Starting treatment soon and frightened!

[Beaker426]

I was newly diagnosed with Hepatitis C.  I have had no symptoms at all; I was getting tests for autoimmune diseases for rheumatoid arthritis and just happened to get a hepatitis c test and came back positive, so it was caught very early.  I am a 23 year old female with fairly decent health.  I've had all the necessary blood work and my doctor doesn't see the need for a liver biopsy since my enzymes aren't elevated too much, but my insurance company may require one in order to pay for treatment.  If they don't require one, I should be getting a call from my doctor later this week that the medicine is in (had to be ordered from a special pharmacy) and I will be starting Interferon and Ribavirin treatment for 24 weeks.  I have genotype 3a.  I have no idea what to expect.  My doctor told me he can't predict the symptoms I will have since it is different with every person but I am completely frightened because I have not even the slightest idea on what's gonna happen during those 24 weeks.  I am married and have a 15 month old and a 7 month old and need to know if I need help caring for them.  Anybody have any advice or anything they can share to help ease my fear of not knowing?  I only have 84,000 per ml of the HCV in my blood if that helps and I am 5'4" and 110lbs.  Thank you so much, I appreciate anybody who can put my mind somewhat at ease!

[kimo128]

I am also frightened my 23 year old daughter will get back her test results friday as to viral load and genotype, I just read about 2 new medicines danoprevir and mericitabine to be taken with or without interferon and ribavirin

[Dannyboi7]

Welcome to the forum,folks here very supportive and some are very knowledgeable,so if you have any questions don't hesitate.

  Right from the start you got great things going for you,your age,your gender and your weight,and also assuming you have very little liver damage these are very good predictors for an SVR for a G3.

    Even tho treatment can be tough you will be able to take care of yourself,but as others have make sure you have back up plan for the little ones,just in case.

       I'm a G3 and a 49 year old quadriplegic,I did 24 weeks and finished in August,I'm still UND 3 months post treatment.It was tough but I was able take care of myself.You're a young healthy woman you should do fine.Try and plan to get some support throughout this,it helps a lot.

Best wishes on a succesfull treatment and SVR.

Dannyboi7

[can-do-man]

Something you might want to talk to your doctor about is how well you respond to treatment at 4 weeks as to well you should go on or maybe wait for better treatment in a few years... I would agree your liver damage is more then likely very low, not because of your enzymes but due to your very young age.
While treatment effects everybody different it would be a good ideal to plan on having some help with the young ones. Even with mild sides, kids at that age can really drain you.......... Wishing you the best.

[Beaker426]

Thank you for that, I appreciate the words of encouragement.  I hope doctors do start testing people real young and instead of when the damage is already done.  I was lucky and grateful that I happened to randomly get the test and when I first found out I thought it was a death sentence.  Now that I know there's an 80% cure rate I'm very optimistic.  I just have severe anxiety to begin with and being in the dark about what symptoms to expect and what way I'll feel physically is really, really doing a toll on my emotions and anxiety.  

[crossroadsec]

You've come to a good forum. There are a lot of people with varying degrees of liver damage. I'm so glad you caught it early. Dr.s are beginning to test more now. It's not easy treating, but you have health and youth on your side. I truly hope your liver damage is minimal. You'll be finished before you know it and can eat a live loving diet and go on with your life.

I would be sure and have supports in place as far as the kids go. I lived with my daughter and granddaughters. I did a lot, but it was taxing on my strength and nerves. Your body will heal and you'll have many years left to be mother to your babies.
Best wishes to you, Karen :)

[Beaker426]

I'm seeing a CNP in the Gastro/Hepatology department of the nearby hospital.  I have had two very quick (15-20 min) appointments with tons of information crammed into each short visit so that's what I assumed he didn't want a biopsy for.  He did say since I was so young that it is very rare for me to have damage since it is something that happens slowly over time.  I do have somewhat of a plan for the care of my babies but I'm just worried I'm going to be too sick to even care for myself.  Just not knowing is making it even worse, and I'm anxious to start and get it over with.  Thanks for your reply!!!