Apr 08, 2012 -
comments
I started my Treatment Friday May 13th 2011 I took my last interferon shot Good Friday April 6 2012 and will take my last Riba pill Friday April 13, 2012. Hmmm....
Since I found out that I had HCV it became an obsession with me, studying it, thinking about it, worrying about it, etc. I needed to try and take the opportunity to get rid of it.
My 4week vl was questionable und or not so I ended up doing 48 weeks. I became und somewhere between week 4 and 12. What a bunch of huey! Those stupid VL tests have caused more anguish for many than the sx themselves!
I wish that I could say that treatment was easier than it was for me. I think I had most of the negative treatment sx for most of my treatment. One thing that was never in danger for me was my WBC or ANC, so in that regard I have been lucky. I suffered from severe anemia and have been on procrit since week 5.
In the same circumstances knowing what I know now, If I had the chance to do it again I would because I was stage 2, (I feel like that was questionable could have been a stage 3) over 50, no other major health problems, had a chance to be in an excellent dosing study with the incivek. ($$saved) . I still spent a lot on all kinds helper drugs even with insurance. I am a CT allele which really needs the DAA for extra lift in SVR chances, Only working part time for myself as a caregiver to seniors. (go figure).
Now, On the other hand, Right now, I feel like this treatment has about ruined me physically and mentally. At the end of treatment, I feel like an elderly woman, look like one, act like one. Not that there is anything wrong with that but for a 53 year old I feel like Ive lost 20 years. Ive lost 20 lbs. lost half my hair,I can't hardly carry on a conversation(repeat my self over and over), cant think clearly, drive a car barely, I have spurts of motivation but not long lasting. I am very obsessive. ocd about food, dirt, I have grossed myself out so many times on treatment that I cant imagine. Even though I have a husband and two teenagers I did not have a great support system. I feel like not being properly cared for when I needed it the most really exasperated the treatment difficulties. Hopefully I will be able to get past that resentment.
I have had bi-polar episodes that make me go from very angry(rant), too happy, so sad (crying all the time). full of guilt, embarrassment, hatred, needy, I wonder if I will ever be normal again, OMG! What the hell is in this stuff that screws with the human body so severely!!!!
I feel rode hard and hung up wet!
I cant advise anyone to do this or not to do this but I would really think it thru and look at all the options so carefully. Once you get started, just stopping is just not a good option unless a life threatening situation arises. This is a HUGE commitment. You have to be completely dedicated to this. This can be very tough for many. This is not for the faint of heart. You better get ready for a fight! A real battle! These meds are mega powerful! Have an array of sx from mild to severe. Like I said, Some of them can be life threatening. I just hope the researchers come out with something much better for treatment soon. . I really had no idea what I was getting into.
I havnt had my 48 week VL test done. Not sure when they do that. Now as of this coming Friday I will play the SVR waiting game. That is also a bunch of Huey. I will be sooooo relieved when this is over.
The only other thing I can say is, I wish everyone who decides to do the current treatment options all the best and mostly SVR!