Supposed to start treatment

[soulangel71]

I am 32 female / diagnosed with HepC in 1989 - I think at that time they called it NonA NonB - same thing different name. I spent the next 12 yrs abusing my body even more - however in the last 3 yrs I have cleaned up - and am seeing a liver specialist yearly. Last year my tests were showing abnormal liver cell counts (not sure of exact numbers - or really even what this means) I had an ultrasound which shows fatty depostis on my liver - still no problems other than fatigue. This last appt - he did more blood work but also said he wants me to begin treatment with Pegatron - ASAP -

I know I am genotype 1b - he is not recommending a biopsy until 3 months into treatment - and that is about all I know. He gave me a book which explains the disease - and side effects of treatment - but I really want to know - for anyone who is on the 48 week Pegatron therapy - please be straight with me - Will I be able to continue my 40+ hour workweek? I work in management position - very fast paced - and always doing 20 things at once. I cannot take time off work as my benefits will only pay 67% of pay and I cannot support my son on this. I am planning on jogging a few times a week during treatment - my Dr says this will help me to beat the fatigue - any ideas if the therapy will affect this from happening?
Also, the cost is huge - if my insurance company does not pay for treatment - are there any other places in Canada which help pay for treatments like this?
Lastly, I guess I am here for support - I am not able to discuss this with anyone I know - as they just would not understand -thx

[soulangel71]

Sorry for taking so long to get back. About the biopsy - yes - he does not want to do one right now - and he will do one in 3 months I am not responding to treatment and my blood work is abnormal. He has opted to treat me at this time - even though my liver is healthy still, all my blood tests are relatively normal - and the only sypmtons I am showing are fatigue. (which could be caused by a million things other than the HepC)

I am hoping that I do respond to treatment and can avoid the whole biopsy procedure - I will keep my fingers crossed on that one.

I know that I am one of few who are starting treatment without being sick - however the tests have shown that treatment is equally effective whether the liver is damaged or not. I think the biggest concern my doctor has is that I have been HepC for 15 yrs (since I was a teenager) and he would rather i get rid of it before any liver damage shows up.

I will keep you posted on how it goes - right now the prescription is at the pharmacy - however I wont begin until Jan5th -

Good luck to everyone
D

[Toddc]

I just went off my Peg-intron treatment

The treatment failed, The problems that i incountered was extrem,  the company should be sued for downplaying the side effects. the flu like symtoms were nothing its the " Mental problems "  that effect your whole life ,  I repeat Do not go on this medication!!!!  unless it is your last draw,  It is a living nightmare a pure hell, do not let the doctors or drug companies use you as a lab rat.

[couchpotato]

I am from B.C. and our provincal gov. pays for treatment, otherwise, I don't know what we would do. A friend in Alberta pays for his and then gets reimbursed from his medical at work. I wish you luck, I'm sure something can be worked out for you.

[odessit]

As Galen mentioned, it's extremely unusual to do a biopsy 3 months into treatment, I'm sure you meant Viral Load.
I wish I could jog... I'm 26 yo, Genotype 1b, 14 weeks into tx, former track&field runner. I played with my friend's dog yesterday and after awhile (under 3 mins) I thought I'd collapse:) I couldn't get enough air to breathe because of low Hemoglobin and this is what you should expect. Truly, your jog will be a walk.
I did have sides (though minimal) for the first 8 weeks and I'm sure you'll be able to work, although NOBODY can tell that at this point.

P.S. I didn't get it - are you from Canada?

[Steve']

There's no way the doctor would start me on Tx without having a biopsy ... it was compulsary, I'd find out if you heard right soulangel71 ... I had to have PCR test & Geno & Biopsy then I got the green light for Tx now on week #15... doing ok I get tired & I ache but nothing un controlable, I'm worse in mornings & seem to get better as the day goes on... Go for it & good luck</font>
<br><hr><P><marquee direction="right"><Font face="Brush Script MT"size=+3<b>Steve</b></font></marquee><br>

[Galen]

Question #1 of the day!!  Why would your doc wait until 3 months into tx to do a bx?  I would want to know before starting what I was dealing with.  There is extremely good reason to do it before tx as the interferon and ribaviron can cause a drop in hemoglobin, white cell count, and MOST importantly, platelet reduction.  Bleeding from a bx is not uncommon.  The bx is not too bad, but doing it when you already feel like hell is a poor idea.  Are you sure that it is the bx he wants to delay and not the viral load????
As to Pegintron Combo therapy, it is what I just finished doing for 48 weeks.  I, too, am (was) a 1B.  I am 50 and while it wasn't easy by a long shot, I was able to work all through tx.  About 50% are able to work full time, another 25% part time, and the rest not able to do so.  Most of those not able to work at all have health problems to start with.  Your fast pace will slow to a crawl most of the time and your jog will be a walk, but you can do it!

[layla]

I am on my 10th month of tx (pegasys)and have worked the whole time. I agree with Eyedeas/Kim working keeps my mind of tx and I notice the sides a lot more when I am sitting around. I also feel better if I get some exercise. I've always run but it's a bit much now so I just jog a little during my walking. I also do some floor exercises with weights. Not much but it's helped me keep up at least a little muscle. Somedays my sides are a pain but more often they are not a problem. I do tire but I still work. It's really different for everyone. I was pretty healthy and active to start with. I also have been lucky that I not to have a problem with low labs like some people do. I also think you must mean a viral load test. I've also never heard of a biopsy being done after the start of tx. Wish I could suggest something on the payment end but I don't know how it works in Canada. In the USA the drug companies have help for some people if they qualify with a low enough income. You could try contacting them directly and ask about there asistance programs. LL

[Eyedeas]

Did 48 weeks of Peg-Intron and Rebetol and only missed 2 days of work.  I had the best attendance of the 70 employees in our lab.  It's not easy!  But, I felyt better at work doing something than I did at home where I could feel sorry for myself and had the time to realize how bad i felt.  My work days now and during tx has me leaving home at 5:45 AM and getting home about 6:00 PM.  

That said, everyone is different, but here's hoping you have an easy time on tx.

Kim

[hph5477]

By the way, I'm female, 46, genotype 1B, so I'm in for the long haul ....  48 weeks.

[hph5477]

I'm only 4 weeks into treatment; do shot #5 tomorrow morning.  First 2 wks sx were a little rough for me, next 2 shots I had no to very little sx.  So far, nothing has stopped me from doing anything I want other than the first 2 weekends.  Just take it easy on weekends and day of shot; you'll be fine by the next day or Monday at latest.  Get plenty of rest.  I have fortunate to no longer have to work but did have a very fast paced, long hours (12-13 daily) job when was working.  Think I would have still been able to manage.  Everyone is different with sx so you'll just have to see how you do.  Everything I've read says the first 2-4 weeks are sometimes the roughest.

I do tire easily now.  Was an avid bicycle rider which I'm not doing now; partly because I tire too easily and partly due to weather this time of year.  However, I so still get out and walk a couple miles 3-4 times a week.