Hello all, I have been following this site for about ten months. It has helped me a great deal. I am in my 43rd week of Interferon/Riba treatment. Geno 1a, nondetected at 4 weeks and remain (many tests). I am 57, white male, 150lbs. My gastro expert wants me to treat for 52 weeks total (48 weeks after non detected) and I intend to.
Thank you for providing an honest informational forum that answered many questions for me. Your personal experiences gave me a real understanding of what my journey could be like. It prepared me for sides associated with treatment and made it a little easier to walk the walk. You also gave me the tools to understand my blood work and required tests. Your information sharing gave me a feeling of being in charge and I like that. Even thou this is truly a personal journey each of us take I have found this site and your comments to be my journeys companions. Thank you all.
My worst side is the fatigue. It raised its nasty head around week 3/4 and has been along for the ride since. I do get some good days and have learned not to over do it, as I will pay dearly. I also experience hair loss, the Riba Rash, and mood swings (irritability/emotions). I also had spots in my vision that slowly went away.
Prior to treatment I also experienced fatigue. My feet and hands would get cold (I live in Florida) and at times portions of my skin would feel like someone was sticking me with a pin. I attributed all to aging. But, not so, it was HEP C.
I have not missed any work although I probably should have in the early days of treatment. I am a manager and Riba Raged on one employee, poor thing, I knew what I was doing but could not stop myself. I have since learned to tame that beast. My lovely wife (36 years and HEPC neg) may disagree with that. She has been very understanding.
I experienced "hitting the wall" several times, week 30 and then again at 41. Sometimes it was just darn hard to make it though the day, but I did, again your personal testimony helped me with those tough times. Thanks again, I will do my best to provide input where I can. I think it is time I started giving back. Thanks,