Hep C treatment worries

[mnkdrt]

Hey all I am new here, This may be lengthy so hang in there please. Let see, 8 yrs ago I was diagnosed with HEP C and at the time my DR did not want to start interferon because he said it wasnt worth taking at the time. I was also only a year sober from an 8 year heroin addiction ( I am now going on 8 years off of drugs etc...). Now my DR wants to start the treatment, I just had all my yearly blood work and ultrasound and he wants me to get a liver biospy. For some reason they keep you awake for this which is insane in my book, and I am terrified of getting this done. I dont do good around DR'S and their tools (odd that I had no problem sticking myself for 8 yrs). So 1st question, is the byopsy terrible, my DR said it was easy but sore afterwards, so I asked him when he got his byopsy and he told me he never had one himself..How the **** do you know then I ask?

My second concern is treatment itself, I was explained briefly about what to expect. But I started reading up on the treatment and see all the class actions suits against some of these drug companies that make the interferon. So is there an type of interferon I should stay away from (like generic, which company etc...)? I am nervous about this because I read all these horror stories of people losing site, and memory and other brain damage cases. I think I can take anything they throw at me as far as getting through the treatment...but I once again worry about what is going to stay with me from these drugs after treatment like long term permanent side effects.

So any help on these worries and questions would be g

[insty]

i,m told 17.something an i don,t know what this means to me

[insty]

does anyone know the real size of a normal liver

[Algernon]

I'm almost to week 9/24.  I've never had a problem with depression but was very afraid of it (I have kids).  So, I tried the prophylactic route.  I learned that the AD side effects weren't worth it for me (although I know the ADs work really well for lots of people).

There are side effects from the treatment drugs and any other drugs you might have to add along the way.  I still think it's reasonable to try the ADs so that you can tell what the AD is doing apart from the other drugs.  Of course, you may not ever need them (I don't feel like I do).

[GoofyDad]

Hmmm. I dunno about that idea. I've always found the thought of prophylactics somewhat depressing, in and of itself. Oh, maybe I missed your point?

Seriously, I did consider ADs as you are, and chose not too. I'm on week 22 of treatment, and the decision has worked out OK for me. Doc did warn me to stay in front of it and to be very dilligent.

I went to a shrink for a while, mostly for that reason, just to make sure I wasn't headed South emotionally. All seems well. I may go back to the shrink at some point, we'll see.

Good luck in whatever you decide.

[strator]

Hey welcome to the den. You found a great place.Do you have your bx results? Helps sometimes to post some stats like genotype and all here. People are at so many varying stages here it helps people with similarities to suggest stuff. Don't stress on the eyessight stuff or any of the sx too much. Some people only have mild sides, others are rough. Losing vision would be way at the rare end of the list.
Other people here I'm sure will have better info on the ADs. They considered putting me on them before starting but after a few mos of therapy we decided I'd wait and see what happens. Almost 1/2 way through 48wks and haven't used em. Lot of variables in this tx from 1 person to another.
Again welcome,
Don

[lionesss]

Hi. Am new on this forum.  Decided to check in as I have had a bx last week (not as bad as I expected, but still a little tender) and am taking a big breath before I go on Tx in 2 weeks.  I have decided to go on antidepressants prophalatically.   But I am not depressed now, so seems at the moment an odd thing to do. Has anyone else gone on antidepressants? Would you recommend it?  I have a few stressors in my life, but generally I handle it.  Just want to keep a handle on it during Tx. Also, what is this about losing sight.  Yeh Gods! My eyesight is **** as it is.  I