For all my new buddies

[PegOnPeg]

Many thanks to all of you, for your wishes of good results...it's worked!  

Doctor said, "Gee, there doesn't seem to be anything there."  No masses, no shadows, no artifacts, fatty tumors...Nothing.  They've had me scared to death for 3 months behind this.

HUGE relief, obviously.  And my reward? I should be on tx for Hep C by the end of the month. The first appt. with the NP is next week, the 18th.  I don't see any reason why I shouldn't come out of her office with the prescription.

My buddy @ the local liver foundation alluded to an alternative tx...I see recent postings of other options beside Pega...I'm under the impression that any alternatives would be approached if I don't respond to the Peg.  Any insights?  First dr, the one I fired, told me that the cure rate for type 1 is between 30-40%.  (The liver foundation says it's closer to 50%).  This same dr. is the one that rattled off about end stage liver disease and transplants..he made it sound like I was already a goner. (another reason I fired him).

It's a comfort to have so many of you to help me thru this...and it's heart-breaking that we have to be here...

Again, many thx to all of you here.  Though I have the support of friends & family, they can't possibly understand what this is like...it's a comfort to know that there is true support out there.

Peace and health, to all of us!

[Jacob43]

Saw where you were stage 2-3, so these results have to be a relief knowing you can start Tx soon.  The best to you!

[meNtoby]

Great to hear that your pancreas is in good shape.  Best of luck to you on your HCV journey, I was really worried for you.

cathy

[Isobella]

Nice reward for good results...makes you wonder what the alternative is.....

Sounds like you had an ultrasound?  I am wondering if you have had a biopsy?  That is generally considered the gold standard in determining the extent of liver damage..  Based on that information, you can determine if there is a need to treat sooner (stages 3-4) or perhaps have time to wait a bit to see what types of new treatments will be available in the near future (stages 1 or 2)

I am a geno 1a, with mininal liver damage, but decided to treat while I am still young-ish and healthy...took the hit it hard approach instead of the watch and wait.  I am in a clinical trial and pleased with my results so far.

You did good by getting rid of Doc#1.  Tx, while doable, would be much less "pleasant" with a doctor with a bad attitude.  

The only proven cure for hcv is the peg/riba combination therapy.  There are new drugs being added to the mix in an attempt to shorten tx time, but still-this is the only proven cure.

Alternative methods could possibly help/possibly not-but nothing else right now will cure.  Some here go the herbal route while waiting to tx...purely a personal decision based in a large part on degree of liver damage.

One of the best things you can do is go thru these forums, archives and learn as much as possible.  This is an amazing place with many amazing people to help you get thru this journey,  

I wish you the best of luck---please keep us posted.

Isobella