male / female

anyone know if female tx success/failure rate differs from male?

[Bartt]

Studies I have seen indicated more females respond vs. males. That was a while ago so not sure what current findings are.

Please see my post to you on question whether to do treatment or not below.

Regards,
Barry

[Indiana]

Rates for women are a bit better....but they ***** about the sides more. (I'm probably in trouble now)
I mean do men really care if their nails are brittle or if they have long eyelashes or not?

[mumsie]

That all depends.......

[thanbey]

There are distict gender based differences in liver disease in general and hepatitis C specifically.

I won't go into all of the differences here, but your question has intriguing undercurrents to it that are found in studies, but are rarely acknowledged by hepatologists. Not a surprise, considering most doctors do not practice medicine with gender in mind.

Yes, women respond at higher rates, require treatment less frequently, and progress less often as well. In the absence of smoking and alcohol consumption, women almost never progress to cirrhosis. Women have more extrahepatic manifestations, and different ones, however.

We have over 25 years of research specific to a cohort of genotype 1 women in Ireland. This is the only cohort that I am aware of that not only spontaneously lost virus, but antibody too over time in a small percentage of the study subjects.

It is possible that the success rates of interferon therapy are a bit skewed because this study is often genralized to include both sexes when it is actually research only on women.

I hope this helps,

thanbey

[honey1616]

ROFL...Bitching huh?  Probably...right though.. wow...did I just say that??  I must be txed out!! LOL  I think personally...because women seem to care so much more about how they look leaving the house each morning.  I'm starting to get small red sores on my arm and is driving me crazy and I'm wearing sleeves so noone sees...however...more then likely noone would notice but bothers me.  My hubby has same thing and I told him...this is yucky!!  And his reply...Oh well!!  ROFL

[ponygirl]

There may be a reason for women bitching more. Our bodies are so much more complex biologically. Though we may progress slower and respond better to combo treatment, I'm wondering if women suffer more long term side affects from treatment such as thyroid and autoimmune disorders. I think more gender studies are needed.

[BD146]

Women bitching?   They can complain and ***** all they like. They earned that right. And if they have a higher success of SVR, then I am that more happy for them.

Women have much more on their plates then men do. That is my own personal feeling and everyone is entitled to how they feel about this subject.

Most women work both inside and outside of the home. Not only do they have their appearance to worry about, and we all know how very easily we could forget about or own appearances, but most also take care of homes, children, and spouse's. I have always felt that women are much more powerful in a difficult situation then men.  

Don't come after me GUY'S.  I am too fatigued to run.

CONTINUED RECOVERY TO ALL ... GOD BLESS ....( A MALE )... EDGAR

WHEW !!!!! THAT TOOK A LOT OF COURAGE... LOL

[honey1616]

Wow...what a gem you are!!  Your wife should be kissing you right now!!

[CARUU]

When women express themselves, it's considered "bitching".  When men do it, they are considered to be knowledgeable and assertive. Although women doing/considering tx tend to worry about hair loss, eye lashes/nails, etc., I think men approach from the perspective of WINNING. I have always thought about my hepc as an illness that I have a chance of clearing if I do the tx and not as the "bad guy" that I need to fight and conquer.  I think it has, in part, to do with boys being raised to play sports and win, win, win and girls, in contrast, being raised to be nice, share and take care of everyone. It also is just the difference in the sexes. Just different, not right or wrong, it just is.  Of course, this is an exaggeration and less obvious now than it was when I was a child in the 1950's.  I just had to comment on the "bitching" statement.  There are reasons for why we express ourselves differently and I don't like to put a value on which way is better. In fact, I'd like to learn to use other (more male?) ways of expressing myself.  Whew, thanks for letting me get that off my chest. caruu

[thanbey]

In my experience having spoken to 100's of men on our hotline, men tend to a lot worry  a great deal about impotence and how to talk their sexual partners out of using condoms. They are concerned about being good parents and good partners, too. They worry about being able to adequately provide for their families and they worry about their ability to maintain the role they have enjoyed in the households. They worry about finding partners where they do not have them now, and they worry about transmitting the virus sexually.

Men and women have different vantage points with hepatitis C, but they intersect on many issues. Pain management, identity, sexual performance, emotional presence, career, finances, children and family issues are fairly consistent across the board.

