should i do meds

I'm suppose to start the 3 meds. next week. I'm g1a, 57 yrs.,and have had it for close to 40 yrs.  I'm just really worried about how sick I might become, not being able to work, I work 30 hrs. a week in the school system.  Will I have lasting symptoms after the meds. will i ever feel good again?  Right now I feel pretty good.  Some aches and pains, sinus problems, and burning mouth syndrom (syndrome) which I'm not sure is caused  from the Hep., but still have a life.  also i have blue care network insurance so approximatly how much is this going go cost me?

[orphanedhawk]

The most important reason to do this treatment is to ensure the health of your liver. Hep c is the number one cause of liver cancer and liver transplantation in the U.S.
However, just because you have the virus doesn't mean you have liver damage.
And just because you feel great, doesn't mean you don't have cirrhosis of the liver.

Have you had a biopsy ? What were the results ?
There is no reason to jump into treatment immediately.
Ideally you should first be informed and your doctor should be the one who informs you, though we're  here to help.

Concerning your treatment, unfortunately nobody can say how you, personally will react to the meds. Many people do work while doing treatment, others can barely make it out of bed. There is no question you will be affected one way or the other and yes, it can be extreme.

Few people have long term side effects but some do. Nobody has a crystal ball that will show the future.

For costs, I suggest you call your insurance company.

[coeric]

welcome to the forum.m i am also 57 and just finished treatment with incevik.  some folks have mild symptoms while others, including myself, are debilitated. nobody can say how sick you will be or if you will experience lasting side effects.  i treated because with cirrhosis, i figured this disease had a good chance of killing me within a few years.  had the scarring in my liver been Stage 1 or 2  i would not have exposed myself to interferon. i believe everyone should know how scarred their liver is in order to decide whether to treat now or wait for less toxic treatments.  at one month following treatment i feel much worse than before i started treatment, and i may experience lasting side effects. but i would not hesitate to treat again.  you need to contact your insurance company to fine out about copays.
eric

[pcds]

I struggled with treating or waiting for newer less toxic medication.  I also had hep c for about 40 yrs.  I knew how bad treatment could be since I did it once.  It's better in a way not to know, but to just jump in and take it day at a time.  If you are going to treat I hope you have a liver specialist that knows the meds.  You will need weekly labs to stay on top of anemia.  I was on 3 therapy but also needed two additional injections for different anemia.  Incivik has a patient assist  program for your copay, the other meds don't unless you meet poverty levels.  My injectable copay was $100 each, so some months it cost $300 for the injectables.  I pd nothing for incevik and riba is cheap.  You will most likely feel awful.  That is the truth.  I worked during tx except for about 3 weeks.  I also live alone and had no one to help me, but then I managed ok.  I would suggest stocking up on as much stuff as you can. Shopping was a burden.  But I did it.  It's a bad memory for me now, but at least it's behind me.  These new meds are very effective. Good luck, there is great support here.  Not as many people treating as when a wave of us started a little over a year ago.

[bbj2856]

Yes it is good support. Many days I read these post and I know how bad  I felt and how it seemed to go on for very long time.  I would always feel better when I saw others posts. I go back Monday for blood work it will be my 3 months end of treatment praying for UND and good blood work. God bless you all.
bbj

[Idyllic]

Next week? Which Protease Inhibitor are you going to treat with?
You may want to verify your insurance benefits NOW so you are not surprised or caught in a jam. There are lots of numbers on the forum for assistance for both Incivek (Teleprevir) and Victrelis (Boceprevir). I have seen a few related to the Peg and Riba as well.

Like OH I have to wonder what compels you to treat at this particular time if you do not know how far your fibrosis has progressed. I know it seems like having HCV for 40 years would mean you might be pretty far along however this is not necessarily the case.

You may have time on your side and not have to treat right away. Many liver specialists are not very good at preparing a patient for treatment so this forum is a huge help. I strongly encourage you to address talk to your doctor or NP prior to treatment since you not only want to know how the meds will effect you; you want to know if they will prescribe "rescue meds" if the side effects get rough.

Best of luck to you.
Be sure to keep in touch and post often so we know you are doing OK!!