New guy

[rifleman]

Hey folks.  I have perused this forum and like what I see here.  I am starting tx for hepC on June 17th.  I was apparently infected thru blood products (clotting factor) in the 70's or 80's.
Back in 1994 or so, I had some routine tests and the Dr. sent the results to me. Everything was normal except an AST of 60.  He said it was probably due to hep and I should drink only in moderation.  In 1998 I had a hepC antibody test that was positive.  In 2000 I had a viral load test, but was not informed of the results.  However, I did not call them on it either.  A couple months ago I had more tests and found out that I have geno 2b w/ a viral load of 1.3 mil.  ALT is 56.  I opted for tx.
I don't have any typical hep symptoms, but I don't want that virus **** in me.  I hope that I have no tx sides, but am realistic.  You all seem to be very supportive and helpful here, and I suspect I will be visiting a lot.
I'm pretty tough, and I have a good support system, so I hope the 6 months of tx will go by quickly.  In a sense, things could be a lot worse.  The blood products I got in the past were made from pools of donors. . . tens of thousands of them. Somehow I avoided AIDS.
I am 39 YO and self emloyed (crim defense lawyer).  I plan on working thru tx, but my comrades in the criminal bar will cover for me if need be.
Just wanted to introduce myself.  I suppose come Thanksgiving I'll be an "old timer."    

[rifleman]

I have an EKG scheduled for a few days before the tx starts, as well as an ultrasound.
I got me a Hep A shot this morning, then went and had the blood draw for the preliminaries.
The blood work I had in March was pretty good result-wise.  Everything was normal except ALT was high at 56.  AST was 32. Viral load, however, was 1.3 mil.
DJL

[cuteus]

I would get a cardiac baseline exam also, as the anemia you will get on tx, if not treated, could cause cardiac problems.  Get a baseline thyroid test that includes antithyroid antibodies also.  See if you can get tested for cryoglobulins, a few hep c infected get a condition caused by their positive presence in the blood.

[Docsgold]

Yes, I had an eye exam, PPD (for TB), Chest X-ray, labwork, liver biopsy, vaccine for hep A & B.

[layla]

I had an eye exam along with a typical physical exam. I had a few eye problems from tx in which I went to an opthamologist familiar and comfortable with HCV. I never had to lower dose. Everything got cleared up after tx. I had an infection, which came from the riba rash under my eyelid. Antibiotic drops cleared that up then I had some blurred vision which cleared up about 6 months after tx, well except the part from age. I think many of us are 40ish or so, which is the age eye aging problems start so it can be confusing if it is age or tx. LL

[rifleman]

Do they still require 3 shots for Hep B?  I had those back around 1980.  I have to ask about a Hep A shot.  They said they would give me one.  My mother (who is an RN) said I didn't need one b/c she had Hep A when she was a kid and I would have acquired the antibodies.
I would imagine that it would be best to get the Hep A shot at least a week prior to tx.  
DJL

[Docsgold]

Yes, the Hep B is a 3 shot series.  It would be a good idea to get your level checked, sometimes, after years, the series needs to be repeated--not always, but it can happen.  I am not sure about the Hep A antibodies from your mother.  Ask your physician.  It is a 2 shot series.  I did the first one prior to tx and the second during tx.

At my eye check-up the doc said he saw something "different" from the floater I had and referred me to a retinal specialist. He did not think it was due to the interferon.  The specialist told me I had an "infarct" which caused 2 more floaters (wool spots) and was definitely due to the interferon.  They do not bother me, but this is a problem that can happen on tx.  I do not mean to scare anyone with eye and thyroid problems, but I knew the risks going into tx.  If I had to tx again I probably would.  As you said there are diseases and txs out there which are far worse than this.  Good luck to you.

[rifleman]

Thanks for the welcome folks.
Tony, keep hold of that carbine!  I have one, but it is an aftermarket receiver with USGI parts.  Have a couple ww2 veteran M1's though.  
Did anyone else here have a retinal exam before tx?  
DJL

[Tony-z]

Welcome to a great forum, made of people that do care and can relate....I don't know how I would have made it through 3 TX without this forum.
I also love to collect and shoot different types of Rifles and pistols. I have an M1 carbine that was used by a friends recently deceased husband during WW2 in the South Pacific.
You have the right attitude, and support system. Six months will go by fast.

