Good luck no matter what you decide on treatment. It's not the end of the world.
Can't add to what the others have said, just wanted to wish you luck on your new journey.
Mouse
Sorry to welcome you aboard, but you're amongst friends here who truly understand and are going through the same thing you are. What meki and jim said are dead on, and don't be all "gung ho" on starting treatment with existing drugs all by themselves (interferon (or IFN) and ribavirin (or riba)). There's a new developmental drug that really boosts the performance of the IFN and riba (that I just finished taking last year). It's called VX950 or Telaprevir, and there are continuing/ongoing trials of it that you might be able to get in on. Or if your liver isn't too bad off, you can even wait for FDA approval and just be treated at your doctor's office. FDA approval will probably come in about 2 years or so if all goes well (no guarantees though). In the meantime hang in there and educate yourself as best you can, being informed and proactive before and during your fight with the hepC virus will greatly increase your odds of winning this battle the first time around. Thanks for your service to our country, semper fi.
I would hold off making a decision on treating until you get the results of your biospy. If you have little or no liver damage, you might want to wait for newer treatment regimens which hopefully will emerge from trial in the next couple of years. Potentially, they can double the cure rate (80 versus 40 per cent) in half the time (24weeks versus 48 weeks). Also, if you're not already seeing one, I also recommend you see (or at least consult with) a liver specialist. They're called hepatologists and can be found at your larger, teaching hospitals. Many Gastroenterologists and GPs just aren't as up to date and don't have the experience. Meanwhile, try and learn as much as you can.
-- Jim
DAVMarine --- well - first, each person responds differently to treatment. There is no set --- YEP --- this is exactly what is going to happen...
Some people tolerate the TX (treatment) very well - others --- not so well.
Some folks have permanent damage - some have no problems at all.
Some folks can't take it --- and can die from it.
Others breeze through it like it's melted butter on mashed potatoes.
I figure the chief complaint of TX is Fatigue --- inability to concentrate, aches and pains... Low levels of energy - if any.
Kind of feeling like you have the worst flu of your life for many months.
Pay attention to your biopsy - learn what TX can do to you - and everything - make a researched decision on whether you want to treat or not.
Some people can wait - others cannot. It's an individual experience for each person.
You seem fairly educated and computer literate - so I will suggest that you take the time to browse through the forum posts here --- Google janis and friends hepatitis ---- which janis and friends will come up -- there is a wealth of info there.
Also go to hepcadvocate.com
That is a great link spot - and good info.
Welcome to the board - and good luck either way you go.
Meki