Aa
Email I received from a girl named Cathy
Hi Ron,
I have recently stumbled upon your e-mail address from Dr. Ren's web site message board. Which I had gotten out of a Hepatitis magazine.
You seem to be pretty informed on all this. I will tell you MY story, if you would listen, i would appreciate it. I don't know what to do at this point.
I am a healthy (5'6", 125 lb) 46 year old female. When I was 22 years old I was in a bad accident (was hit by a train) they saved my life, but gave me blood. I found out about 10 years ago I had Hep-C, type 2-b (the cause of my divorce), I have mild fibrosis, I think stage one. Had several biopsies done(every 5 yrs), results stay the same except the viral load keeps going higher, I believe it's 700 million. My doctor feels that because my liver is close to normal no need for treatment, because there wouldn't be anything to compare test A to test B to.(damage) He said treatment will only lower the viral load some, not irraticate it.
When I first found out, I had the biopsy done, I used to drink socially, I quit everything, smoking , drinking and took up the gym(running 3 miles a day and lifting every day, 5 days a wk) I did this for 3 yrs. and had another biopsy done, the results stayed the same (except for the viral load going way up) He wouldn't treat me. Said I was too healthy. My concern is that I now have had this for 24 years, I am starting to really worry about my mortality. And am afraid if I don't get treated while I am young enough to handle it, that I will get "sick" when I am, in their eyes, too old to be treated. I suffer from what you all call the "symptoms" depression, memory loss, fatigue, I haven't worked out in 2 years, and just sit and waste the days away.....just don't know where to focus anymore...do you have any ideas? I know that it's easy to say to get motivated, but I just need some answers about what to do with this, I feel helpless just sitting here doing nothing. I have a hard time dating , it's a big turn off to people...Thank you for your time, Cathy Collins
I have recently stumbled upon your e-mail address from Dr. Ren's web site message board. Which I had gotten out of a Hepatitis magazine.
You seem to be pretty informed on all this. I will tell you MY story, if you would listen, i would appreciate it. I don't know what to do at this point.
I am a healthy (5'6", 125 lb) 46 year old female. When I was 22 years old I was in a bad accident (was hit by a train) they saved my life, but gave me blood. I found out about 10 years ago I had Hep-C, type 2-b (the cause of my divorce), I have mild fibrosis, I think stage one. Had several biopsies done(every 5 yrs), results stay the same except the viral load keeps going higher, I believe it's 700 million. My doctor feels that because my liver is close to normal no need for treatment, because there wouldn't be anything to compare test A to test B to.(damage) He said treatment will only lower the viral load some, not irraticate it.
When I first found out, I had the biopsy done, I used to drink socially, I quit everything, smoking , drinking and took up the gym(running 3 miles a day and lifting every day, 5 days a wk) I did this for 3 yrs. and had another biopsy done, the results stayed the same (except for the viral load going way up) He wouldn't treat me. Said I was too healthy. My concern is that I now have had this for 24 years, I am starting to really worry about my mortality. And am afraid if I don't get treated while I am young enough to handle it, that I will get "sick" when I am, in their eyes, too old to be treated. I suffer from what you all call the "symptoms" depression, memory loss, fatigue, I haven't worked out in 2 years, and just sit and waste the days away.....just don't know where to focus anymore...do you have any ideas? I know that it's easy to say to get motivated, but I just need some answers about what to do with this, I feel helpless just sitting here doing nothing. I have a hard time dating , it's a big turn off to people...Thank you for your time, Cathy Collins
cuteus said:
"maybe this little article that does break it down by liver damage can at least enlighten you that extrahepatic manifestations are not bound by advanced liver damage."
Cuteus I have NEVER said extrahepatic symptoms only occurred in ESLD. I have never said they don't exist in stage 1,2 or 3 for that matter. I have only stated (in response to your post) that renal failure is not associated with HCV when the patient is only a 0,1.
Cuteus said:
"what I said was it does not have to be at ESLD to happen."