            God Bless

                 TonyZ

[rearfang]

Welcome. It sounds like you have the right attitude for going a round with the dragon. I just started tx a couple of weeks ago. I do my 3rd shot tomorrow. So far I have been doing fine, and though I know I'll probably run into some problems down the road, every good week is one more behind me. (1b, 650,000 vl)Good luck!
Lauren

[scruffy]

Welcome. You're fairly young, strong and good attitude and have some support-these are all good things and especially that you're a type 2. Best of luck to you on this ride. frank

[twotells]

Welcome to a great place for support and information.  My experience with this treatment was unusually painful and prolonged and I am now on extended LTD benefits and SSD and living with nerve damage.  The main thing is I'm clear of HCV at 6mo post tx, so I'm blessed.  I wish you the best in your tx- I'll see you around here,  Dave

[nyhepc]

Hi, i'm new here too, as of last week. i start tx on 7/3...welcome

[rifleman]

I appreciate the support, Califia.  I suppose I am a pretty crusty type of guy.  I deal with, well, criminals 5 days a week and I have to play therapist with them most of the time.  I also like to ***** at the television during the news.
I am lucky that I have a great girlfriend who is behind me 110%.  She is a lawyer too, but she works at a large disability insurance firm in the appeals department.  She deals with people with all kinds of injuries and illnesses, including hep c.  She has heard the stories of how the treatment can affect people.  The scariest thing is the suicidal thoughts that can be brought on by the tx.  I have never had those kinds of thoughts, so at least I am not predisposed to them.  There are people that wish me ill, so living is the best revenge.
My treatment should be over on my 40th birthday.  I hope I am one of the 80%.  
I suppose this situation is going to get a lot scarier as June 17th approaches.  At least I have known that I have had this for over 10 years.  I have finally accepted it and decided to do something about it.
DJL

[rifleman]

Wow! congratulations.  I see a lot of folks here who have cleared the virus but still come around.  Says a lot about you.  
DJL

[Califia]

Your starting date gave me a little twinge of nostalgia, as I started on June 21st of last year.   Well, it'll certainly be interesting to see how the ribavirin affects your ability to schmooze judges.   It's a little bit harder to dissemble on the drug--what a poker-faced understatement THAT is--but you'll be finding that out soon enough when you enter the twilight zone.   (You see, there' s a reason you've just run into two television references.)  Aw, heck, you'll be just fine.  Anyone who's hardboiled enough to practice Criminal D (I say bless you, son)  can eat interferon and ribavirin for breakfast with the best of 'em.  Welcome overboard!

[gr8faith]

Welcome.  I will be finishing up my 24 wks with my last shot on June 17.  Now my eye will be on that day for you too.  Sounds like you have a really good attitude and lots of support, that is great.  I have worked all thru tx and other than a few sick days it is definitely doable.

[cuteus]

that is almost the date I started tx two yrs ago. I can't believe 2 yrs have passed since that first shot rushed through my sub q "veins".
gl on your first encounter

[poolcue]

Welcome R-Man
I'm new here too.  Tuesday I just had my BIG BLOOD TEST done, to see if I will be able to continue the IdealStudy,I won't find out for about 10 days.  I have learned so much off this forum.  
If ya need someone to talk to, you will find that here.  My red blood cell count was dropping and by reading I ask my dr. for procrit got it and is working.
So ask,read,itch and ***** we will listen.
Good luck
diana (poolcue)

[rifleman]

I didn't even consider treatment when I was in law school, esp. b/c of the first-year grind.  That was in the time of 3 shots of infergon a week and just before Riba.  The good thing about criminal law is that the only people who are in any kind of rush are those that are in jail and can't get out. For everyone else, time is on their side.
I have played karate for many years and early on learned an important truth. . . the worst thing that can happen to you is that you die.  If you have to deal with something that is not going to kill you outright, deal with it and stop worrying so much.
I can think of many worse things than the hep.  Advanced metastasic cancer comes to mind.  So does storming the beach at Normandy.  The mind is a powerful thing, too.  It is a good thing to try to remain positive.  
I appreciate everyone's welcome.  Seems like a good bunch of people here.
DJL

[honey1616]

Hi there and welcome aboard.  I just finished 52 weeks of treatment in January and it is definitely doable.  I won't kidd you though,,,,,there will be some rough days mixed in with the good.  Great News for you,,,Geno 2!  6 months of treatment will be over in no time and you will be less the virus.  Its all worth in to make "SVR".  You found a great bunch of people that will help you out and listen to you on the bad days!

[layla]

Welcome aboard. Sorry it's under these circumstance but never- the-less welcome to this forum. I have to say after I started tx I felt great and I did not have any sides for months. My RN says it's because it made me feel so good to be doing something about the disease. He also says he's seen it with others. Unfortunately my thyroid then went so it did not stay that way but it was doable working full time and I did tx for 18 months. I wish you the best. My daugher is now studying for her JD/MBA. Seems like a lot of work to me! LL

[cuteus]

welcome there!
your silver lining is that you have genotype 2! Your chances of SVR are superb.
I "worked" through my 18 months of torture, you should be able to, also.
Strap on your harness for the bumpy ride...

[Tallblonde]

Well, at least consider doing the FibroSure (blood test).  It's better than nothing.  Good luck.

Susan

[rifleman]

Thanx Susan.  I understand the bx issue.  I know it is probably the smartest thing to do, but in my situation it is potentially dangerous.  I will talk to my Dr. about it.