confused about treatment

  I have had HCV anti-bodies since 1991 with constantly normal liver enzymes. Had first PCR test done in 11/98 and it was 750,000 so MD referred me to my husband's gastro MD. My husband is on combo therapy after two interferon failures. Gastro MD said he wanted a liver biopsy since disease in my system for eight years and damage could be happening even with normal liver enzymes. I agreed and had biopsy on 2/3/99. Showed mild inflammation in the portal area only and limited miled fibrosis. A followup PCR test showed 459,000 and liver enzymes are still normal, even lower-normal that before. He wants to put me on one year of infergen and be part of a study. I have read in numerous articles that pts. with normal enzymes do not respond to interferon therapy and may even raise their liver enzymes.This gastro MD does not care what PCR or enzymes are, he only goes by biopsy results. I am going for a second opinion on 3/29/99 to Melissa Palmer, MD who has an excellent reputation and wonderful people skills which first gastro MD lacked.I feel since virus in me since 1991 and only minor liver damage has occurred, I would rather me watched and blood tests every six months and hope for a better treatment to come along. I feel no matter what I do I'm taking a risk.First gastro MD told my husband at the hospital the day of my biopsy that I could get the meds for free. I found that very upsetting because he did'nt even know my biopsy results yet and already he has me on interferon. I understand that pts. in my situtation are rare and very valuable for study. I don't want to be some MD's subject of a lecture or paper. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

[HFHSM.D.-D.M.]

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Dear Cathleen Ann:
I really enjoyed your letter.  I appreciated your comments and thoughts and I