I don't hear many women primarily concerned with appearance, although this is probably what you might hear more often. My perception is that this might be in ADDITION to the many issues men and women have in common in dealing with hepatitis C. The pressure on women to look their best is a reality in the workplace, not just in the bedroom. It is about having the reality of being judged differently in the world of work and public places.

I am not so convinced that men are not subject to similar pressures these days. Viagra and hair implants are big business and the clientele is primarily male.

In my opinion, it isn't "bitching" if it a reality you have to live with, whether you are male or female. It is sharing the reality of living with the fallout of a disease with others you hope with understand and sympathize with you.

thanbey

[new-sojourn]

Women are under represented in all medical studies unless its women only.  And how can they have watched Irish women w/hep c for 25yrs if American medical people only have recognized it since the early '90's?  This means, it they knew 25 yrs ago, I should never have had to receive a tainted transfusion 24yrs ago.

Everything we know about hep c is basically interpertations of flawed data.  We may find that menapausal women, when are bodies go wacko, suddenly progress faster or post menapausal, we loose some hormaonal protection.

We don't know anything b/c no one's asking those questions.  They should be!  Only recently are we talking about heart attacks and women--and that's really scary.

Also, bolger-the board is allowed only 4-6 questions a day.  It is considered  common courtesy for one poster not to use them all.  There's a big world of heppers on this board.  B/that's just me.

[Tony-z]

<a href="http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/thesaurus">Dictionary *****</a>


                    Tony

[litecloud]

AM guity too I asked the same ? at top of forum list as I did mid way. We all make mistakes. We are not perfect if we where we would not have HEP C

[audreywald]

That was wonderfully put and I believe true. I am sending you a big hug.

Things are very rough right now.

"Thursday" is not talking to me again, because I will not consider giving Lucas back to her. My heart is broken but I cannot cope with any of her additional stressors right now. I am too fatigued to argue.

I will mail you as soon as I can pull myself up and out of this one.

[litecloud]

Kisses and hugs... Good luck, God bless

[honey1616]

Lite...Hey, Don't worry about it as when we all first arrive, we have no idea about the threads and someone always brings it up just so you will know.  Usually 6 threads a day but some days I have noticed not that many so just depends.  Also if you can't open new thread with new question...Just in middle of thread...Put New Question and even though its in middle of thread someone will see.  Hope this helps...Good to have you and alot of other new ones joining us!!

[thanbey]

NonA-NonB hepatitis has been identified since the late 70's.

This group of women has been follwed since 1977 when they all were infected by a batch of immune globulin as a result of being Rh negative and pregnant.

In 1992, the actual virus that causes hepatitis C was able to be identified and amplified by PCR molecular technology, and this group of women were then put through the new molecular tests and all the data compiled was used and added to over time. That data has provided a source of continuuing information on progression in real time.

The NIH has had stored blood samples from US servicemen (from an old study in the 40's) that was tested with PCR technology and we have some data (retrospective, of course) that dates back 50 years on those men. They traced as many of those men as they possibly could and found that few died of liver disease or were identified as having liver disease.

I hope this helps,

thanbey

[harley dude]

I'm a Man and I ***** all the time about my sides- Maybe Indy is just Mr. Macho Man. Everybody 1 2 3 Macho Macho Indy, I want to be a Macho Indy- Keep it going, you'll sound real good. Heck one more time -ready 1 2 3 Macho Macho Indy, I want to be a Macho Indy, Macho Macho Indy, I want to be a Macho Indy Man. - You asked for it Dude.

[BD146]

you are funny..... I cant stop singing.... you made my evening...take care and thank you...EDGAR

[Galen]

Women just naturally communicate more than men do (well, most men, Indy) so it is only natural that we communicate about our sides.  Anyway, all my long eyelashes fell out by three months post-tx.  Rats!!

