new guy who's experienced a few RediPen malfunctions

[awesome_possum]

Hello all,

after reading some inspiring svr stories I've decide to participate in the forum.

I'm a 1a, I went thru the tx in '90 for 6 months. It didn't take. Now I'm on the PegIntron/ribavirin tx. Week 8 out of 48.

Here's the question...I've had a pen failure and didn't bring a backup along, (was out of state, etc) so went a week w/o a shot. Other than adding a week to the tx, could this have banjaxed the tx on some level.

I'm paranoid by nature.

For all of you svr...you are my lifeline.

[ASmile4U]

Thanks guys...yes, I did bring it on myself...and I'm sure my doc will say something like Kalio's did...He doesn't believe in 4 week PCR's.  I insisted mostly because it's my 2nd round of tx and will base my length of tx on when I clear...definitely not interested in shortening as I don't think it's wise given the fact I'm a non responder...however, would give me the option to argue extending beyond 48 weeks.
I am 44, genotype 1, no biopsy...infected in 2003.  Tolerating Infergen 18 mcg 3 X week fairly well.  I'm ready to do daily, always have been...may very well be time for a 2nd opinion.  I too, feel like it's a good time to up the dosage and make the best of the next 8 weeks...and get me to undetectable.  Wanna go to the doc with me Jim and help me convince him to change my tx?  I can hear him now...  :)

[Mister beagle bailey]

I have been reading all about the problem of Kalio2 being booted off.

Spacecoast4 seems to think that it's just the internet and not real.  Well, as far as I'm concerned this forum deals with some very REAL sick people and when some one posts that the meds did not work and decided to try the Chinese treatment and some one comes back and said they like Chinese fried rice too is mean, hurtful and I'm being kind because there is some thing else I would rather say.

When some one attacks one of us who belongs here they attack all of us, and we will not put up with it.

To all my friends be well and remember we are stronger then those who wants to destroy.

  BB

[strator]

ASmile4U/Jim -  I certainly relate to your concerns about the pcr and whether the doc finds it relative. I see the doc Wed for the first real visit since I started tx. I'm a little nervous about finding out his take on my having a less than 2 log drop on my 12wk pcr-which I argued for and his nurse appoved. I will be prepared with copies of all my labs as well as printouts of the studies that Jim and Cuteus were kind enough to provide me. Actually a little worried how he will react to my attempt to provide him with studies which he may already be aware of. For me the 12wk was as much for my own mental health on tx. In the beginning I decided not to worry about the results of the meds til I got the 12weeks and then I could hardly think of anything except  an answer one way or the other.
I trust him and his knowledge but last visit (pre tx)I actually had to say grab a seat doc I got questions..to keep him from just checkin me quick an movin on to the next patient. Not sure regarding extending tx or upping riba if they'll be a point of 'okay Don you did some homework but so have I and these are my conclusions.

sindog - oh yeah. Hate it when my hands don't work. This morning emptying the dishwasher my gloves I knocked the silverware container over on the counter when I placed it there. Within micro seconds I'd thrown em all on the floor and banged my fist down twice on the counter, spun a tupperware container across the room. Lately my kid and Dad don't even bother to look up when I toss stuff.
Be Well All,
Don

[Califia]

Okay, now I understand why you're called Magnum instead of Half Pint.

[jmjm530]

I thought you were going somewhere else after the "whipping cream and blueberries". LOL. Glad you found something that works.

-- Jim

[Magnum]

Sorry to tread on your thread. Some people (like I used to) have a gag reflex when taking the not so friendly Ribavirin. Try this. Grind up the little pills and dump the powder into a glass of Minute Maid Mango Tropical Light juice, stir well, drink it down. Have a slice of toasted sesame seed bagel topped with orange marmalade. Then smoke some Medicinal Marijuana, have a couple of slices of cantaloupe along with some diet cottage cheese. As a reward after all that, prepare a bowl of fresh blueberries and drown them in Land-O-Lakes light Whipping Cream. Sit down and watch a good movie. This works well for me. Let me know how it works for you...

Magnum