You made the initial assertion linking renal failure as a reason to treat. Remember the thread ? The topic was concerning whether to treat at stage 0,1, and you stated renal failure caused by HCV was a reason to treat. Here we were talking about whether this person should treat at stage 0 or 1 and you bring up renal failure to bolster your position to treat at those stages ? I found that inappropriate and to alleviate any fear I asked you to post anything that linked renal failure to HCV at stage 1. You ignored that and in a later post stated the same AGAIN. So now, the third time,it has morphed into::"what I said was it does not have to be at ESLD to happen."
Fine.
If you can show me a case of HCV-induced renal failure at stage 1,2,3 post it. Perhaps you can find what I can't---a proven link that some renal failures occurred in test patients in large trials in early disease stages. With all of the thousands of patients in these trials if renal failure occurred in all stages it should fairly easy to find. Not dysfunction----failure. I know when you link renal failure to cirrhosis you will find a much-documented relationship between the two.
I have never said that HCV cannot affect kidney function. I know better than that. HCV is systemic rather than organic and I have never said anything contrary to that effect.
Concerning renal failure attributed to HCV though, I can only find that linkage when it occurs in late stage (cirrhosis) liver disease.
Cuteus then said:
"Interesting that you demand studies but when I request the same it is ignored"
I honestly don't remember you asking me to post any study. If I post anything stated as fact and you want more info, let me know. I used to post links whenever I cited a study,etc,. Sometimes I still do, if it's handy. I have found that the majority of ppl I know in the hcv community are resourceful enough to pursue any topic that interests them. And most do whether a link is provided or not. Net searches are so easy now and if I'm interested in something I will look for the best sources to get the prevailing points of view. But, as previously stated, I will provide data to support anything I state as fact in any medically-related assertion that I make.
Fair enough? Ask away.
PK
"maybe this little article that does break it down by liver damage can at least enlighten you that extrahepatic manifestations are not bound by advanced liver damage."
Cuteus I have NEVER said extrahepatic symptoms only occurred in ESLD. I have never said they don't exist in stage 1,2 or 3 for that matter. I have only stated (in response to your post) that renal failure is not associated with HCV when the patient is only a 0,1.
Cuteus said:
"what I said was it does not have to be at ESLD to happen."
You made the initial assertion linking renal failure as a reason to treat. Remember the thread ? The topic was concerning whether to treat at stage 0,1, and you stated renal failure caused by HCV was a reason to treat. Here we were talking about whether this person should treat at stage 0 or 1 and you bring up renal failure to bolster your position to treat at those stages ? I found that inappropriate and to alleviate any fear I asked you to post anything that linked renal failure to HCV at stage 1. You ignored that and in a later post stated the same AGAIN. So now, the third time,it has morphed into::"what I said was it does not have to be at ESLD to happen."
Fine.
If you can show me a case of HCV-induced renal failure at stage 1,2,3 post it. Perhaps you can find what I can't---a proven link that some renal failures occurred in test patients in large trials in early disease stages. With all of the thousands of patients in these trials if renal failure occurred in all stages it should fairly easy to find. Not dysfunction----failure. I know when you link renal failure to cirrhosis you will find a much-documented relationship between the two.
I have never said that HCV cannot affect kidney function. I know better than that. HCV is systemic rather than organic and I have never said anything contrary to that effect.
Concerning renal failure attributed to HCV though, I can only find that linkage when it occurs in late stage (cirrhosis) liver disease.
Cuteus then said:
"Interesting that you demand studies but when I request the same it is ignored"
I honestly don't remember you asking me to post any study. If I post anything stated as fact and you want more info, let me know. I used to post links whenever I cited a study,etc,. Sometimes I still do, if it's handy. I have found that the majority of ppl I know in the hcv community are resourceful enough to pursue any topic that interests them. And most do whether a link is provided or not. Net searches are so easy now and if I'm interested in something I will look for the best sources to get the prevailing points of view. But, as previously stated, I will provide data to support anything I state as fact in any medically-related assertion that I make.
Fair enough? Ask away.
