My thoughts on previous posts, etc...

[nolee]

Well a couple of months ago when this forum's longevity looked bleak, I decided to sit the sidelines for awhile and not join in on the fun. My decision stemmed mostly from my own personal diagnosis I call PTxTSS (Post TX Tramatic Stress Syndrome)! After completing TX for geno 2b,vl 500,000 24/24 PegInton/Ribavirin, I was lost and panicky after devoting 6 months to trying to save my life to coping with the everyday same old, same old that I ignored during Tx. I went from a gracious patient to a raving maniac in the course of 4 weeks. I couldn't think straight, couldn't sleep right and , yes, even resorted to drinking myself to sleep. My patience was short as was my temper. I started down the road to oblivia before I realized what I was doing. All of a sudden at 3 months post Tx, I started seeing my behavior for what it was and thanks to proper medication and family involvement I am able to now continue on with as normal as a life as I will be able to have. After reading Metro's post about the med costs of tx in Russia versus the wages one can earn over there, I am extremely  grateful that I had insurance, a GREAT Dr. and this forum to get me through the many bumps in the road that patients experience. My thoughts, prayers and best wishes go out to all of my fellow heppers throughout the world during this holiday season. My hopes are for a cure so that my children and their children won't have to endure the agony of Tx. God bless you all, and thank you. Neal

[Bob L]

Thanks Neal

God Bless you too. We can go thru Hell on this stuff and put the people close to us thru it too. I know I did. They still don't exactly understand what we go thru on tx and I hope they never have to.

Bob L

[Califia]

Given what you've been through, I'd say you've earned the right to wear a laurel wreath on top of your own head like the Olympic hero you are--setting aside one for the front door, of course.  :)  

You've come through some very dark days with a renewed contract for life....  good work, guy.  Thank you for your most inspiring words, and all wishes for peace and happiness in this season of light.

[new-sojourn]

Just a general comment.  don't want to scare off the ones just starting the journey.

Not all of us have riba rage during or after tx.  Not all of us have sever post tx problems.  Not all of us are depressed during and after tx.  and not all of us have lasting tx-related problems.  my probs are now due to liver damage from a mis-dx infection.  not the tx that cured my disease.

My liver had failed and I'm way past cirrhosis b/I had mild sx's, cl'd a 37yr old transfused hep c-2b-infection in 18 days, fin my 24wks.  that was 2yrs ago.  all w/o insurance.

The dx of hep c answered so much, the hope of tx and the generousity of P-Schering. the preparation for tx and the speedy resolution of tx were all blessing.

I was ready and grateful the whole journey.  And I had the most supportive partner anyone could wish and hope for.

[cao]

I want to second new-sojourn's thoughts...I thought long and hard before starting treatment (glad I did) in part b/c I was so terrified by the experiences of others.  While not fun, this hasn't been half as difficult as I thought it would be and I'm very glad to have treated.  I feel very fortunate to have a chance at a cure, and glad that these drugs have been available.

[Califia]

But let's not invalidate anyone's individual experience with this treatment or with this serious disease.    It takes courage to speak out truthfully about these matters, and I commend Neal for having the cojones to admit how hard it has been for him.     (Tx is kicking my butt, too, and I'm no shrinking violet, believe me.)  

[cao]

I absolutely didn't mean to invalidate anyone's experience & I very much appreciate this forum for it's honesty & insight.  All I wanted to do was be a seconding voice for the idea that treatment could be bearable.  I'm fully aware that as a 24 weeker, I've got it relatively easy & that many people have experiences that are less bearable than my own.

[Sioux]

When I found out I didn't think twice about tx. 1a vl 10 mil.
Stage 3 grade 2 damage. 48 weeks of tx. Now 9 mo. post tx. SVR...
I had alot of problems during tx and are still having.