Beginning treatment at NIH

Found out I had Hep C through the health dept free clinic in 2003. Went online searching for Clinical Trials since I don't have health insurance.  Found NIH.  Have been there twice.  The first appt. there - March 07 my viral load was 1.7 million.  My last appt. - May 07 my vl was 2.7 million.  I am 1b geno, 57, female and 124 lbs at 5'7". I feel pretty good outside of exhaustion and depression.  

I had a liver biopsy that was negative in 2004 for which the doctor at NIH requested the slides to be reexamined. The doctor said there was no apparent liver damage.  The Doctor said I could wait six months or a year.  He also said that once I start the treatment should I choose to, I would have a year of great discomfort.  Whoaa.  I called the Doctor after loosing sleep to say I was ready to dive in the deep end.  I begin May 23, 07, next Wednesday.  

I just want you good people to know I have been gleening your deep personal thoughts and they have given me courage.  This web site is my beacon.  I am joining the round table of the Dragon Slayers.  I salute you all.  Has anyone out there gone through NIH or another "Clinical Trial"?  Thanx.

[GrandmaA]

Good luck in your clinical trial. I'm so happy for you. They are getting lots of great results in those trials. Everyone experiences sx differently and not every day is the same. Glad you are going to jump into the deep end. Best wishes. Please keep us posted.

[cathi1]

I too am a 57year old female, 5'7"a little more than 124 lbs, geno 1B, VL 1.9 million. Pretty similar......   Very nice to meet you!!!!!!

Happy to hear you have made your decision to tx. I read it is better to be slender  than  not, for killing this virus.  Wishing you the best!

I've been hanging around here also, Learning just how courageous every one of this people are. Not only am I learning how to deal with what has been dealt; I'm learning how humor is a great healer too!!!!   When your down, just to read these threads, changes dispair to hope. And the freindships are so deep.

Any way, Just waiting for a biopsy which I had done this morning. Very different from the one I had in 1969 and 1999. Those were in my back,with no discomfort at all. This one today was done during an ultrasound in the front, slightly right of center. Boy, I thought I was shot!  I lost my breath, went faint, was sure my lung was punctured!!!!  Alls well that ends well; I'll know for sure what is up Monday.  I keep trying not to chime in til I know for certain. Still hoping against hope.
God Bless
Cathi

[cathi1]

Been thinking about you and want to say Hi !  Reading about you and are just so happy for you -  Counting down the days with you; Have a happy retirement!!!!!!!!
Cheers to health and " leisure " time !        
         cathi