[cindee]

bolger, I wanted to say hi and welcome!!!! I tried to post on your other thread below, but it was full. Tx is something you'll have to decide on your on. I did 48 wks of tx, but found out last wk I have replased, better than being a non-responder!!! I go to Duke Un. Med. on the 28th of April to start on a case study. If you will go all the way back down to March 7th...Audrey wanted to know all the sx. So we all got together and listed them....I wish you the best and I will do what it takes to rid of life of this hep c. Prayers, Cindee

Indiana......did you say b****!!!!! I am now using that "hammer" you sent me...LOL  Do you "feel" the pain on the top of your head??? LOL Also I am sending you a bar of soap!!!!! LOL shame on you!!!!!! But I still love ya dude!!!!! Always will! LOL Cindee...ps remember????.....don't make me slap you and break YOUR tooth!!!!! (((((HUGS)))) Cindee

Galen, My long lashes are gone too!!!!!!! BooHoo....More make-up!!!! Love ya girl!!!!! Cindee

Vicki.....YOU GO GIRL !!!!!!!!! I haven't been on here in a couple of days. I've been sleeping!!!! If it's "beauty" sleep...Guess I should change my name to "Beauty and the Beast"!!!! I am sooooooooooooo happy for you!!!!!!! When I read it, my eyes filled with tears of JOY!!!!!!!! I love you, Cindee

[cindee]

I can't help it.......... LOL.....Go have a baby!!!! Then you can call us a *****!!!!!! Opps....bar of soap for me now!!!! And you should feel "all wet"...I used the gun you sent me...on you too!!!! ROFLMAO Love ya dude, Cindee ps I'm gonna e-mail ya!

Edgar..you are sooooooo kind. You're a heck of a guy! Love ya! Cindee

[Indiana]

HAHAHAHAHAHA  I DO like to stir up the pot, but I NEVER expected THIS kinda response from just one word!! EGADS!! It was just a passing comment! I mean Jesus....are ya all om DRUGS???   Oh yeah..........You all ARE. Hahahahahaha I forget sometimes.

Oh yeah Harley....after your post the other week about the women I don't think you have too much space left on YOUR plate either....hahahahahahaha   and no, those dancin shoes do NOT match your outfit.

Sure Vicki....we REAL men don't eat quiche"....hell..we can't even SPELL it! I ain't eatin nothin that starts with a Q.  

  Well Thanbey....you are right here again...with all the right info. You are talkin to hundreds of men about their sex habits? hahahahaha I bet you have some "lively" evenings. Most men are pretty open on their feelings when they are asked. I believe your research is pretty sound there.
But the part about "women not being concerned primarily with their appearance" seems kinda off base to me. I don't know hardly ANY woman that doesn't almost obsess about this. They spend HOURS in front of the mirrors .....primping and fussin.... Just to try to look their best. And then tx tries to take it away for awhile. They go NUTS! Look back over the posts here and all we see are the poor gals talkin about their "appearance related" sides. That is not to diminish the problems they are having. It's just that they put much more importance on them than the men do. You just don't hear those kind of complaints comming from the guys very often.

GALEN!!!!!  Come on girl.....where are those blood test results?? You just holdin out on us? I have been DYIN to hear. And how did St. Patrics Day go by without a post from you? Did ya lose your Irish on tx? I hope you at least wore something green. Tell me you did NOT have to dye anyones hair green that day.  
  

[audreywald]

Perhaps because women have to put up with men is one reason we "*****."


now this is a joke guys. I love men, or I would not have married three of them.

[litecloud]

Isn't that elegal. 3 men at one time, boy your a lucky gal!!!

[honey1616]

Just had my morning laughs reading the posts.  Yeah..Harley....I think Indiana might have got ya on your posting a couple of weeks ago about the women creating the problems! LOL  And Chevy...I figured you were coming to our rescue but you agreed???  And then proceeded to tell Harley you loved him.. haha I figured after his posting...he was going to get some serious ass stomping from a lot of women but nooo...hmmm I guess we are all pretty nice here and not b@@@@@@!! LOL

[Galen]

I'm holding my breath as I had my blood draw on the 15th.  I should get the results sometime mid-week and will let you know the good news when I do.
St. Paddy's day had to carry on without me this year again.  my favorite cat, Roxie, died a couple of days before and I wasn't in the mood to celebrate.  She is the one friend that sat with me every night throughout tx and I miss her terribly.  I buried her last Sunday under my favorite tree, a weeping yaupon holly, in my front yard.

[honey1616]

So sorry to hear about your cat!!  I know its so hard as our pets become our best friends and I know mine have been here for me going through this tx.  My heart goes out to you!

[twotells]

Sorry to hear about your cat.  The last couple of days I've been dealing with a very sick cat, our Keetz.  She goes for x-rays and an ultrasound tommorrow.  This tx has been hard for me, but my 2 cats and especially my little eskie dog have been my constant companions.  They have made it alot more bearable.

