More sides (thrush!) and thinking of shortening treatment for Type 3. Advice?

[Algernon]

Week 11/24.  The sides are really getting to me:  anemia (now on procrit and anemia improved), headaches, hair loss, all the usual stuff.  And, now, upper respiratory infection (on antibiotics) and thrush (really disgusting and painful--I can barely swallow water).

Some of you seem like real experts (trihepguy, jmjm, you know the crew) and I really want your advice.  Recent research on Type 3 seems to be suggesting that durations shorter than 24 weeks may be sufficient.  I'm thinking of quitting at 16 weeks and crossing my fingers. I think it might work.  If it doesn't, my liver is in decent shape and I'll wait a few years for something better.

Stats:  Type 3a. one doc said stage 1, another said early stage 2 (same slides).  VL 16.5 mill.  Undetectable at 4 weeks (<10).  48 year old female, weight 112, in good health (or at least, I was before treatment).

Please advice this desperate woman. Thanks.

[jmjm530]

Good attitude! Climbing up requires too much hemoglobin. BTW my latest side is from some new prostate meds. It's starting to make interferon-related "brain fog" look like clarity. The good part is that it's hard to focus too much on the problem. LOL.

-- Jim

[jmjm530]

All the best with starting treatment. Sides hit everyone a bit different and hopefully you'll be just fine. Only advice is to stay loose if and when the punches come. Don't expect them, don't be surprised if they arrive. In other words -- as the ads for my new prostate meds might say -- go with the flow :)


-- Jim

[goldyn]

So sorry to hear about your bad bad day...but got a little chuckle out of your new found hair lift. You know as the ole saying goes everything is bigger in Texas, I guess that includes viral loads mine is at 15,000,000,but im a 1a so im in for the real long haul,I also live in the austin area,thank God you are well and your children  were not involved.

[beamishboy]

jim, i got 1st urinary tract thing same week as hepc(i think) and had occasional flare ups for many years;inflamed prostate yada yada.....underwent radiation therapy, for 12 weeks in '95, which blasted that area(i wore big lead ball around my big brass one) . Unintended Upside?? no more infections..! very hard place to eradicate bugs;not enuff bloodflow ??...they tried sulfas(told ya i had it along time) and the whole rainbow of antibiotics.......anyways,info not much use(just commiserating..) unless ya decide to warm up the family jewels inna microwave......
Dyce-good to hear you are back to work!...keep on keeping on.......GOODLUCK

[Cougar2]

I had a similar question, my husband is wanting to shorten treatment because of positive results.  I think he should do the entire 24 weeks, he is 2/3 of the way there now.  He is also wanting to have a drink now and then and I think that is bad as well.  I know treatment is stressful but think if you start on the course you should complete and not do anything that could hurt the outcome.  Good luck to you, I hope it all works its way out.

[can-do-man]

Wow girl, sure hope your ok, somedays it just don't pay to get up. Believe i've found that out today. But no where near as bad as your day. Take care of yourself, hope things get better for you.

Another note to myself. Do not ride with algernon. :)