interferon tx and bipolar disorder

[litbee]

Hello everyone!
I am new on site and am a 49 yr old female diagnosed 3+ yrs ago with type 2b.  After enzyme test for bipolar 2 disorder just diagnosed also.  (I find that there is significant research showing cognitive brain function and hcv found in the brain and spinal fluid in hep c)  However, I am told that my BP symptoms are classic.   Liver biopsy was VERY good, just inflamation.  ALT and AST have consistantly fluctuated between normal and slightly above (no higher than say 60-45. All other liver tests are always normal.
Had the blood test for liver condition in the fall 07 instead of another biopsy and results showed 0-0. No inflamation even.  I believe I aquired this as a teenager experimenting with IV drugs (less than 10 times).  NOW I have alt of 218 and ast of 109 up from 2 weeks ago at 174 and 103.  I HAD used alcohol to excess 2X in Feb-Mar 2 weeks before the first test. I had continued to use alcohol sporadically in the past and got away with it.  So I thought.  I have an appt with a hepatologist in a local med center specializing in this virus and it's treatment.  I had not treated up till now because I was in pretty good shape and I was told that Interferon is contraindicated for bipolar patients.  Many do fine I hear if stable on their meds.  I am petrified of treatment.  I fear psychosis, perminent organ damage or eye damage or migraines or depression etc.  I also DO NOT have anyone I can count on to help me through therapy and I have always been a person who is down and out on even a cold, flu etc.  Even my 79 yr old mother with untreated lung cancer and heart and lung disease believes I WOULD BE the person to suffer damaging affects from these drugs since I have always been sensitive.   I am on Cipro now treating a chronic sinus infection and I wonder about taking this and I know I can't have treatment as long as I have this infection.  I have seen a ENT for surgery but has sent me to an allergist to get shots to try to stop my reactions to allergens.  I feel like I am between a rock and a hard place.  I think they are going to tell me I have to treat when I go to this appt in Mid-May.  Any words of encouragement or just some thoughts from others with this same condition.  I went on another hepc site and had little response to my presence there.  I don't know anyone else with this condition.  I could use at least 1 person to talk to who is in the same Hep c boat.  Thanks for listening!  Litbee

[Andiamo1]

Sorry to hear that you have HCV.  I had it since 1961.

Interferon is tough on the emotions and can exacerbate existing psychological problems.  i suffered severe depression while I was taking it, but eventually adjusted and managed to complete treatment 7 times over the last 20 years.

There are many new treatments in various state of FDA drug trials.  It is likely that in 5 - 10 years there will be treatments that do not include interferon in the mix.  You should find a good hepatologist at a major medical center and get their opinion about whether you can wait or not.  The progress of the disease varies considerably from person to person.  I suffered with it for 46 years and still managed to have a great time.

Good luck with your decisions and I am sure many people will respond to you here and you will get excellent advice and support.  We all know what you are gong through now.

Eric

[litbee]

Thank you for your encourageing words and for sharing a little info on your experience.  I found your response to my post while looking at your profile.  Seems you know at least 1 famous person.  Are you in the arts?  MY family is very talented and I am an oil artist with unexpected talent.  I started painting 4 yrs ago during a very painful time.  I find being bipolar has it's benefits in this area.  
7 times WOW, and I fear1!  Yes I have been hoping for a new cure before I would need tx.  I SHOULD wait to see what they say at my appt. before panicing. I don't know what I fear more: the TX or the virus.  Hope to chat with you more in the future!  Litbee

[Willy50]

I have a internet bipolar friend who finally decided to treat.  They did it, the cleared, they SVR'ed.  I think for them the major symptoms seemed to simply be sides from the 48 week treatment, not so much the mental sides.  In her case it may not have been an issue but it certainly might be for others.  There may have been mental sides as well, but I don't recall them being an issue as much as physical sides.

I believe that interferon may be in the mix for a while but even so improved treatments coming soon will mitigate exposure to the current treatment so that if you were to decide to treat you might be able to cut your treatment time in about half.  That might come in about 2-3 years.

I just wanted to tell you that I know someone who DID it and made it thru TX and that another shorter form of treatment will likely be out in a few years.

best,
Willy

[toughluck]

I suffer from OCD a anxiety disorder, and will be starting treatment soon, I hope the sides are not bad, I was hoping maybe the drugs would change my OCD for the better.

[Andiamo1]

I come from a family of musicians and I tend to be friends with artists, actors and musicians.  I met John Lithgow through a friend that called and asked me to take him and a friend out sailing for an evening; he showed up with Lithgow!
Take care and good luck with your decision.

Eric