Last shot this Friday, decided to end tx in 24 weeks

[scruples]

Dear All

After a long discussion with my two docs, finally i have decided to end my tx at 24 weeks and pray to God for SVR.
I was geno 3, dx in 2002, tx in 2008 , VL at start of tx 272,200 iu/ml, U/s & Biopsy showed no significant demage to liver, was on standard interferone ( Non-peg) thrice a week + 1200 mg riba daily ( weight was 82kg at start of tx).

problem started when my doc disserviced me by not checking PCR at week 4 and 12 , my first qualitative PCR done at week 16 which shows UND. I had very manageable infact very low sx throughout the tx untill week 18-19, after that situation becoming really bad, now in week 23 & 24 after shot i feel like i am hit by a truck, i fell so COLD that i cant even sleep at nights , hair loss almost 40-50%, constant cramps etc, nails somewhat feeling yellow ( for the first time in life, never had before or during tx).

After disusiing with many people on this forum, now i with consultation of my doc ( who always insisted on 24 week tx) decided to end my tx this friday. Pls tell me what my current condition predict??? is my disease returning ????  

Any suggestions are welcomed

[merryBe]

I'm in a similar boat, no PCR for 3 months...so now I must treat out to 80 weeks to be sure....

I think one thing we forget or aren't told is the treatment itself can cause pain around the liver and spleen, and some jaundice.

I was very nervous a couple of times that I was relasping....but my PCR came back fine, it was just my body reacting to the tx. drugs. They do make your body fight really hard against the virus, and sometimes this can aggravate the organs, but thanks be to God they usually recover.  Most of my discomfort was first day of shot, and last day of the week. So when the INF was strongest and weakest. So no rhyme or reason there.
You aren't on peg anyway. It could be you are just starting to wear down from the tx.
Many people seem to have the most trouble and want to quit tx in the second half of the year.  That said, I agree with the others, treating out to 36 would give you a better chance at SVR, and at least you wouldn't be wondering forever after "did I quit just a little too soon."  No one want to repeat this whole tx process, so a little longer now may spare you from having to start all over at some point.

Hope you do SVR...and try not to worry over every symptom that crops up....I've had about 3-4 dozen weird things happen to my body....from weird sores under my eyelids to serious infections....all in a days work so to speak....side effects are to be expected.


mb

[scruples]

hi Marcia,,,, you said you are going for 32 weeks....... thats great , i have heard that there are two options only 36 or 48.... thats great .....

epiphiny

thanks for giving your opinion , can you pls mention something more about the said San Fransisco Conference so that i can google it to show it to my doc.

Ali

Thanks yar .... i really need prays from all of you

[epiphiny]

Without a doubt I would extend to 36, or even 48 if you can.

I am also G3a and I am treating for 48.  The doc and sponsor company agreed to this length of treatment for me after the San Fransisco Conference.

Let's say you decide to do 36, that is only 12 more weeks, that is not long for an increased chance at SVR for life.

All the best, keep us posted please.

Epi :))

[Marcia2202]

Well, I say it would be safer, since you do not know if you made UND at 4 weeks. I am 3a and got my UND sometime between week 4 and 8 (it was recorded UND at 8 weeks and my tx was extended to 32 weeks). One of the new formula's for geno 3 seems to be EVR + 24 weeks. Since your UND was only documented at 12 weeks, it would make sense to extend to 36 weeks.

Marcia

[alijee]

i hope the day will come when you will post here SVR

[scruples]

Last evening i had a discussion with the medical personnel from the medicine company of which meds ( Interferone) i am using, according to them , in Pakistan they are facing some relapse cases of Geno 3a and relapse %age of other Geno 3 & 2 are very rare. I have got tested (Serotyping) and my result only showed type 3 and i dont know whether i am Geno 3a or 3b etc etc ??? he said for Geno 3a  they are going to propose for 36 months tx....

wellllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll........... lots and lots of confusion

Can you people give your opinion, pls step into my shoes and decide what will be your decision in this situation... i.e.,

1- Stop tx on 24th week
or

2- Extend tx and Continue till 36 week

pls do reply