Aa
Type 3 a
I am new here and to this sickness
I have type 3a with a low viral load that is 15,000 I want to start treatment but my Dr. says i need to drop about 30 pounds for it to work well. Also he said my depression would be a problem . why is that ? how down do people get on the meds? Any help would be great.
I have type 3a with a low viral load that is 15,000 I want to start treatment but my Dr. says i need to drop about 30 pounds for it to work well. Also he said my depression would be a problem . why is that ? how down do people get on the meds? Any help would be great.
I agree with granite I just took my first shot and I don't have any history of depression but for those that do seek help ASAP. There is nothing worse than being depressed when you don't have too. Also you said you were overweight so start exercising plus it is proven that exercise alleviates a lot of depression trust me. Every time I get down I go hiking or go for a walk and most of my troubles go away.
If you are seeing a Gastro, just keep doing what he/she says. Lose the weight but convince them to let you start asap as you are a G3 (congrats, by the way, you should be doing cartwheels)
Depression and mood swings are VERY common on the meds. People without pre-existing issues have problems, so since you already do have depression issues, I'd suggest at least getting an AD started about two weeks before you start treatment. BUT TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR.
Depression and mood swings are VERY common on the meds. People without pre-existing issues have problems, so since you already do have depression issues, I'd suggest at least getting an AD started about two weeks before you start treatment. BUT TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR.
I have a BM I of 34, I an 5'4 . All ready lost 55 pounds but ill have a long way to go.....
My Dr. says I am cronnic. And i have know idea how I got this .
I am seeing a Gastro, I need to search for a dr. that is a bit more helpful.
Thanks for all the help !
My Dr. says I am cronnic. And i have know idea how I got this .
I am seeing a Gastro, I need to search for a dr. that is a bit more helpful.
Thanks for all the help !
HI there and welcome to the forum... That is such a low viral load I can see why you want to start treatment right away!
You say you have to lose 30lbs but what is your height/weight ratio and your BMI. It is true that being excessively overweight can lessen your chances of SVR but a good doctor should be basing your treatment according to your weight. There is still a tendency to just flat dose G3a's at 800mgs riba per day but this is considered an old protocol nowadays, and there is much more success with weight based dosing.
Yes, the meds do cause a serotonin imbalance in many people which can lead to depression. It doesn't happen to everyone but if you already have a history of depression your chances are much higher. If you do have a history of it, doctors will most likely put you on anti-depressants a month before you start treatment. If you are already on anti-depressants (as I was) they should monitor you closely and increase your dosage if required. I had to double mine after 5 weeks but I have been fine ever since then.
You didn't mention what sort of doc you are seeing but if I was in your shoes I would seek out a second opinion and I would find a Hepatologist rather than a GP or a Gastro doc.
Also, do you know when you may have become infected? I'm curious because if you are in the acute phase (less than 6 months since infection) your chances of clearing are even greater.
Anyway, welcome again! You have come to the right place and there are very many knowledgeable people here who can help you with your journey!
All the best
Epi :)
You say you have to lose 30lbs but what is your height/weight ratio and your BMI. It is true that being excessively overweight can lessen your chances of SVR but a good doctor should be basing your treatment according to your weight. There is still a tendency to just flat dose G3a's at 800mgs riba per day but this is considered an old protocol nowadays, and there is much more success with weight based dosing.
Yes, the meds do cause a serotonin imbalance in many people which can lead to depression. It doesn't happen to everyone but if you already have a history of depression your chances are much higher. If you do have a history of it, doctors will most likely put you on anti-depressants a month before you start treatment. If you are already on anti-depressants (as I was) they should monitor you closely and increase your dosage if required. I had to double mine after 5 weeks but I have been fine ever since then.
You didn't mention what sort of doc you are seeing but if I was in your shoes I would seek out a second opinion and I would find a Hepatologist rather than a GP or a Gastro doc.
Also, do you know when you may have become infected? I'm curious because if you are in the acute phase (less than 6 months since infection) your chances of clearing are even greater.
Anyway, welcome again! You have come to the right place and there are very many knowledgeable people here who can help you with your journey!
All the best
Epi :)
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