working on treatment

[LIZZY_SC]

wondering while on treatment will my husband be able to work? he works construction and is very hard work just wanted to know if he will have the strengh. And what r the side effects of treatment? We just found out yesterday that he is positive can anyone give us some advice we are trying to learn all we can so all info will be appercaied.

[Trish77]

I'm in Week 15 and working.  The key for me to be working is to spend as much of my weekend as I require for resting up and on my weeknights too, whenever my body requires it. I've cut back on a number of activities that I'm used to doing so that I can make sure I rest up enough to work through the week. However, treatment hits everybody differently and your husband will need to consider that he may or may not be able to work .. may have to cut back his work at some point in his treatment...it's a bit of a wildcard and nobody can say what his treatment WILL be like.. only what it CAN be like.  I looked at worst case scenario and if I could handle that mentally and financially with regards to working.  Don't want to go to worst case scenario but I have the backup plan if I need it...kicking and screaming all the way..lol

The thing that strikes me is that he just found out six weeks ago that he has Hep C and it seems like he's being rushed into treatment before having a full understanding of what he's getting into.  I hope you will take the time to understand your options and what's involved with treatment and to understand what it means to have Hep C.  

Please make sure he's seeing a doctor who is experienced with treating persons with Hep C.  Not all gastroenterologists are created equal when it comes to Hep C.

Good luck to you and your husband.

Trish

[ADESI]

I have been able to work  (In 32nd week) and commute 3 hrs. a day back and forth.
However I have had to cut back a quite a bit on physical duties. I do my Pegasys
on friday eve. , wouldn't be able to work on weekends though.
good luck

[meki]

Lizzy --- Whoa....

take your time and read the boards...

Read several pages back and multiple posts.

This is one of the best forums - filled with information and lots of good folks who have been there and done that.

Google --- Janis and Friends ---- an EXCELLENT resource website with tons of information on there.

Also check out HCVadvocate  --- it's a ******* address - so you can just type in hcvadvocate *******.

Take some time and get to know what is going on before deciding on treatment...

You'll need to know what his genotype is - what his damage to his liver is --- what his chances of an outcome are... etc. etc.

You'll want to know what treatment options are available ---- and WHAT those treatments can do to you.

Then you'll want to make a VERY INFORMED decision.

Do not just jump into treating.

I am very PRO treatment - but treatment --- or the chemotherapy for Hepatitis C is NOT for everyone.


Now - as to your question...

Can he work?

I don't know.

I managed to mangle my way through a very stressful job --- and kept it --- I don't know how they put up with me - but they did.

There are a LOT of folks who CAN work... and a lot of folks who cannot.

Each person responds differently to the Treatment. Interferon and Ribavirin.

Some people can manage with the side effects - others cannot.

Some people happy skip through the medicines - and others are bedridden.

So - I don't know where the hubby will land in that mix - but you guys need to be aware of the possibilities ---- SO please --- get informed... Make your choices AFTER knowing what can happen.

Much luck to youse guys --- and nice to meet ya.

Not the greatest thing to learn - but THIS is the greatest forum around with folks who have more knowledge combined -- and we share that info.

Meki

[Trinity4]

There are a lot of tests your husband will have to have before considering treatment.  Firstly, did he have a full hep panel to see if he has the active virus?  Some people test positive for the antibodies but a certain percentage clear the virus on their own and will always have antibodies but no active virus.  Did they tell him what genotype and what his viral load is?  Assuming he has had all the necessary bloodwork and does have the active virus he will need a liver biopsy to determine the extent of damage.  Depending on how long you've had the virus, age, and other factors such as alcohol or drug use can effect the degree to which the liver is damaged.  Knowing the above is very important because he may be able to wait for treatment if his liver is still healthy.  The standard course of treatment for genotype 1's is 48 wks and 2's and 3's are 24 wks.  Everyone has different side effects during treatment but fatigue is a big one.  Those that have physical jobs may have to reduce hours and some just can't work at all.  I am in my 12th week of treatment and work everyday but it's desk job.  Very tired most of the time and tx can cause some major problems like low red blood cell, low white blood cells and low platelets.  All these things can effect how you feel so the only way to know how he will react is when he actually starts treating.  I can't be anymore specific because it really depends on the individual.  Let's hope he is healthy enough to wait right now but please have him get the necessary testing so that he knows what direction to take.
Trinity

[122 Tactical Fighter Group]

I was not able to work during tx - but I was in a clinical trial at Mayo in 1996 - plain alpha-interferon and ribavarin capsules.An injection every other day.  And 5 million units of interferon at that! Current therapy has the interferon coated with a glycol that makes it timed release and requires only one injection of a much lower dose per week - high rates of success with this......and considerably fewer side effects than 12 years ago - my best to you and your husband -