hep{C}

[fingersandface]

i start my treatment next week, can anyone tell me what happens IF it does not work??????

[jmjm530]

Like Trish says, plus you don't have a profile so really hard for anyone to tell what kind of condition your liver is in or what your chances of treatment are. So unless you have already, probably best to focus on what you should be doing the first time around to make sure you don't need a second round. Are you treating with a liver specialist (hepatologist) versus a gastro? A study suggests better results with a hepatologist. Are you overweight? Studies suggest getting down to an ideal BMI give you a better chance of success? Do you have insulin resistance? Studies suggest treating it before tx will give you a better chance of success. And finally, how much thought have you given into whether to treat now or wait for better drugs? These are the things I'd be focusing on now.

-- Jim

[Trish77]

If you're asking what happens IF treatment doesn't work and you say you're starting treatment NEXT WEEK ... makes me wonder if you really know what you're getting into and if you're actually ready to start treatment.  It's either six months or a year of pretty serious drugs.  How much do you really know about this?  About the drugs and their side effects?  About your doctor and his experience treating people with Hep C?  About Hep C in general?  Had to ask....hate seeing people go into treatment and then wonder what hit them.

Trish

[lalapple]

depends on which genotype you are and what kind of approach you and your hepa decide to take.  i'm with a rigorous clinic where for genotype 1, if don't have a log 10 drop by the 12th wk, they will still consider continuing tx, but if not Undetected by the 24th wk, might consider stopping tx unless patient wants to continue.  There are currently other approaches available and different drugs on trial.

hope for the best,
good luck!

[portann]

Uplink makes excellent points about where you're best off keeping your focus  for the coming week.

Like you, I had existential moments before starting treatment, wondering this or that about where the road would lead. I would have been much better off actively learning about treatment protocols. They're quite variable and you need to know in advance where your doctor stands.

I was lucky that my doctor has a protocol that is very up-to-date but had this not been the case, my prospects for SVR could have suffered.

Find out your doc's views on dose reduction and rescue meds, for starters. And you need a way to contact the office in case of problems or questions, with the expectation of prompt follow-up.

[FlGuy]

What Uplink said....

[Uplink]

I think you are a ways away from needing a "plan B" yet. I think you would be better served by learning what you can do to give yourself the best shot at success, such as:
1. Study these forums and other resources to learn what the current Standard Of Care is so that you can make sure you are getting it. For example, weight based Ribavirin dosage is crucial. Viral Load Test at week 4 is crucial. If your Doctor disagrees, persuade them or fire them. If your HCV doc seems uninterested in your side effects, work with your primary doctor or someone else.
2. Take your medicine every time. Do not miss a dose!
3. Assemble a support system - family, friends, schoolmates, coworkers, this forum, community based support groups - all can help you get through this successfully.

Good luck to you! Let us know how you are doing!

[portann]

If, after the long haul of treatment, it doesn't work, first you feel bad and then come up with a new plan.

You have a good chance of success. Once you start treatment next week, your focus will be getting by day by day and finding solutions for any side effects you may have.

This is a great place to get information about solving treatment problems.

Good luck with your first shot.

[Trinity4]

You either treat again at another time or wait several years for the newer drugs that are in the clinical trial phase which appear to be showing great promise.  Hope that answers your question as it is rather broad based.
Please be more specific if you require detailed information.  
Trinity