treatment hep c - the journey so far

[calmblueocean]

Hi,
I started treatment about 5 days ago - 1 weekly pegasys injection and 6 daily ribavirin. I have genotype 1. ALT elevated over the last year. No idea on viral load etc, but feedback was that it was quite high so longer treatment will probabvly be required. Probably had hep c for 25 years. Immortality was big in the late 70's and early 80's from my recollection. No biopsy - thought I had enough info to look at doing treatment. I also had a non invasive liver test called a heppascore; score was .51 which said there was some liver damage ie I had 90%chance of F2 fibrosis and 20% chance of F4 fibrosis (cirrhosis).
Thus far I've been blessed with relatively smooth sailing. I've read up a lot on this and I know it is very early days for me. I certainly have carried and am still carrying fear about getting the debilitating side effects many others have described. Apart from a few minor headaches, very slight chills and skin rash on my face nothing to speak of yet. I read somehere that there is some sort of correlation between side effects and treatment success ie that if no side effects it is less likely treatment will be successful? Does anyone know of a journal where that finding was published?
I guess the other thing is: what in people's experiences has helped the treatment along both in minimising side effects and also in predicting good treatment outcomes?
Thanks for your time. It's been great finding this site...
M

[meki]

Ohmygosh calmblue --- dang -- there's a zillion and one things to help you out on what to do for what sides already written up.

It really depends on your reaction - and what help you need at that time.

But the top things are: Water, lotions, stuff to keep your mouth moist...

And patience...

Humor... Laughter... and the realization that time will get you through this.

Much luck - and please - feel free to check out all of the posts in the forums dealing with side effects there are so many of them --- so you can be prepared - at least, mentally.

Hugs,

Meki

[FlGuy]

Understanding the rate of viral load decrease is important to know for treatment decisions as you continue. So, if you havent yet, you should work out those details with the doc.  At a minimum, you should have a pcr after 4 weeks (day before 5th shot) and every 4 weeks (more frequent if possible) until you get to undetectable.
You shouldn't make too much of the mild side effects yet. First it's still early for you and feeling bad does not necessarily relate to getting better.  As for existing through treatment; try to eat well, rest well and keep some level of activity that will keep you from become couch-bound and something stimulating for mental clarity.