whats going to happen

[msmagic42]

I got my biopsy results back and its really bad.The doctor wants me to interferon treatments now. I was told that it makes you suicdel,and depessed,and you just want to die. I'm scared.I had problems with suicide most of my life .I have finley got past it and wanting to live, now I'm scared its going to come back. WHATS GOIN TO HAPPEN?

[msmagic42]

I have a hep C / liver doctor. I'm in stages 4/5. I need a liver transplant but my infections are to high for one. I need the treatments to bring down the infections.I signed a pape to get a copy of my medical records last week. I should get them soon. I don' understand everything my doctor says. He says that my liver has progressed faster than it should have. I told him that I got it when I was 16 from a transfousion ,he thinks I got it 16 years ago. I'm 42. As soon as I get my medical records I will let ya'll know thay say. I started trying to kill myself at 7 years old.My mental deppresssion I've had sence I can remember. I have been on meds from the age of 2. I started an intense therapy 3 years ago and have been off my meds 2 years now. I worked really hard to get this far. My medications were keeping me from working anddoing all the things I wanted to do . All I ever wanted to do was be normal and fit in with other people. This is the only place I can really talk about this andit really does feel good to know that I'm not alone. Thank you.

[jmjm530]

First, you really need to get a medical definition of "bad". Ask your doctor what "stage" liver damage you have and get your own copy of the biopsy report. After that, you can more intelligently weigh the risks of treatment versus the rewards in consultation with both a liver specialist (hepatologist) and a psychiatrist familiar with both your history and the treatment drugs. Hepatologists can usually be found at your larger, teaching hospitals and in general know more than family doctors and Gastros about treatment risks and how to both evaluate and manage them, Do not rush your decision until you have all the information and have seen at least one hepatologist as well as a consulting psychiatrist unless your psychiatrist is very familiar with these drugs.

Jim

[Trinity4]

Would you share your biopsy results with us?  What stage and grade did your biopsy results show?  Treatment can be postponed if liver diseased has not progressed to the advanced stages.  You should be monitored very very closely if you choose to start treatment because of your history of depression.  Some physicians will not treat patients with a history of severe depression.  Depression is manageable if you have a good medical team or psychiatrist that will prescribe appropriate medications prior and during treatment to prevent depression and psychotic episodes.  Not everyone experiences depression so don't believe all the horror stories you read.  No one can tell you what's going to happen to you on treatment, each person is different.  We can advise you to seek out the best course of action to prevent additional psycological problems from occuring.  As stated, with your history it most advisable you manage the depression prior to treatment or if you are currently on an anti-depressant make sure you are closely monitored.  Good Luck
Trinity  

[Rockerforlife]

Treatment with interferon alfa has been associated withdepression and suicide in some people. Those with a history of suicidal ideation or depressive illness should be warned of such risks, and wellbeing during therapy closely monitored. People who have experienced depression in the past will sometimes be reviewed by a psychiatrist before being considered for treatment

http://74.125.95.132/search?q=cache:trOKDsuKuy0J:www.hepqld.asn.au/factsheets/36%2520-%2520Pegylated%2520Interferon%2520Combination%2520Therapy%2520-%2520Factsheet.pdf+suicide+and+pegatron+side+effects&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=11&gl=ca

[Rockerforlife]

A very small % of people on tx commit suicide.its very rare...were talking 1% i think....i dont think you should let this stop you from considering tx...its not as bad as it seems....most people do ok...like me...the tx doctors keep a close eye on you....you should be ok

[pilgrim1951]

I'm sorry to hear the news, but you have to remain positive with your "new outlook" on life.  

You didn't mention what kind of doctor you have, but I think most people here would suggest having a liver/hep specialist, especially with your Bx results.  If your doctor has a lot of experience with Tx, he should be able to help with your anxiety about treatment by starting you with an AD to counter the feelings you are concerned about.  My doctor gave me Celexa aroung the sixth week after having moments on occasional days that were sort of bad.  I now am in my twentieth week of Tx and doing much better than before starting the AD.  Many of us here have wrestled with depression during treatment and gotten past it to successful treatment.  

You will find this forum to be very helpful and supportive during Tx and a place where people will really understand what you are going through, which even friends and loved ones have a hard time with, unless they have gone through it, too.

Best wishes and God bless you with your decision,

Pilgrim

[CMcH]

Make sure you are closely monitored. The depression is not constant just occasionally.
It seemed to hit me more when my RBC were low and I was anemic. I started taking AD's a year or so ago for menopause and recently changed it on TX. I didn't want to die but just felt run down and to tired to feel joy. Again these times don't last long with the use of some rescue drugs. You will be OK just make sure you have a good Doc that watches you closely.

[w.c. missy]

Sorry to hear about your results... but the interferon & side effects and be managed.  Just talk with your doctor, mine put me on anti depressants & anti anxiety, which seemed to make the treatment much more tolerable - Beast of luck to you!

Peace,
W.C. Missy