Dear All,
I started tx on Jan 1, 2010. My ast/alt was 145/200, respectively. My viral load was 1,700,000 type 1A.
The doctor started me on 0.5 Peg-Intron with 1000mg Ribovarian.
My latest ast/alt (last week) showed the numbers at 20/28. I have not yet received my 8-week PCR test to measure my current viral load, but I have definitely not reached UND.
So question (1) is are the odds of reaching UND good, when ast/alt dramatically improves?
Regarding side effects. My sides have been manageable. Aside from the first shot, which I felt terrible for about 3 days, I don't need as much rest on the weekends (I take my injection on Fridays). Some other symptoms come and go - sometimes, it seems they only come for a few hours and magically dissapear.
My question (2) is some of my sides seem to be long lasting. Does anyone else have any of these sides? Such as, nasal dryness - leads to accumulation of boogers (and I seem to picking my nose alot these days), a cold sore that dosen't go away, left ear produces alot of the "yellow debris" and even seems to emit a little liquid. Constant feeling like I have bad allergies (I actually, don't have any allergies).
My question (3) is some of my sides which are temporary (comes and goes). Does anybody have any of these sides? A low grinding sound in my right ear. Mouth sores. A swelling in my jaw line. Soreness - like I got hit or hiked for several hours. Swelling in my cheek (face).
The above are the main symtoms, some others are my WBC has lowered, so I guess that results in an overall feeling of fatigue. The headaches don't come as often, and when they do they only last a few hours.
I would like to hear some other experiences in the road to UND or SVR.
To those who haven't started tx yet. While many have side effects, for the most part, they are managable. There will be some good days and some bad - but in my opinion, it's worth trying.
There are alot of new drugs that will hit the market in the coming months/years which seem promising, so we all have hope!