To Treat or Not To Treat

[mauilady]

I'm sure this has come up before, but I can't find it: I'd like to know what made all of you opt for the treatment (interferon/ribavarin)?  I went to the HCV class yesterday, which was put on by a hepatologist, who seemed to really know his stuff.  (too bad he can't be my primary care md... )  He basically said that there is really no way of knowing exactly where the virus stands; that only 5% of the people infected will at some point in their lives end up with a full-blown case of hep.  If alcohol is stopped (and he couldn't stress the importance of this enough), and one leads a healthy lifestyle by eating right and getting lots of good and aerobic exercise, and taking milk thistle, the chances of living a long and healthy life are significantly greater.

To be honest, I really don't feel like subjecting myself to a year of misery, which would also entail driving to town (a place I prefer to avoid; it's an hour away... and totally nuts) TWICE a week.  The cost factor didn't even come up.  So I would rather take that five percent chance and continue doing what I'm doing, as I feel totally fine now.

Comments, please!!  :-)

[SoCal Lady]

I just started feeling VERY tired mid-morning, and had a sense that I had to do whatever it took to improve my health.  I also found out I am a genotype 2 (24 week treatment time), so I wasn't faced with the prospect of losing a year to treatment.

Have you had a biopsy?  Do you know your genotype?  Why would you have to go to town twice a week for treatment?  The meds can be delivered to your home.  I only see my doc or NP every few months.

[Upbeat]

I unlike most on this board decided against treatment. I could give you many reasons for and against. Don't be driven by the fear factor. Make your choice based on the info you research and what you deem is right for you.  You will hear alot about getting a biopsy and that is the true measure of your Hep progression. Thats not really true.  Most people without hep-c will show damage to the liver from a host of reasons having nothen to do with hep-c.  The Doc you are seeing is your best sourse of info. Ask question. Lots of questions.

                                                             Ron

[Algernon]

I finished TX 17 weeks ago.  Clear so far.

I waited 10 years (had HepC 32 years) prior to TX.  

I was stage 2 and GT3.  If I had it to do over again, I'd wait for better drugs.  Felt GREAT before TX.  I am not nearly as healthy now as I was before TX.  Hopefully, that will change in the future but that's where I am now.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

[SoCal Lady]

I think most of us do our own injections.  Does Kaiser have to do them for you at their clinic?  I'm surprised by the weekly labs....

[wanpow]

I too am sick and tired of being sick and tired,, and depressed.  I tried treatment 2 yrs ago for 4 months and had to quit because there were too many stressors in my life. The doc strongly suggested that I wait until there is less stress and I don't know when that'll possibly be. I am currently undergoing therapy with a psychologist and diagnosed with complicated post traumatic stress syndrome. As far as I know I contracted Hep C over 25 yrs ago. I do have all the symptoms and signs but these symptoms overlap with my mental diagnosis so it is difficult for me to make the distinction between the two. One thing I do know however is I am not looking forward to treatment and am hoping i can put it off indefinitely...it was not a good experience the first time. Yet I hate living like this.....wanda

[friole]

I sat on that fence for 12 years too. Time wasn't right, teenage kids, building my career, drugs were bad, etc etc etc.  As I approached 60 (will be 59 in a couple of months)my concerns shifted to -- How great will my retirement be? All the money in the world does not buy health.  Without health retirement will not be much fun and I have worked hard all my life and want to play and travel.

My symptoms were non-existent except for always being tired after 5:30pm.  My biopsy reflected Grade 1, Stage 1.  Sure, I could have waited, but for what?  Sure, I would probably never die of cirrhosis or liver cancer, but did I really think this disease was not going to impact my life?

The hepatitis virus does not only damage the liver.  It inflames the lungs, it is suspected of causeing a lot of auto-immune issues too.

My insurance was great, by kids were out of the house, my careeer was good and I could afford to slough a year (still worked, just not at 100%) and I had a supportive husband.  So now was the time.

frijole
1.52 million IU/mL pre treatment, 1a, treated 56 weeks, and so far so good (clear so far)