PK
so sorry to hear this, my sister had some of the same things you are suffering from and a lot of it got better (with her kidneys.) be well...
Sorry, everyone didn't mean to start that arguement. But in all things I have found out about the renal and hep connection, I do know now that within a year after hepatitis, (BTW I had Hep A at 12 yrs old so maybe I was more prone for Hep C) but I knew when I had the viral infection too, but I thought it had all went away. But the kidneys where affected within the first yr. I was so sick and turned jaundiced really bad both times, after it settled down somewhat I had lost 66 lbs and they found protein in my urine which is a usually a sure sign of kidney damage, At kidney biopsy it wasn't known that I was still carrying this virus they didn't check for it. So 30 yrs later here I am, battling 2 diseases that can potentially be fatal, my point is that while it was a very slow moving process the kidneys where damaged right from the start. And while you don't get ESRF at stage one that can be when it starts and then you can go thru the other stages either very slow like me I'm at stage 5 now with 11% kidney function and hanging on by the skin of my teeth so I can try to clear this and get my transplant. My creatinine at last lab was 6.4, BTW thanks Cuteus.
thanks Linda, i have read the same relation and one good friend might have lost her husband to ESRD due to hep c. And you dont have to be in end stage liver disease for it to happen. It is a sad reality. I am glad you are feeling better. there is always a posibility your kidneys will recover once HCV is gone, let's hope.
where do I say that end stage renal disease can happen at stage one? what I said was it does not have to be at ESLD to happen.
Interesting that you demand studies but when I request the same it is ignored, well, I should do the same and ignore your demand.
or maybe this little article that does break it down by liver damage can at least enlighten you that extrahepatic manifestations are not bound by advanced liver damage.
http://www.hcvadvocate.org/hcsp/articles/cognitive_impairment.html
and this one which states that renal involvenment starts early in HCV infection:
"Although renal involvement is common in hepatitis C, its lack of clinical manifestations means it goes undiagnosed in the majority of patients. Renal involvement can occur early in the course of the disease and occasionally is the presenting symptom of HCV infection. "
a key statement, it goes undiagnosed in the majority....
I am sure if you were really interested in learning about other manifestations of hep c without advanced liver damage, you will have found them.
Your continuous refusal to acknowledge symptoms due to hep c, in the early stages of the disease, tells me that you are not interested. Do you really think I should spend time looking these things up for you, when you don't care?
this forum is not a college course on hep c, it is patient to patient and opinions abound. I have yet to see you produce any studies to back your opinions.
Interesting that you demand studies but when I request the same it is ignored, well, I should do the same and ignore your demand.
or maybe this little article that does break it down by liver damage can at least enlighten you that extrahepatic manifestations are not bound by advanced liver damage.
http://www.hcvadvocate.org/hcsp/articles/cognitive_impairment.html
and this one which states that renal involvenment starts early in HCV infection:
"Although renal involvement is common in hepatitis C, its lack of clinical manifestations means it goes undiagnosed in the majority of patients. Renal involvement can occur early in the course of the disease and occasionally is the presenting symptom of HCV infection. "
a key statement, it goes undiagnosed in the majority....
I am sure if you were really interested in learning about other manifestations of hep c without advanced liver damage, you will have found them.
Your continuous refusal to acknowledge symptoms due to hep c, in the early stages of the disease, tells me that you are not interested. Do you really think I should spend time looking these things up for you, when you don't care?
this forum is not a college course on hep c, it is patient to patient and opinions abound. I have yet to see you produce any studies to back your opinions.
wouldn't it be nicer and much more productive to come here if we could all reframe from going really negative on each other..and just assail this disease in all its manifestations...but of course, I've always been a dreamer...
Same logic applies to people rioting and destroying their own cities and towns, taking their frustrations out on each other instead of quietly promoting change from within...big picture thinking is beyond a lot of people, I just wish it wasn't...
Same logic applies to people rioting and destroying their own cities and towns, taking their frustrations out on each other instead of quietly promoting change from within...big picture thinking is beyond a lot of people, I just wish it wasn't...
