To All The Warriors

[jules2551]

Good morning!  I was wondering if you had any advice for people pre-treament?  I will be starting in probably 60 days (GT 1b, VL 725,000...liver biopsy tomorrow).  Looking back from what you all know now what would be the one thing you would recommend individuals start doing right now before treatment?  Thanks in advance for all of your recommendations and most of all....thanks for being on this forum!  You all have been a great help!!!

Jules

[suezeeque]

I have no history of depression but wondered, due to all of the recommendations here to get on AD, if I should have.

Glad I didn't.  I'm doing shot 17 tomorrow and have had no sign of depression.  Yet.  ;)

I've been weepy a few times but nothing I couldn't handle and nothing I needed an AD for.  Hopefully that doesn't change.  :D

[beeblessed]

Hey Jules,

Great advice above.  My suggestions would be to:
1.  Stock up like you would for a national disaster; this will keep you from running to the store for every little thing, when you may not feel like getting out as much; you will still be able to, but will appreciate not having to
2.  Clean up/do chores; not that you won't be able to, but you will feel much better knowing you don't have to do chores right away; it's a nice break
3.  Celebrate; we all have blessings we overlook; give yourself a quick vacation, a day at the spa, a day at the beach, go shopping; something to clear your head and mentally get you ready for the next several months

Now breathe.  Pre-tx can often be the worst mentally you will have to cope with.  As for the ADs......I started just prior to tx because.......it takes awhile to get into your system, and also because I felt so overwhelmed.  It is different for all of us.  Go with your gut.

[his3707]

find a good cook that will help you make lots of meals.  Even if you have a partner  might be a good idea anyway.  While on therapy you might need some extra care and your caretaker might be tired also  having good healthy meals planned really makes a big difference for you.   Even if you dont have a lot of sx, we still get tired and just need some pampering

[Aquisi]

Will, thanks so much, just what I was needing.

[willbb]

Hi  Charlie..there are many articles with info about HCV therapy  induced depression. Also there is substantial info. on the question of HCV infection itself inducing depression in some.
Given the literature it is commonly felt that starting an AD for someone who is not ,or has not had issues with depression is not recommended,and that in certain people it may have a worsening effect(possibly in your case) especially if someone is feeling just anxiety.  
Below is a link to one article and  at the very bottom I have linked about  a 30 min . video also that speaks to  possible depression and anxiety by one phyciatrist ,who has treated hundreds of patients undergoing HCV therapy...if you are interested.

Good luck
Will

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/741301

Twenty to 40% of patients on interferon will get depressive symptoms, and then they are more apt to not adhere to their HCV medications," Mary Cassler, RPh, MBA, director of clinical development for advanced clinical sciences and research, Medco Health Solutions, Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, who presented her research at the conference, noted in a telephone interview with Medscape Medical News.

"Proactive" depression screening may be a valuable tool to improve treatment adherence in patients with HCV "and may lead itself to better outcomes," she added.


http://blog.texasliver.com/2011/11/psychiatric-complication-of-hepatitis-c-therapy/

[Aquisi]

Thanks Aaron, great chart.