LFT test

Hi All,

got my LFT test back..took the test at week 5....did shot 8 friday night....My ALT went from 127 to 35 and AST went from 58 to 25...since these numbers are normal at week 5 does this mean I have a good chance at week 12 to be undetectable.....type 1b, bio was 2/2 , 25 years old......

Robert
aol IM:  roberttbetz
yahoo IM:  roberttbetz

[ASmile4U]

Keep in mind the nose spray wasn't prescribed until after I stopped tx, it's prescription only, called Rhinocort...and works great!
I have had on and off pre-existing sinus problems, nothing an over-the-counter med wouldn't take care of. I live in the country on gravel roads...doesn't help any!   But once I started tx...the sinus problems were one of the major sx I suffered from.  My face and eyes were always puffy, sinus pressure, eyes watered not stop and my ears drove me crazy.  It felt like my head was going to explode...I could hear a continuous throbbing in my ears...often times it kept me awake at night.  GI initially put me on sudafed during the day and benedryl in the evening...wasn't willing to give up the benedryl because it helped me sleep through the night.  I never really had a sore throat, however the lymph nodes in my neck were swollen a few times.  I did two rounds of antibiotics (Augmentin) because of an infected tooth that took care of that problem as well.  
I've been on the Allegra D and Rhinocort for almost a week now and feel 100% better...however, I am no longer on tx (off for 4 weeks now) and I think that was the main cause of sinus problems.  Hoping I can continue these meds once Infergen tx begins and perhaps lessen the sinus sx.  :)

PS  I'll never sing the Stones song with original lyrics again...loved your version!

[jmjm530]

Thanks for the very helpful information! It seems we share many of the same symptons. Like you say, tx doesn't help things one bit.

I just popped a Claritin D this morning so we'll so how it goes. I definitely will discuss Rhinocort with my doctor. Do they let you take it every day or just a few days a week? Glad you enjoyed the lyrics Do you believe Jagger is doing another tour. LOL.

All the best with your next round of tx.

-- Jim

[DRAGON SLAYER]

Rhinocort Spray contains budesonide which is a corticosteroid substance. These chemicals should be avoided while on Tx since they suppress the response of the immune system. This inhibition counters the effects of Peg & Riba.

Best luck to all,
Ben

[jmjm530]

Is this anecdotal or do you know of any studies. I've already taken some corticosteroid substances (Nasonex spray, topicals) and in fact my heptologist at one point offered me the option of testosterone and even anabolic steroids to build my body up when I experienced a sudden and significant weight loss during the first six weeks of tx.

-- Jim

[jmjm530]

I think it's an EXCELLENT sign and wouldn't be suprised if you're undectectable now, perhaps even at week 5.

If insurance allows, or you don't mind the xtra cost, consider getting a sensitive PCR now, as well as at week 12. It will give you just a little bit more tx info, plus some peace of mind if you zero out.

I always get my PCRs on the "trough" day in order to have the most conservative estimate of viral load. So, for example, if you take your shot Wednesday night, have your PCR on Tuesday.

-- Jim

[RobBetz]

thanks for the kind words Jim...I apprecaite it...gives me hope    :-)

robert

[jmjm530]

Didn't want to take up a new thread on this...but is anyone using either Clarin-D and/or Afrin Sinus 12-hour Nasal Spray while on tx? I assume they're OK but always better to check.

Thanks.

-- Jim

[ASmile4U]

While I was on tx I had some serious sinus issues and my GI recommended using Claritin D.  It helped, but once off tx and sinuses continued to be bothersome, I went to PCP and am now taking Allegra D along with using a nose spray.  Thought I better clear it up before starting Infergen.  :)

[jmjm530]

Thanks. Is it an over-the-counter spray you're using now? Do you know the name?

Also, would you mind giving me a brief description of your sinus issues. Was it pre-existing condition when you started tx or did it develop on tx. Did you get a sinus cat scan? Take antibiotics?

