hcv/employment/treatment

[wrench]

Hello to everyone. This is my first post to this forum.
A little about myself, I'm a 43 yr old male w/hcv geno 1b diagnosed in 1990. I have consistantly elevated alt levels, last test in june showed viral count of 5 million copies. I've had three biopsies '97, '2001, '2004. last one showed fibrosis, doc said a 2/2 score. Up until now I've been told I did not have to treat, As first two biops showed only inflammation but now with a signifigant change w/fibrosis I'm told I need to treat. For the past 7.25 yrs I've worked for an Illinois municipality as a mechanic. Its a physically hard job w/snowplow duties at all hours of night/day. I'm concerned about disclosure to my employer (the village I work for) in regards to treatment and the possible need to take time off if sides are bad. Also I don't know who would find out like coworkers as this disease is feared so much. It's a small place (150 employees) so if I started looking sickly the rumors would fly. Would they/could they fire me? do I need a lawyer? I know Ill is an "at will state" but I have a great work history with them and it would be a comfort knowing they know and supported me. My other objectives are to get on anti-depressant med and decide between the two peg drugs (dr offerd peg intron) but I like what I here about pegasys. If anyone can help with these employment issues I would be greatful. It's a shame we can't just come out and let everyone know we're sick, like people with say cancer can. The employment/insurance issue makes treating this disease a challenge. Thanks for taking time to read this.

wrench

[hippiemom]

Noone in my group(43individuals) have suffered anything drastic, all have worked through it by their 3rd treatment.  Weight loss is very common, but ya know, you can just say you are eating healthier now!  Everyone is so concerned with lower carbs, yadda, yadda yadda.  Don't stress, it's not good for the liver, take milk thistle, which supports liver function and will help you process out toxins, I take 300 mg. a day.  Again, drink at least 64 ozs. of water a day.  I don't know why this works, but it does.  If you get ill, then you can think about SDI.  You've already paid into the account, it's temporary Social Security Disability and pays roughly 55% of your salary for everyday you cannot work.  You can collect partial disability and still work as much as you can or want.  You can tell your boss you are undergoing chemo (that's not a lie) without disclosing your diagnosis, if you need to. You can clear the hepc, work and go on to live a good life...I'm just sorry you didn't start sooner, and all this would have been behind you now.  DON"T WORRY!

[honey1616]

Congratulations!!  I'm so happy for you! And if I remember right,,,you were a genotype 1 also..

[jonihs]

my hopes for you are that you have an easy of time on tx. as the people in hippiemoms group seem to have had, however using myself and others on this forum for the last year+ , not all are so lucky. I would not have been able to work from 10 weeks into tx. on. Luckily I only had to do 24 weeks. You will do at least 48. Many are able to work all the way through tx. Some just have to take a few days sick leave. Some can't work at all. The odds are in your favor, though, so I wouldn't talk to your employer unless it becomes necessary. Good luck, and as someone else said, get a Dr. who will tx. with Pegasys, if that is what you wish. There are things you also need to find out. Will your Dr. intervene w/ Nuepogen and/or Procrit for drops in blood count, rather than lowering dosage or stopping tx. Also will he give Vioxx if your platelete count gets too low.

Dheana FANTASTIC news!!!!!!
           Joni

[DH Bill]

WAY TO GO GIRL!!!!! Have been wondering how it has been going for you.

[wrench]

Will weight loss be significan? I'm 5'7" and weight 125 lbs now. I dont want to loose too much weight.

[honey1616]

Just from reading posts,,,overall it seems to me that men tend to lose more then women.  I am on my 6 month of tx and lost about 8 to 10 lbs but the advantage is I can eat anything and all I want LOL  However,,,like I said My hubby is same point in tx and lost 20lbs,,,he started at 185 and down to 165 now but everyone is so different that you may not lose that much.  My dr explained that this medicine tends to make you lose even though you are eating.