Starting Pegasys and Ribivirn next week

[Duvalstarr]

I'm starting treatment for hep c next Friday. I've read on several post that these medicines can have bad side effects. What can I do to prepare for treatment? Will drinking water help? Has anyone with genotype 1 cleared the virus before a year?

[graceman]

Started 13 weeks ago geno type 1a. Side effects - yes. Basically nothing you can do to prepare - except mentally. Some I expected and haven't gotten yet. Others I have. You just treat symptems as they occur.
1. Everyone reacts different. 2.How you are 1 day, 1 month isn't necessarily how you will be the next (good or bad).
Good news - after 13 weeks I am almost undetectable! From 22 Million (viral load) to 87! I go in tommorrow and expect undetectable! PTL!

[Lindaz]

Hello Duvalstarr

Im not sure if you exercise or  not but if you don't then some sort of gentle exercise could help.  I would start to eat a good balanced diet and make sure you have a good support team around you - if you can.
I wish you all the best for minimal sides.
take care
Linda x

[Bill1954]

Ok good; make sure to let us know how things go. Take care—

Bill

[Duvalstarr]

My insurance is paying for it. I don't know what changed. Thanks for the links, they were very helpful

[chemister]

I have genotype 1 and 2 and start treatment for 3 weeks ago. I feel better than I  believe before start. My chance to  SVR is aboat 55-80 % and new medication with antibody to HCV is there but it can take several years before they will try It on humans. Good luck with your treatment start.

[monstermash226]

find yourself a good cannabis conection ,or you will suffer .

[Marc1955]

It is hard to prepare for the side effects because they can vary so much from person to person. The main things you can do to improve how you feel are to drink lots of water and exercise at a light to moderate pace.

You should be aware if someone hasn't told you that the side effects can be very challenging. For me, the hardest were the psychological sx's. I experienced brain fog, depression, and also a kind of volatility that is often called Riba rage. If you are in a relationship, you should have conversations with your partner in advance and explain that you may undergo some fairly serious side effects, such as fatigue and depression. For a year you may not be able to do your regular chores and you will need help. Hopefully you won't be in this boat, but I don't think it hurts to let your loved ones know that you may need some support and help with your treatment. It's a little hard to describe, but once your in the midst of this treatment, communication can become more difficult.

Good luck.

[Bill1954]

The way this works is that to treat successfully, we have to complete our treatment while staying undetectable for virus; then go six months without meds, but remain undetectable. If that is achieved, then we achieve what’s known as ‘SVR’ or ‘Sustained Viral ‘Response’.

This is synonymous with the word ‘cure’. About 45 to 50% of genotype 1 patients will achieve this; the others will either not become undetectable at all (null response), or will complete treatment and relapse shortly afterwards (relapse).

There are side effects associated with interferon; some of these can be controlled to some extent with other drugs sometimes referred to as ‘rescue drugs’. You’ll be monitored frequently during treatment with labs, and the doc will step in and intervene if he sees fit.

Take care, and good luck--

Bill

[charm27]

Good luck in your journey thru treatment. Tx was very difficult for me I was not able to work however many people can. I had many side effects from loss of hair, irritability low hemoglobin of 10 throut tx which made it impossible for me to do much at all.
And thensome. However I stuck it out and today I am SVR!! I am a 1 A. I completed tx 12/12/08. Should youhave any questions I would always be happy to answer them if I can.
The very best of luck..
Yes lots of water keeps us hydrated which is very important.

[Bill1954]

Cool; did you get approved for the meds already?

Genotype 1 can be challenging from many aspects; yes, the meds can be.. umm… interesting, and it can be difficult to get rid of this strain of HCV.

A good site to review is Janis and Friends:

http://janis7hepc.com/have_you_been_just_diagnosed.htm

Look at the page ‘newly diagnosed’ that I linked, as well as ‘other HCV information’ located in the right hand margin; this will answer many of your questions.

Another page you’ll want to bookmark is our page here that explains the abbreviations used frequently here:

http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Hepatitis/Common-Hepatitis-C-Acronyms/show/3?cid=64

This page is also available in the bottom right side of this page in the box ‘Most Viewed Health Pages”.

Continue to read and ask questions; and welcome :o)

Bill