To Treat now or wait

[streamline569]

So one doctor is wants me to treat now SOC and another doctor wants me to wait the 8 months when the new drugs will be most likely be available. The one who want me to wait is also a liver transplant doctor. Oh in know my paranoia, just trying to make a decision here. Maybe a third opinion is in order. Wonder if insurance pays for third opinions......Also wondering if the IL 28b test would hurt us in the long run if it is found out that we may not be a good candidate for treatment

[nygirl7]

Good don't talk yourself out of it Streamline you are running out of time and we are trying our best to protect what is left of your liver and perhaps even save your life., We wouldn't lie after all we've all been there - the doctors have not. They just can't understand no matter how much they might try.

[streamline569]

I am listening. I'm hearing you ....... I'm going through all the necessary tests i have to so I can start treatment. I know I have to start, I'm just trying to figure everything out so I make the best choices for me.

[nygirl7]

My second opinion said he would recommend waiting for the telaprevir. He never said to wait for the drugs are that in the pipe line. No one know when we will see those drugs,.
"

No streamline we do not know IF telepravir or bocepravir will be approved either. They have not even filed to the FDA yet.  We have been hearing they will be out in six months for YEARS.

Hey we've all tried. If you get cirrhotic and it makes it harder for you to clear and you fail it's not on us.  You should listen but..........you wont........we all tried.

[FlGuy]

" I know they say not to obsess about platelets here on the board"  May be I missed it but I haven't gotten that idea.  At least from my view,  obsession about platelets is what's it's all about.  In treatment, many other things can be countered relatively easily ans effectively.  Platelets are a different matter.  If they get too low, treatment can be stopped.  And there is not current treatment regime that doesn't have the significant potential to effect them.  Yes, obsess about platelets !

[streamline569]

Thanks uncledudeness. I just took the test today and that's my thoughts. Hoping to be a cc as well. I know they say not to obsess about platelets here on the board,but watching them drop so fast is frightening. All my other liver functions seem to be good except for the alt and ast of course, but there still not unusually high and my viral level stays around 15 million which one doctor told me low viral load is a sign of liver cirrhosis because as the liver becomes more damaged there is less virus. I don't know about that on though.

Good luck to you too. I'll be watching your posts to see how things go for you.

[uncledudeness]

i had the IL-28 B test done and I'm a CC genotype. so my Hepa advised that I start SOC now. i am stage 3/4, with low platlets (89k). i would have treated regardless of the DNA test. i would rather take my chances and treat now, as opposed to waiting any longer. it's a personal decision, i am now waiting for the meds to arrive and i look forward to my first shot....can't wait for it....

it's not any easy thing to decide, but the only thing we have is hope....that it will work...good luck in your journey.