Over the last six months, I've had a number of dx's for my head symptons (constant head and face pressure, ear pain, sore throat, etc.) including GERD/LPR (reflux), neck vetebrae issues, TMJ, and lately sinusitis. It's of course very possible that a combination of factors is causing the symptons with the riba and peg adding to the party.

In fact, the relationship between sinusitis and reflux is now appearing in more papers. The theory is that reflux causes the sinusitis but in my case I'm guessing I had pre-existing sinusitis that is being flared by the reflux and annoyed like h*ll by the Peg and riba. :)

Last night I took Afrin sinus 12- hour Nasal Spray and got some relief. So until I find out what's really what...How does that Rolling Stone song go..."You can't always get the cure you want...But if you try sometimes, well you might find
you get the symptomatic relief  you need." :)

[ASmile4U]

I use the Rhinocort once daily. Thanks for the info, Ben, suppose I better ask my GI if I can continue use after starting tx again.  The other thing I used that worked well while on tx was a humidifier...turned it on full blast right beside my bed at night time...seemed to help relieve some of the pressure.
Thanks, looking forward to starting tx again, having bloodwork done in the AM...should know where the platelets are at and go from there.  They were at 96 two weeks ago...need them to be close to 200 before he'll start me again.  :)

[DRAGON SLAYER]

I have not researched the issue but logic indicates that unless an illness isn't compelling by nature, where no other alternatives are available, I wouldn't compromise Tx by using systemic immuno-suppressive agents. Creams & ointments are used externally so their influence on Tx is negligible.
Ben

[chellski]

thing seem to be looking good for you and please don't ever give up hope - sometime its all we have....and we're all hoping with you!
<3michelle

[jmjm530]

Thanks for the input. I'm a drug minimalist by nature but trying to stay on tx has changed things a bit. :)

[DRAGON SLAYER]

ADDENDUM:
As patients we're all opposed to dose reductions of Peg/Riba by doctors. Indirectly, by using immuno-suppressive agents we're actually reducing the dosages by ourselves.
SVR is far too important to gamble with & I don't need studies to tell me that.

[cuteus]

my daughter has been helped tremendously by Nasalcrom, it acts on the t-cells directly and has no steroids. It is now an overthecounter med. Without it, she gets allergies and sinusitis.

[jmjm530]

Thanks for the tip. I have some prostate issues, and it turns out some of the other decongestants like Claritn D and Afrin Sinus Spray may be contraindicated. Nasalcrom drug looks very safe.

I'll also ask my doc about the safety of Rhinocort. I did take Nasonex (a steroid spray) briefly at one point and no one mentioned anything negative.

-- Jim

[ASmile4U]

What did your doc say about Rhinocort?  I wasn't too concerned about it at the moment because I am not on tx...however when that changes, I may need to try the other one Cuteus mentioned.  :)

[jmjm530]

I'll probably see my GI in a couple of weeks, but if my ENT tells me to take it sooner, then I'll give him a call.

-- Jim

[ASmile4U]

Sorry, I read your post wrong...I thought you already spoke to him...been a long day!  :)

[jmjm530]

I just emailed me doc re Rhinocort and a few other drugs. If I hear back from him before my appointment I'll post in this thread.

-- Jim

[jmjm530]

Just heard back from my doc. Re my sinusitis, he said no problem with nasal or oral steroids. He treats large numbers of hep c patients. I'm stage 3.

-- Jim

[ASmile4U]

Thanks for the info Jim.  I just scheduled an appt with GI for the 23rd...my platelets are UP to 132...suppose I'll find out then whether or not I can continue using the sinus meds.  I'm ready to start tx again...feeling a little lost on Friday Nights these past few weeks!  :)

[jmjm530]

Good luck with your appt! Please let us know what you doc says about Rhinocort. Mine allows pretty much everything except Jack Daniels. ;)

-- Jim

[ASmile4U]

My doc isn't quite that lenient...however, I do look forward to the day when he "allows" me to crack open that bottle of Premium Stock Captain Morgan's!  :)