Aa
To treat or not to treat...my perspective again...
We are all individuals. While there are predicators as to whether someone has a better chance than others to reach SVR, it is the individual who will respond one way or the other. These are only predicators not absolutes. This goes for obesity, platelets and many other aspects of treatment and/or side effects and ability to work. That is why doctors “practice” medicine.
I’m not going to give any medical advice or study information. These are my observations and response to txt as I see them and as how they relate to me alone.
I was diagnosed last summer with Hep C, 1.a. I started Pegasys and Ribavirin in November of 2008. I have since finished treatment. I started txt weighing over 260 lbs and am currently around 202. My viral load was over 11,000,000 which is pretty high. My platelets were 44 when I started because I have ITP which is a platelet disorder. They are currently 172 which is extremely unusual to have them increase on txt instead of decreasing. No-one can tell me why. I was UND at 12 weeks and am 100% compliant except for two times I took double the riba by mistake.
First thing, for all of you out there trying to make up their minds as to whether to treat or not. This is a difficult decision and mine wasn’t easy either. I chose to treat now instead of waiting for new drugs. I have a firm support system in place and a good job. I’m aware that new drugs are coming out that make the odds better in getting SVR, but these drugs are in addition to and not in replacement of current txt (as far as I know).
I have a 40 hour work week in a stressful environment. I commute so you can add 2 hours per day on to that. I have only missed one day of work in the almost year that I have been on txt. I did have to take a week off before txt to get my platelets up before starting.
My side effects have included weight loss (I needed it), loss of hair, headache, weakness, lethargy, anger/rage, brain fog, earing loss, loss of appetite, insomnia, loose stools and constipation (from headache medicine). While all of these sides were uncomfortable, they were doable. Some sides have been constant through txt and some have come and then disappeared.
If I can help anyone, I’d be happy to.
I’m not going to give any medical advice or study information. These are my observations and response to txt as I see them and as how they relate to me alone.
I was diagnosed last summer with Hep C, 1.a. I started Pegasys and Ribavirin in November of 2008. I have since finished treatment. I started txt weighing over 260 lbs and am currently around 202. My viral load was over 11,000,000 which is pretty high. My platelets were 44 when I started because I have ITP which is a platelet disorder. They are currently 172 which is extremely unusual to have them increase on txt instead of decreasing. No-one can tell me why. I was UND at 12 weeks and am 100% compliant except for two times I took double the riba by mistake.
First thing, for all of you out there trying to make up their minds as to whether to treat or not. This is a difficult decision and mine wasn’t easy either. I chose to treat now instead of waiting for new drugs. I have a firm support system in place and a good job. I’m aware that new drugs are coming out that make the odds better in getting SVR, but these drugs are in addition to and not in replacement of current txt (as far as I know).
I have a 40 hour work week in a stressful environment. I commute so you can add 2 hours per day on to that. I have only missed one day of work in the almost year that I have been on txt. I did have to take a week off before txt to get my platelets up before starting.
My side effects have included weight loss (I needed it), loss of hair, headache, weakness, lethargy, anger/rage, brain fog, earing loss, loss of appetite, insomnia, loose stools and constipation (from headache medicine). While all of these sides were uncomfortable, they were doable. Some sides have been constant through txt and some have come and then disappeared.
If I can help anyone, I’d be happy to.
If I understand correctly, you are UND 4 weeks post tx. Congrats!!!
I agree that tx outcome is very individual. Nevertheless, according to tedious research, certain predicators are pro and others are contra.
It would be in everyones interest to try to overcome the negative predicators, if possible. Of course one cannot change ones age, race, gender...
But there are some other factors one can work on prior to and while on tx. It has been established that i.e. diabetes, low platelets, and other factors can counteract or lessen the outcome of tx.
The ideal would of course be to address these problems first and then start tx on the most favorable foundation.
This doesn't mean that everyone who cannot achieve this is doomed, and I am really happy for you that you are still UND, even though you had some major predicators going against you. That is a wonderful thing!
But we have to be careful not to encourage people to look past negative predicators, which could be taken care of before tx, if they have the chance to do so.
If people have already started tx and didn't know about them then they can maybe address the problems while on tx. Or if people are about to start, they could still postpone their treatment for a possibility of a better outcome.
Wishing you a smooth way to SVR
I agree that tx outcome is very individual. Nevertheless, according to tedious research, certain predicators are pro and others are contra.
It would be in everyones interest to try to overcome the negative predicators, if possible. Of course one cannot change ones age, race, gender...
But there are some other factors one can work on prior to and while on tx. It has been established that i.e. diabetes, low platelets, and other factors can counteract or lessen the outcome of tx.
The ideal would of course be to address these problems first and then start tx on the most favorable foundation.
This doesn't mean that everyone who cannot achieve this is doomed, and I am really happy for you that you are still UND, even though you had some major predicators going against you. That is a wonderful thing!
But we have to be careful not to encourage people to look past negative predicators, which could be taken care of before tx, if they have the chance to do so.
If people have already started tx and didn't know about them then they can maybe address the problems while on tx. Or if people are about to start, they could still postpone their treatment for a possibility of a better outcome.
Wishing you a smooth way to SVR
I just had my one month results done and its looking good so far. Still have headaches which plagued me throughout tx. Everything else seems to be coming back to normal although its been so long I'm not sure what "normal" means anymore. How are you feeling? Do you still have side effects? Plateletes at 109 isn't too bad. Mine had been in the 40s for years before tx. What were your's during tx if I may ask? I guess you and I are "old timers" now!
Hi Kathy - good to read your story and perspective on treatment. I also worked during tx but couldn't drive - that commute must have been rough.
What a big relief to be done. When will you go for your first PCR post tx? Amazing on your platelets - mine got whacked pretty bad on tx and are still only 109 3 months post tx. Do you still have side effects?
What a big relief to be done. When will you go for your first PCR post tx? Amazing on your platelets - mine got whacked pretty bad on tx and are still only 109 3 months post tx. Do you still have side effects?
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Hepatitis C Community
Learn about this treatable virus.
Getting tested for this viral infection.
3 key steps to getting on treatment.
4 steps to getting on therapy.
What you need to know about Hep C drugs.
How the drugs might affect you.
These tips may up your chances of a cure.
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
