The doctor havent ordered me some liver biopsy yet, im scared of That putting a needle to get a sample does it hurt?. My viral count is dropping to 3 million something from 5 million when first diagnosed. but they did ultrasound the other day and everything is normal thank GOD. So if i take sofosbuvir and RBVirin will it causes like a withdrawal symptoms. My addiction md wants to continue putting me on suboxone he say if i Go with the interferon treatment cause he dont want me to feel the pain as withdrawal does, for x addicts out there u guys know how it feels even thinking about it makes me scared
I agree with what others have said. However, I would add that you should really get a doctor who is knowledgeable in the treatment of all types of Hepatitis C (all different Genotypes). If I was you, I would get a Hepatologist (liver specialist). A Hepatologist will be knowledgeable about the currently available treatment and also about the new treatments coming in late 2013 - early 2014 (if they are approved). Because you are young and because of your several concerns, which you mentioned in your previous thread, you may decide to opt to wait for the newer treatments which do not contain Interferon. A Hepatologist can discuss your liver fibrosis stage with you and can discuss your treatment concerns and then help you make the best treatment decision.
You are correct in anticipating the possibility of depression type feelings with interferon therapy. A lot of doctors even start their patients on an SSRI type anti-depressant like Prozac a couple weeks before starting treatment. It's not quite as bad as it sounds, though some patients do describe it (at least a couple days each week) as being similar to withdrawal. The SSRIs actually seem to make this more bearable on a physical basis and are not just a happy pill.
If you do choose to go with the current standard of care (pegylated IFN and ribavirin, and yes it's the IFN that causes the depression and 'flulike' feelings) there are some additional tests like the IL28B that can help guide your treatment decisions as you go along.
Good luck whatever you decide.
desrt
former 3e
(and yeah, I used to get the 'typo' thing too)
Besides being a Genotype 3k, how is your liver? Have you had a biopsy? If so do you have any fibrosis? Has your doctor mentioned fatty liver (hepatic steatosis)? What is your viral load? I see you are <40 so that is a plus. A little more information can be helpful.
Sofosbuvir will hopefully be on the market soon but the only plus side for a Genotype 3 with that is the fact you will not have to take interferon. Studies have shown it to be not as effective for a G3 as it is on others.
EASL 2013: Sofosbuvir + Ribavirin Cures Most Genotype 2 Hepatitis C, but Genotype 3 Response Is Lower
http://www.hivandhepatitis.com/hepatitis-c/hepatitis-c-topics/hcv-treatment/4081-easl-2013-sofosbuvir-ribavirin-cures-most-genotype-2-hepatitis-c-but-genotype-3-response-is-lower
Prior to 1994, new variants were identified in Vietnam, Thailand, Burma and Indonesia. These viral genotypes were originally classified as genotypes 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11. These variants were reclassified in 2005; genotype 10a came to be denominated subtype 3k, and genotypes 7a, 7d, 7b, 7e/7c, 11a, 9a, 9b, 9c, 8b and 8a became subtypes 6e, 6c, 6d, 6f, 6g, 6h, 6i, 6j, 6k and 6l, respectively [1].
http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?pid=S1413-86702007000700009&script=sci_arttext
Im not sure but I will go through my bookmarks after this to verify but I believe that genotype 3k used to be genotype 10a but was reclassified. 3k is most prevalent in Indonesia and Iran if my memory serves right. Again, I will look after I post this.