to tx or not to tx

[working dog]

frist thing is i don't seem to see as many posts here on the new tx coming as i did last year at this time...that makes me nervous...i've been trying to simplify my life so if i decide to tx i could a little easier...i'm getting older...maybe a bit neurotic...so at 55 geno 1a stage 1to 2 grade2 i was pretty much advised to wait a few years for the new tx...and through diet and trying to watch my health i was doing much better then before...i still am but these sx bug me..i'm not real bad i can work just not as good as before...and my money situation is a real drag right now...i took an option on my house so that should be gone soon..just dumped it...i'm really not trying to look for sympathy here as i've been down more then once and came back fine i need some advice...this is awfull but if my income goes up(and it doesn't have to be that high) i don't think i can get any help financially with tx..(i have no insurance).also the older i get i'm afraid of my liver getting worse... everyones situation is different i know but at least here we have some things in common..and i can only go by what i read cuz when i ask folks up here that just goes nowhere..if i go build a major house right now and do proffit sharing this it's a lot of work ....physical and mental..athough not too bad mentally cuz i've done this for a long time...i also see a few others here talking about starting tx soon so that makes me wonder whats up with that? i think if i was looking at 25 to 30 thousand for tx that would be something i would try to work through..hopefully the tx would not keep me from working......i think i could get help from the pharmaceutical companies for the drugs...after writing this stuff all out here i think i might have answered my own question...maybe just keep moving through life and don't worry about the income thing..do what ever plan at the time i decide to tx..my x had this hep and was svr the first time she did tx(5 years ago)..so i think if i have the exact same virus then i might too...i know this is a convoluted post....thanks to anyone that reads it ...billy

[mauilady]

Oh, and don't forget to take MILK THISTLE!!

[mauilady]

I just popped in here for a moment---saw the pix of your dogs so I looked at your profile and saw that your interests were HepC and alcohol.  Do you still drink?  That's a no-no, but I'm sure you know that.  I am 1B, but was stage 2-3 so I began TX last January, and finished in June.  Unfortunately, I relapsed.  Had I been stage 1-2, I would have waited for the new drugs to be released.  All I want to do is halt/reverse the damage to my liver, so I don't drink at all anymore (I used to---lots) and eat all healthy foods.  

The most important thing is to avoid alcohol at all costs, and cut way back on the meat and fats.  And throw out the white sugar and processed ****.  You'll have a pretty good chance of living a long, healthy life.  I'm not advocating not TXing; just saying that you can wait until the newer drugs come out, which should give you better odds for SVR.

Hang in there and stay happy!

[working dog]

thats too funny..the big debates just over here...i've worked together with the bureaucracy quite a bit..so i know the network a little..fed tax credits and other stuff.....if folks knew where their money was going they wouldn't believe it..i'll bet that pot is pretty good up there..you guys are #1 now a days...i see that pot really helps a lot of people especialy thoughs with cancer...not any talk on the senior citizens tonight..thats a drag...good luck ..read your other posts..hope you feel better soon...billy

[oyasin]

I'm 57 C1b Stage 1
I hemmed and hawed for over a year considering tx, till I finally realized I was just afraid.
The testosterone kicked in and I started.

I had a class prior to start date with an RN rep from Schearing (peg intron). She assured me that if $ was a problem, they would help. I have ins btw.

good luck
David

[HARRYBEADS]

  I live in the Great White North, in Ontario and universal health care is not all that you guys seem to think it is.Years ago the Liberal Party decided to save money by reducing nurses and Doctors and equipment and hospitals. They capped the Docs wage and told them how to do their jobs, as in how many people to see per day and what tests were covered etc. These Libs got tossed out for a bit not due to this, it must have been winter and we were hibernating with our heads up our bung holes. On their next great return (winter again)they made everyone pay $600 extra per year in our taxes for the reconstruction of the Medical system they frigged up and dropped universal eye care.
  Anyway you need insurance here also, no meds are covered unless you are on welfare or 65 years of age and only a small number of drugs are covered. Insurance pays, hospitalization any where in the world and the drugs and the loss of income and a flight back home. It only cost around $1500 a year to cover a family fully with insurance. I think we should pay someone the $600 to stay awake during winter to sound the alarm the Liberals are coming the Liberals are coming, Load the guns...ow ow, what guns the Liberals took'em all to sell to gangs to keep the drug trade going strong.
  We do have excellent marijuana now though and the government sells it to us for what ever ales you,....hmmmmm had something else to add but can't remember , it 's just on the tip of my tongue,.... I remember now I have the munchies again.


Harry

[working dog]

thanks for reading this post...i think now i might treatment starting next jan ... after i get through my a and b shots and a house i'll be building for someone...i'm not sure about any of it but i see so many now going for tx and not waiting...and when their my age it really gets me thinking...
    mary 4now....i know this country is a mess right now..i get a kick out of them when they say how tough their job is and the reason why their doing it is for their country...so much bs..we give them a good job .... the publicity makes them millions...so they get millions and insuance and we pay for it...a bureaucracy is created to help the people but ultimately it eats it's self alive.... something has to be done...i like obama.........see ya...billy

[desrt]

Something to consider is, will the Commitment to Care and PegAssist programs still be available when you do decide to treat ?

[Mary4now]

Boy it really sucks not have health care in this country, Although I see there may be other ways to get help w/ the medications, but what about the care during taking the medications?  I really think in this country we should terminate the health care for our representatives (and I use that word loosely) & their families until they figure out how to get health care for everyone.  

[goldenrule]

I know there are alot of factors that weigh into this deceision.. However, in 5 years, what do you think the state of your liver will be in?? Will you be at a stage 3 ?? Personally I would want to get it over with... The less damage you have to your liver when starting tx, the better the chance of SVR,  I am not sure of this, however i think the healthier your liver before tx, I am almost certain the better you will tolorate the meds..Whatever meds you decide to take... ..
Good luck to you. I am sure you will make the best deceison for YOU!!

[charm27]

I am 2/2 and was advised  to wait three years before txing. I just didnt want to, I wanted to get a head start. ALso the new drugs that are coming I was told will be approx. 5 years......a big choice to make. None of us know what will happen tomorrow, You need to toss your options around for awhile and come to a clear and consious decision.

Good Luck.