short course tx and riba question/ other posts too!

[amommy]

Hi All, any insight on this is greatly appreciated.  I am geno 2, and cleared by week 4.  I have been on 800 riba eventhough that is NOT weight based for me, i'd be up to 1000.  Anyway, prior to starting tx, I asked to do weight based riba especially if I was going to do short course of tx.  Doc said it wasn't necessary.  Now, I talked to my NP today and he said well, I have talked to the doctor, and if you are going to do short course tx, then I think you should up your riba until the end to decrease odds of relapse.  Does anyone know of any articles about short course of tx and riba dosing?  I am a little bit afraid since the riba has been wreaking havoc with me the past few weeks, but I can definitely handle it if it increases chances of SVR.  I don't know why this is throwing me for a loop. In a way, i'm kind of just mad because this is what I asked for from the beginning and NOW they are telling me it is a good idea.  ARGHH.  
As far as length of tx, here is my very unscientific decision.  I will get my 12 week pcr, which I will not get the results of until about 14 weeks.  At that point I figure I might as well finish out my current batch of meds, which would bring me to 16 weeks.  I feel more comfortable with 16 than I do with 12 and I am optimistic that in my case, 24 is not necessary. I realize this may seem like crazy logic to some of you, but ummm I blame brain fog!  
So, any ideas about whether upping the riba from now until the end makes sense?  
Thanks so much for all of your support and insight!

[GoofyDad]

As I recall (going from memory here) relapse rate was higher but SVR rate was statistically identical.

[Dale_Ray]

I'm at work so I don't have my Pegasus / Copegus package here but I think (key term) the instructional information warned against taking the Copegas (riba) without the Pegasus. I believe the chief side affect in doing so was risk to a particular portion of the heart / muscle. Again remember I am dilutional and can't spell. I know that this post is not about taking the riba solo but varying it should be the doctors call with the listed possible side affects. A good liver and a bad ticker ain't no deal. Now if someone can clear my brain fog on this issue have at it. This in no way reflects the opinion of the station or its management but is the sole opinion of the broadcaster. Dale the Dud. If you have an answer and it lengthy or the tread fills up you can send the answer to ***@**** . The riba has been the scary stuff for me since starting the treatment. Dale

[cuteus]

a mommy; the relapse rate was not identical in the short tx group v the full course group, it was very close, though. There still were some RVR that relapsed, even if it was a very small group. You have a lot of other positive factors on your side. Being a mommy is definetely one big plus.
good luck

[Dale_Ray]

Lexapro Susan. My doctor finally made me start taking it at 12 weeks and man it cut the edge right off of me most of the time. It was so bad I couldn't stand the sound of a tv set on or my dog starring at me licking his chops. Now is a much better place. Glad my doctor saw something and reacted to it. I hope you can get ride of the thing because I know how uncomfortable it can make you in your own skin. I hope this stuff holds up for me. Best wishes, Dale

[NYgirl]

I got brainwashed early (before tx) and I like our dear friend JIM take extra right now - I would be at only 800 weight based but ASKED to do the manufacturer recommended 1000 to get the extra bit of everything I can

I only want to do this once you know? On tx night I have to admit I even pop and extra one. Sick yeah...that's me but since I am trying to cut down on the ice cream a bit now...I think I'll substitute the Riba ;-)

It's a pain having the sx but...I would do anything to help my chances of SVR since I am a 1A and 1B.

[Mister beagle bailey]

Hi tx buddy,

Here's my thoughts, as we both started together on tx and are the same geno type.  First, how are you feeling?
I know you have small children and it must be hard to take care of them and your self when your not feeling good.
If I was in your place and doing ok, I would do the 24 weeks because I fear relapse more then any thing else. Many drs. have different opinions and the way I see it, who's right?  I don't know the answer to this and I don't think anyone can be certain they have the right answer.
This is just my thoughts on this matter my friend.

  Beagle