Pegysus 2a vs. peg 2b Actual patient experience

[snook_man]

I go to Dr. on monday to discuss tx option.Everthing I fing actually says that the 2a is better on sx's, and SVR %. I would like to hear, what you actually experienced from tx, and which meds everyone is taking.I want to get back on tx, and want the best med!! Also, has anyone seen other data on Dr. Cecil's approach to tx with lower dose, then gradually increasing peg and riba, based on virological repsonse.Please be 100% honest as to whether your tx was managable, whether you where able to work, genotype, and whether you cleared or not.I am conducting my own IDEAL study.Thanks

[britgirl]

Enjoy having your visitors over! I hope your labs will be fine for you.

[layla]

Thanks for responding. I hope this can clear up but it sounds permanent for you. I have worried  about something like this exspecially being of extended tx. Every time I have a lab I wonder will this one be ok or will it hit me now. I had my last lab on tx just this past Friday. The end (of tx) is near! On another note, I have company from London arriving this week. I hope to visit there myself in the fall. LL

[cindee]

Snook-man, Hi! Looks like you've done your homework!!!! I am 48 yr old female, geno 1A, started w/ over 6mil vl, did 48 wks of riba @ pegasys, was EVR and undectable throughout tx. But as soon as tx was finished I relapsed. I had blood work done in March....4 months after tx. and @ that time vl was 1,930,000, so I did some MAJOR damage to the virus! I had a rough time w/sx, thought I had surely "cleared" the virus. But had relapsed unfortanately, and thought I'd NEVER do tx again.

Have found a hepatologist, have had 2 rounds of blood work done since may21st, and had bx last Tues. I go for next visit to "Dr.Wonderful" on the 23rd. 1st doc never taught me about #'s. I explained a "few" things that happened to me on 1st tx. like, platelets dropped to 9, was never told by old doc. New DR. almost fell off his stool when he asked if my meds were reduced @ that time, or if I had a blood transfussion and I answered no. He just shook his head. And the way I found out I had relapsed....recpt. met me and hubby in parking lot and I was told there!!!!

So yes the sx are manageable....I am ready to go again!!!!! I will be on a clinical study trial....everything FREE!!!!! He is going to teach me about my #'s too! I have all the confidence in the world in my new doctor. And he has a wonderful bedside manor and tells the BEST jokes!

I had gotten lipstick on his white coat @ 1st visit, because I pecked a kiss on his cheek...instead of a hand shake!!!!LOL It became a real joke w/ nurses and all.

SOOOOOOO @ the hospital before bx....he was pushing on my liver area that had been marked by the radiologist, and I jumped....LOL...I made the mistake of telling him, it didn't hurt, but that I was just tickleish....he took his fingers and started to tickle me!!!!! I was laughing so hard...I peed my pants!!!! He wouldn't stop!!! He and the nurses were laughing so hard. He said he was getting me back for the lipstick!!!! So my plan is to buy a small "tickle me Elmo" to take to him on my next visit!

I had to go on morphine 45mg 3X's a day....I have worked up to that over a period of 3 months. I have fibromyalgia and tissue damage.  My new doc has no problem with the morphine for pain. That was my 1st question!!!! LOL

I hope you have minimal sx on tx and I wish you the best. You will be in my prayers. Love, Cindee

Mikesimon, WAY TO GO!!!!! YOU'VE DONE A GREAT JOB @ I'M SO PROUD OF YOU! You must be proud of yourself!!!!!! I wish you the VERY BEST and keep up informed! Much love @ many prayers, Cindee

Couch, Hi I just "feel" you will be fine. Jsut a few words to wish YOU much luck in your quest w/ the virus!!!!! Stay w/ us!!!! love and prayers, Cindee

[cc2]

Sorry I hit the post button to quickly.  I remember when you were on the first tx and I applaud you for your strength and determination to beat the dragon.  I wish you the very best and praying for you....

[cc2]

I was 2 B and did Pegintron soon after it was released.  I had alot of sides but I could function and managed and continue to work through tx.  I did not take any antidepressants so I slammed alot of doors and cabinets to handle the riba rage, lol.  The first 2 wks were the worst with flu symptoms and then other sides came and went and I never knew what side I would get back next.  Many people have no sides or minimal, hang tough, and think positive.  Best to you...

[couchpotato]

Thanks for the encouragement, we have actually gotten some answers today and it looks like it should be cleared up within the next few days (fingers crossed). Couch

[mikesimon]

Thanks doll face - and I saw your pic and you are indeed a doll. Mike

[snook_man]

Thanks to all, I am nervous about going to Dr. tomorrow. I have alot of questions for him, and probably not enough time. All the info I have been gathering, shows that the pegysus is better overall. That first shot of peg 2b that I took, really kicked my but!! My sides did not hit till weds, days after injection.
I feel alot better today, pressure lifted of mind. I went fishing yesterday, and caught a bunch of dolphin, or Mahi Mahi. Lookin to get the grill fired up tonight. Tuna, yep I'm a diehard fisherman.
I usually do alot of snook and tarpon fishing, but venture offshore now and then for snapper and dolphin.
I went to the link off of Dr. Cecils website for pegysus, and it states almost 60-70% chance of svr, based on factors, for geno 1a. My age, and very low VL being major factor.Definatly going to push for pegysus tomorrow with the Dr. Do first two weeks at half dose, then bump it up to full, and start riba at 600mg, then increase to 800mg, then 1000mg.

