Email I received from a girl named Cathy

[Upbeat]

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

[NYgirl]

As a Geno 2 you have such a GREAT chance of clearing this virus!  An 80% SVR rate is a WONDERFUL number. I cannot understand any doctor saying "no you are fine just live with this disease until you are NOT healthy" to me that makes no sense! Especially since things say the earlier you treat the better.

While the meds can make some people really ill - others have hardly any side effects.  Some people like me find it a pain and don't feel 'great' but certainly still work and do everything I did before.

If you want to treat - then don't give up. Tell your doctor that you realize that you are lucky to have the genotype you do and that with such a high cure rate you have decided you want to attempt it. Tell him hey if it gets too hard I can always stop...

If he refuses to do what you need...move on to another doctor.  I just don't believe in a doctor that refuses to treat your body as YOU want. I mean hey - your body, your life!

Start making some calls now to different Heptologists or Gastroenterologists.  Maybe google about in here and see if you can find one that will work.

I wish you the best. Hang in there and don't give up.

It's YOUR Body and your LIFE, not his.

[Upbeat]

My post of her email did not take.  Her name is Cathy and her email is

***@****

                                 Iam sure any help would be appreciated.
              
                                                Ron

[cuteus]

whoa! she is a 2b and the drs are discouraging her, even though she is obviously in mental agony over having this chronic illness!  She has such a good chance at beating this disease and they are stopping her. Get a new dr outside the area. The virus can be eliminated and you can achieve a cure, I can quote Dr Dieterich, Dr Bernstein and Dr Cecil. they have all publically stated that hcv can be cured. Dr D had hep c himself and achieved what he calls a cure.
what insanity!

clinicaltrials.gov might offer some insight on trials. some private drs also participate.

[mom4two]

Cathy,
You may want to take a drive to Philadelphia. There are alot of good teaching hospitals.  My Dr is out of Pennsylvania Hospital. Albert Einstein is another good hospital you may want to try.  I can see where a Dr may see it not to be nessacery to treat as of yet.  
But ultimatly it is your decision.  I can totaly understand your hopeless feeling just doing nothing.  The possiblity of svc are high for genotype 2 so your risk is not as great if you were a geno 1.  Good Luck
Lori

[Upbeat]

Thanks all.  I will pass this info on to Cathy.  If anyone can give her more insight her email is    <***@****>


                                                           Ron

[Andy Capp]

I have to agree with most responders; get a second opinion.  I've learned, through the process of diagnosis and 48-week treatment, much about this virus and I also have learned that we must treat medical service providers just like any other service provider...with caution.  They are not infallable.

If I had mild fibrosis, I'd treat so that it doesn't get worse.  It's your life and your choice as to which doctor you trust with your health care.

Do yourself a favor and seek a second opinion from a reputable hepatologist or gastroenterologist.  You can search on the ALF web site or open this link to find a specialist near you.
  http://janis7hepc.com/list_of__gastroenterologist.htm

Best wishes,

Robert