MY Perspective of Treating with High BMI

I'm undetectible after one year of SOC. I was 1a, obese, low plateletes and determined to beat HEP C.

We are all individuals. While there are predicators as to whether someone has a better chance than others to reach SVR, it is the individual who will respond one way or the other. These are only predicators not absolutes. This goes for obesity, platelets and many other aspects of treatment and/or side effects and ability to work. That is why doctors “practice” medicine.

I’m not going to give any medical advice or study information. These are my observations and response to txt as I see them and as how they relate to me alone.

I was diagnosed two years ago with Hep C, 1.a. I started Pegasys and Ribavirin in November of 2008. I have since finished treatment and am Undetectable at one year. I started txt weighing over 260 lbs and am currently around 202. My viral load was over 11,000,000 which is pretty high. I was UND at 12 weeks and was 100% compliant except for two times I took double the riba by mistake.

First thing, for all of you out there trying to make up their minds as to whether to treat or not. This is a difficult decision and mine wasn’t easy either. I chose to treat now instead of waiting for new drugs. I had a firm support system in place and a good job. I’m aware that new drugs are coming out that make the odds better in getting SVR, but these drugs are in addition to and not in replacement of current txt (as far as I know).

I have a 40 hour work week in a stressful environment. I commute so you can add 2 hours per day on to that. I only missed one day of work in the almost year that I was on txt. I did have to take a week off before txt to get my platelets up before starting.

My side effects have included weight loss (I needed it), loss of hair, headache, weakness, lethargy, anger/rage, brain fog, earing loss, loss of appetite, insomnia, loose stools and constipation (from headache medicine). While all of these sides were uncomfortable, they were doable. Some sides were constant through txt and some came then disappeared.

Since Copyman has determined that I am very sensitive about my weight, I thought I'd speak up about one person's SVR journey (my own) with negative predicators and a positive turnout.

[Trish77]

Would be really nice if Kathy could simply be allowed to enjoy her achievement of SVR.  I didn't see the need for Copyman's post, personally.  We've been through it all before and the timing of revisiting it again just seems very poor, to me.

Congrats on your SVR, Kathy.  We - including you - have all agreed in the past that best case scenario is to have a normal BMI.  Some of us understand that it's easier said than done.  I recall you were very diligent in checking your IR and a host of other things and the only thing that was contra-indicated was your BMI.  On that basis, you decided to go ahead and treat.  You wanted to get rid of your Hep C.

I applaud you.  People treat against all kinds of odds and a number of us are not at optimal when we go into treatment.  All you have ever seemed to want to do is to give hope to those who have high BMI and have a tough time changing that.....that it's possible to SVR with a high BMI and they should treat with eyes wide open....but it can be done.

Frankly, there are a number of people who are not optimal weight on this board who treat.  They just don't talk about it as openly as you have.

Congrats.....and enjoy your well-earned SVR.

[child24angel]

didn't we see this thread before?

[Kathy73]

I thought that since Copyman was so gracious to use my name in his posting, I would clarify my position.

[evangelin]

Your work schedule sounds like it would have been very tough to maintain and it sounds like you did a wonderful job of being compliant regardless of the challenges.  It seems that for some people, there body is just genetically programmed to respond to the interferon even when other factors aren't perfect. Catching it before you have lots of liver damage is quite important though.   Others, such as my husband, are totally compliant, his BMI is fine but due to genetics and liver damage, the interferon just won't do the job.  
I'm so glad that you will be able to go on with your life now. Your diligence payed off.
Ev

[Trinity4]

I saw no indication of copyman being sensitive to your weight specifically.  From past posts it's been apparent you are sensitive and you can hardly expect everyone who reads your posts to share those same emotions.  We base our information on peer reviewed studies and there will always be exceptions to the rule. Your story may be inspiring to those suffering from obesity, you are one year post SVR so I don't see what the big deal is.  Go ye forth a do great things.  

Trinity

[evangelin]

Copyman can of course peak for himself,but I didn't take what he said as being meant to be at all offensive.  It is true that someone that is a marginal responder can make or break themselves on some of the finer details such as BMI.  
Focus on how wonderful it is that you can report an SVR.  Don't ever take it for granted .  It is a beautiful gift.
Best wishes for a long and virus free life,
Ev

[Kathy73]

Thank you for your well wishes!
Kathy

[Susan_1a_CC]

You sound like a strong and determined individual - regardless of HCV status I suspect.  Good going!

