Thinking about quitting treatment

[susan400]

I just really don't know what I'm going to do with treating any more, maintenance dosing, a trial, etc.  Since the doctors seem to be telling me that I'm wasting my time treating, I lean towards weaning off and then, stopping.  But, a part of me did want to know what that final viral load would be.  I talked to the women at Shands today.  I don't know if I'll be able to do that trial because I won't have had enough time for viral clearance.  Also, this is not one of the Roche or Schering trials.  It seems like a Shands type of trial.  It was for a drug that was given to Aids/Hep C patients.  Those patients were given this drug for Aids related diarrhea and while they were on it got a remission for HEP C.  Now they're wanting to do a study in Sept. for non-responders.  My problem is that I have a chronic issue that I've dealt with for years with serious constipation and I'm thinking that this drug could really aggravate that problem even worse if it was given to AIDS patients for diarrhea.  I really just want to give up for a while and just see what happens in a year from now.  I'll probably go ahead and send her my records and attach a note addressing my concerns.  

Susan

[FlGuy]

See the 'News Stories and Other Posts' from 6/1.  There ws mention of a drug called 'Alinia' from Romark.  Maybe there is some info there.  I think Forseegood made reference to it.

[honey11]

Susan,,,,I honestly don't know how you have endured the tx as many times as you have already and keep going!  And sane on top of it!  I know if it was me,,,,one more viral count to reassure what it is and if still registering a count,,,,I would give it a break for awhile just to recoup your own health.  You are such a determined,,,focused person though,,,,I know this will be a hard decision for you!  You know,,,,we all will support any decision you make!

[Mister beagle bailey]

Susan I am so sorry and lost for words.  Being a pro treatment kinda guy, in your case I would wait for better meds.  
Know you are in my prayers, let us know what you decide.

Beagle

[Bill1954]

Susan-- I wish you the best of luck with your decision. I would definitely contact the study director and express my concerns regarding chronic constipation, and see what they say before dismissing the thought. FLguy mentioned a previous thread on this subject; I remember it also but can

[friole]

Your attenmpts at treatment with the current drugs available have just not led to a successful outcome.  I would certainly vote for your quitting and giving your body a well needed break for awhile.  At this point, even if you do tolerate treatment, it just can't be doing your body well.  As for this new experimental drug, I would research very thoroghly before I jumped in.  I truly think you need a break.  Surely you have helped your liver with all you have done.
My sincerest regards, Kathy

[cuteus]

one more PCR, but since you are not in shape to do a yr from a negative, maybe forgoing the test will be best. You did respond to this last tx, better than I have seen you post before, what a shame that this strain has mutated to such a resistant level!
keep in thouch mith Miles, since he and you seem to be head to head in number of tx tried. take care the best you can.