"yes, and all finding a connection to chronic hep c infection. even at stage one. but we spend so much time reading inserts, we don't have time to read the research on extrahepatic manifestations. Oh! that's right! they don't exist with stage one or maybe they just don't exist, period. My bad."
If you give a post of mine a smart a** reply like this don't expect a love letter in return. Fair enough ? ;)
If you give a post of mine a smart a** reply like this don't expect a love letter in return. Fair enough ? ;)
Jeez, even if we don't agree with each other, there's such a thing as civility...disease is unpleasant enough to endure day to day without having to read these types of biting comments and character assessments mixed in with the information, support and debates...it's really kind of jarring...
Not to say that you are the only one that indulges in this type of behavior because of course youre not, but really, a cogent argument is more elegant and impressive if it's delivered "somewhat" politely, whether we ultimately agree or not...and then there is always the saving grace of agreeing to disagree on some issues...with all due respect....
Not to say that you are the only one that indulges in this type of behavior because of course youre not, but really, a cogent argument is more elegant and impressive if it's delivered "somewhat" politely, whether we ultimately agree or not...and then there is always the saving grace of agreeing to disagree on some issues...with all due respect....
Cuteus,
Why do you want to overlook the real dangers of tx ? And if you are spending so much time reading inserts why hasn't any of it sunk in yet ? Personally, I don't think YOU (and quite a few others in here) have EVER read the ENTIRE prescribing information for the drugs that are used in therapy. If you had you wouldn't be making such asinine comments .
"And you dont have to be in end stage liver disease for it to happen."
Show me a case of HCV-induced kidney failure at stage ONE. Put up or SHUT UP. I will guarantee you will NEVER find it. But since you are convinced these things can occur at stage one PROVE it to the rest of us. That should be a SIMPLE thing to do with all of the myriad of studies, abstracts, poster presentations, clinical trilas, etc., that can be found easily on the web. Happy hunting.
PK
Why do you want to overlook the real dangers of tx ? And if you are spending so much time reading inserts why hasn't any of it sunk in yet ? Personally, I don't think YOU (and quite a few others in here) have EVER read the ENTIRE prescribing information for the drugs that are used in therapy. If you had you wouldn't be making such asinine comments .
"And you dont have to be in end stage liver disease for it to happen."
Show me a case of HCV-induced kidney failure at stage ONE. Put up or SHUT UP. I will guarantee you will NEVER find it. But since you are convinced these things can occur at stage one PROVE it to the rest of us. That should be a SIMPLE thing to do with all of the myriad of studies, abstracts, poster presentations, clinical trilas, etc., that can be found easily on the web. Happy hunting.
PK
well, I find a spirited debate interesting, but yeah, I don't like personal attacks or below the belt, that's true...of course I don't run this board and I can't call the shots...
I was just talking about an "ideal" that of course might not be in the stars for this board, I suppose I could go elsewhere and not complain about this one, that's true as well...and that doesn't mean that I want overly sentimental or lots of cutsie smiley faces, just civil debate when it comes to that...
anyway it's a lot harder to state your argument on the merits of it's premise and points rather than just getting into a lot of mudslinging so maybe that's why it's not done as much...
as far as PK, he posts at Janis and he's ever the gentlemen so it's not like he's not capable...if some people like getting down and dirty, that's their thing, it's just not mine...with all due respect...I hope youre feeling better and better...
I was just talking about an "ideal" that of course might not be in the stars for this board, I suppose I could go elsewhere and not complain about this one, that's true as well...and that doesn't mean that I want overly sentimental or lots of cutsie smiley faces, just civil debate when it comes to that...
anyway it's a lot harder to state your argument on the merits of it's premise and points rather than just getting into a lot of mudslinging so maybe that's why it's not done as much...
as far as PK, he posts at Janis and he's ever the gentlemen so it's not like he's not capable...if some people like getting down and dirty, that's their thing, it's just not mine...with all due respect...I hope youre feeling better and better...