[Trish77]

Would be really nice if Kathy could simply be allowed to enjoy her achievement of SVR.  I didn't see the need for Copyman's post, personally.  We've been through it all before and the timing of revisiting it again just seems very poor, to me.

Congrats on your SVR, Kathy.  We - including you - have all agreed in the past that best case scenario is to have a normal BMI.  Some of us understand that it's easier said than done.  I recall you were very diligent in checking your IR and a host of other things and the only thing that was contra-indicated was your BMI.  On that basis, you decided to go ahead and treat.  You wanted to get rid of your Hep C.

I applaud you.  People treat against all kinds of odds and a number of us are not at optimal when we go into treatment.  All you have ever seemed to want to do is to give hope to those who have high BMI and have a tough time changing that.....that it's possible to SVR with a high BMI and they should treat with eyes wide open....but it can be done.

Frankly, there are a number of people who are not optimal weight on this board who treat.  They just don't talk about it as openly as you have.

Congrats.....and enjoy your well-earned SVR.

[evangelin]

I posted before reading yours, and yet I see our answers are pretty much the same.  We do see eye to eye on many things and it is nice to be at peace and on the same page.  You do a fabulous job of helping people around here and I just wanted you to know that I appreciate it even if we differ on a few things.  I rarely skip your posts because they are always well thought out and interesting. So we don't agree on supplements...no big deal.  People come here looking for help and information and you have given generously .
Ev

[Trinity4]

Thanks Ev!  I think your right, we do share many similar ideas.
________________________________________________________________________

"I didn't see the need for Copyman's post"  

I must say I like the old saying:  To each his own said the old lady as she kissed the cow.

Trinity

[nygirl7]

I didn't see copyman saying anything inappropriate, just reminding those new folks on the forum that yes indeed for even just overall better health being obese is not a good thing. I am reminded by that fact every time I go to the doctor and it is hardly my case.  In this day and age in America where more and more folks are dealing with obesity and more and more children are suffering from this needless condition resulting in diabetes and a whole host of other illnesses...it's just good old common sense.

Regardless of HCV or not...It is a disease in itself and one that is more dangerous on many occasion than hepc.

It is a good result that you lost weight due to treatment now try and keep it up.  It's like me having to watch my dam* high cholesterol that developed post treatment - even though I do attempt to eat right it's still not an easy thing to do.....but it must be done if I want to live a healthy productive happy life. The threat of heart attacks etc. scares me into having to do it.  It's the same thing really.

[Kathy73]

Thank you so much. I try to be strong but when someone says what you just said (much more eloquently than I am capable of) I cry.

[Trish77]

Those are GOOD tears, Kathy.  Celebration tears.  There are all sorts of people who come here looking for hope as they battle their own individual odds and make no mistake, you are hope to some of those people.  I have admired your dignity and courage as you have waged your own specific battle with HCV.

You enjoy that SVR, Kathy AND the rest of your life.  Best wishes to you.

Trish

[tashka]

Kathy, congratulations on your SVR-you earned it. I am glad that you now can put treatment behind you.

Could you, please, tell how low your platelets were when you started treatment and how they responded to treatment? Did they fall any lower?

Thank you for telling your story. I am sure it can be of benefit to many. And again, best wishes, and enjoy your SVR-the best gift of all!

[R Glass]

Not much of a tear jerker but here is my story. I do not have a disease, I am fat.  I am not bothered by it and anyone that is, can kiss my fat @$$.

[Kathy73]

You just gave me a great big laugh! Thank you!

[R Glass]

Glad I could help before MH removes it.

[Trinity4]

It wasn't me Copyman.  I think you meant Trish77.  

[Trinity4]

I do understand the confusion though.  It happens a lot.  Two big mouthed broads but other than that there's a big difference.  :)

[Trinity4]

Amazing, how the conflict surrounds certain people and it's not just one time.  Geez, what a waste.

[Emily_MHModerator]

This thread is closed.  Kathy was able to share her experience, and others can take from it, if they choose to.

Remember that this is a public forum, and we have Terms of Use (http://www.medhelp.org/termsofuse.htm) that apply (they apply to PMs as well, for that matter).   Perhaps it would be better for everyone if you all make points without using other members' names, when possible.

Happy Holidays, everyone.  :)

Emily

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