On the subject of gender differences, when I ***** as a guy, I'm also considered a baby.  I don't think the gals are considered babies when they cry the blues.

Individual persons aren't statistical norms.  eg: I have a painful extrahepatic/auto-immune problem related to HCV which is more common (9 to 1) in females with HCV.  Later, Dave

[DebbieDo]

So sorry to hear about your dear cat.  I can relate, my cat is 19 yrs old, i can't imagine things without her.  You know they are so special, they know when you feel bad and they know when you are MAD...and most of all they can sense your love and  affection.  Best of Luck with your labs....Let us hear from you!
          Deb

[litecloud]

Am sorry to hear about your cat Roxie.Remember the good times, it will help you ease your pain.Our pets are part of our family and there greatly missed, when they pass.They love us unconditionaly, just as we love them. Roxie gave you all her love, without asking for anything return, if that is not love then what is.When you feel sad give Roxies picture a big kiss,for she will always still be there holding you in her heart.
I love cats, I have six of them.So I understand. Am sorry for your loss, my prayers are with you.

[CARUU]

I'm so sorry to hear about Roxy.  I lost my cat Rey Rey during tx.  It's been hard and I miss him a lot.  I know it must have been great having Roxy in your life.  Please let us know as soon as you hear the good news!  I'm having my RNA test this week and last shot on Friday (if my test comes back clear).  Best wishes, caruu

[Indiana]

Ok.....wifey wants to know what her award might be for?
She kinda lost "Control" of me while I was on tx....and now I'm feelinf so GREAT and energetic that she has yet to regain her former status. I just laugh too much and am happy ALL the time. I am sure it bugs her to no end. I have regained my brain and actually have sane opinions now and have gotten back into all my "Guy" stuff again.....like watchin sports and stuff. She is havin a hard time adjusting since I spent so many years just moping around and then BITCHING all through my tx. hahahahahaha
Let me know what you had planned for her. She is curious.

Galen.....Awwww. I am Soooo sorry to hear about your cat. I lost my bestest cat a couple years ago. Tiger was just old. He died here at home from kidney failure. But he just layed down and went to sleep. I donated him to a research hospital. I still think of him. I have his collar hanging here on my wall next to his picture. Your cat probably knew you were having problems and stayed with you through all that. Then, when you were safe, she moved on. Animals are like that. She was there for you when you needed her. She will always be with you in your heart.
I have a new kitten in the house nowadays. My daughter "Rescued" him a couple of weeks ago. He is apparently now an official member of the family. His name will be Jac. "The General" (jasmine...my other cat) is NOT happy about this. He is an idiot cat.....he has no fear and just be-bops around here gettin into everything. I am still not sure if he's an idiot because he's a kitten of cuz he's a GUY. Hahahahahaha  Got an opinion on THAT??
I am waitin on those results baby..........I'm sure you have my e-mail.

[layla]

Sorry  to see you lost your dear pet. I'll be wishing you good news on your labs. LL

[jonihs]

Most diseases, if they do have a gender based difference,(ones I've learned about anyway) the bias seems to go better for men.
Example: In one unsafe sexual encounter, men have a 12% chance of infection. Women have a 42% chance. Sorry guys, when I found out Hep C tends to succeed a little better w/ women, I said "Hallalulah, it'a about time we get a break" Since becoming so involved in this forum, research, etc. My opinion changed. I want nothing more than for a cure soon and SVR for all of us.     Love Joni

[litecloud]

Sorry to hear about your cat Keetz, if there is any info I can help you with I will be glad to, I work for a specialty hospital for very sick animals. My e-mail is ***@****
Take care, God Bless

[jg2001]

I am truly sorry to hear of the loss of your companion, Roxie.  I have also lost companions throughout the years and it is an awful, awful loss.  I have found a site that, for me, is comforting during this time. I warn you though, it will make you cry.  But it is a beautifully arranged site where you can go to light a candle and leave a story or picture of Roxie.  Its called Rainbow Bridge Pet Loss ~ http://www.petloss.com/ ~  If you visit, please have kleenex nearby.

Sincerely,

Jamie

[cindee]

I'm soo sorry to hear your sad news about Roxy. I'm saying extra special prayers for you tonite....for Roxy and for your next blood results. Luv ya, Cindee