working

[mpospychala]

hi, my friend was told she was in the first stage of hep c there is no scarring of the liver. she was told that she needed to do a treatment that was for three months. she is worried about being able to work and have treatment. does any one think that this is possible.

[annieCinMD]

I was worried about the same thing. It doesn't look like I'm going to have to stop working, or going to school part time. The sides weren't as bad as I had anticipated.  It sounds like your friend's situation is similar to mine, grade 1, little to no damage.  I actually found out several years ago and postponed treatment hoping for new drugs. I think what changed my mind was when my doctor told me my prognosis for clearing was good because I'm a) white b) female c) no damage and d) otherwise healthy.  I agree with the other posters, get educated on the disease. She will be able to make an informed decision that is right for her, whether it is to wait or treat now.  There are a handful of people on this site that have no sides, so it does happen. Most of it find it's no picnic, but doable.  Best wishes to both of you.

[FlGuy]

The treatment for acute hepatitis C (less than 6 months of infection) can be as short as 3 months.  In addition, there are some protocols for G2 and G3 which can be shortened based on viral load and speed of response.  See a very experienced hep doc.

[Trinity4]

The length of treatment depends on her genotype.  Genotype 1 typically treats for 48 wks.  Genotype 2 & 3 treat for 24 wks.  As Peg stated, the majority of those who work continue to do so.  Side effects from the medication can be minimal or extreme.  Depends greatly on the individual.  Most of us treating have the same type of side effects in common only each to a different degree.

If indeed she has no fibrosis (scarring) which can only be determined accurately from a biopsy she should consider waiting for newer treatment medications which are currently in the trial phase.  By all indications it looks like they will become part of the standard of care for treating HCV by 2011 but there is no certainty yet.  Some people treat regardless of liver damage but the odds of clearing the virus are much lower with the current treatment of interferon and ribavirin than they are with the addition of the newer meds (Protease Inhibitor) (PI) in conjunction with interferon and ribavirin.  

I hope your friend is seeing a good hepatologist for the HCV.  They will advise her on the best approach to take according to the results of biopsy.  Your friend should read everything she can regarding HCV and treatment so she will be well informed prior to making any commitment to treatment.  Educating yourself about this disease gives you an advantage when you do seek medical consult.  

Best of Luck to your friend,
Trinity

[mpospychala]

thanks for the input so even if its at the first stage the treatment is that long

[PegOnPeg]

I've never heard of a 3 month treatment...I think your friend misunderstood...

Many of us treat for 48 - 72 weeks and continue to work.  It's doable.

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