Hi everyone, don't usually have a lot to say, but about treating, I found out about my Hep C in October 2002, was thrown literally in dialysis in Feb. of 2003. I was scared to death to try tx, but all in all it hasn't been that bad for me. And I'll find out Friday if I've cleared at 24 wks,almost had at 12. Do you guys know that 1 person in about a 1000 will lose their kidneys to Hep c, not to scare anyone but if this had been found and treated when they first started finding out about it I wouldn't be waiting on kidney transplant now. I've had this for about 30 yrs and never knew, they thought my kidneys were somehow just diseased or the drugs that I had did in the 70's destroyed them. WRONG! the hep c destroyed them, of course the drugs caused the hep c, anyway the point is the disease is to me alot worse than tx. All signs of kidney disease are gone except for rise in creatinine. starting to feel more energetic, I just wanted to say to everyone who doesn't know this about the kidneys, research, find everything you can before deciding not to treat, cause believe me no one wants to have to go through this. I know there's alot of other people sick with different things, but what you don't know can really mess you up. Linda
"80% SVR chance versus less than 1% chance of serious complications"
Ahhh....another poor soul who started tx without reading the insert.
Well, it's never too late to educate yourself.
Is diabetes serious ?
Is blindness serious?
Is hypo/hyper-thyroidism serious?
How about autoimmune hepatitis ? Serious ?
How about crippling arthritis ?
I could go on and on but as I think you may know the company has already printed all this info out for you to read.
You say you are "pro-tx". That's why we disagree. I am neither "pro" nor "anti-tx". I am for tx when it is APPROPRIATE.
PK
Ahhh....another poor soul who started tx without reading the insert.
Well, it's never too late to educate yourself.
Is diabetes serious ?
Is blindness serious?
Is hypo/hyper-thyroidism serious?
How about autoimmune hepatitis ? Serious ?
How about crippling arthritis ?
I could go on and on but as I think you may know the company has already printed all this info out for you to read.
You say you are "pro-tx". That's why we disagree. I am neither "pro" nor "anti-tx". I am for tx when it is APPROPRIATE.
PK
"Had several biopsies done(every 5 yrs), results stay the same except the viral load keeps going higher, I believe it's 700 million. My doctor feels that because my liver is close to normal no need for treatment, because there wouldn't be anything to compare test A to test B to.(damage) He said treatment will only lower the viral load some, not irraticate it.
When I first found out, I had the biopsy done, I used to drink socially, I quit everything, smoking , drinking and took up the gym(running 3 miles a day and lifting every day, 5 days a wk) I did this for 3 yrs. and had another biopsy done, the results stayed the same (except for the viral load going way up) He wouldn't treat me. Said I was too healthy. "
It was quite obvious what I was referring to. Some people need a picture drawn. Others like you,need it colored in, too. ;)
PK
When I first found out, I had the biopsy done, I used to drink socially, I quit everything, smoking , drinking and took up the gym(running 3 miles a day and lifting every day, 5 days a wk) I did this for 3 yrs. and had another biopsy done, the results stayed the same (except for the viral load going way up) He wouldn't treat me. Said I was too healthy. "
It was quite obvious what I was referring to. Some people need a picture drawn. Others like you,need it colored in, too. ;)
PK
Is diabetes serious ?
Is hypo/hyper-thyroidism serious?
How about autoimmune hepatitis ? Serious ?
How about crippling arthritis ?
yes, and all finding a connection to chronic hep c infection. even at stage one. but we spend so much time reading inserts, we don't have time to read the research on extrahepatic manifestations. Oh! that's right! they don't exist with stage one or maybe they just don't exist, period. My bad.
Is hypo/hyper-thyroidism serious?
How about autoimmune hepatitis ? Serious ?
How about crippling arthritis ?
yes, and all finding a connection to chronic hep c infection. even at stage one. but we spend so much time reading inserts, we don't have time to read the research on extrahepatic manifestations. Oh! that's right! they don't exist with stage one or maybe they just don't exist, period. My bad.
