How is the Treatment for HCV

[na34]

Hi,
I have just got the news about being HCV positive.
I do not know which type I am yet and am overwhelmed with all my questions unanswered.
Of course, I want to do the treatment, I am worried about its side effects (will I be able to work?) and not sure of what to say at work either.
I am a professional and no one would ever guess of my dark days during my teenage years and yes I am not proud of those either.

I am scared and need some feedback on how you are supporting the treatment.
How do you know if you are a candidate? Are you always a candidate?
Thanks.

[Mary4now]

Wow I think back a short 2 months ago when I first found out.
No not everyone is a candidate, but I think it is only a small segment that are not.
You need to get your blood work  to find out the genotype of the virus 1 being the most common in US then 2 & 3 and sometimes 4, last I heard there were 11 genotypes and they come from different parts of the world.  
Then you need to get a biopsy done to determine if there is any damage to the liver and how much, that is calculated in stages.
I think I've been carrying the virus for 20+ years, but I"m not 100% sure,
I am a genotype 1 (which has a 50% clear rate) while 2 has an 85%
my liver damage is minimal stage 1 grade 1 (1 out of 6 I think,  and 4 is getting into or is Chirrosis) anyway I have opted to wait and get retested in another 6 mos. to a year. to see whats happening.  The treatment can be very hard on your body, and if I can wait a bit I will, the treatment can take anywhere from 24 to 72 weeks, so it is a big deal for most people.
Drinking alcohol is a big NO, my hepatologist told me that it is like pouring gasoline on fire.  So I dont even take a drop.. havent for over 25 years anyway.  
I think most people have those dark days in their youth, I'm learning that, people who understand do not hold any of that against you, and nobody deserves to have this virus.  Think good thoughts what was is gone and what will be is yet to be determined, live today and do the best you can to take care of yourself.  80% of the people that have this virus are not diagnosed.  ( I love these little statistics )  and most people die with the virus not from it.  It is so variable, just find out whats going on and take it from there.  I wish you the best luck and keep coming back here, there are some very informed people here that can help you.  I just gave you a few pieces of information to get you started. M4now

[Mary4now]

Maybe you've received some private messages, but to answer you post question "How is treatment"  I have not started treatment, but you can get alot of information from looking through this site.  Some people have a hard time, others dont have many side effects.  Alot of people work full loads & more.  Others have to adjust their schedule, it seems though that it can be a tough road, so most people do the treatment on the weekend when they can just take care of themselves, sleep,, you can get alot of information from reading the posts here, and hopefully my response will bump you up and you can get some more answers.  Mary    Everyone here is really supportive, and have been through it.   remember not to worry, and take it easy,  there are lots of people in the same boat, and many have cleared the virus from their system, and new drugs are being studied and hopefully trialed soon... XXXX Mary

[na34]

Thank you Mary for your responses.
I think that I am going to be addicted to this forum.
I will talk to my doctor and see where I am before I am deciding to do the treatment. If i can wait couple years... but of course, it depends of the level and what is best for me.
I am not sick or feel weird, so I hope this is a "good"sign that I can wait for better treatments.
I will have been positive since 94 and have been really healthy in the last 12 years. I am in my thirties. I occasionnally have a glass of wine (once every 2 months) so hopefully that is good.
At least I know, so knowledge is power. I am trying to be positive because I have to. Plus, reading on this forum has been helpful.
I can't wait for the results!
Thanks for your support, it means the world to me.
I will keep you posted.
Nana

[Jakied]

Hope for genotype 2 or 3 but DO NOT feel devestated if you have genotype 1.  I believe 75% of Hcv cases in the Usa are 1.  2 and 3 have a shorter treatment time and higher clearenece rate than 1.

NO alchohol.  With Hcv, that is like trying to put out a fire with gasoline.