Treatment

[Davidn]

Hi my name is David.

About 6 mths ago I found out that I am HCV postive.  It came as a shock and as others here have done, I've done a lot of reseach on the subject and came to the conclusion that if treatment was needed I would due it.

After a liver biopsy and waiting for approval from my insurance company,  I have been approved for treament on Pegysis and will go for training next thursday on how to do the injections and set up a schedule for lab test.

I work full time at a job that I love and do not want to leave it and hope that my symptoms will be confined to a long weekend.

Now that I am ready to start on therapy its a bit more scary than I thought.  Anyway, I thought that I would post here and see how others have done and maybe commiserate with those that have been through or undergoing treatment.  

David

[marina]

Hi David, I will begin treatment in June, and I am also full of anxiety, I guess fear of the unknown. I've never held a needle in my life and can't even watch while I get one, so I don't know how the hell I'm going to do this.
I'll be following your postings regarding your treatments.
I hope everything goes well with you.  

[Davidn]

Marina,

It looks like we will be starting about the same time.  It will take determination that's for sure.  I am a diabetic as well so you get used to the needle.  It would be good to be in touch to see how each is doing.  Fear is a big factor for me, I am just not sure how much it will disrupt my life.

David

[Renee]

Hi Everyone,

My name is Renee and I have been on this site many times.  I will be starting my Pegintron and Reb the beginning of June also.  I go next week to get preauthorization for my meds and see my GI for instructions.  I am very anxious since I just finished Chemo in Sept for Lymphoma which some studies show are linked to Hep C.   I just went back to work in January and I hope I don't have to take any time off, but if I do I can work some days from home.  From what I have read here, it seems that the first few injections are the worst then your body tends to adjust.  I hope this is true, I have genotype 2b and I only have to be treated for 24 weeks.  

[Davidn]

Hi Renee,

My training is next week as well that makes three of us about the same time.  I shared my upcoming Tx with my coworker, next is my boss.  I felt better after discussing it and making the detemination to stay at work.  Hope that works out.  At this time those are the only two people who I will be sharing this with at work.  It may be hard to hide it.  I am close with all my cowokers, its a small shop.

David

[Lori_V]

Hello everyone....and welcome!!!!!

I know the anxiety level that you all are facing. Its hard having to live your life wondering if you'll be able to get out of bed every morning, feeling sick all the time, etc. But thats all you can do now, is wonder. The added stress that this causes is unbelievable.....

The truth is, you never know. I expected the worse with my mother.......but decided to prepare her as best as we could. We got her eating healthy, drinking lots and lots of water......she started taking anti depressants about 2 months before hand, and mentally.....we were preparing. She knew that in order to live her life as she wanted, she would have to fight with everything she had. I never gave my mother the credit she deserved before hand. In my mind, she was not mentally stable for dealing with such a big obsticle. But she proved me wrong, and so many others. She is so strong.....Sure there are days when she doesnt want to get out of bed, but she makes herself get up. She knows that the longer she lays there, the worse she is going to feel.

This is such a mental challenge.......and you have to be able to fight, and make yourself do the things you would normally do.

Its hard, and it will be........but its for the right reasons in healing yourself and getting healthy. You take things one day at a time, and over come things as they appear.
Think of this as a challenge, that you will not lose at........
give it everything you have and fight from with in.

I wish yall nothing but the best in your treatments......Good Luck to you all.
Sincerely,
Lori

[marina]

Thank you Laurie. This is the reason I come to places like this, to find people like you.
Your mom is blessed to have such a willful and dedicated loving daughter.  

[Davidn]

Opps lost my priot entry.

Hi,
 
The wait has been anxiety provoking but now, the start time is on the books, and as much as can be, I am ready to go.  The nurse called me with the "good news" saying "you have been approved for Pegasys" .  At that moment it did not seem like good news because the time of treatment has arrived, but I am resolute in this decision I have made for myself and in getting through this.  The alternative of wait and see  was not a good  because this HCV is progressing in my body.  The decision to procede and disclosure to a select few has made me feel stronger to face the challenges ahead.

David

[Davidn]

Hi,

Checking to see how others are doing starting on their tx.  I am still waiting for delivery of the Pegasis.  I was able to talk with my boss about tx and she was very supportive, so working is still working for me.  Hopefully tx won't stop me in my tracks.  I feel very positive and am ready to start.

David

[marina]

You have a great attitude David. That in itself will probably help you a lot from what I hear and read. I just had my biopsy on Friday, and all went well. I have to wait till 5/22 for the results. Someone else I have met through these forums went last week and she scored a 3 based on (0-22) on the liver biopsy. Her doctor did not recommend treatment at this time. I just don't know what I would do if someone told me that. Everything I've read indicates that you have better odds if your viral load is low and if your liver is in fair condition, not to mention age. How was your liver biopsy and what is your opinion on this. Also, I would love to hear from the others who read this post as to their opinion, especially you old timers that have been through this or going through it. Your opinion is very valubable to me.
Hey, Happy Mother's Day to all of you out there !  Marina

[dragnslar]

  Well Marina, I'm of the opinion that the sooner you get the treatment the better off you are in terms of helping your liver BEFORE there's some serious damage. You hear of many folks whose virus is in remission, after the treatment, before they reached the firbosis/cirrhosis stage. After they reach that stage, it's a much harder dragon to fight.

 I believe the doctors look at it in a couple of different ways. Much research is being done and they believe it's a good idea to wait to see what's on the horizon. Each breakthru treatment is a little bit better than the last.    The other way is "If it ain't broke, don't fix it". And if that's the case you may be inclined to get a 2nd opinion. Or look within yourself and deciede whether you should opt for treatment or wait to see what the future holds.

 Either way it's an interesting debate and I'm still not sure which side of the fence I'm on.

                                                            Sam

[marina]

Sam, thanks for your reply. I agree with you, but then there is another issue. Tell me what you think about this one; I was told, by the same person, that her doctor did not recommend treatment because not only didn't her liver warrant it at this time, but that treatment would be more damaging than not. I am very confused because I was under the impression that this could/would not hurt your liver, rather it was fighting the virus within your liver. What is your opinion ?   Marina

PS  If you don't mind would you please tell me about what you are, or what you have gone through ?

[Davidn]

To treat or not to treat,

My gastro Doc says that a siginificant  percentage clear the virus without intervention.  There are proticals  that are established as to when to start tx and not everyone would be started on tx simply because the virus is present.   I was given the option to wait or to be treated.  It's clear that the virus has involved my liver and is progressing so when offered tx, I took it.  Your friend may not be in the same boat.  The tx is a major undertaking that is not without its risk of side effects.  If the infection is minimal than it may be better to wait and then to take on this challenging treatment.  But if there is a question and if you feel you need a second opinion than get one.

David

[marina]

Thank you for your answer David. I guess I will find out what options I have on 5/22. At this time I will be told what my biopsy results are. This waiting game can really take a toll on a person mentally. Everything has been waiting since I found out about this, about l month.
Well, I'm glad to see you're going through treatment, and I feel positive that this is what will be in store for me.   :)marina

[Too_Tall]

Hi Marina...

My name is Laura, I live in Washington State. Nice to see you on our board!
I'm not on treatment, and am not considered a good candidate for such at this time. I just wanted to introduce myself, and to tell you that I love your name... I have a 5 year old daughter, and her name is also Marina... I don't hear that name often, and so yours really got my attention...  

The waiting... really is the hardest part...
I wish you all the best on the 22cond when you get your biopsy results!

Take Good Care!

Laura.... Too_Tall...