"depression, memory loss, fatigue, I haven't worked out in 2 years, and just sit and waste the days away.....just don't know where to focus anymore.."
Lack of concentration, motivation, fatigue, and listlessness all point to depression. Depression is not just feeling 'blue'. Those are all classic symptoms. The LAST thing you need if you are depressed is interferon and ribavirin.
PK
"in mental distress, probably pre-menopausal, paralyzed by fear"
Wow. You picked up all of that in the post ? You are GOOD.
Lack of concentration, motivation, fatigue, and listlessness all point to depression. Depression is not just feeling 'blue'. Those are all classic symptoms. The LAST thing you need if you are depressed is interferon and ribavirin.
PK
"in mental distress, probably pre-menopausal, paralyzed by fear"
Wow. You picked up all of that in the post ? You are GOOD.
could someone post the link to the 1 in every 100 commits suicide? I still have not found anything but "less than 1% become suicidal" does not even say they completed it...
on the other hand, my ortho evra patch insert has one section dedicated to the possibility of death from contraceptives use. talk about risk reward. dying or having a baby..
on the other hand, my ortho evra patch insert has one section dedicated to the possibility of death from contraceptives use. talk about risk reward. dying or having a baby..
Stop following me around can-do :) I am tired and like the easy way out.
Id much rather be 'following' you then be in front of you if a piece of my rear end was what you were after. :) Why does a iron skillet in one hand and a rolling pin in the other come to mind? Hope you have a great day
Id much rather be 'following' you then be in front of you if a piece of my rear end was what you were after. :) Why does a iron skillet in one hand and a rolling pin in the other come to mind? Hope you have a great day
I was reading the Pegasys insert and it does not read the same. I guess the sides are a tad easier with that peg.
your quote does seem to include everything from ideation to completion in that one %, which still leaves suicide completion at less than 1%?
your quote does seem to include everything from ideation to completion in that one %, which still leaves suicide completion at less than 1%?
Cathy said:
the "symptoms" depression, memory loss, fatigue, I haven't worked out in 2 years, and just sit and waste the days.
pkcolo said:
Take a deep breath, relax, and just keep doing what you've been doing. :)
Ina
_____________________________________________________________
Eisbein, LOL, summin just don't seem right there does it?
the "symptoms" depression, memory loss, fatigue, I haven't worked out in 2 years, and just sit and waste the days.
pkcolo said:
Take a deep breath, relax, and just keep doing what you've been doing. :)
Ina
_____________________________________________________________
Eisbein, LOL, summin just don't seem right there does it?
Keep doing what you've been doing. Get a biopsy every 3-5 years. Viral load is not an indicator of damage. However, your ALT and AST can be very good indicators of ongoing (viral activity) damage. Yours are in the low range. Not high-low, or medium-low, but low-low. You have absolutely no reason to treat at this point or any other point in all likelihood. You have been infected for 24 years and have not progressed beyond stage one on repeated biopsies. The risks v. rewards don't add up. Keep getting regular labs and biospies. You will not progress a stage overnight. You will have alot of time to react should your fibrosis increase. The decreased odds of clearing at stage two v. stage one is extremely insignificant. These meds should be respected for what they can and cannot do. You don't take meds that result in appx. one suicide per 100 patients unless it is APPROPRIATE. And stage one after 24 years of infection is not what I'd call appropriate, barring the presence of any other known extenuating circumstances.
And your doctor is wrong about a couple of things. The virus CAN be eradicated. If you decided to treat, as others have mentioned, your success rate is >85%.
Taking a "watchful waiting" approach would be a prudent choice in my opinion. BTW, docs not wanting to treat stage one patients should be saluted. It shows they have an understanding of the dangers of this therapy and don't want to rush you on to tx just to get a check. Take a deep breath, relax, and just keep doing what you've been doing. :)
Best regards,
PK
And your doctor is wrong about a couple of things. The virus CAN be eradicated. If you decided to treat, as others have mentioned, your success rate is >85%.
