treats hcv.  it might be a good idea to see a doctor that treats hcv and have a workup.  the doctor will use a biopsy or other test to tell you how much scarring your liver has.  at that point you can make a decision about waiting.

[Brandywinne]

Hi I was reading your comment about waiting until a drug combo with no introfuron is available for use. My Hep has to be low cause I am experience a normal liver panel and just tiredness. I am sure I have it because I was hospitalized 20 years ago with it and a friend of mine died from it. Yes we had it at the same time with about ten other people. They said I had all three then. Several years later I tried to go into a study at scripps La Jolla and the doctor from Britan excluded me because he said I should seek treatment later in life that I did not need it now. The study was introfuron with ribovivin that is when the ribo was introduced. So now I guess you say they are working on even better drugs and Im still just tired and good and bad days but no high liver panel and  acting up as of yet. So should I try and wait longer Im 51 this year. Thank you.

[coeric]

most folks that treat find that it does take a while to feeling normal after treatment.  are you involved with AA or working with a mental health professional to help you with the alcohol?
blessings
eric

[coeric]

i am sorry to hear that the treatment failed you.  If you got below 43 you had at least a partial response to interferon.   i am sure that you have read about the new direct acting antivirals were recently approved.  These two new drugs, boceprivir and telaprivir along with interferon and ribavirin may help you achieve SVR.  Did you have a liver biopsy prior to treatment, and if so do you know what stage the liver is at?  if your stage is low perhaps you can wait newer drug combos that may not include interferon.

i am sure you know that you need to quit drinking alcohol.  if i were in your shoes that would be the first priority.   did you have access to antidepressants or other prescription drugs to help you manage the emotions during the treatment?  

blessings
eric