[doll face]

Sorry. I forgot to say CONGRATULATIONS to you. I pray everyday that you beat this thing. You deserve to have this dragon smoked, barbqued,sauteed,boiled, broiled and fried. Anyway you want him cooked.

[britgirl]

I was tested for thyroid before tx, 3 months in and at the end of the 24 weeks, as is standard here.  The first two were normal but the third showed very high TSH, indicating hypothyroidism. I did feel tired, but had thought this was the tx! Apart from that I have never had any symptoms except for hair loss and have none now since I take a supplement every morning (75mg thyroxine). I have to go to my family doctor to have blood test once every six months to see if I can continue at the same level of medication.So, basically, my problem must have developed between weeks 12 and 24 of tx, and was only picked up because of routine end of tx tests.

[layla]

I'm wondering about your thyroid damage. Did yo have thyroid test throughout your tx? How did yo know it was damaged? Did ou have problems after tx? What were the symptoms and how do you have to deal with it now? Hope you don't mind my asking. I know you mentioned it before and I am cuious about your info. LL

[couchpotato]

Thanks Daryl, it's raining in my part of Canada, how's it where you are? Perfect gloomy weather, for gloomy moods.LOL

[derail]

the sun is shining not too warm judy's having her nap  and i just ducky also sorry about hubby hopes all will be OK hugs and cuddles for you darling .... you need em.daryl

[britgirl]

I did the 2a (Pegasys) and was genotype 3a with fibrosis.I worked throughout treatment and did not have to take any antidepressants or things to boost my blood cells (Procrit?)In fact, apart from being more tired, very itchy, and not being able to drink, I noticed little change. The Pegasys has left me with a permanently damaged thyroid, however. I was clear at 24 weeks, 6 months post and 12 months post ie, SVR

[derail]

attagirl I knew you could POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE   daryl

[doll face]

I like Mike Simon have taken both. The Pegintron Kicked my butt especially the first three months. I slept 12-16 hours a day.And when I was awake my bones hurt so bad. I had headaches and depression (yes I was on ADs also) after the first three months I was able to go back to work part time but was still pretty much down for the count for 2 days every week after my shot. (48 weeks)I lost 1/2 my hair and was generally sore all the time. I didn't show clear till almost 24 weeks. BUT when I relapsed after 2 months I never hesitated about doing it again.

This time I am on Pegasys and just finished week 53 ot 72. The sides for me are soooooo much easier this time. I still get sore bones and have hypothyroidism  now from the meds but I have been able to work this time around (did cut back to 3-4 days a week though).

Everybody reacts differently to these meds so even though you want us to be honest about our experiences don't scare you into one of the other. Let you doctor decide which one he thinks will work best for you. By the way I am geno type 1A

[Galen]

Hey Mike, I am cheering for you!!  You have far more tenacity than I.  If anyone deserves to beat dragon ass it is you.

[honey1616]

Hey Debbie,,,,Haven't seen you around....Hope you are doing ok and not having any problems!

[Showboat]

Sorry to hear about your husband.  Many prayers and good thoughts to you and he......

[couchpotato]

Went up to the hospital this morning and then came home and gave the house a thourough cleaning to get rid of the nervous energy and anxiety. Mixed up the potion, filled up "Precious", and away I went, No Problemo!!! Can't stress enough to the newbies, the anticipation and stress of starting is WAY worse then the actual fact. Thanks for your encouragement. Now if I can only remain on my feet for the next 10 hours, I'll be laughing!  Couch

[Indiana]

I used the Peg/Intron right after it was first approved. There was no Pegasys then so we had no choices. The Peg/Intron pretty much kicked all of our a$$es. at least for the first 8-10 weeks. I was able to work after the first week.....but not very well. I pretty much "floated" all the way through that year.
I WAS a type 1b. Clear at 24 weeks (they didn't usually do 12 week tests back then). Still clear 1 1/2 years later.
Everything I have read and all I have talked to say the Pegasys is better on the sides and more manageable in the quality of life dept. The studies show it is slightly more effective for type 1's and about the same for 2's and 3's.
If it were my choice, I would choose the Pegasys.
Best of luck whatever you choose...........


GO MIKESIMON GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[honey1616]

Dirac,,,great to hear! Did you do tx for 6 months or 1 year?

Mike,,,Congrats on coming to the end!  You are going to have to remember now,,,not to to take the meds! That should come easy right?  Good Luck as we all are cheering for your SVR!

[Dirac]

I used pegintron and I cleard the virus at week 12 and
I got undetectable viral load at 6 monthes post treatment.
The side effects were not that severe in my case, and I
did not miss one day of work during the whole period (teaching
and research job). Good luck.

[tuna]

I was type 1b 48wks. tx interferon/reb. clear at 12,24,36,&48 wks. My sides were not to bad about a 4 on the 1-10 scale,Let me say as you've probley heard EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT on everything with this virus even doc's all say differnt things. Being a type 2 your chances of svr are good just read and listen to your doc and dont forget 2nd-3rd opinions are ok! By the way I've always wondered is the snook-man a fisherman? I'm a tuna nut on the west coast, if so tight lines to you.