Taking a "watchful waiting" approach would be a prudent choice in my opinion. BTW, docs not wanting to treat stage one patients should be saluted. It shows they have an understanding of the dangers of this therapy and don't want to rush you on to tx just to get a check. Take a deep breath, relax, and just keep doing what you've been doing. :)
Best regards,
PK
This is straight off off the peg-inntron.com web site.
Psychiatric adverse events, which include insomnia, were common (57%) with PEG-INTRON®, but similar to INTRON® A (58%). Depression was most common at 29%. Suicidal behavior including ideation, suicidal attempts, and completed suicides occurred in 1% of patients during or shortly after completing treatment with PEG-INTRON®
Appears that 1% at least consider it.
Sam
Psychiatric adverse events, which include insomnia, were common (57%) with PEG-INTRON®, but similar to INTRON® A (58%). Depression was most common at 29%. Suicidal behavior including ideation, suicidal attempts, and completed suicides occurred in 1% of patients during or shortly after completing treatment with PEG-INTRON®
Appears that 1% at least consider it.
Sam
I was infected w/tainted blood products in 1967 and wasn't dx until after my liver failed in 2001. I had been seeing medical professionals for a variety of symtoms I now know was cirrhosis and end stage liver disease. I also had both elective and emergency surgery and no one caught the hep c.
Anyway, I was a 2b, tx'd w /intron and riba, cl'd in 2wks and that was nearly 4 yrs ago. The amazing thing was the depression just was gone. the aches and pains of RA were gone, the voilent mood swings and constant fatique were all gone almost immediately, even during the rest of tx-24wks altogether-3 shots a wk and 5 ribas a day.
I drove half way across the state to see a specailist and the only AD/anti-nausea/sleep aid I used was medical marijana.
My meds were free. My costs were low and now I'm cured. And that's priceless!
Anyway, I was a 2b, tx'd w /intron and riba, cl'd in 2wks and that was nearly 4 yrs ago. The amazing thing was the depression just was gone. the aches and pains of RA were gone, the voilent mood swings and constant fatique were all gone almost immediately, even during the rest of tx-24wks altogether-3 shots a wk and 5 ribas a day.
I drove half way across the state to see a specailist and the only AD/anti-nausea/sleep aid I used was medical marijana.
My meds were free. My costs were low and now I'm cured. And that's priceless!
Ron,
I don't think Cathy's VL is correct. It is my understanding that the Quantitative Test cuts off at 100 million. Like her, I am a 2b with mild fibrosis. Took shot 16 of 24 last night. My starting VL was 77.6 million. At week 12 I was at less than 10/undetectable. I have seen several Drs about this and not one suggested that I should not do treatment. As a 2b, Cathy has a high probability of clearing the virus despite a high viral load. Also, I believe that the dosage of both interferon and riba is lower with treatment of 2. I am only taking 800 mg Riba/day which is lower than many others here are taking so sides may not be as bad.
As to passing the disease to her BF, it is highly unlikely. I have been with the same woman for 5 years and she does not have it. In fact, prior to last July we did not know I had it so we did not take any special precautions to avoid transmission. Now we just make sure not to share razors or risk her contacting my blood in any other way.
Sam
I don't think Cathy's VL is correct. It is my understanding that the Quantitative Test cuts off at 100 million. Like her, I am a 2b with mild fibrosis. Took shot 16 of 24 last night. My starting VL was 77.6 million. At week 12 I was at less than 10/undetectable. I have seen several Drs about this and not one suggested that I should not do treatment. As a 2b, Cathy has a high probability of clearing the virus despite a high viral load. Also, I believe that the dosage of both interferon and riba is lower with treatment of 2. I am only taking 800 mg Riba/day which is lower than many others here are taking so sides may not be as bad.
As to passing the disease to her BF, it is highly unlikely. I have been with the same woman for 5 years and she does not have it. In fact, prior to last July we did not know I had it so we did not take any special precautions to avoid transmission. Now we just make sure not to share razors or risk her contacting my blood in any other way.
Sam
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Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
