what is the treatment like

[cirr62]

I am 62 years old and have always work in a lab as a lab tech ,in July I was diagnosis with hcv and my world fell apart  I start treatment next month and I am afraid what are the first  weeks like

[jmjm530]

Every treatment is different. Side effects range from mild to debilitating. Most can work with some adjustments, some cannot work at all. No way to predict going in, except the sides (in general) seem to hit older folks a little more.

I assume since you work in a lab that you've researched the topic thoroughly and know your genotype (type of Hep C) as well as liver damage. In case you haven't, genotype 1 is the most common genotype here in the United States and the hardest to treat. For that reason, many with little or no liver damage choose not to treat right now waiting for better drugs. The best way to know how much liver damage you have is to do a liver biopsy. If you are a genotype 1 a liver biopsy is pretty standard and if you haven't had one, seriously consider it before starting to treat.

When treating, the single most important factor IMO is picking a qualified treatment doctor who will guide you in so many important decisions during treatment. Liver specialists (hepatologists) are the most qualified and up to date in this fast changing field. If you're seeing a family doctor or GI I strongly recommend either changing or at least getting a one-time consult from a hepatologist before treatment.

All the best,

-- Jim

[susan400]

Isobella's right.  Every treatment is different..., depending on that particular person's body and which treatment they are doing.  For me, the worse of it, was feeling like a combination of a really, really, bad hangover (if you've ever had one)  plus, the flu thrown into the mix for good measure.  That was on the bad days, on the rest of the days it was just fatigue, some muscle and bone aches and a bit of irratability.  Every now and then, I'd have a day where I felt good, like I wasn't even doing the treatment drugs.  That was my experience.  But, also, I've done 10 treatments and I've never been able to clear the virus..., which is not the norm., so you need to consider that, too.  I'm not the norm, compared to most of the people on these boards.  The vast majority of them are clearing, so that's a positive thought that you should hold onto.  Many people are able to keep on working.  If you go into it with holding onto the positive, you will be better off.  Blessings to you,  Susan400

[Isobella]

Treatment if different for everyone, and unfortunately there is no way to predict who is going to get hit hard with sides and who isn't.  Many here do well and many here have it rough.

For me, I have to say I agree with Eureka in that the anticipation of tx was the worst part so far.  My first days after shot #1 were mostly spent in disbelief "is this it??"  Knowing what to expect and how to deal with any sides that hit really helps.  But starting tx and not getting hit hard with the sides......even better.  

I do shot #16 on Thursday and have found that my body has a pretty predictible (so far) cycle.  Increasing tiredness Friday thru Sunday.  Monday hit the ground running....til Thursday rolls round and start the whole thing over.  

I suggest reading thru the forum and the archives and learning as much as you can.

I wish ya the best of luck-please keep us posted =)

Isobella

[purplecat]

I can only explain treatment by comparing the movie "Jamangi" with Robin Williams. Two children discover the game Jamangi in an attic.  They roll the dice play the game and get pulled in to a virtual game world.  They find Robin Williams character who has been lost in this game since a child and now is a grown adult and has learned how to survive all the threatening encounters that keep coming(that's my doctor).   One never knows what is going to come at them next and the happenings are wild.  
Well treatment is like the Jamangi game, one never knows how your going to feel and what side effect is coming next. Every week, in fact every day is different, you battle one at a time.  Pegylated interferon is an autoimmune drug so your immune system reacts to everything. The ribavirin is a strong anti viral that also makes you anemic with has it's set of side effects.  Good Luck!  SVR if you win the game.

[eureka254]

Welcome to the forum.  There are lots of great people on this site who will help you find what you need to put your world back together.  One might dare say the group here is better than all the King's horses and all the King's men ;).  Don't despair, and when times get tough, I'm sure you'll find this forum a great haven like I have.  

My husband was diagnosed last year, and just started treatment last week, and, so far, he says it's not too bad.  He had his 1st shot Friday 11/7, and he had a low grade fever Saturday night, did okay Sunday and worked all day Monday and Tuesday.  The anticipating and waiting and getting ready was actually worse than starting the treatment (so far, anyway).  

Best of luck to you,
~eureka