what to expect

[timedog]

First let me say hello to the group. Just found this site yesterday. I don't know all the terms you guys use. I have hep c did liver bioposy in stage two and type two genome. I started treatment on monday Ribavairin and pegasa interferon. Read alot about side effects which is what I want to know about at the moment. What to expect when. I know it is different for everyone. But if I could get some straight anwsers here. Like week one I felt this week two that and so on. Right now I don't need any cheerleading just the straight dope (so to speak). I am in this for the long haul and just would like to know what to expect and when.

thanks for any help you can be

[amommy]

Timedog, Dale ray completely hit the nail on the head :)  
And the best part? you may get all of those sxs and MORE or none!

[jmjm530]

I had a rougher time than Del Ray and well past 12 weeks -- let's say past 40 weeks. On the other hand, most here haven't had it that bad. Some hardly have any sides. You'll find out soon enough where you fit in. My only advice is to monitor your hemoglobin (hgb) on a weekly basis in the beginning. A big drop in hemoglobin can be devastating early in treatment and make you wish you could die. Good hepatologists proscribe the rescue drug "Procrit" to make you feel better keep you on treatment. Unfortunately, many do it too late making you suffer needlessly, or worse yet, taking you off the drugs temporarily which decreases your chance of SVR. If you haven't already, this is a good time to discuss rescue drugs such as Procrit with your doctor. Does he use them? At what point? Etc. If he doesn't believe in the rescue drugs, find another doctor if you want the optimum chance of treatment success.

-- Jim

[rifleman]

Just paying my weekly visit.  I see below that You might be finished, Jim.  54 weeks seems like a long time.  If you were undetectable at week 6. . . . . .jeez. . . . I think it is gone.  Must be tough to give up the tx after taking the stuff for over a year, but I don't see how any of those little sdratsab(read it backward) can be alive.
DJL

[jmjm530]

Looks like I'm finished at 54-weeks, to be verified when i don't take my 55th shot. LOL. Based on my age (59) and histology (stage 3) I was given tx advice ranging from 48 weeks to 2-years by one internet doctor. Most said 48 weeks by my treating doctor asked for a little more. In the end, it's my call and I'm grateful my medical team lets me work that way. I sure hope all the *)*&)&& are dead as well but at some point -- as you well know -- it's out of our hands. At least this phase will be over, and that in and of itself is a huge relief and victory of sorts. Thanks for stopping by.

-- Jim

[timedog]

Thanks for everyones comments and infomation very helpful. Will follow up on the advice. For me so far so good after the first shot. No flu like symptoms really and just a  little more tired then usal.

As for a lot of us I must work, which is challenging enough on it's own. I travel a lot and manage a large group of people. I know a lot is going to depend of me just toughing out the hard stuff if and when it should come. I just wasn't sure when to expect it. At my doctors suggestion I have put a halt to traveling for 6 weeks and am getting my blood tested once a week to check on cell count and what ever. Will keep you all posted as time passes.

again thanks

glad you are all here.

[NYgirl]

wow that was excellent advise on your doctors part - i like him!

the first month while you are waiting to see what happens with the hemo it is so important to keep a good eye on the CBC and he sounds like he is all over it.

i wish I didn't have to work either - I chip in on the lotto pool with others here at work LOL - it gives me something to dream about at the very least.

it sounds like you are going to do JUST FINE with treatment - you seem to have a great doctor and a great head on your shoulders with a really positive attitude. with all of those attributes...you just can't go wrong!

(PS Watch out for when you get the "Riba-Rage" make sure you don't go and fire all of your staff in a wild rage!  ;-)