Hepatitus C - Again

[Shariq1]

Hi everyone,

I had hepatitis C last year.  Doctor gave me interferon injections for six months and some other medicans and capsols to eat.

After finishing the injections treatment immidiate test rerults were fine, but doctor repeated the HIV C test again (after 4.5 months) and I got hepatitis C +ve in my blood report.

Now doctor is advising me to go for Pega injections for 6 months again.

Please help me to decide based on my following conditions wather I should go for HIV C treatmet or not:

I am very weak and old person (i think I cannot bare the pain / side affects)
My hemoglobin is 9 (min is 14)
I had undergone with open heart surgery 4 years ago
Now again I got sever heart issues (heart doctor advised me to go for angeography)
Artharitis
etc etc


Thank you

Shariq

[copyman]

sounds like you should seek out a new doctor, a Hepatologist (liver specialist) would be best.  your doctor is not up to date with latest protocols. If someone who fails the treatment the first time they should do 48 weeks 2nd attempt. Or perhaps a Hepatologist would advise you to wait for the new & better drugs coming out in 2011. Best of luck to you

[eureka254]

I am very sorry to hear that your virus has returned.  Is your doctor a hepatologist?  Did he explain WHY he is recommending you repeat the same treatment program if it was not successful on your first try?

You did not mention your stage of liver damage, which is a very important consideration when deciding whether or not to treat (again). If you do not have significant damage to your liver it may not be necessary to rush to immediately treat again -- have you had a liver biopsy recently to determine the status of your liver?  That information should play a large part in your decision whether or not to treat again right away.  (With your pre-existing anemia/heart issues, any treatment should be approached with much care and management.)  Also, perhaps seeking a second opinion might help. Best wishes. ~eureka